WFG RATING: B

Brainstorm Media presents a Cinegryphon Entertainment/Curious Gremlin production in association with Asteros Film, Olive Productions, Theatriste, Pak Pictures, and Mavi Baykus. Written and directed by Tolga Karaçelik. Produced by Scott Aharoni, Wren Arthur, Tolga Karaçelik, Sinan Eczacibasi, Mustafa Kaymak, Alex Peace, and Metin Alihan Yalcindag. Cinematography by Natalie Kingston. Edited by Evrun Lus.

Stars Steve Buscemi, John Magaro, Britt Lower, Sydney Cole Alexander, Ward Horton, Mario D’Leon, Anthony Michael Lopez, and Tugce Altug.

Director Tolga Karaçelik makes his English language debut with this dark comedy that puts Steve Buscemi in a whole new light. 

Keane is a struggling writer who is looking to capitalize on the success of his last novel. However, his idea of a love story involving a Neandrathal doesn’t look promising according to his agent.To make matters worse, his marriage to Suzie, his college sweetheart, looks to be on the verge of imploding after almost getting them into a car accident. One night, as he drowns himself at a bar, he meets a big fan of his.

The fan is Kollmick, a mysterious man who has a conversation with Keane and offers a suggestion about what he should write about next. He thinks Keane should write about a retired serial killer. Keane seems to be up for the idea but is in for a shock when Kollmick tells him that he is that retired serial killer. As the two bond and talk about Kollmick’s past, it soon grows into a friendship where Kollmick offers to help Keane with his marriage by serving as a therapist for the two. However, one fateful night will change the outlook of all three forever when Keane comes up with a crazy idea. 

This is quite a fascinating dark comedy from Tolga Karaçelik that may be about a serial killer but doesn’t rely on any crazy deaths or the like. Instead, the story revolves more around a struggling writer who decides to learn about his new subject, who in turn, offers a chance to help him with his imploding marriage. It’s quite fascinating to see the dynamic of our three leads come together in various ways throughout the film. 

Those who are used to seeing Steve Buscemi in his comic phase (unless you watch Boardwalk Empire), then you’re going to see him in a role like no other. As Kollmick, Buscemi sports a different look but brings the charm as at first, it may seem like it may feel like Misery. Because of the mere fact that Kollmick is a fan of Keane, played by a wonderful John Magaro, gave off that vibe at first. However, it is apparent that Kollmick has a story to tell and who better than the author he idolizes to tell that story. 

Britt Lower’s Suzie is definitely another breakout here alongside Magaro. Magaro’s Keane comes off as submissive when it comes to his marriage to Suzie. He always agrees with what she says and their near car accident becomes the catalyst for the implosion as she feels Keane is no longer husband material. She wants confidence and a voice, not someone who will just agree. However, thanks to Kollmick, we see Keane transition into someone who not only gains the self-confidence he needs desperately, but attempts to show Suzie he is willing to be an “equal partner”. The finale brings it all together but in a shocking jaw-dropping kind of way as only dark comedies can pull off.

Psycho Therapy: The Shallow Tale of a Writer Who Decided to Write About a Serial Killer is pretty good thanks to the performances of Steve Buscemi, John Magaro, and Britt Lower. It may be about a serial killer turned therapist, but don’t expect too much killing as this killer has left the game behind. Still a fun watch.

The film will be released in select theaters and On Demand on April 11.