Citizen X

A topic as powerful as the pursuit and capture of one of history's most feared mass murderers understandably makes the acceptance of the film much easier, but it wouldn't be enough on its own if the film had a poor script and direction. Surprisingly, the creators restrain themselves from indulging in cheap depictions of horror in the American production, instead focusing on the psychology of the main characters and the slow progression of the investigation. Of course, the portrayal of Soviet reality in the film is not entirely authentic, and connoisseurs of the era may smirk a few times, but this won't bother the vast majority of viewers. Decent acting performances, quality direction, and good atmosphere. Overall impression: 75%. (06/21/2006)

A real treat! I literally fell in love with the film after the first viewing. I've seen it many times since and it still holds its charm. Not only is it a great thriller, but it also shows the living conditions in the Soviet Union, a place I really wouldn't have liked to visit. But I love films about it (Burnt by the Sun, East/West). Stephen Rea as the totally overworked head of investigation is brilliant, but everyone is overshadowed by Donald Sutherland. You can tell he is really enjoying the role. Jeffrey DeMunn was also excellent and disgustingly convincing as Chikatilo. I can’t go below 5 stars. (07/23/2016)

The initial theatricality and static nature of the narrative gradually disappear, the actors stop overacting, bonds are formed between their characters, and the plot begins to step up smoothly and efficiently. And at the end of the film, you are holding your breath. It is just a pity that it’s a TV movie that cannot go too wild and, in an effort to protect the viewer’s sensibilities, omits the worst – cannibalistic – part of Chikatilo’s killing spree. A great role for Max von Sydow. (02/20/2015)

This chillingly gruesome recreation of the Rostov killer's rampage has succeeded. And yet the film concentrated mainly on facts and credibility and did not try to evoke a dark thriller atmosphere.... Or could it be that I was so impressed by this almost documentary-like coldness in the end? Stephen Rea and Jeffrey DeMunn are both excellent, Donald Sutherland and Max von Sydow are equally admirable, lots of scenes I'll never forget... For me, Citizen X is comparable to, say, The Boston Strangler or Zodiac. Five stars. (03/17/2012)

I caught up with this classic starring Donald Sutherland about the notorious Soviet serial killer Chikatilo, who murdered 52 people, most of them children. For a TV movie, Citizen X is a nice surprise. We follow the multi-year hunt for Chikatilo, who managed to terrorize the children of the Soviet Union for eight years. There may not be explicit violence, but there’s a chilling atmosphere throughout the film and those who like serial killer movies shouldn't hesitate regardless of the year. A high quality and engaging biographical thriller that will continue to captivate even today. Story****, Action>No, Humor>No, Violence*, Entertainment****, Music***, Visual****, Atmosphere****, Suspense****. 8/10. (09/18/2020)