The Pyx
The Pyx

Movie spotlight

The Pyx

1973
Movie
108 min
English

A detective investigating the death of a heroin-addicted prostitute uncovers evidence pointing to the existence of a murderous devil cult.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Director: Harvey HartGenres: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A young woman named Joanne finds herself at the center of a complex murder investigation when she is discovered dead in a hotel room. The police, led by Detective Kilbourn, must piece together her final days, uncovering a world of secrets, illicit affairs, and a high-profile escort ring. As they delve deeper, they encounter a cast of characters connected to Joanne, each with their own motives and secrets.

Critical Reception

The Pyx was met with mixed to positive reviews upon its release, often praised for its performances, particularly from Karen Black and Geneviève Bujold, and its atmospheric, noir-like tone. However, some critics found the plot convoluted and the pacing uneven. It is generally regarded as a solid, albeit somewhat underrated, Canadian crime thriller from the 1970s.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its strong performances, especially by Karen Black and Geneviève Bujold.

  • Noted for its dark, atmospheric, and suspenseful neo-noir style.

  • Criticized by some for a complex and occasionally slow-moving plot.

Google audience: Audience reception for 'The Pyx' is not widely documented on Google, but general consensus points to appreciation for its mature themes and tense storytelling, though some find its narrative complexity challenging.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the 1959 novel of the same name by Oscar Yusen and Ian Cameron, which was inspired by the real-life trial of Albert "Happy" Johnson.

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