People left 'traumatized' by ending of extremely controversial x-rated serial killer movie

A 1986 horror movie has been labelled as both 'traumatizing' and 'phenomenal' at the time same.

The 80s were arguably the decade for classic horror movies. The likes of The Shining, The Thing, Aliens and A Nightmare on Elm Street were all released in that decade, and there's a lesser-known film that's still shaking people to their core to this day.

"I can’t watch it without mental/emotional preparation," one viewer wrote.

"I remember seeing this ending as a young kid and being traumatized," said another of the 1986 movie.

A third said: "That movie feels disturbingly real. The kind of exploitation that really gets under your skin."

Another called it 'probably the only horror film that was good that I may never watch again'.

Starring Guardians of the Galaxy's Michael Rooker, the 69-year-old portrayed the titular character in Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer.

Inspired by real-life convict Henry Lee Lucas, the movie's synopsis reads: "Henry (Michael Rooker) is released from prison following his mother's murder. He supplements his job as an exterminator with a series of indiscriminate and violent murders."

We also follow Otis (Tom Towles), loosely based on Ottis Toole, who becomes Henry's accomplice.

Things get an ever more chaotic when Henry forms a relationship with Otis' sister Becky (Tracy Arnold).

Throughout the film, Henry is in cahoots with Otis and Becky but - spoiler alert - ultimately ends up killing Otis in a very gruesome manner.

While it isn't seen, Becky's murder by Henry is also heavily implied after a bloody suitcase is seen thrown on the side of the road.

In the years that have followed the film, Rooker has since confirmed that it was indeed Becky in the suitcase.

He previously revealed to HuffPost: "Oh, that’s definitely Becky in the suitcase."

With the brutal nature of the film's ending in mind, it's safe to say it's stuck with viewers after all this time.

Recently reminiscing about the movie, one person penned on X alongside a clip of Henry dumping the suitcase with Becky in: "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer's ending is evil and makes me sick to my stomach whenever I'm reminded of it (a compliment)."

And they aren't alone in loving the gruesome yet brilliant movie as it boasts an 89 percent critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is available to stream on Peacock.

Topics: Horror, Film and TV

Niamh Shackleton

Niamh Shackleton is an experienced journalist for UNILAD, specialising in topics including mental health and showbiz, as well as anything Henry Cavill and cat related. She has previously worked for OK! Magazine, Caters and Kennedy.

@niamhshackleton