In the new film No Man of God, Elijah Wood plays real-life FBI Special Agent Bill Hagmaier, who was a former guidance counselor recruited into the elite Behavioral Science Unit of the FBI. He is given the unenviable task of attempting to speak to serial killer Ted Bundy (Luke Kirby), who was outspoken on his hatred for Feds. But after a series of back-and-forth letters Bundy agrees to meet with Hagmaier, which begins years of interviews attempting to uncover more murders and bring closure to agonized families.
What’s amazing about Luke Kirby’s performance (not to mention the physical resemblance) is the way he lowers and cocks his head, speaking softly to the agent; drawing him in conspiratorially, teasing him that he will show him what makes him tick. But it is a cat and mouse game that lasts until Bundy’s court appeals finally diminished and hundreds of protestors lined up outside the Florida prison with “Burn Bundy” placards awaiting his date with the electric chair. That’s when Bundy agreed to own up to all the killings and give details, but still manipulating the situation right to the end.
Basically, a two-hander, director Amber Sealey does try to mix it up with a series of montages- random, disquieting shots that conjure the era and the stalking mindset of a murderer. But it’s the performances that draw you in and rivet you. Elijah Wood has a quiet dignity about him- you wonder how he was able to keep it together through some of their disturbing interviews. Luke Kirby is really quite extraordinary. What he gets right about Bundy is the power to charm and terrify at the same time. An end scene where he mentally drags the agent down into the abyss with him, describing in chilling detail a particular kill, is just harrowing.
( In Theaters, On Demand and Digital August 27)
