Directed by: Anton Holden
Stars: Joanna Mills, Janine Lenon, Steve Hollister, Fleurette Carter
Language: English
Country: USA | Imdb Info

Description: “Aroused (1966)” is a grim and early example of urban horror exploitation, centered around a disturbed New York City serial killer who targets women, particularly those living on the margins. Haunted by traumatic childhood experiences—specifically, being locked in a closet while his mother entertained her clients—the killer develops a deep hatred for sex and women. His psychological torment manifests in a series of brutal murders, often accompanied by disturbing flashbacks and obsessive behavior, including a collection of mannequins in his home.

The film opens with a chilling sequence in which the killer strangles a woman in the shower, setting the tone for the rest of the story. A young, impulsive police officer teams up with the lesbian lover of one of the murdered women to track down the killer. Their investigation uncovers the depths of his psychosis and builds toward a suspenseful and violent conclusion.

Shot on the gritty streets of 1960s New York, Aroused mixes sleazy sexploitation elements with moments of genuine tension. With a jazzy soundtrack, stylized cinematography, and themes of repression and vengeance, the film stands out as a provocative forerunner to later, more graphic entries in the urban slasher genre.