It’s all very well playing a super hero, and gracing the cover of nigh on every magazine cover in the world, but there’s a point where glamorous actresses have to ‘step up’ in terms of acting. Jennifer Aniston had ‘The Good Girl’ (although, to be fair, not much of note since), Angelina Jolie had ‘Girl, Interrupted’, and now Jessica Alba has a shot at the drama world in Michael Winterbottom’s literary adaptation, ‘The Killer Inside Me’.

Texan Sheriff Lou (Casey Affleck) is a pillar of the community- respected by the townspeople, good at his job, and courting a sweet local gal (Kate Hudson). There’s just one problem, Lou is a serial killer. Calling his compulsions his ‘sickness’, he quietly covers up his crimes. That is until the murder of a local prostitute (Jessica Alba) becomes a wider investigation led by a county attorney (Simon Baker) and threatens to shatter Lou’s life. 

Director Winterbottom certainly doesn’t pull punches- recreating 80’s hedonism in ’24 Hour Party People’, kidnap in the Angelina Jolie drama ‘A Mighty Heart’, and real-life sex in ‘9 Songs.’ But hold on to your hats, dear readers, as this goes right for the gut. Like a cross between ‘No Country For Old Men’ and TV show ‘Dexter’, he presents a thrilling, and quite terrifying character. Indeed, perhaps it’s the stark violence and remorseless evil of the central character that takes away from the plot, riveting though it is, because whilst it’s a film you can’t take your eyes from, it’s one you will look at through your fingers.

Casey Affleck has quietly turned out amazing performances in the indie world. Anyone who’s seen his performance in ‘Gone Baby Gone’ (directed by big bro Ben) will already know he can handle intense roles, but this is on another level. His portrayal of Lou is that of a man with absolutely no redeeming features, which is completely unnerving as you follow him through his dreadful deeds. As for his two main ladies- Alba is sultry but forgettable as the ‘lady of the night’ Joyce; whilst on the other side of the spectrum Hudson is wonderful as his feisty girlfriend Amy. One downside is some unconvincing support, particularly from Baker who fails to make an impact as Lou’s pursuer.

A stylish and gripping film that may lose fans due to its incredibly graphic nature, and lacks a bit in the supporting performances. Nevertheless Affleck shines once again creating a terrifying character in a diabolically engrossing thriller.

The Killer Inside Me is released on 14 June.