Born to Kill

Reminded me of "Psycho", and even more so the recent series "Bates Motel" which was suppose to be a "Psycho" prequel. A comment by our 16 yr. old central figure connects the three movies/series, "I'm a man now. I'm all grown up. I can take care of you now.", in reference to his now dominating his "single" mom. A sub-theme, behind the tragedies, is whether a psychopath is primarily the result of genetics or environment (of course some of each, but just looking at primary sources).

Disturbingly well acted; you will never trust a smiling courteous person again after seeing this. Background sound effects, and music were spot on appropriate. Negatives are: Need a more creative title; ending could have used a bit more thought; research by the writers as to an unconscious person under water for some time is still using O2, and upon first consciousness will gulp in water which obviously is not good.

The writers had a great idea and ruined it with a horribly rushed wrap- up that made no sense and was just preposterous.

The homicidal teen Sam played by Jack Rowan is a role that must be this young man's front door key to the big time. He's absolutely first-rate as the teen whose clever facade is gently chipped away at by unfolding events. He's devilishly convincing as the smiling, genial menace with murderous designs on his mind.

Incapable of empathy, he has learned to behave somewhat normally. But when things don't go his way, the chinks in his armor are exposed. And on top of that, he gives in to his homicidal urges rather too easily.

His mom works as a nurse in an old people's ward which gives him a steady supply of victims... but when he finds out that his dad's not really dead things start to spiral out of control.

There are some genuinely unnerving scenes as Sam becomes increasingly careless and the body count rises. The photography and music add to the drama in a good way...

Unfortunately, even the (potentially award winning?) performance from Rowan and the clever production values can't excuse the clunker of an ending... which I won't spoil for you as you might disagree with me and think it's great! In which case you'll be cursing me for having read this review before watching it for yourself. But in my opinion, the writers got bored and just added an episode of 'The Bill' to tie this one up!

A special mention to Daniel Mays who had to act the part of Bill, the most limp wristed crybaby in Britain. There's no way this sorry sack of femininity was ever a high-ranking police detective. It's difficult to figure out how this man-child even became a father!

'Born To Kill' could have been a spectacular and memorable series but the silly ending consigned it to the forgettable television dumpster of good tries. Bloody shame that. I actually feel a bit ripped off, having been drawn in so well by the first three episodes!

An unusual drama that follows the life of a young man who shows empathy with and generosity toward the elderly and infirm. He spends much of his spare time attending the local hospital, reading books to the patients, who eagerly await his next visit. He appears to have a great love of life, defending and protecting the vulnerable, even sticking up for an unpopular kid at his school who is being bullied.

His helpful and ebullient manner gains him the confidence and trust of the community. As events unfold however, it appears that his easy rapport and fixation with the elderly might disguise a morbid fascination with death, and that a darker spirit may lurk beneath his angelic exterior.

Beautifully written, performed and directed. The premise is depressingly awful of course, but nevertheless, the plot unravels in a believable way and pulls you in from the very start. - 8.3/10

This is a very well done thriller. It really captures the workings of the psychopathic mind. The performances are all great. Jack Rowan deserves an award for the charming and sinister, Sam. Romola Garai is great as the mother, slowly realizing her son is a monster. Daniel Mays and Lara Peake also turn in quality performances.The direction and story are tight and keeps you wondering what will happen up to the last minutes of the series. 'Born to Kill' doesn't fall for any psycho-killer cliches, either. It's the story of a burgeoning serial killer and though the situations are tense they remain natural. This is not movie story writing. This is allowing the events to unfold as they would. If you like thrillers that have the feel of True Crime, you will really like this limited series. Highly recommended.

Jack Rowan delivers an astonishing performance and has commanding presence. He posses heartthrob looks and an intriguing ability to sell this character's treachery and quirks. What an amazing feat for a young talent.

Romola Garai is surprisingly convincing in this role that is 10 years older than she is. Her character compartmentalizes and as situations become overwhelming, Garai keeps the lid on the melodrama and cuts to the heart of her character.

The title is so very on-the-nose and unfortunate. The show itself is an incredible journey into troubled psychology masked by teenage angst and turmoil.