Some films evoke the era in which they were made and this is certainly true of Deadly Strangers. A psychological horror thriller with an escaped maniac from a local asylum on the loose after killing the warders. The maniac is unseen and the viewier does not know who it is. Soon the main characters of Simon Ward and Hayley Mills are introduced and we come to realise the maniac is one of them and that the other is in danger. The film then becomes a travelogue of them studying each other as they move across country to a various destinations. There are hints of attractiveness that become obsessional and also red herrings that changes the viewers perception of which is the murderer. A police operation starts to close in on them, each one nervous and becoming involved with murderous crimes In an attempt to carry on the journey. However we do not know which is the killer right until the very end. They are both disturbed individuals and often the conversation will take a turn that causes them to reflect and mentally picture disturbing events from their past. In the end, the inevitable confrontation and chase does come become the shock, sudden and chilling ending that offers no respite.
A mechanical film, this knows exactly what it seeks to do and delivers effectively. The tension does mount and the viewer is never certain until a twist at the end The two actors portray their nervous, distrubed individuals in an understated way that heightens the tension. The film is small in its ambitions but is most enjoyable and a valuable addition to the dark thriller style. 8/10.
Special Thanks to Mark Coyle for this Movie Review.