Watch Criminally Insane

Criminally Insane is a horror film from 1975. The movie tells the story of Ethel Janowski (Priscilla Alden), a morbidly obese woman who is released from a mental institution where she spent five years after killing her own mother. Ethel is picked up by her sister, who tasks her with caring for their aunt in her absence. However, soon after taking up the role of the primary caregiver, Ethel begins to go on a killing spree in the apartment complex where she lives.

Throughout the movie, we see Ethel's descent into madness as she becomes more and more unhinged. It is clear that she has an unhealthy relationship with food and has a severe binge-eating disorder. Ethel is constantly stuffing herself with food, and the other inhabitants of the apartment complex are often subjected to her loud and disruptive eating habits. As Ethel's grip on reality slips further away, she begins to turn on the other residents, killing them in a variety of gruesome ways.

The film is shot on a very low budget, which gives it a gritty and realistic feel. The sets are minimalist, and most of the movie takes place in the cramped and dingy confines of Ethel's apartment. This claustrophobic atmosphere adds to the tension of the film, and the audience feels trapped alongside the film's characters.

Priscilla Alden gives a fantastic performance as Ethel. She is genuinely terrifying in her portrayal of a woman who is slowly losing her grip on reality. Alden's acting is all the more impressive given that she spends most of the film immobile due to Ethel's extreme obesity. It is a testament to her acting ability that she is able to convey so much emotion and menace with limited physical movement.

The other actors in the film also give solid performances. Michael Flood plays the role of Ethel's sister and is a good foil to Alden's character. He is skeptical of Ethel's ability to care for their aunt, and his concern only grows as he becomes aware of the murders taking place in the complex. Jane Lambert plays the part of a nosy neighbor who becomes suspicious of Ethel, adding to the tension of the film.

One of the most interesting aspects of Criminally Insane is how it tackles issues around mental illness. The film was made at a time when mental health issues were not well understood, and people who suffered from them were often stigmatized. Ethel is clearly suffering from severe mental health problems, and the film raises some important questions about how society should deal with people like her. Is it right to release someone from a mental institution if they are still a danger to themselves and others? Should mental health be taken more seriously, and should those who are suffering from mental health conditions be given more support and resources?

Criminally Insane is not a film for the faint of heart. It is a brutal and uncompromising horror film that pulls no punches. The violence and gore are graphic and intense, and the film is not afraid to tackle taboo subjects. However, for those who are fans of cult horror films, there is much to enjoy here. The film is a prime example of the "exploitation" genre of horror, which was popular in the 1970s. It is a film that is not afraid to take risks and to push boundaries.

Overall, Criminally Insane is a fascinating and disturbing film that is well worth checking out for fans of horror cinema. While the film may be disturbing in its subject matter, it raises some important questions about mental illness and the way society deals with those who suffer from it. The performances are strong, and the low-budget aesthetic only adds to the gritty realism of the film. For those who enjoy exploitation horror films, Criminally Insane is a must-watch.

Criminally Insane is a 1975 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 2 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.