The Alphabet Killer is based on the double initial killings in Rochester, New York in the late 1980s. Megan Paige, a police officer who is highly committed to the job. She develops schizophrenia, lasting for more than six months, and includes one month of active symptoms such as illusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior. Megan's obsession leads her to a breakdown and a violent episode which lands her in the hospital. She eventually loses her fiance, Kenneth, and her job. Two years later Megan is back working as an advisor, but her more or less normal life goes to hell again when another murder is called in. Her fire rekindled, Megan sets out to find the killer, and this time she plans to get the job done, with or without the department's assistance.

Directed by Rob Schmidt who also directed "Wrong Turn". The film is loosely based off the true story that happened in the 1970's in the surrounding suburbs of Rochester, New York. In an interview the Director said he did not want to keep true to the movie for the families of the victims sake. For the most part the film is fiction with only certain elements remaining from the actual story like the use of the double initials. Based off the trailer I was very eager to see this film, it is a crime thriller with a touch of more recent movies like ring. I know that may not sound appealing after all the ghost related movies in Hollywood anymore but here it works for the film and not against it. The film is suspenseful and haunting and the it moves along at a brisk pace taking us on the nightmare with it. The camera work which was mostly hand held is most effective putting you at the scene with them. The lighting as well as the score are also fantastic adding to the the film's atmosphere. The cast is terrific, Eliza Dushku does a outstanding acting job as Megan Paige and her late onset schizophrenia which makes it very difficult for her to crack the case of the Alphabet killer. Also Timothy Hutton is fantastic as well in film as is Gary Elwes and Michael Ironside in his small but effective role. In a time of water-down PG-13 horror and thrillers being released it is nice to see a film made the way we as viewers want to see them. The Alphabet Killer might borrow from movies of the past but there is no denying the execution. If your a fan of horror/thriller I highly recommend you pick up this gem up today, you will be glad you did. Released by Anchor Bay Entertainment. The DVD comes with Special Features that include:

A TO Z:The Making of The Alphabet Killer

First Victim-Alternate Scene and More **** Out Of *****