10 Terrible Horror Movies That Had Unbelievably Good Endings
8. The Killing Gene
In The Killing Gene, police officer, Eddie Argo (Stellan Skarsgard) learns there's a serial killer in New York, who gives each victim a choice to sacrifice themselves or let a loved one die.
The Killing Gene has promise, but it's hampered by a muddled story and excessive subplots. Phenomenal actors, like Sally Hawkins and a pre-fame Tom Hardy, are wasted in their paper-thin roles. Skarsgard has ample screen-time, but his talents aren't enough to make his depthless character compelling.
Fortunately, the film is almost saved by its thought-provoking twist. In the end, Argo learns the assailant is Jean Lerner (Selma Blair), who was forced years ago to kill her mother to save her own skin. This incident convinced Jean all people are selfish, compelling her to give her victims a choice to have someone else die in their place.
Just as Jean is about to slaughter her latest victim, Argo begs her to take his life instead. Upon doing so, she acknowledges she was wrong about humanity, urging Jean to turn herself in.
If the rest of the movie had this level of suspense and intrigue, The Killing Gene could've been something special.