The Factory (2012)

An obsessed cop is on the trail of a serial killer prowling the streets of Buffalo, N.Y. but when his teenage daughter disappears, he drops any professional restraint to get the killer.

Director:

Morgan O'Neill

Writers:

Morgan O'Neill, Paul Leyden (as Paul A. Leyden)

Stars:

John Cusack, Dallas Roberts, Vincent Messina

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Cusack	...	Mike
Jennifer Carpenter	...	Kelsey
Dallas Roberts	...	Carl
Mae Whitman	...	Abby
Sonya Walger	...	Shelly
Mageina Tovah	...	Brittany
Katherine Waterston	...	Lauren
Gary Anthony Williams	...	Darryl
Michael Trevino	...	Tad
Cindy Sampson	...	Crystal
Vincent Messina	...	Jed
Lita Tresierra	...	Divine
Andrew Johnson	...	Chief
Ksenia Solo	...	Emma
Charles Papasoff	...	Jerome

Storyline

Detective Mike Fletcher, a rugged and obsessive police officer, and his partner Kelsey Walker, are on the trail of a serial killer who prowls the streets targeting young streetwalkers. When his teenage daughter disappears, Fletcher discovers that the killer has kidnapped her after mistaking her for a prostitute. Fletcher's obsession goes into overdrive when he drops all professional restraint to get the killer and save his daughter.

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Plot Keywords:

missing girl | detective | serial killer | prostitute | police officer | 

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Genres:

Crime | Mystery | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence including disturbing images, language throughout and some sexual material

Did You Know?

Trivia

Inspired by the Gary M. Heidnik murders that took place between 1986 to 1987

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Goofs

When Abby gets a light for her cigarette, the killer holds the car lighter against the filter end of the cigarette.

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Connections

Features A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child (1989)

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Soundtracks

Put Me In Your Pocket
Written by Lee O'Daniel
Performed by Merle Haggard

User Reviews

Great core acting and filming but a plot with some implausible (stupid?) turns

The Factory (2012)

Well, this is a pretty well made movie with some terrible holes in the plot and the writing. So it ends up being just "stupid" in the way that you are pulled along and want to believe the plot and then it's just not believable. Those few large flaws blow out the whole movie.

Too bad. The photography in particular is really good. And the ambiance in snowy Buffalo is terrific. In fact, the constant snow and all the dark scenes with flashlights seems inspired by "Seven" where it's all rain and flashlights. "The Factory" however isn't as well made as a Fincher movie, naturally enough (few movies these days are). And the basic story here is a little contrived from the get-go, even without the holes in the plot.

The idea of a pair of cops pursuing a mysterious serial killer is a cliché of the movies, of course (including "Seven" which didn't invent the idea). And it could work here. A ridiculous coincidence halfway through throws the movie, and the characters, into a tizzy (one of the characters even bemoans his bad luck). But the basic whodunnit is intact and the great filming makes it pulse along pretty well.

The main character is John Cusack who holds his end up well--he's probably a better goofy dad than a relentless cop but he's decent at both. The supporting cast around him is good, though the female cop sidekick isn't especially compelling, just going through the paces of a female cop sidekick (this is Jennifer Carpenter). The daughter is another story, a surprisingly complex character and a good young actress (Mae Whitman, famous for her role in "Parenthood" more than anything, I think). It's not a bad cast.

In fact, the film has the bones of being excellent. It's the story, and the specific writing that went into the story, that kills it. No pun intended.

Details

Country:

France Canada USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 June 2013 (Japan)

Also Known As:

The Factory

Filming Locations:

New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$25,000,000 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$30,640

Company Credits

Production Co:

Dark Castle Entertainment, Mel's Cite du Cinema, Silver Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1