In the world of Horror cinema, perhaps no other was a closer-knit community than Italy during the 1970s and 1980s. During a golden era of Horror in the region, many of Italy’s most talented filmmakers collaborated and served as mentors to future creators. In fact, it is said that the legendary Mario Bava developed a mutual respect for Dario Argento, and Argento even called on Bava later on to handle special effects for his 1980 film Inferno. Mario Bava also passed down wisdom to his son Lamberto Bava, who went on to build his own legacy in Horror. Then you had Argento and the iconic Lucio Fulci working with Michele Soavi, who would go on to direct memorable genre films such as 1987’s Stage Fright and 1989’s The Church.
A tradition among Italy’s most prominent Horror directors, who had esteem for one another, there is also the relationship between Dario Argento and Director/Screenwriter Luigi Cozzi. A connection was made when Cozzi (then a young journalist) was sent to interview Argento for a film magazine; they hit it off, and Argento opted to work with Cozzi for his early entries into the Giallo sub-genre, 1971’s Four Flies on Grey Velvet. In a film where Cozzi acted as the co-writer and assistant director, he would soon work with Argento again on the 1973 Horror Anthology TV series Door into Darkness. Developing a strong friendship, it is obvious that Argento was also quite an influence on Cozzi, and 1975’s The Killer Must Kill Again is living proof.
Cozzi’s first solo dive into Horror, The Killer Must Kill Again (Italian: L’assassino è costretto ad uccidere ancora), is best described as a highly Argento-like endeavor, both in terms of filming style and the classic murder mystery theme saturating the plot. A story adapted from Giorgio Scerbanenco’s 1965 novel Al mare con la ragazza (also known as The Dark Is Death’s Friend), The Killer Must Kill Again is a lovely homage to Cozzi’s mentor and friend, Dario Argento. Nonetheless, it also has some unique qualities that are Cozzi’s alone, which would be seen more in his later Horror-related films, such as 1980’s Contamination and 1989’s Paganini Horror. With this in mind, Cozzi’s The Killer Must Kill Again is a delightful, tense Giallo-type feature that keeps you curious throughout.
Initially released in March 1975 in Italian theaters, The Killer Must Kill Again also includes co-production by the well-known Umberto Lenzi (known for films like 1980’s Eaten Alive!), featuring a cast led by George Hilton (known for his list of roles, including 1971’s The Case of the Scorpion’s Tail) as Giorgio Mainardi. Joining Hilton was also talented actors Antoine Saint-John (credited as Michel Antoine and recognized to many for his role in 1981’s The Beyond) as the killer, as well as the young, naive couple Cristina Galbó (known for films like 1974’s Let Sleeping Corpses Lie) as Laura and Alessio Orano (who starred in a list of films including 1975’s The Count of Monte-Cristo) as Luca.
Briefly summarizing it all, Giorgio Mainardi is a sleek, greedy businessman who stumbles upon a killer in action, only to strike a deal with him to take care of his own wife, Norma (played by Tere Velázquez). If it was not maniacal enough, something goes terribly wrong in the process with the young couple (Laura and Luca) stealing the car that the killer has placed Norma’s body in. Setting off a tense-filled mission to reclaim the vehicle, the questions remain – will the authorities connect the lines back to Giorgio? And, what will happen to Laura and Luca if the ruthless killer catches them?
A solid plot that keeps you engaged, Cozzi’s direction also has plenty of nuances that will make those keen on details satisfied. However, The Killer Must Kill Again is likely a film that most people outside Italy or the surrounding countries have never seen before. Fortunately, in 2025, Rustblade is making it possible to see The Killer Must Kill Again with a 50th anniversary release.
Set to arrive on November 11, 2025, the film can be purchased in either Blu-ray or DVD format. Both great options, The Killer Must Kill Again is completely restored for both editions, and it is visually clean and bright. Available to watch either in native Italian or dubbed English, the sound clarity only enhances the overall viewing experience. Joining this, you also get an interview with Luigi Cozzi, and other special features, including an in-depth analysis of the film by Federico Frusciante. Beyond this, if you really want to go all out, there is the deluxe edition with both a Blu-ray and DVD, plus a booklet and three postcards.
Indeed, a gem of a Giallo that fans will want to check out, the product put together by Rustblade is of high quality and a perfect addition to any collection. That is why Cryptic Rock gives the 50th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray and DVD releases of The Killer Must Kill Again 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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