The Killing Time (1987)

The Killing Time Poster

After a psychopath murders a man who was on his way to a job as a deputy sheriff in a small California town, he assumes the deputy's identity and arrives in town to start his new 'job'. What he doesn't know is that the recently appointed sheriff and his mistress are plotting to murder her evil husband—and blame it on the new deputy.

Film Synopsis: The Killing Time
"The Killing Time" is an American thriller film directed by Rick King and launched in 1987. It stars Kiefer Sutherland, Beau Bridges, and Camelia Kath. The motion picture elaborately links thriller, secret, and psychological analysis, causing a frightening climax that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

Plot Summary
The extreme narrative of "The Killing Time" revolves around Brian Marsh (Kiefer Sutherland), a young forensic professional who dedicates a murder he intends to pin on Sam Wayburn, a paranoid and violent trucker. After beheading the unwary trucker with a shovel, he assumes Sam's identity. He lands in a village where Sam was expected to sign up with as a constable. Uninformed of Sam's death and his switched identity, the townspeople warm up to Brian.

Meanwhile, Laura Winslow (Camelia Kath), who is in an unhappy marital relationship with a regional character called Jake Winslow (Wayne Rogers) while having an affair with Deputy Ted Rand (Joe Don Baker), ends up being obsessed with Brian, making complex matters.

Fascinating Storyline
Brian attempts to dissolve in the town strategically, concealing his genuine identity, his criminal activity, and his motives. However, the situation spirals out of control when Brian falls for Laura, provoking jealousy and rage in Jake, her husband. This causes a series of fights and twisted occurrences, underlining the desperate and vulnerable elements of humanity.

Moreover, amid the chaos, Brian's dark mystery is on the verge of being exposed. Entrusted to no option however to take on the upcoming crisis, Brian develops a strategy to get rid of anybody who becomes suspicious of him.

Climax and Ending
The story intensifies to a climax where Brian's identity is exposed, and he is knotted in a frightening face-off with Laura's spouse and her secret lover. In a sudden turn of events, Laura eliminates both Jake and Ted to secure Brian. At the end of the film, she leaves town with Brian, who adopts another brand-new identity.

Overall Review
"The Killing Time" is an interesting psychological thriller that represents a twisted tale of murder, deception, and love. Its unique storytelling approach, coupled with intense performances by Kiefer Sutherland, Beau Bridges, and Camelia Kath, make for a satisfying cinematic experience. It checks out contrasting aspects of humanity as the characters navigate through guilt, desperation, enthusiasm, and worry. The film holds its audience captive with its suspenseful story till its hair-raising end.

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