The road is hell.|Jan. 04, 2022|United States|96 Min.|n/A
Genre: Horror;Thriller
Description: Lief Rucker, a trucker portrayed by Bobby C. King, spends his days hauling freight across America’s highways while harboring a dark secret. In his spare time, he targets women who remind him of his ex-wife, turning his long drives into a deadly routine. Maggie, played by Cheyenna Lee, is a filmmaker documenting truck drivers, with Rucker as her central subject. When she uncovers his sinister activities, she decides to keep recording, capturing his crimes on camera.
The concept of truck driving serial killers isn’t new, with films like *Road Games* and *Midnight in the Switchgrass* exploring similar themes. Likewise, documenting serial killers has been seen in movies such as *Man Bites Dog* and *Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon*. So, what sets *Rucker* apart? The movie opens with grainy footage of a violent act, accompanied by effects crafted by Steve Johnson, known for his work in *Videodrome* and *Men in Black*. This initially suggests a gritty, old-school slasher style.
Director Amy Hesketh, who co-wrote the film with Aaron Drane, doesn’t shy away from showing the killer in action. However, the repetitive nature of the killings, all following a similar pattern, becomes monotonous over time. Additionally, some scenes use CGI and camera tricks to alter the effects, raising questions about the need to tamper with the work of a seasoned effects artist like Johnson. Given that *Rucker* is unrated, this creative choice feels unnecessary.
Despite its flaws, *Rucker* attempts to carve out its niche within the serial killer genre, blending documentary-style storytelling with gruesome violence. Whether it succeeds in standing out remains up to the viewer.
Cast director: Amy Hesketh
Cast actor: Bobby C. King, Cheyenna Lee, Jessica Cameron, Jennifer True, Vicki Shamp, Leona Britt, Corey Taylor
Original name: Rucker