Watch Psycho III

Psycho III is a 1986 slasher film directed by Anthony Perkins, who also stars in the movie as Norman Bates, the infamous killer from the first two films of the Psycho franchise. The movie is a direct sequel to Psycho II and explores the character of Norman more deeply, as he struggles with his inner demons and his desires to overcome his psychopathic tendencies.

The story picks up a few months after the events of Psycho II, with Norman Bates once again running the Bates Motel after being released from a mental institution. He is trying to live a normal life and maintain his sanity, but things quickly take a turn with the arrival of three new guests at the motel. One of them is a young woman named Maureen (Diana Scarwid), who reminds Norman of his deceased mother and whom he becomes infatuated with.

At the same time, a sleazy musician named Duane Duke (Jeff Fahey) checks into the motel with his girlfriend, and begins taking advantage of Maureen's vulnerable state. This sets off a chain of events that escalate into a violent and bloody climax, as Norman once again grapples with his inner demons and the ghosts of his past.

Despite being a slasher film, Psycho III is more of a psychological thriller that delves deep into the psyche of its main character. Norman Bates is portrayed as a tragic figure who is struggling to come to terms with his past trauma and his ongoing mental illness. His relationship with Maureen, who he sees as both a potential ally and a possible threat, adds a layer of complexity to the plot and makes for a suspenseful storyline.

One of the standout aspects of Psycho III is its visual style, which pays homage to the original 1960 film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The movie features numerous nods to the iconic scenes and shots from the first two Psycho films, including the famous shower scene and the Bates house. The use of shadow and lighting, as well as the eerie music score by Carter Burwell, create a dark and foreboding atmosphere that adds to the tension and horror of the story.

Another notable feature of Psycho III is the performances by the main cast. Anthony Perkins gives a captivating portrayal of Norman Bates, creating a character that is both sympathetic and terrifying at the same time. His interactions with Maureen and the other guests at the motel are tense and unnerving, as he tries to keep his true nature hidden while also giving into his darker urges.

Diana Scarwid also delivers a solid performance as Maureen, who is haunted by her own past and struggling to deal with the trauma that has led her to the Bates Motel. Her chemistry with Perkins adds to the suspense of the story, as the audience is left wondering if she is a potential victim or an accomplice to Norman's crimes.

Overall, Psycho III is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that further explores the character of Norman Bates and the world of the Bates Motel. While it may not be as iconic as the first two films, it stands on its own as a worthy addition to the Psycho franchise and a testament to the talents of Anthony Perkins as both an actor and director.

Psycho III is a 1986 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5 and a MetaScore of 58.