Based on a 1961 short story by Fredric Brown, George Vatistas’ The Hobbyist is an efficiently fashioned and captivating account of action, consequence, and murder all bathed in a palette fit for David Fincher.
On a dark and stormy night, across streets wet, reflecting the traffic lights and lazily blinking neon, a coated character named Sangstrom (Daniel Mitura) comes upon an antiquated drug store. Shaking off the bleakness of the evening, Sangstrom hurries straight up The Druggist (Robert W Smith).
Calm and calculated, the younger man quizzes the old whether he owns a poison as lethal as it is untraceable. The old man looks up from his quiet reading, removes his glasses, and leans forward, inviting the young man to join him for a coffee break.
Thus, the Druggist flips the sign closed on his establishment’s door before he and Sangstrom repair to the old man’s private quarters, where coffee is poured. The plot takes a mighty unique twist. As each man enjoys the warmth and comfort from their beverage in hand, the Druggist informs his guest that he is an ardent enthusiast, some may say hobbyist, for collecting and curating the more deadly poisons known to man.
“There will be no charge. Not for poison.”
So, yes, the old man can indeed help his smooth-faced customer with his request. There will be no charge. Not for poison. The price, however, includes a confession as to the want and purpose of procuring such a vial.
Sangstrom, though apprehensive, blurts forth his target. His unfaithful wife. The old man smiles as the game has now begun. What follows is a battle of wits and wills as the cost of killing and walking away is a price one might afford, but when the real toll of the evil exercise unfurls, like it or not, you’re gonna pay!
George Vatistas, with his cast and crew, has assembled a quick and compelling rendition of darkness, deceit, and deviltry with a brilliant (and award-winning) turn from the picture’s central character. The Hobbyist reminded this reviewer of the much-forgotten third film by Richard Kelly, The Box. Also based on a short story, it, like The Hobbyist, is a delightfully chilling look at the aftermath of completing a crime, the psychological effect, and the fate of the poor recipient of the wages of such a sin.
"…captivating account of action, consequence, and murder..."
