Night Killer

Melanie Beck survives a brutal attack by a masked stalker who targets his victims with a glove and claw. The killer's face never fully comes into view, and the trauma remains locked behind a wall of memory. Plagued by fear and guilt, she heads to the coast in a desperate bid for oblivion, only to be pulled back from despair by Axel, a cynical man who insinuates himself into her life and keeps her confined in a seedy hotel room. The film builds a claustrophobic tension through manipulation, coercion, and the razor edge between safety and threat, exploring how trauma distorts perception without spoiling the aim of its dread. The setup stays focused on mood rather than sensational shocks.

Released in 1990, Night Killer was directed by Bruno Mattei and Claudio Fragasso with a story by Rossella Drudi. It sits in the Italian exploitation tradition, relying on practical effects and late 80s slasher aesthetics to create its grim atmosphere.

Critics tend to see it as a low budget shocker that leans on familiar tropes while offering a blunt look at trauma, power, and captivity. The film foregrounds control, memory disruption, and the psychology of fear under pressure, inviting viewers to question who holds the power in danger and uncertainty.

Among fans of Italian horror, Night Killer has a modest cult profile, thanks to its masked villain and grim tone. The look and box art echo late 80s slashers, helping it stand out in a crowded era and maintaining a place in the dialogue of grindhouse cinema for genre fans.

Box office figures for Night Killer are not widely reported, reflecting a modest release. The film circulated mainly in grindhouse theaters and on home video markets, which helped cultivate its cult reputation without achieving major commercial success in many regions.