“American Maniacs” (2012)

Where does one begin to explain CM Downs’ “American Maniacs” (aka “FETCH”)? From its gritty, high contrasted visuals to its downright angry story (penned by “Deadgirl” writer, Trent Haaga), this is a flick made for hardcore fans of the genre.

In a small Kansas town, country life is anything but simple or safe. The inhabitants are a volatile mix of hostile predators, violent ex-cons, meth-head strippers, perverted cops, and psychopathic murderers who raise flesh-eating dogs. They all underestimate each other, and for that…they all will pay!

I started to feel like a bad person somewhere around thirty seconds into watching this. While not a gore fest (though you will find plenty), MANIACS has an ambiance of vileness about it. A biting, angry take on rural life that will leave you never wanting to visit your redneck cousins ever again. But not in that out-played “Deliverance” sort of way. This is really just a day in the life model of story involving some of the most f**ked up characters put to film.

Downs does a good job with the film’s pacing and treating the source material in an honest way, while Trent Haaga delivers on being one of the better “WTF” writers of our generation. The movie does fall into the occasional trappings to be expected of an indie film, but pulls itself together under the hand of a talented director.

All-in-all, it’s a film you need to see. If for no other reason than it being an original take on the genre in a world full of rip-offs. But mostly because it’s an enjoyable flick, made by sick bastards for sick bastards. I, for one, can’t wait to see what CM Downs does next!