Horror Movie Review: The Clovehitch Killer (2018)

The Clovehitch Killer is a horror thriller film directed by Duncan Smith, it released in 2018. Premiering at LA Film Festival, it focuses on a small American town that once fell victim to a prolific serial killer. 10 years have passed and there hasn’t been a single murder by the killer known as Clovehitch. However, a picture perfect family is shattered when the murderous slayer is revealed.

Tyler Burnside is a Boy Scout, a volunteer at his local church, and the dutiful son of an upstanding, community leader. His father, Don (Dylan McDermott) is a devout Christian, scout leader and the local handyman. With the 10 year anniversary of Clovehitch approaching, Tyler becomes suspicious of Don’s secretive behaviour. This is after he discovers a strange photograph of a young woman, bound and looking distressed. He decides to break into his fathers padlocked shed and look for any other pieces of evidence. Inside a hidden area he finds adult magazines that focus on the act of bondage. Not only that but yet another photo. However, this time it’s of one of Clovehitch’s victims.

Tyler confides in Cassey, a girl who attends the same school as him. Also, she happens to be notoriously obsessed with Clovehitch. Together they piece together the mystery surrounding Clovehitch, culminating in a father/son confrontation.

The Clovehitch Killer is a slow burn but one that doesn’t disappoint. Let me just say, this isn’t really a “who dunnit?” type of film. The mystery surrounding who Clovehitch is isn’t what I found most compelling. It’s like Hannibal, you know it’s him but that’s almost unimportant. This movie feels like a psychologically driven, character study of a serial killer. It’s fascinating to watch them operate, no matter how disturbing their actions may be.

Dylan McDermott is really great in The Clovehitch Killer. He’s very cold, calculated and exceptionally difficult to read. I completely bought into him being the persona that he has created for himself, it’s scarily convincing.

It’s hugely engrossing with plenty of tense moments throughout. The Clovehitch Killer depends more on atmosphere than action. Still, it makes you doubt certain things just like the characters. When the reveals do come, you feel their shock. The whole thing is executed brilliantly. There’s a bit of a twist near the end that genuinely surprised me.

However, it isn’t the most original of concepts. Also, it completely holds back on showing literally any blood. Unfortunately, it is tame in that regard.

Overall, The Clovehitch Killer is definitely one for those with a deep interest on serial killers.