What do you get when you cross a comatose psychotic young man, an old creepy building, an equally psychotic Doctor and his daughter? You get the revamped version of 1978 Australian Horror movie Patrick by Phase 4 Films, distributed by Umbrella Entertainment,which was released in cinemas in October 2013. Now the film gets a North American release known as Patrick: Evil Awakens in March of 2014.
After fighting with a Board of Directors over funding, Doctor Roget continues his controversial research and treatment to stimulate the human brain in comatose indigent patients. After separating from her husband Ed (Damon Gameau of Love My Way series, The Tracker 2002, Thunderstruck 2004) , young bright psychiatric nurse Kate Jacquard (Sharni Vinson of Home & Away 1988, Bait 3D 2012, You’re Next 2013), joins Doctor Roget (Charles Dance of The Jewel in the Crown mini-series, Aliens 3 1992, Game of Thrones series), Matron Cassidy (Rachel Griffiths of Six feet Under series, Saving Mr. Banks 2013), and Nurse Williams (Peta Sergeant of Once Upon a Time in Wonderland series, Iron Sky 2011) at the isolated Roget Institute.
- Patrick still
Not long after Kate commences working in the old building, she notices anomalies in the patients’ treatment and the subsequent consequences. One patient in particular catches her attention; a young man named Patrick, who despite his vegetative state has no muscular deterioration, and looks to be in perfect condition. Kate reluctantly begins assisting and transcribing for Doctor Roget’s unusual Dr Frankenstein-like medical treatment of Patrick. It is reminiscent of tortuous archaic medical practices of centuries ago that originally inspired Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein. Appalled, Kate begins a one -woman campaign to shut down the Roget Institute, accelerating Doctor Roget, Matron Cassidy, and Patrick’s twisted desires.
Dr. Roget’s bizarre treatments have an unexpected result on already deeply troubled Patrick. Combined with his already unsettling mental state while his body is incapacitated, his mind discovers the ability to move objects and possess others to do his evil and often gruesome bidding. Patrick becomes enamored with Nurse Kate, who it quickly appears is one of many. Kate soon finds herself in a battle not just for her life but for those around her.
- Patrick Still
While this movie is titled Patrick, it is truly hard to decide who is more psychotic, Patrick, Doctor Roget, or Matron Cassidy once the true horrors of their natures are ultimately revealed.
Written by Justin King, Directed by Mark Hartley (Not Quite Hollywood: The Wild, Untold Story of Ozploitation 2008, Machete Maidens Unleashed 2010), and headed by a team of mostly Australian veteran actors, with real Australian accents; Australia and Vinson validate their impact in the horror movie industry with the release of Patrick. At times some of the acting can seem a little contrived or wooden, but if you look past that you find yourself with a multi-layered story with all the pieces of the puzzle melding together by the end with plenty of twists and turns to keep you glued to your screens. The eerie musical score by Italian Composer Pino Donaggio (Don’t Look Now 1973, Carrie 1976, Dressed to Kill 1980) adds greatly to the depth and intensity of the film.
CrypticRock highly recommends giving Patrick: Evil Awakens some attention. If you have seen the original Patrick (1978) you will enjoy the modernization and the high quality acting of this new version. We here at CrypticRock give Patrick: Evil Awakens 4 out of 5 stars.
- Phase 4 Films
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