Based on a true story (sorta), Evilenko relays the tale of Russian Serial Killer Andrei Romanovich Chikatilo, a man who openly admitted to killing around 50 people (although actual totals possibly reached well over 100 - he got bored while confessing). Even more disturbing is that most (if not all) of his victims were children or young woman. In addition to being a mass-murderer Chikatilo was also a raping, cannibalistic (ya, he ate them alright), communist. Guessing here that he just wanted to cover all of his bases.

Something smelled pretty damn familiar here (although I couldn't quite put my stinky finger on it at first), until I eventually realized that Evilenko reeked of an HBO film from 1995 called Citizen X. It had been so long, it took me a while to even piece together the fact that they were both about the same killer. Remembering very little about Citizen X itself (although I do remember enjoying it), I can easily confirm that both films have their fairly equal dose of strength and weakness.

Written and directed by David Grieco, Evilenko is all over the filmic map, never quite sure which story it wants to tell or what kind of movie it wants to be. Often times it's a disturbing portrait of a deranged mind with strong as hell moments (while not overly explicit) that manages to pack a powerful punch. At other times, the film portrays a low level game of cat and mouse, verging on TV movie of the week territory or a beginner's episode of CSI (is there any other kind?).

The films strongest point lies in its performances, all of the leads take their characters and run freely (even when they aren't given that much to work with, which happens a tad too often). Malcolm McDowell stars as Evilenko himself (a made-up name here) and portrays the deranged killer with what I can only describe as a high level of ghoulish glee. Fired from his gig as a schoolteacher (because of an attempted rape of a student), Evilenko has everyone believing he was let go because of his communist tendencies. It seems fitting that he eventually lands a desk job with the KGB, still appearing unsatisfied with what life has to offer, the murders increase while the police led manhunt intensifies. McDowell is simply fantastic in the role of the murderer, and I can comfortably say, that without him here, there would be no film. McDowell is given the most to work with, and his scenes manage to propel the film to its bitter end.

Actor Marton Csokas as Detective Vadim Timurovic Lesiev is equally impressive; however, he's given much less to work with. Playing the cliched detective/family man (and this is exactly why he was chosen for the job), it all just seems too easy. He's concerned for his child, so he's concerned and closer to children in general? And then there's the troubled relationship with the wife because of his closeness to the case? Haven't seen that one before.

At its strongest, Evilenko is a film about a deranged killer, with scenes that walk right up to the line. As viewers, we fear that the film may just unapologetically cross it. Scenes between Evilenko and his victims are gruesome without the hardcore gruesomeness. Seeing him throw a young girl onto a table in an attempted rape or leading a young boy to his impending doom, is squirm inducing to say the least. At its worst, the film comes off as a flaccid detective on the hunt yarn, as our gumshoe attempts to better himself, career and family life.

Director Grieco openly admits to taking many liberties with the story, taking the characters and placing them in 'what if" scenarios. Some of it works, some of it doesn't, but in the end, the film remains interesting and entertaining. Evilenko could have turned out like any number of serial killer movies already in existence (they are a dime a dozen these days). While some of its moments remain 'iffy' for lack of a better term, as a whole, the film is an eye opening exercise that refuses to hold back, when it easily could have. Despite its flaws, Evilenko has a lot to offer and it's definitely recommended.

Children in peril have been a recurring theme this year at the fest. With examples like Mysterious Skin, Palindromes and now Evilenko, I've found each to be effectively disturbing in their own right. Without feeling overexposed to the subject matter.

Thumbs Up. Serial Killer flicks may be a dime a dozen, but Evilenko has enough originality to stand out in a crowd.