nefastus The Ugly works on a lot of levels and really is open to more than one interpretation. Personally I see it as a journey through Simon's psyche with the asylum, guards, doctor and fellow patient as all barriers that that Karen, the doctor who tries to uncover Simon's motivation.The editing is very slickly done and for the budget of the movie highly impressive. This is a nice piece of work. Worth also several viewings to see the subtle hints littered throughout the movie. The film itself was a nice surprise, I heard about it from word of mouth and now include it in my library. It is a horror film a notch above the simple mindless gore feast's, though it does have its share, it has purpose and is story driven.

Wheesht Pretty disappointed with this movie as it happens. It came to me highly recommended by some people whose opinions I trust on such things but it really doesn't pass muster.The opening scene was pretty good to be fair and the film had a few good things going for it. The two orderlies were class - must have been fun roles to play, Jennifer Ward-Lealand is grotesque as Simon's mum and Reynolds certainly conjures up a bit of atmosphere.On the downside, it just wasn't very interesting. He's a serial killer who had a troubled childhood and was bullied at school. His mum was nasty to him and he hears voices in his head telling him to kill. Hardly revolutionary stuff is it? Roy Ward clearly watched lots of Bond movies to prepare for the role of Dr Marlowe. If you've seen Austin Powers, then think Dr Evil but with added demonic facial hair. All that was missing was a white cat for him to stroke.I've seen this compared to Silence Of The Lambs but Rotondo and Hobbs are no Hopkins and Foster. I've also seen this described by a lot of folk as 'overlooked' or 'unappreciated'. That may be true but then there are reasons why it's overlooked and unappreciated.Not a bad movie, just not the 'hidden gem' I'd been led to expect.

rob30316 What an amazing, disturbing, brilliant film. I don't even know what to say; I've never seen a film quite like it. This is the second Scott Reynolds film I've watched this week ('Heaven' was the first), and this man is obviously a genius. For a while, the bar for serial killer films has been set at "The Silence of the Lambs." I think this manages to raise the bar. Again, I don't know what to say. The acting is brilliant and the direction is even better. The story may not be an entirely novel concept, but I've never seen it done better, and it left me staring at the screen in amazement when it was through. This is a good movie, kids. As for the tag line--well, you'll just have to watch the movie to get it, won't you? :)

Coventry Simon Cartwright is a multiple-murderer who has been in a mental hospital for the last five years. Karen Shoemaker is an over-ambitious doctor who tries to analyze his crimes through deep conversations about his childhood memories and adolescent traumas. The more Simon opens up to her, the more she's pulled into his introvert and haunted world of supernaturalism. Now, this sounds like yet another typical Silence of the Lambs rip-off, right? WRONG! It's pretty obvious where The Ugly found its inspiration and director Scott Reynolds surely knows his horror classics, but this is NOT just another fanboy-movie with nothing new to add. Reynold's script is very clever and extremely mesmerizing! Although the structure and plot aren't highly original, you constantly have the feeling you're watching an innovating, groundbreaking film. The happenings shown during the flashbacks constantly jump back and forth in time and form an entirely new structure by themselves. It's hard to explain, but fairly easy and interesting to follow while watching it. Not just the structure is fascinating, the pivot-character (Simon) and his background are a lot more interesting than any other TV-killer of the last ten years. Cold-heartedly portrayed by Paolo Rotondo, Simon Cartwright is mysterious and compelling personality who messes with your head! The Ugly actually is one of those rare gems that are scary! At least 5 sequences in this film will keep you on the edge of your seat and make your blood pump faster. These sequences are fairly gore as well, showing blood as black as the night itself. Yet, to point out at least one slightly negative aspect: the ending comes a bit abrupt and maybe it's a little too left open. The Ugly is a modest and rather anonymous production that certainly deserves more credit than it actually receives. Also the DVD-release is very poor with no extras or special treatments. It was made in New Zealand and those productions rarely ever get any attention (aside from Peter Jackson's initial splatter highlights `Bad Taste' and `Braindead'). Too bad, because the horror-industry desperately needs more quality titles such as this. Fans of horror and slick thrillers: check this one out! It's highly recommended.