Stephen King Calls Devastating Hulu Serial Killer Thriller: “Unbearably Suspenseful”
There’s something supremely chilling about an actor largely known for nice guy roles taking on a sinister character. We saw Robin Williams play against type in both One Hour Photo and Insomnia, and each example is endlessly unsettling because we are lured in with a false sense of security based on the actor’s historic output. The (almost) always affable Dylan McDermott followed suit with his unnerving turn as a BTK-inspired serial killer in Duncan Skiles’ The Clovehitch Killer with similarly effective results.
McDermott gets to play both extremes in the film. We initially see a more familiar side of him as we’re introduced to Don Burnside, a good-natured family man prone to cracking groan-inducing dad jokes. But we eventually get to see a much darker side of the character as we learn that he’s also a sadistic killer who will stop at nothing to protect his secret.
The film unfolds from the perspective of Don’s son, Tyler (Charlie Plummer), who gradually begins to suspect that his father is harboring a dark secret. Tyler finds himself in an unenviable situation, torn between loyalty to his dad and the urge to do the right thing.
Playing Against Type
Although it didn’t receive a wide theatrical release with extensive marketing, the film is absolutely a standout effort worth tracking down. When I covered The Clovehitch Killer in a Dread Central editorial, I took care to praise McDermott’s performance as the titular character, saying, “McDermott plays the part with a sinister duality that makes my skin crawl. He is as comfortable at the kitchen table with his family as he is torturing and murdering innocent victims. That realization makes the character even more terrifying.”
But you don’t have to take my word for the picture’s efficacy. Stephen King is also an enthusiastic fan of the flick. The author saw the film a few years back and extolled its virtues while also warning prospective viewers that it’s an intense and unsettling ride. Via an X (Twitter) post, King said, “Sometimes an excellent small movie falls through the cracks. That’s the case with The Clovehitch Killer (Netflix). I found it unbearably suspenseful. Your mileage may vary, but be warned. Not for the faint of heart.”
The film is no longer available to stream on Netflix, but fear not, dear reader. You can now catch The Clovehitch Killer on Hulu. I suggest that you do just that at your earliest convenience. For maximum effect, watch it late at night with all the lights off when you’re home alone.
If you opt to check out the film, make sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments section!
Categorized: Streaming News
