Patrick (1978) 6/10

Patrick is one the big three in Australian horror films, along with Strange Behaviour, and Thirst. Australia has never been a major player in horror but these three films reached cult status abroad and here. Recently because of the popularity of Wolf Creek, the Australian horror industry has begun to grow. There's even been talk of re-making Patrick and Thirst.

Patrick is about a troubled youth that vicsiously kills his mother for being "loose." After her death he slips into total catatonia and finally brain dead coma. He's put into an institution to rot away. A new nurse is hired and she begins to suspect that Patrick may not be what he seems. She begins to think that perhaps he's telekinetic and has been hurting and killing people close to her. Can she prove her suspicions before its too late?

As the premise suggests the film is a real pot boiler. Very little happens throughout the film, yet the director expertly keeps the audience waiting for something to occur. The body count is very low in the film but the tension is high. Its not what Patrick is doing, its what he might do next. His activity progresses and becomes more malicious as the film progresses culminating in a violent display.

The film works well and is well acted and very well directed. The problem is that by now the film has become dated and is a bit too slow for today's standards. The film is enjoyable but too little happens throughout. This one's for a viewer with patience and an interest in telekinetic horror.

Gore - very mild

Nudity - none

Overall - 6/10