Killer Joe Review 2012

Just when I thought the movie industry had descended from strange minded concepts, Killer Joe turns out to be one of the most uncanny movies to ever hit our screens! Although one would cringe in admitting it is weirdly enjoyable!

The haunting thriller focuses on a trailer park in southern Texas which is home to the Smiths, a bizarre family of red-necks. Chris (Emile Hirsch) and his father Ansel (Thomas Haden Church) are far from your average father-son relationship, that is until they discover a loop-hole relating to an assurance policy consumed by Ansel's previous wife (Chris's mother). Chris who is in depth with loan sharks and a gambling addiction lacking him in favours, he receives information regarding the pot of money sitting beneath his mother, believing if something should happen her, the loot would be forwarded to his deranged sister, Dottie (Juno Temple.)

Introducing Killer Joe (Matthew McConaughey); a recluse sheriff of the law and a gun for hire. Both guys are advised on the work ethic of Joe, leading them to a hosted agreement which will see Joe kill Ansel's wife for a hefty share of the cash. However there is a catch. One that shows the true nature of Joe's perverted character. Both Ansel and Chris struggle to convince Joe of the eventual pay he will receive leaving Joe to come up with the idea of him holding a"retainer", a "keep-safe" until he receives pay. Dottie, the sibling in the family, serves as that "retainer" opening up a frightening new path to Joe's persona.

Mystified to the sadistic ways of Joe, Chris and his degenerate father can only sit by an watch as Joe's hesitation and visits to their home become more frequent. Ansel's girlfriend Sharla (Gina Gershon) is suspicious of Joe's antics but sees no reason why she shouldn't slave her step-daughter to Joe. Her greed and overall character is obvious and is revealed along with Chris and Ansel as desperate measures to receive the assurance money. What was originally a contract to assassinate, Joe's striking presence results in a sociable friendship, which was more than originally intended resulting in what Ansel believes to be a dangerous situation. Although Chris's selfishness is revealed through-out the deal, he himself is worried for the manipulation of his be-wildered family.

Killer Joe is in a category of its own; and so it should be. What starts off as a pretty direct plot, this movie takes the biscuit in terms of the ridiculousness of its immediate turn around. Without giving away too much of the original twists, Joe's dark humour and manipulation expands as his disturbed fantasies are directly shown as the movie seeks to turn ones stomach. His love for a 9 year old (or 10) takes its toll as well as a plethora of gross fantasies, the audience will settle for non-other than great despise towards both Joe and the Smith family. The family are not the brightest of red-necks and  can't help but get sucked into the mind and discomposed ways of a powerful yet insane individual in Joe.

The concept resembles that of The Devil's Rejects and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre which succeeds in drawing your attention to each character on screen, the outskirts of the dangers and typical cold bloodied Texans. Killer Joe is extremely dark and frighteningly funny, with scenes I couldn't possibly begin to describe.With a strange element of characters and a nice soundtrack, it offers some fine twists and memorable yet shocking scenes. (trust me)
Although Killer Joe offers up some fantastic performances from both Matthew McConaughey, Gina Gershon and a brave portrayal of innocence from Juno Temple, the movie itself is a simple no-brainer that might not be everyones cup of tea though one should see it for McConaughey's performance alone.

Overall: Attacks the vulnerable with its original concept, Killer Joe is extremely entertaining while testing the gag reflex of the audience.