An intriguing modern and young commentary on the ‘psychological thriller’ genre has been added to the horror film inventory in the form of ’s Rage. Consistently dark in tone and tense in feel, it is a more savage, more suburban and less cerebral retelling of Stephen Spielberg’s Duel, of which it references with little subtlety.

Our protagonist and victim is certainly not the most likeable person, but, soon after leaving his lovely wife and nice house, Dennis Twist, played by a heavily bearded and scruffy Rick Crawford, finds himself taunted and harassed by a motorcyclist dressed in black leather and wearing an ominous black helmet.

The movie is about tension, with clever cuts, dramatic music, gore, and despair, all brought about by a faceless villain who may or may not be simply having a bad day.

What the movie lacks in dialogue, it makes up for in creating a world where the viewer is never really sure what to expect, and in that context it is worth exploring. Dennis becomes wracked with guilt for cheating on his wife, and wonders if karma is rearing its ugly and menacing head. At home Crystal (Audrey Walker), eagerly awaits his return from the day, but wherever he goes, so too does the black-domed maniac.

Rarely does the movie suffer from its low budget as it uses many cinematic devices to build and maintain tension, and abounds with twists for the aptly named Mr. and Mrs. Twist. The film is serious in nature, though sometimes doesn’t need to be, but Witherspoon directs, writes, and is credited as the masked rogue in a film that is wholly his, one filled with uncertainty, blood, and naturally, lots of anger.

For more information about RAGE, visit their official website:
http://www.ragethemovie.net