Actress Georgina Campbell (Lovely, Dark, and Deep) has been on a quiet but undeniable hot streak over the past couple of years, carving out a strong presence in the indie horror scene, most notably with her standout performance in Barbarian (2022). That film showcased her ability to balance vulnerability with intelligence, making her a compelling anchor in chaotic, unpredictable narratives.
Georgina Campbell as Jane Archer in 20th Century Studios’ PSYCHO KILLER. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Unfortunately, Psycho Killer is the first real stumble amid that momentum. It’s a film that not only underutilizes her strengths but seems unsure of what to do with her character at all. For a movie that places her front and center, it’s surprising how often she feels sidelined within her own story.
On paper, Psycho Killer sounds like a slam dunk. A screenplay from Andrew Kevin Walker, the mind behind Se7en (1995), immediately sets expectations for something dark, psychologically rich, and possibly even subversive. Add in a horror resurgence that’s been dominating both the indie circuit and the box office and you’d think this film would ride that wave confidently. Instead, it feels oddly out of sync with the genre’s current evolution, like a relic of an earlier era that never quite figured out how to modernize itself.
The film struggles most with tone and identity. It teases a gritty psychological thriller but never commits, instead drifting into familiar slasher territory without bringing anything new to the table. The result is a movie that feels caught between two ideas, never fully satisfying either. There are glimpses of something sharper beneath the surface, moments where the script hints at deeper character work or a more unsettling atmosphere, but they’re fleeting and ultimately abandoned in favor of safer, more predictable beats.
Malcolm McDowell as Mr. Pendleton in 20th Century Studios’ PSYCHO KILLER. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Campbell does what she can with the material, but there’s only so much an actor can do when the script doesn’t give them room to breathe. Her character lacks the development needed to make us invest in her journey, and key emotional moments feel unearned as a result. It’s frustrating because you can see the potential for a much stronger performance if the film had leaned into her capabilities rather than treating her like just another final-girl archetype.
Then there’s Malcolm McDowell (Thelma), whose appearance should have added a layer of gravitas or at least some eccentric energy. Instead, his role comes across as oddly detached, almost as if he wandered in from a completely different movie. Whether it’s the writing, direction, or simply a lack of engagement, his performance feels phoned in, reducing what could have been a memorable supporting character into little more than a distraction.
From a technical standpoint, Psycho Killer is competent but uninspired. The cinematography and sound design get the job done, but there’s a noticeable lack of creativity or stylistic flair. In a time when horror films are pushing boundaries visually and sonically, this one feels content to play it safe. Even the kills, which should be a highlight in a film like this, lack impact and originality.
That said, the movie isn’t completely without value. There’s a certain curiosity factor at play, especially for fans of the genre or those interested in seeing how such a promising concept fell short. It’s not an outright disaster in the vein of The Room (2003), but that’s a low bar to clear. Instead, it lands in a more frustrating category: a film that had all the right ingredients but failed to bring them together in a meaningful way.
James Preston Rogers as Psycho Killer in 20th Century Studios’ PSYCHO KILLER. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Ultimately, Psycho Killer is a big swing and a miss. It serves as a reminder that strong talent, both in front of and behind the camera, isn’t always enough to guarantee a compelling final product. For Georgina Campbell, it’s hopefully just a minor detour in an otherwise impressive trajectory. For everyone else, it’s a missed opportunity that never quite finds its edge.
No bonus features included with this release.
Available on digital April 7th, 2026.
For more information, head to the official 20th Century Studios Psycho Killer webpage.
Final Score: 1 out of 5.
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Categories: Home Release, Recommendation, Reviews, streaming
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