When I discover a filmmaker whose work leaves a lasting impression, I tend to seek out everything they do or follow their trajectory. Sometimes this lasts for decades; other times, it’s a short-lived career. New Zealand-born director Scott Reynolds came in hot with his serial killer horror thriller The Ugly (1997). It was a unique and disturbing look into the mind of a killer as he’s being interviewed, and it literally sends chills down your spine.
He struck back with Heaven (1998) and When Stranger Appear (2001) before all but disappearing from film. His final credits were for directing a couple of episodes of a series in 2009. The Ugly has been out of print for a long time, but thanks to Unearthed Films and its sub-label, Unearthed Classics, the film is back and looks better than ever.
Locked in a mental institution, young killer Simon (Paolo Rotondo) exists in a state of torment, abused by sadistic orderlies and haunted by a manifestation he calls “The Ugly,” an inner force that drives his violent compulsions. At his request, Dr. Karen Schumaker (Rebecca Hobbs) is brought in to evaluate his sanity and determine whether he can reenter society.
What begins as a routine assessment quickly spirals into something far more disturbing. Simon’s fractured psyche reveals layers of trauma, cruelty, and unchecked horror, threatening to consume not only himself but everyone drawn into his orbit.
The film is engrossing and haunting from start to finish, just as good as I remembered it. Despite a couple of minor loose ends, it’s completely satisfying. Both Rotondo and Hobbs brilliantly capture their characters, and the lines between what really happened and how Simon perceived them become blurred.
RELATED: Harold Perrineau Says ‘FROM’ Season 4 Gets “So Mean It Makes Me Mad” (Exclusive)
It’s stylishly told, and this new restoration certainly helps to elevate it. I have the original DVD release from Trimark, and it’s fine, but the colors and image crispness on this release set the standard.
While there’s no new material from Reynolds, it does contain a 1997 radio interview from New Zealand. It also includes a commentary track with Paolo Rotondo and Rebecca Hobbs, moderated by Nathaniel Thompson; two short films; a photo gallery; an original theatrical trailer; The Ugly Visual Essay; a collectible booklet; and a reversible cover. It’s a fantastic presentation for a film that feels as if it were a bit forgotten and most certainly shouldn’t be.
If the planets were to align, I’d love to see Unearthed tackle his other two films that were equally as impressive in my book. Scott Reynolds had real vision and wasn’t afraid to take risks. His films were unique and interesting, so I highly recommend seeing The Ugly; you won’t be disappointed.
The Blu-ray is now available on Amazon Prime.
We’re hardworking geeks who love to geek out, but we can’t do it without you! If you enjoyed this article and want to see more like it, please consider tipping our writers. Also, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
