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| Images Courtesy of Cranked Up |
Cooper and Robert Hendersen's debut feature film is an
interesting, if somewhat predictable entry into the serial killer cinematic
subgenre. While the bulk of films that deal with this subject are cheap
knock offs, the Hendersen brothers’ avoid cliché pitfalls by taking a unique
approach: Focusing on the power of addiction, the futility of criminal
investigators, and some rather disturbing concepts, this film is elevated by
the commitment of its cast and crew and by being unafraid to make some bold narrative
choices. Featuring a powerful lead performance, gruesome kill
sequences, and a shocking finale, The Notorious Finster is a solid
thriller.
An alcoholic reporter who covered a prolific serial killer moves with her
husband to a small country town in an effort to heal and to forget the horrors
of her past. When the killings begin again, she is forced to confront not
only the demons of her addictions, but the nightmares of her reality.
Robert Hendersen's script is fairly minimal, using familiar tropes to propel
the action towards a predisposed conclusion that for the most part works,
despite some controversial choices. Mandy Evans stars as Annie Sullivan, a
haunted reporter who is searching for sobriety amidst many changes and
revelations. Britton Webb supports as her husband Roger and their chemistry has
a duality that makes their relationship interesting as the story unfolds.
Legendary character actor Brian Anthony Wilson has a sorrowful turn as a
dedicated detective while Lindsay Corriveau steals the limelight as Annie's
fellow alcoholic and confidant.
Ryan Bedell and Jason Henne's economical cinematography is the sharpest aspect,
using deft techniques to hide expected budget constraints, flooding the optics
with dark, warm colors while framing the natural beauty of the environs.
The aftermath of each murder is extremely horrific, coupled with a
prelude of desperate phone calls that make each killing have an unexpected
emotional impact that only enhances the entire experience. The result is a
story that treads familiar ground while also creating some rather potent
dilemmas, the solutions to which will be divisive.
Now available for rental via digital on demand, The Notorious Finster is
a stereotypical story with a few surprising twists. Light on gore and
heavy on implied violence, this is more Hallmark than Criminal Minds,
focusing more on familial drama with an extremely controversial final
act. Fans of more traditional serial killer stories may be disappointed
while viewers looking for a fresh spin on overused material may be
enticed. Regardless, Finster is a memorable addition to the
genre.
--Kyle Jonathan