A Glimpse into the Mind of a Psychopath
Wandering aimlessly through the suburbs, a man (Erwin Leder) eventually knocks on the door of a stranger’s home and brutally murders an elderly couple. After walking away from the scene, he is soon captured, arrested, and sentenced to ten years in prison. Through narration, viewers gain a deeper understanding of this man, as it is not the first time he has left behind bloodshed and tragedy. We also learn about his traumatic upbringing, marked by disturbing moments from childhood. In the present day, it becomes clear that this man is, without question, a psychopath.
Freedom Unleashes a New Wave of Terror
After serving ten years in prison, the Psychopath is finally released. Viewers are now treated to a narration from the man himself, revealing that he managed to conceal his true emotions while incarcerated and patiently waited for the day he would be free. Upon his release, his thirst for another kill quickly resurfaces, but this time, he claims that things will be different and that his victims will be carefully chosen. While wandering on foot, he stops at a local café where two young women are dining. The women appear to be the perfect targets, until he considers the noise and the number of nearby witnesses. Continuing through the town he once knew so well, he soon discovers a large home surrounded by trees, making it an ideal location for what he believes will be the perfect murder. When he finds the house empty, he breaks in by smashing a window. Not long after, a family of three returns home. Will the Psychopath succeed in fulfilling his dark fantasies and escape after his ultimate killing spree?
A Disturbing Descent into True Horror
Angst is a horror-thriller filled with intense and dramatic moments. The film is based on the true story of mass murderer Werner Kniesek. It is a German production, and fun fact, the word Angst translates to “fear” in English. The film was directed by Gerald Kargl, whose other work behind the camera includes the short film Skiing Scenes with Franz Klammer, which he co-directed and co-wrote.
Unrelenting Tension and Psychological Brutality
The film is quite disturbing yet brilliant. The on-screen violence is alarming but also invites viewers to experience the thoughts and actions of a psychopath driven by determination and a renewed thirst for blood and brutality against the innocent. Throughout the entire runtime, I found Angst to be highly unpredictable and gripping, and I was constantly questioning whether the Psychopath would succeed or if the family living in the home would manage to defend themselves from such a terrifying threat.
A Masterclass in Performance and Cinematic Technique
Portraying the on-screen Psychopath, Erwin Leder, delivers a fantastic performance that truly brings this disturbing character to life. His work here is deeply unsettling, convincing, and chilling. What makes the film even more impressive is Gerald Kargl’s exceptional camera direction. Throughout the film, we see creative aerial shots and a variety of angles, shot sizes and perspectives that heighten the tension and atmosphere. Even when the Psychopath walks, the camera moves with him. It may feel uneasy at first, but since we are following such a disturbed mind, this approach to filming feels perfectly fitting and remarkably effective.
A Haunting Masterpiece of Fear and Filmmaking Precision
Angst (1983) is now available on 4K UHD thanks to Umbrella!
Published: 27th October 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
CONNECT WITH PETER WALKDEN:
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
@walkdenentertainment / @walkdenpublicity
FOLLOW US ON LETTERBOXD:
@Peter_Walkden
THANK YOU FOR VISITING!
0 Comments