Psycho stalkers have been a fixture in the Horror Nation since the inception of the genre. From Norman Bates to Michael Myers, the seduction of the stalk coupled with the frightening facts that any stranger on the street could be harboring dark intentions, has given the genre some classic tales. Director Aaron Warren attempts to drive horror fans back down the dark highway of stalker films with, Todd.
Todd (Hans Hernke) is inches away from going over the edge, both psychologically and financially. He is a man that has always suffered from social isolationism and has now completely regressed since a tragedy struck his family. Todd seeks help for depression along with obsessive compulsive disorder from an unempathetic doctor. A change of prescriptions along with a chance encounter with an attractive young woman named Amy (Laura Stetman) send Todd spiraling into new obsessions. Amy is dealing with her own struggles when Todd begins to consistently pop up at her work. As life continues to roll Todd snake-eyes, his rage and lust spiral towards sinister consequences.
odd is a very good entry into the long catalog of loners gone looney films. Warren shoots a clean piece with creative shot selections that exemplify the psychological fall of the antagonist. Laura Stetman shows great emotional range as the shy yet strong Amy, while her supporting castmates are next to flawless throughout the film. If Max Cady and Annie Wilkes had a child, that kid would be Todd, played with terrific intensity by Hans Hernke. Hernke shifts from sulking loser to stalking psycho with ease, which keeps the viewer guessing if they should be rooting for his redemption or death. Iconic actor Michael Winslow (Police Academy) breaks up the slow burn style with a few fantastic cameo scenes.
Todd does suffer from its intended pace. The film plays as a small ripple building into a large wave, but there are lagging sections that would have benefited by exploring a few of the supporting cast roles in the plot. Despite several periods of stop and start development, Todd is a creepy feature that will be enjoyed by fans of thrillers and horror alike.
Scream Score: 7.1/10
(TODD CAN BE VIEWED ON TUBI)