Comparable to Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, Confessions is based on the life and unspeakable crimes of Henry Lee Lucas, one of the most prolific murderers between the 1960’s through his capture in the 1980’s.  

Unearthed Films’ founder Stephen Biro has masterfully restored and resurrected Confessions of a Serial Killer to a fabulous level of grittiness that sparks the nostalgia of 80’s music, remoteness, and a somewhat carefree spirit of the decade, darkened by the horrors of heightened naiveté.  

Remorseless hillbilly Daniel sits across from a detective in a local police station after having been arrested for a minor traffic incident. However, upon further inspection…the dead body in the trunk was a grisly giveaway to an entirely more brutal and painstakingly long story that expands over several decades.  

Daniel recounts many of his killing experiences all matter-of factly, beginning with his first victim at the age of 15 when a hooker rejected him. What was he expected to do? He mindlessly picked up a 2x4 and brutally beat her to death before walking off as if it were a commonplace activity. The more frequent the slaughters, the more normalcy he felt in his hum drum life as a filler for odd jobs, on the run with his sidekick, Moon (a fellow bi-sexual oddball, with oaf-like appeal.)  

Once Moon’s sister Molly enters the picture, the newly formed threesome spread their bloody rampage along highway trails and small-town dwellings where they can hide in the shadows and become completely forgettable. Hitchhikers and home invasions increase to a morbid level while they blend into the nomadic lifestyle of hunting people for sport…and morose pleasure.  

While the detectives note all the evilness that lives within Daniel, his confessions are equivalent to current trade resources and the nightly news. Once faced with the notion of being a phony serial killer, Daniel provides some unconscionable proof that validates his participation in countless homicides, all the while enjoying a cheeseburger and chocolate milkshake.

The most disconcerting piece of Confessions isn’t the cruelty of each rape and murder, but rather the lack of regret for human life. The admission is dismissive of the terror and atrocity created by Daniel. He shows absolutely no signs of repentance or sorrow for any of his victims. Except perhaps, a wee bit for his slain wife, Molly. Poor girl.