By Melissa Garza
Sometimes, despite the economy and the holiday season, you just have to do something for yourself. For me, that was purchasing the channel Creepster on my Roku. So far, I must say that their horror selection is the best I’ve seen since video stores from the 80s.
Yesterday, I came across the Spanish film Hand of the Assassin. Part Ten Little Indians and part House on Haunted Hill, Hand of the Assassin delivers a competent whodunit that has several twists and turns.
Romano (Jose M. Caffarel) runs a large spa/hotel that is basically all but desolate. His wife Margarita (Katia Lortiz) is fed up with the spa and wants to sell it. She’s also fed up with Romano and wants a divorce. Meanwhile, a huge rainstorm forces several people to show up and stay at Romano’s.
They all gather in the dining area as Margarita turns down the lights and begins singing to entertain the guests. A scream is heard and it’s discovered that one of the guests that had a briefcase of money has been murdered. The group all panic knowing that there’s a murderer among them who has stolen all the cash.
The suspects line up and no one including an elderly grandmother is above suspicion.
Soon, the body count mounts and determining who the killer is becomes difficult, but even upon that reveal there is more to figure out.
This was most certainly a surprising gem. The pace is perfect and the atmosphere is chilling. The twist at the conclusion is very Twilight Zone esque. The acting is great and the characters are interesting.
This is definitely one to seek out. It is also known under the original Spanish title The Face of the Murderer or El rostro del asesino. It is a fantastic film and a very fun horror production.
Scared Stiff Reviews: 7/10
This title and many other greats is available through Creepster TV. Check them out at http://www.creepster.tv/
