When lust, jealousy, and envy take control over tearing apart a family, it’s up to one to repay the personal vendetta.

Review by Julie C. Sheppard:

The title of this feature, WACKO, does indeed match the chilling nature of what unfolds before us. But we do not just see a flat, stereotypical presentation of madness. This film gives us a many-layered look at a deeply wounded person, who has been through a lifetime of pain, trauma and betrayal. Numerous heartbreaking flashbacks of adolescent experiences provide a context for the central figure’s resentment and desire for revenge. The performances of the actors playing the captor and the captive are riveting. Jimmy gradually reveals how very bitter and unhinged he is, and Jack moves through several stages – – defiance, seemingly authentic contrition, and then a deep-seated, cursed hatred. 

Pacing of the film is on point and the tension builds, as people outside the house, such as Jack’s parents and a determined police unit, close in on Jimmy’s lair. Heavy rock refrains that slyly creep in during moments of highly dramatic action and dialogue serve to make this film even more visceral and raw.  

There is deliberately no reprieve from a menacing essence, given the constant murky lighting throughout. The terrifying hovel of a basement is suitably stagnant and claustrophobic, to keep the suffering Jack contained. The well-explored insanity stemming from early family tragedy, and vicious bullying comes full circle for the wacko Jimmy, leading him to a very dark place.