The word scalper conjures images of individuals who sell event tickets at astronomically inflated prices. However, another more sinister meaning is the gruesome severance of the human scalp as a symbolic trophy. Set for release on VOD January 16th through Breaking Glass Pictures, Scalper delves into the grotesque psychosis of the latter.
Written and directed by Chad Ferrin, (The Deep Ones 2020, Pig Killer 2022), Scalper acting as a sequel to his 2021 film Night Caller. In this latest story the clock face fades from view for a harrowing 83-minute window as The Scalper reels one in with gloved hands and simultaneously renders a state of immobility under a macabre spell. It is a known fact that serial killers frequently take trophies from their victims to serve as a potent visual reminder of each well-executed kill and accompanying adrenaline rush. In this film the killer has a morbid affinity for removing scalps; hence his moniker of The Scalper.
This all the mind, the opening scene sets the mood for the abject darkness that follows. As the events unfold in glaring detail, jaws drop down and hang while hands fly up automatically to shield horror filled eyes filtered through the safety of splayed fingers. In this story we have Clementine Carter (Susan Priver: Pig Killer 2021, Night Caller 2021); a psychic made famous by unwittingly unveiling the identity of a serial killer you guessed it – The Scalper!
Once the headlines fade away, she agrees to be interviewed by a radio talk show host. This inadvertently opens Pandora’s box of horrors leaving a trail of dead bodies in its wake. Clementine’s inner circle begins falling around her like a lineup of bloodied dominoes. Utter disbelief claws at her mind… has the scalper come back from the dead to finish her off? Or is it a copycat? Clementine must rely on her uncanny sense to communicate with the dead for they are the only ones who can offer her viable clues. Will she be able to piece them all together and unmask the killer to reveal the identity in time? Is she next on the chopping block?
Naturally, she is met with deep seated skepticism by the detectives assigned to the case. In fact, one detective has a personal vendetta for Clementine and the hostility just oozes out of every pore of her body. Her conversations with Clementine are pointedly barbed. ‘Charlatan’ is the word of choice used to describe Clementine and her psychic gift. But is she really? What Clementine can piece together says otherwise.
Despite this, Clementine is undeterred from carrying out her mission. To stop the machinations of a psychopath… dead or alive. Working with limited resources and time, Clementine rushes headlong into the heart of danger. The killer has swilled heartily from the lethal cup of revenge. Is it a case of unadulterated raw rage, adrenaline addiction or a lobotomized conscience? Clues shower Clementine as droplets of fresh blood. Interspersed between the grisly maneuvers of a blade unleashed there are comedic reprieves to bring down the tachycardia. The pieces finally come together, and their identity is revealed. Will she survive to glean the lessons of grabbing the limelight amid devastating personal loss and pain?
Also featuring a cast that includes Jake Busey as Detective Hayden and Bai Ling as Jade Mei, all things considered, Scalper is a must-see for Horror fans. Bring on the tachycardia and cold sweat, because Cryptic Rock gives this well-executed flick 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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