Frenzy (1972)

Frenzy (1972) is a tense, darkly comic thriller set in a grimy, rain-slick London where a brutal serial killer is strangling women with a necktie. The story follows Richard Blaney, a down-on-his-luck ex–RAF man whose life unravels after his ex-wife is murdered and he becomes the police’s prime suspect. As he scrambles to prove his innocence, the true killer — a charismatic but vicious friend — continues his crimes, framing Richard and escalating the stakes. The result is a tight cat-and-mouse drama: mounting paranoia, narrow escapes, and a race against time as Richard dodges cops and pursues the man who destroyed his life. Watching Frenzy you’ll feel Hitchcock’s mastery of suspense and pacing: gritty London locations and everyday details create an oppressive, believable world; sudden bursts of brutality and moral ambiguity keep you off balance; and moments of caustic, black humor relieve tension while sharpening the film’s edge. The tone shifts between visceral shock and wry observation, building to a claustrophobic, suspenseful climax that forces viewers to confront both the horror of the crimes and the fragility of justice. Content warning: contains depictions of violent sexual crime, physical violence, and strong language.

Actors: Jon Finch, Barry Foster, Barbara Leigh-Hunt

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Runtime: 116 min

Genre: Thriller

7.5 /10 92 /100 7.4 /10 8.0 /10