The successful psychologist Dr. Karen Schumaker (Rebecca Hobbs) comes to a mental institution directed by Dr. Marlowe (Roy Ward) to evaluate the dyslexic serial-killer Simon "The Ugly" Cartwright (Paolo Rotondo). Simon discloses the sad story of his life, bullied at school and abused by his mother Evelyn Cartwright (Jennifer Ward-Lealand). His only friend Julie was separated from him by his mother when he was a teenager. Simon claims that he hears voices that force him to kill. When Dr. Schumaker earns his trust, she discovers what is going inside Simon's head."The Ugly" is an original film with a different combination of drama, thriller and horror. The two nurses are nasty and the plot keeps the attention of the viewer until the very last scene. Unfortunately the conclusion is disappointing and gives the sensation that something is missing to be a great film. My vote is six.Title (Brazil): "The Ugly- O Maníaco" ("The Ugly – The Maniac")

Insane asylums are places where the most violent people from society are housed. Now, writer/director Scott Reynolds has selected one such character for a dramatic feature called " The Ugly. " The story centers on a very troubled young man named Simon Cartwright (Paolo Rotondo) who has spent years in a maximum psychiatric prison. Convicted by the courts as a serial murderer, his horrendous crimes have earned him great publicity and notoriety. So much so, that a strict and harsh prison warden Dr. Marlowe (Roy Ward) believes Cartright, to be violently and incurably insane and not to be trusted. However, a court medical order has granted, permission for a noted and re-known Phychirtrist Dr. Karen Schumaker to interview the dangerous killer. Inside the harsh environment, brutality is a by-word as the killer/inmate hopes to convince the visiting doctor, that after years of imprisonment, he is cured. He seeks to explain that ever since he was a child, both his abusive mother and a series of bullies and violent co-workers have created his dark side which haunts him with 'visiting' demons which cause him to act out. For the audience, we watch to see which story is the one which will emerge. Good dramatic acting from the cast and an excellent shadowy setting will offer us a chance to see for ourselves. Convinced, I recommend we all take a good look at who is the better lier, before we trust anyone. ****

Pretty disappointed with this movie as it happens. It came to me highly recommended by some people whose opinions I trust on such things but it really doesn't pass muster.The opening scene was pretty good to be fair and the film had a few good things going for it. The two orderlies were class - must have been fun roles to play, Jennifer Ward-Lealand is grotesque as Simon's mum and Reynolds certainly conjures up a bit of atmosphere.On the downside, it just wasn't very interesting. He's a serial killer who had a troubled childhood and was bullied at school. His mum was nasty to him and he hears voices in his head telling him to kill. Hardly revolutionary stuff is it? Roy Ward clearly watched lots of Bond movies to prepare for the role of Dr Marlowe. If you've seen Austin Powers, then think Dr Evil but with added demonic facial hair. All that was missing was a white cat for him to stroke.I've seen this compared to Silence Of The Lambs but Rotondo and Hobbs are no Hopkins and Foster. I've also seen this described by a lot of folk as 'overlooked' or 'unappreciated'. That may be true but then there are reasons why it's overlooked and unappreciated.Not a bad movie, just not the 'hidden gem' I'd been led to expect.

A very good horror/thriller. I personally loved this movie and would suggest it to anyone who likes to see a movie that is just different. If you like the kind of movie that will kinda make you think about the movie a while after you see and will make you want to see again. Go and see it.