‘New York’s most notorious serial killer’
Joel is a 2018 American true crime drama horror thriller feature film written, edited and directed by John R. Hand (Forest of the Vampire; The Synthetic Man; Frankenstein’s Bloody Nightmare). The micro budget JRH Films production stars Arnold Odo, Fernando Cano, Bri Bynon McGregor.
The story of Joel Rifkin, New York’s most notorious serial killer, who murdered at least seventeen female sex workers in the late eighties and early nineties…
Joel is available to rent or buy via Vimeo or on DVD direct from JRH Films
Reviews:
“The story is told in a narrative style, with icy voice-overs accompanying most of the tragic action. Despite this approach (or maybe because of it) the movie has the aura of a crime documentary. The original music by The Grey creates a foreboding atmosphere that will leave you feeling on edge. A stylized opening scene, period footage, and great POV shots, all help to make events seem more real.” John Migliore, Indie Horror Online
“There’s no real gore to speak of, and serial killer junkies may find this a bit too tame and restrained for their tastes. In fact, Joel feels more like a documentary than a feature film. Personally, I enjoyed the stripped down storytelling and appreciated the thoughtful way Hand approached the material. This film is well researched, thought provoking and brilliantly acted.” Morbidly Beautiful
Cast and characters:
- Arnold Odo … Joel Rifkin
- Fernando Cano … Detective Moretti
- Bri Bynon McGregor … Star
- Ella Stryker … Jamie
- Julia Golden … Lola
- Alyssa Klein … Bibi
- Caitlyn Moore … Amber
- Billionna Olivia Reyes … Kerri
- Carrie Harden … Randi
- Laurel Thomas … Candy
Trivia:
Odo’s character discusses his fixation with strangulation, admitting that he first became obsessed with it after seeing Alfred Hitchcock’s Frenzy (1972). Joel also features clips from Carnival of Souls (1962).