Patients and staff in a mental institution are on the rampage and a doctor is trapped. Sort of sounds OK. Unfortunately, the actual execution of the idea fails on a number of levels.
An early reference to the ghost of a girl haunting the institution may explain the demonic possession of some of the inmates and staff. Possession is indicated by eyes turning black and maniacal laughing.
So many questions. Why not untie the rescued doctor? Would a rubbish bin really obstruct a door? Would a throat have a slit before the knife is run across it? And so and so on.
And then there is the homeless girl whose appearance and significance remain inexplicable despite best efforts at explanation.
There is an awkward and stilted gap between many of the dialogue exchanges which destroys tension.
Director, writer and, producer Johnny Johnson is clearly working with a very limited budget and a virtually unknown cast of actors. These tax his own abilities in the various roles he assumes.
Steve Hope Wynne, as fired security guard Thomas Reid, carries the can as far as evil protagonists go. He throws himself into the role with enthusiasm but pulling back a bit, employing a degree of subtly, would have enhanced his characterization. There is something of the Panto to his performance. (Oh, this is an English production.)
Tzevt Lazar, as Leszek Nowicki, the inmate with a story and heart, is the standout cast member but, and forgive the harshness, the bar isn't set that high.
The dialogue is corny, the acting often hammy and the plot at times confusingly incoherent.
I'm certain that all went into the project with the best intentions but Psychotic goes south very quickly.