Watch The Zodiac Killer

The Zodiac Killer is a gritty and disturbing thriller from 1971, which tells the story of one of America's most infamous and enigmatic serial killers. Directed by Tom Hanson and shot in a documentary-style, this low-budget indie film has become a cult classic for its intense depiction of a real-life terror that gripped Northern California in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The story centers around a group of police detectives and reporters who are trying to catch the Zodiac Killer, a shadowy figure who has murdered several people and taunted law enforcement with cryptic letters and ciphers. The film follows the investigators as they struggle to identify the killer and stop him before he strikes again.

Hal Reed plays the lead detective, Matt Parrish, a tough but empathetic cop who is determined to bring the Zodiac Killer to justice. Bob Jones and Ray Lynch co-star as two of his colleagues, who help him on the case. Meanwhile, a local reporter named Laura (played by Mary Darrington) tries to get the inside scoop on the investigation, but ends up getting too close to the action.

The film is notable for its realistic and gritty portrayal of the investigation, and for its use of actual news footage and photographs from the real-life case. It also features some gruesome and graphic scenes of violence, including the killer's stabbing and shooting of his victims.

Despite its flaws (such as some questionable acting and choppy editing), The Zodiac Killer is a chilling and affecting portrayal of a dark chapter in American history. It portrays the panic and fear that gripped the community at the time, as well as the frustration and desperation of the investigators.

One of the film's greatest strengths is its use of tension and suspense. The Zodiac Killer is a masterclass in building tension, as the audience knows that the killer is lurking in the shadows, but the characters do not. The film also cleverly toyed with the audience's expectations, throwing in some red herrings and false clues along the way.

Another notable aspect of the film is its portrayal of the Zodiac Killer himself. Unlike many other film portrayals of serial killers, which tend to glamorize them or make them seem larger-than-life, The Zodiac Killer presents him as a menacing but also banal figure. He is shown in everyday settings, such as driving a car or walking down the street, which makes him seem all the more terrifying.

The film's ending has been controversial and divisive, with some viewers finding it unsatisfying or anticlimactic. However, it is worth noting that the actual case of the Zodiac Killer remains unsolved to this day, so any attempt to give the film a neat resolution would have been dishonest.

In conclusion, The Zodiac Killer is a gripping and disturbing film that is not for the faint of heart. It is a powerful reminder of the horrors that human beings are capable of, and of the toll that violence takes on both the victims and the investigators who try to stop it. While it may not be a perfect film, it is a fascinating and chilling portrayal of a true crime story that continues to fascinate and haunt people to this day.

The Zodiac Killer is a 1971 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.4.