Synopsis
One day in 1984, Todd Bowden, a brilliant high school boy fascinated by the history of Nazism, stumbles across an old man whose appearance resembles that of Kurt Dussander, a wanted Nazi war criminal. A month later, Todd decides to knock on his door.
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Cast
- Brad RenfroTodd Bowden
- Ian McKellenKurt Dussander
- Bruce DavisonRichard Bowden
- Elias KoteasArchie
- Joe MortonDan Richler
- Jan TřískaIsaac Weiskopf
- Michael ByrneBen Kramer
- Heather McCombBecky Trask
- Ann DowdMonica Bowden
- Joshua JacksonJoey
Recommendations
- 80
Dallas Observer
This brutal film borders on the brilliant. Beautifully structured and edited, with a chilling central performance by Ian McKellen and an exceptional score by John Ottman, who also edited the picture, it churns up emotions and leaves the viewer feeling stunned and depleted. - 80
Empire
Not all the plot developments ring true, but moments carry a real chill - even in a coma, McKellen can terrify a fellow patient almost to death - and it has more than enough thought-provoking material to command your interest. - 75
San Francisco Chronicle
Brought off with such skill and commitment that there isn't any time to snicker at its obviousness. - 70
The New York Times
Both actors play their roles so trickily that tensions escalate until the horror grows unimaginatively gothic. - 67
Austin Chronicle
It's not perfect King, but it is jarringly close, which these days remains pretty much all one could hope for. - 60
Los Angeles Times
Despite the riveting performances of Renfro and McKellen, we're left with classic horror-movie sociopaths, evil-doers without conscience, or much to say about the nature of evil. - 50
Christian Science Monitor
This sensationalistic tale doesn't delve very far into the issues it raises. - 50
Film Threat
A creepy, if disjointed exploration of the nature of evil. But compared to its predecessor, it's also a bit of a disappointment.
