"Painkiller" (2014) - Dir. by Jeremiah Kipp, Written by Jerry Janda Jr.
How far would you go to eliminate pain, say...in a terminally ill cancer patient? That is the question that two young scientists, deftly portrayed by Kelly Rae LeGault and Mendolia, who also happen to be lovers, are attempting to answer.
Determined, driven and using cutting edge technology, the two attempt to create the ultimate painkiller, an organism that actually feeds on pain, and rewards its "host" with pleasure inducing endorphins.
They end up developing just such an organism, which is intended to develop a symbiotic relationship with the host, by attaching itself to the hosts spinal cord. Since the design of the organism means that it cannot be tested on animals, the female scientist (who, like her male counterpart, is never named in the film), volunteers. Well, as might be expected, there are unintended consequences. Without the constant pain experienced by terminally ill patients to feed on, the organism needs to obtain sustenance by other means. Attempts to administer the pain required to satisfy it prove fruitless. However, a mysterious stranger appears promising a briefcase full of cash, and a solution........What happens next must be experienced by the viewer.
Determined, driven and using cutting edge technology, the two attempt to create the ultimate painkiller, an organism that actually feeds on pain, and rewards its "host" with pleasure inducing endorphins.
They end up developing just such an organism, which is intended to develop a symbiotic relationship with the host, by attaching itself to the hosts spinal cord. Since the design of the organism means that it cannot be tested on animals, the female scientist (who, like her male counterpart, is never named in the film), volunteers. Well, as might be expected, there are unintended consequences. Without the constant pain experienced by terminally ill patients to feed on, the organism needs to obtain sustenance by other means. Attempts to administer the pain required to satisfy it prove fruitless. However, a mysterious stranger appears promising a briefcase full of cash, and a solution........What happens next must be experienced by the viewer.
Jeremiah Kipp
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Jerry Janda Jr.
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OK, OK....I know....you want to know what The Horror Nerd thought about "Painkiller". Well, I loved it! Director Jeremiah Kipp ("Crestfallen", "Baggage") and writer Jerry Janda Jr. have crafted a nasty little gem, which in it's short, (15 minute) run time, manages to combine body horror, medical horror and "mad scientist" horror into a very creepy ride. This is a mean spirited film, but in a very good way. The Horror Nerd is a fan of "no happy endings". I don't need everything wrapped up in a neat little bow, and this film definitely does NOT do that.
The characters are surprisingly well developed for a short film, and the writing is efficient and crisp which makes for great pacing. I actually found is hard to believe that this was Jerry Janda Jr.'s first film writing effort, and I look forward to seeing what he has in store for the future. The effects are minimal, but excellent.
Director Jeremiah Kipp lends his usual deft hand and his trademarks are clear, from the way the camera moves and tracks to the handling of dialogue, it's all there. If you are not familiar with Jeremiah's work, you should be.
I also have to give props to all of the actors in this film. They really seemed to enjoy their roles and settled into them quite nicely. Kelly Rae Legault, a friend of The Horror Nerd, is well on her way to becoming a a star!
I was not entirely sure what to expect with this film, but I am a BIG fan of medical/scientific horror, and this movie definitely fit the bill nicely. In fact, I wouldn't mind seeing the concept in this film expanded into a feature, that's how much I liked it!
The characters are surprisingly well developed for a short film, and the writing is efficient and crisp which makes for great pacing. I actually found is hard to believe that this was Jerry Janda Jr.'s first film writing effort, and I look forward to seeing what he has in store for the future. The effects are minimal, but excellent.
Director Jeremiah Kipp lends his usual deft hand and his trademarks are clear, from the way the camera moves and tracks to the handling of dialogue, it's all there. If you are not familiar with Jeremiah's work, you should be.
I also have to give props to all of the actors in this film. They really seemed to enjoy their roles and settled into them quite nicely. Kelly Rae Legault, a friend of The Horror Nerd, is well on her way to becoming a a star!
I was not entirely sure what to expect with this film, but I am a BIG fan of medical/scientific horror, and this movie definitely fit the bill nicely. In fact, I wouldn't mind seeing the concept in this film expanded into a feature, that's how much I liked it!
Horror Nerd's Rating: 4 out of 5 Broken Eyeglasses!!
For information on ordering "Painkiller" on DVD or VOD, visit www.painkillerfilm.com!