A totally twisted, deep-fried, Texas redneck murder story.

Killer Joe may mark director William Friedkin's (The French Connection, The Exorcist) return to filmmaking after a five-year absence (last seen with Bug, MIFF 07), however it's the calculating performance from Matthew McConaughey that commands attention. In a career-best turn, he demonstrates the menace behind his charismatic exterior, playing the titular corrupt cop and assassin for hire.

His involvement in the trailer trash schemes of a family (including Into the Wild's Emile Hirsch and Kaboom's Juno Temple) willing to trade blood for money sets in motion a sordid tale of sex, sin, violence and revenge. In an adaptation of Tracey Letts' play, Joe's actions form the basis of the brutal, blood-splattered black comedy.

This wonderfully dark, depraved and deranged feature won the Mouse d'Oro (for best film as judged by online critics) at the 2011 Venice Film Festival.

Rated R18+

D William Friedkin P Nicholas Chartier, Scott Einbinder S Tracy Letts Dist Village Roadshow Entertainment TD DCP/2011