‘True pain is screamless’
The Orphan Killer is a 2011 independent horror film written and directed by Matt Farnsworth (Gacy; The Stepdaughter). It was produced by Farnsworth and Full Fathom 5.
On December 13, 2016, the film is issued in the US as a Blu-ray + DVD combo by Reel Gore Releasing.
Buy: Amazon.com
Special Features: Behind The Murder – Exclusive Video Diary | Trailer | Teaser | Music Clip | Slideshow
Main cast:
Diane Foster, David Backus, Matt Farnsworth, James McCaffrey, John Savage, Karen Young, Charlotte Maier.
Plot:
Two children become wards of the state in New Jersey after a home invasion results in the murder of their parents. Having witnessed the murder, Marcus is forever changed. The siblings are sent to a Catholic orphanage where Audrey is subsequently adopted and Marcus is left behind. He suffers abuse at the hands of the caretakers and as a punishment is masked and exiled.
Never forgiving his sister for abandoning him, Marcus returns to his sister’s life many year
s later in adulthood, still masked, wanting to teach her a lesson…
Reviews:
“You’re getting a new slasher, one with a lot of similarities to some of our favorite characters of the past, but with its own unique spin. Know that at times the acting is somewhat lacking but serviceable, and the F/X range from questionable to brilliant, depending on the scene. There are some really cool practical effects here and some that fall short, but again, it works overall.” Scott Hallam, Dread Central
“Ultimately, it doesn’t matter whether a well-composed shot or nicely designed set appears; the film still hits the same grave-but-shrill tone and maintains it over two-thirds of the running time. The honest attempts at atmosphere in The Orphan Killer come as a welcome change after watching dozens of incompetently made grassroots horror flicks, but also serve as a reminder that a good genre movie transcends those factors in ways this one never does.” Jack Bennett, Fangoria
” …yes, this is a low budget horror, and yes, it looks it throughout the movie. Secondly, the acting is bad and the script isn’t the best. But you know what? Forget about that! Despite these negative points, that would normally ruin the whole film, the fact is this movie left me wanting more, and in a good way. This feels like the re-invention of the classic slasher, paying homage to guys like Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees. Even though the story isn’t exactly original, it still felt fresh with its own unique spin.” Mad Mike, Horror-Movies.ca
“I also really dug the Orphan Killer’s breathing, as compared to his speaking voice. When speaking, he’s eloquent and pretty clever for someone who spent his life being masked and screeched at by nuns. But when he isn’t talking, he has this labored breath that sounds like Michael Myers in heat. The breathing is the condiment on the meal of a murder. And what’s stomping on a horny janitor’s head without a little pepper?” Dockery, Yell! magazine
The movie is well shot and well directed with Matt Farnsworth leading the pack on this one. I’ve seen bits of his previous film Gacy, but wasn’t as impressed. This one will surely put Matt’s name on the map … There is enough “extreme” to make this experience nail biting. Though its not extreme for only extreme sake. The hardcore parts make sense to the premise and movement of the film.” Mike Willis, HorrorNews.net
Interview:
Matt Farnsworth talks to Martin Unsworth for Starburst magazine
Cast and characters:
- Diane Foster as Audrey
- David Backhaus as Marcus Miller
- Matt Farnsworth as Mike
- James McCaffrey as Detective Jones
- John Savage as Detective Walker
- Karen Young as Sister Mary
- Charlotte Maier as Sister Constance
- Spencer List as Young Marcus
- Dana DeVestern as Young Audrey
- Margot White as Jenny Miller
- Mike Doyle as Marcus Miller Sr.
- Ivan Martin as Jim
- Karen Olivo as Angie
- Matthew Arkin as Bob
- Ezra Knight as Simon
- Allison Salvetti as Ghost Orphan
- Jon David Casey as Jerry
