On January 14th, 1978, a serial killer was on the loose in a town in Tallahassee. The male killer would stalk and pickpocket the locals, successfully stealing cash and IDs. He was also skilled at blending in with anyone who seemed suspicious or uncomfortable with his presence. The killer was also charming, and many struggled not to give in to his looks or charm. Now, the killer's newest target is the female students currently attending Florida University. In the film, viewers will soon discover that the serial killer is based on none other than Ted Bundy. Throughout the next eighty minutes, the film will provide various points of view and over-the-shoulder shots with a slightly shaky cam effect, allowing viewers to follow the killer as he stalks his targets and gathers intel on them. Viewers will also witness the killer’s interactions with potential victims, including flirting and attempting to engage in open discussions. It's clear that the killer is becoming increasingly tempted to commit something terrible and sickening as the night progresses. Will there be any survivors, and will he be caught before it's too late? Following a mysterious killer around is an uncomfortable and sickening experience, and the film did an excellent job of conveying this, given how real everything feels from his viewpoint. You can hear him breathing heavily and his heart racing at various times when there are more remarkable moments of temptation or risks of getting caught in the act. The killer’s vision and thought life are also hard to watch, such as when you see him imagining skin and flesh being ripped off. Once again, the film goes for it, showing viewers a dark insight into his mind and the gross thoughts behind his actions on the outside. Andrew Sykes’s portrayal of the killer is awe-inspiring, particularly in his handling of emotions and dialogue. His performance convincingly depicts the killer as charming one moment before quickly becoming aggressive and rude when things don’t go as planned. "The Black Mass" is a brutal and intense film that stands out from typical slasher or mystery killer movies. Directed by Devanny Pinn, this first feature offers a disturbing look into the mind and actions of Ted Bundy. The concept is clever, with many impactful and unsettling moments, and Andrew Sykes delivers an excellent performance as the killer, displaying a wide range of emotions and dialogue. The plot unfolds without real surprises, and viewers will likely figure out how it will all unfold early on. Due to its heavy nature and predictable outcomes, it’s not the kind of film you’d want to watch multiple times. While it may not be for everyone, I appreciated the craftsmanship, concept, and underlying message. The message is essential and moving, especially for those victims of terrible crimes, making it a significant viewing experience. * This review has been written for Sanity. For more reviews from Walkden Entertainment, check out the full review here: www.walkdenentertainment.com