Lions Gate continues to be the leaders in bringing us horror fans off-beat and original films to help us escape the doldrums of formula and this directorial debut by Robert Parigi (who also wrote the script) is another fine example.

Kenneth (Desmond Harrington) is the writer of technical instruction manuals and a pretty meager guy living a dull life with no friends and no woman. All that changes though when he orders one of the life-like silicone "love dolls" from a pamphlet he dubs "Nikki" and has modelled after his new assistant at work, Lisa (the cute Melissa Sagemiller). Eventually though he starts going off the deep end when he starts getting into a relationship with Lisa which leads to "Nikki" getting jealous (which director Parigi shows by having the doll pop-up in odd places and makes Kenneth distance himself from it - like when he's watching a movie with it and is sitting on the opposite side of the couch) and soon explodes into full-blown mental breakdown when he kidnaps his co-worker with morbid thoughts in mind.

More psychological thriller than straight-out horror, this is one interesting and deranged film that's effectively unsettling (especially in the somewhat disturbing finale) due to having an engrossing script, good acting by the cast (the leads are great and character actor favourite Udo Kier amuses as the nosy landlord), and an idea that's original, creative, and outright warped.

Joins 2002's May as one of the more "different" horror films in the past five years and comes highly recommended. Gotta love the darkly hilarious "cutting up the body" moments (you'll see). (Chris Hartley, 10/7/04)

Directed By: Robert Parigi.
Written By: Robert Parigi.

Starring: Desmond Harrington, Melissa Sagemiller, Udo Kier, Rip Torn.