The Carpenter
Director: David Wellington
Actors: Wings Hauser, Lynne Adams, Pierre Lenoir
PlotAlice Jarett, a woman recovering from a mental breakdown, moves into an old, secluded house in the countryside with her husband, Martin. The house is in dire need of renovation, which proves to be a source of tension between Alice—who seeks stability—and Martin, who is preoccupied with his work, leaving Alice alone to cope. One night, Alice is startled to discover a skilled carpenter working diligently on their home. She watches him with fascination as he silently and efficiently restores the house with meticulous care. Her curiosity grows, and she soon learns that the carpenter appears only at night, working in eerie solitude.
As Alice spends more time observing the mysterious man, she becomes increasingly enchanted by his presence. The nocturnal renovations become a source of solace for her, providing comfort as she struggles with her own mental frustrations and isolation. However, as the renovations progress, it becomes apparent that the carpenter harbors a dark and dangerous side, shrouded in mystery. His relentless efforts on the house begin to reveal sinister secrets tied to both him and the history of the property. As the lines between reality and Alice's fragile mental state start to blur, an unsettling tension surfaces. The true nature of her companion's presence and intentions begins to unravel, threatening her grasp on sanity and safety.
Writers: Doug Taylor
Release Date: 27 Aug 1988
Runtime: 87 min
Rating: R
Country: Canada
Language: English
Physical Media Reviews
The Carpenter
Blu-ray Review
Score: 78
The Carpenter blends B-movie style with nuanced character exploration, offering more depth than typical slasher films, despite tonal inconsistencies.