When I noticed the mathematical equation in the title, I immediately wondered if there was going be a new trend of algebra-thrillers in the horror/thriller cinema industry. Next to "The Oxford Murders", "WAZ" would already be the second in one year! Fortunately (or unfortunately, if you will) this soon unfolds as a "Saw" imitation with a "Seven" flavored sauce, rather than as a mathematical thriller. Still this isn't your average type of torture-porn horror because the emphasis largely lays on the search for the killer and the mystery behind his/her motivations instead of on the vile acts of murder themselves. "WAZ" is an exceptionally grim and unsettling film, but that's purely speaking in terms of atmosphere and set-pieces, since the graphical gory effects (except during the last half hour or so) are kept to a minimum. "WAZ" is a hideously dark and unpleasant film, with despicable characters and filthy scenery, and that the main reason why I and surely many horror fanatics with me cherish at least some appreciation for this overall forgettable film. Eddie Argo and new arrival Helen Westcott are police detectives in one of New York's most depressing and gang-infested neighborhoods. One night they're called in to investigate a murder case that is undoubtedly the start of a serial killer's relentless spree. In a short period of time, several bodies are discovered either electrocuted or barbarically mutilated and they all have the titular equation carved in their stomachs. The investigation eventually leads to an unsolved criminal assault case where the violators didn't get punished and the victim Jean Lerner remained behind embittered and alone. Now it seems the different culprits are put to the choice of saving themselves or being responsible for the deaths of a beloved person. And, like the equation states, love doesn't really exist. The plot similarities with "Saw" and "Seven" are obvious: the killer's main intention is to teach his/her victims a valuable life lesson (usually resulting in death, but still
), the investigation cops become a little too involved and it clear from the beginning that a happy ending is out of the question. Still, I prefer to compare "WAZ" to the gritty and relentlessly violent cop-thrillers of the late 70's and early 80's, like for example "Vice Squad". Particularly Stellan Skarsgard gives away a perplexing grim performance as the silent and suspicious cop. There are a couple of bizarre and hard-to-believe plot twists near the end, but overall this is an admirably dark thriller.
Review of The Killing Gene
