The Dead Girl

This is a seriously disturbing film. Which means I liked it. A lot. But by disturbing, I mean that this is a movie that will stick in your head - and not in a good way. Images will linger. You'll do mental replay. And you'll wonder what motivates human beings to do the things they do.

As the title suggests, the story begins with the discovery of a woman's mutilated body. Then writer/director Karen Moncrieff takes us on five different storylines, all of them pivoting on this single act of violence. What drives these stories and the women in them is a critical need for change. And with unswerving honesty, we watch how decisions can save a soul or lose it.

The men in this film, even the killer, are marginal characters and are barely defined. But the actresses shine - Toni Collette, Brittany Murphy and Marcia Gay Harden in particular. There's even a brief and horrific cameo by Piper Laurie. This is a really original take on the serial killer saga, but there are some terrible moments here - shocking as they are poignant. Be prepared.

See the official website here.