I like thrillers, both big and small. "The Killer Inside Me" is a small-budget period thriller from IFC Films and director Michael Winterbottom. The movie stars Casey Affleck (Ben's baby brother) as a small town sheriff who slips into homicidal tendencies the moment he decides to settle a score. The movie also stars Jessica Alba and Kate Hudson as the two women Lou Ford (Affleck) loves and beats. If you like stylish, unconventional flicks, than it's definitely worth a look. However, the movie isn't horror. But it does have lots graphic scenes and a twisted "happy ending" you probably won't forget.

Lou Ford narrates the movie describing his sleepy little 50's Texas town (a fictional one called Central City) in the first few minutes. The movie actually opens with graphics out of a 50's pulp novel and then moves forward at a breathless pace. As it begins, Ford is told to get the local hooker out of town, but he's drawn in by her and soon plots out a little revenge scheme. Once he does, Ford finds himself pleased with his handywork and starts to enjoy the act of killing. The movie isn't quite the "serial killer" movie you might expect with "The Killer Inside Me" as its title, but it is in the tradition of the great "film noirs".

Winterbottom gets top-drawer performances from his actors across the board. Affleck, a baby-faced, soft-spoken actor, is very good as the "hero" of this tale. He was great in the excellent "Gone Baby Gone" film adaption (directed by his bro, Ben) and he shows the same kind of confidence in his performance here. Alba, Hudson, Simon Baker, Ned Beatty, and Bill Pullman (in a cameo) are all excellent in thier respective roles. The movie totally nails the atmosphere you'd want in a "film noir". It is dark, quite and omnious. It's also filled with 50's country songs.

Again, "The Killer Inside Me" isn't a horror movie, but it's dark, graphic and quite watchable. If you're in the mood for an independent thriller, then you'll want to check it out. It's a good one.