A struggling novelist’s writer’s block takes the personification of a menacing painter and decorator in this dark psychological thriller by writer and director Matt Harlock. Floundering with his second book, nervy writer Will (Danny Horn) is drowning in anxiety, self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
A pep talk from aggressive handyman Mikey (Joe Sims) does the job, encouraging Will to… well, not write exactly, but take procrastination to violent new levels. Spurred on by his deeply unpleasant muse, troubled Will uses his newfound confidence to confront those he perceives as having done him wrong, from publishers to other, more successful novelists. It’s Secret Window meets Fight Club, if either John Turturro or Brad Pitt had been a threatening handyman with a regional accent.
Deep dark down, it’s a more compelling portrayal of imposter syndrome and writer’s block (Blockhead, geddit) than it is a story about a troubled man on a killing spree, lacking much in the way of creativity or tension where its kill sequences are concerned. However, Horn is fantastic as the fraying-around-the-edges author, turning on a dime between scary and sympathetic. His chemistry with Mikey is electric, and the film’s workman antagonist is sparingly utilised enough to not outstay his welcome.
A solid enough independent thriller, but a really good depiction of the profound discomfort artsy types have around those who work a more hands-on profession.
BLOCKHEAD premiered at UK FrightFest on August 23rd, 2025.
