Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer takes a stone-cold look at the calm cruelty serial killers have toward life and living beings. Henry (Michael Rooker), a serial killer, methodically moves from town to town, killing women and men who raise his ire. He’s joined by Otis (Tom Towles), a drug dealer and friend from jail who knows about Henry’s dark past. Otis also has recently reunited with his sister, Becky (Tracy Arnold).
Henry has some of the most bone-chilling scenes in all of horror. The movie itself is so effective because of Henry and Otis’ mismatched personas. Henry kills in a deadpan, methodical manner, while Otis loudly revels in the terror and mayhem he’s causing. Their dueling personalities paired with how they treat Becky make for an uncomfortable vibe that lasts throughout the film.