Tetromaniac: 61 – Scorecard Killer is a 2023 Italian extreme horror, written and directed by Domiziano Cristopharo and Poison Rouge. Domiziano is known as the writer and director of such films as Bloody Sin (2011), and The Transparent Woman (2015). Whereas Poison Rouge is known for directing American Guinea Pig: Sacrifice (2016), and 7 Sins (2020). The film is the latest in TetroVideo’s exclusive series, Tetromaniacs, a collection of extreme horror films based on real-life cases of serial killers.
As the name suggests, Tetromaniac: 61 – Scorecard Killer takes its basis from the crimes of American serial killer, Randy Steven Kraft, also known as the Scorecard Killer, the Southern California Strangler, and the Freeway Killer. Between 1972 and 1983, Kraft had committed the rape, torture, and murder of a minimum of sixteen young men (however, the number is believed to be closer to 51). Kraft became known as the “Scorecard Killer” upon his arrest after investigators discovered a coded list with sixty-one entries on a scorecard containing cryptic references to his victims.
However, those looking for a realistic look into the life of this sadistic killer or the extent of his crimes may be slightly disappointed, as the film works more of a reimagining of this tale of terror rather than a biopic. As such, numerous changes have been implemented such as taking place in a more modern era rather than the 70s-80s, using a multitude of different technology such as smartphones and home printers. Furthermore, while the film is meant to be set in America, it is discernable that all cars have Italian license plates—whether this is intentional or not is up for debate.
Additionally, the inclusion of multiple hallucinatory scenes certainly cements Tetromaniac: 61 – Scorecard Killer in the realm of artistic expression rather than a biographical film. The innocent victim experiences a number of scenarios far beyond what is expected as his mind regresses into a bizarre fever dream to escape the graphic torture experienced.
Whilst the majority of the film takes place in the killer’s car as he abuses and tortures his victim, the cinematography in Tetromaniac: 61 – Scorecard Killer certainly imbues the claustrophobic environment upon the audience. Mostly featuring tight, close-up shots of the characters as well as the visceral carnage perpetrated on the victim, the film undoubtedly delivers an uncomfortable adjacency to the action.
The real star of the show is, unequivocally, the film’s special effects, delivering an abundance of brutal depravity throughout its runtime. Yet, while these vicious acts are incredibly graphic, displaying a discomfiting, unbridled visualisation of this TORTURE, the effects present a realistic nihilism rather than a comedic geyser of gore—further reinforcing its pragmatic, unbridled depiction.
An inventive reimagining of the crimes of Randy Steven Kraft, Tetromaniac: 61 – Scorecard Killer’s extreme rendition of this final murder committed by the sadistic killer certainly holds nothing back in its portrayal of criminality. With its vivid special effects, excellent cinematography, and innovative vision, the film isn’t scared to delve into uncharted territory in terms of brutality or creativity.
Tetromaniac: 61 – Scorecard Killer (2021) is available to preorder from TetroVideo’s Website here.
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Hey there, I’m Jim and I’m located in London, UK. I am a Writer and Managing Director here at Grimoire of Horror. A lifelong love of horror and writing has led me down this rabbit hole, allowing me to meet many amazing people and experience some truly original artwork. I specialise in world cinema, manga/graphic novels, and video games but will sometime traverse into the unknown in search of adventure.