The new trend in indie horror has without a doubt extended way beyond the borders of bad taste. Not that this is necessarily a bad thing mind you, because I happen to be extremely sick and tired of post SCREAM teenybopper PG-13 horror. Scrapbook is anything but a self-referential screamy-bopper gloss-fest. This IS hardcore horror that is sure to offend and disturb. Considering this is exactly what the filmmakers intentions were...I say job well done.

You've seen it before, and a million times over at that. Due to some disturbing childhood incident (involving his naked sister, no less) young Leonard flips out and becomes quite the insane lunatic. Cut to present times in which Leonard (Tommy Biondo) has just captured his latest victim Clara (Emily Haack, in a knockout performance). It seems as if Clara will be the closing chapter in Leonard's "scrapbook" in which he documents his conquests through Polaroids and writings. Leonard, as well as his victims, contribute to the scrapbook which looks like a disturbing mess to us... but must be a serial killers wet dream come true. Clara's only hope for survival is to try to communicate with Leonard through his scrapbook, and ultimately turn the tables in her favor.

Not without its problems Scrapbook is actually quite an effective little film, which manages to never look cheap primarily due to its inventive camera work and editing techniques (one scene in particular in which the action shifts between the "third wall" camera and Leonard's home video camera comes to mind). Scrapbook is definitely not for the kiddies or the squeamish as it includes some extremely frank scenes of a violent and sexual nature. We are subjected to scene after scene of Leonard's torturing and humiliating Clara in gross and morbid detail. Many of these scenes include but are not limited to the following; beatings, a few brutal rapings (one of which ends with Clara being urinated on), forced oral sex (which verges on hard-core), and a scene in which Clara is duct-taped inside a trash can for an unspecified amount of time. Definitely not easy to watch, part of Scrapbook's appeal(?) is its defiance towards the audience and its unrivaled brutal honesty.

Not played out purely for shock value (there is a message), Scrapbook features some chilling images and a few well executed set pieces. One particular cat and mouse sequence, in which Clara tries to escape certainly comes to mind. Performances are key in a film like this and lucky for us happen to remain most impressive. Emily Haack is the true standout as it's quite evident that she had to go through A LOT to deliver this performance, and it couldn't have been easy for her. Haack's performance is the reason we stick around to the end of this perverted masterpiece and I'm glad to see that Clara is not portrayed as just another victim.

Shot on video, Scrapbook looks and sounds about as good as one could expect on DVD. Audio is presented in a stereo surround mix and fares quite well. There is no distortion to speak of (audio or video).

Extras include a brief behind the scenes featurette which is actually quite interesting (each crewmember provided a page for the scrapbook used in the film). Offering some valuable insights into the making of the film, it's also a relief to see a smile on Emily's face in between takes (that poor girl). Next up are two trailers for Scrapbook as well as one for Ice from the Sun and Savage Harvest. Next up is a Tommy Biondo bio/retrospect. Tragically Tommy passed away from a freak filming accident before Scrapbook actually became a finished product. He never saw the film he worked so hard to help create. Finally, there's a feature length commentary with Eric Stanze (director), Emily Haack (star) and Jeremy Wallace (producer and all around nice guy). The commentary is both interesting and entertaining. You know the film must be powerful stuff when the creative forces behind it have a hard time watching it.

If you're looking for a disturbing slice of American indie horror, Scrapbook is definitely worth a look. Just keep in mind that the content is dark and disturbing...definitely not for all tastes, but just as powerful nonetheless.

For more info on Scrapbook and other Wicked Pixel flicks, be sure to visit their official site by clicking here!