The Driller Killer

In a small Catholic church located in Spanish Harlem, Reno Miller finds himself face to face with an elderly man who is muttering, 'pity the sinners.' This shocking moment reveals the man to be his long-lost father, now a derelict, triggering a whirlwind of conflicting emotions within Reno.

Overwhelmed by the unexpected encounter and the state of his father, Reno flees the church. He confides in his girlfriend Carol, labeling his father as a degenerate and a bum, illustrating his internal struggle and fear of becoming like him.

Reno and Carol decide to pick up their roommate Pamela from a local bar. Pamela, deeply engrossed in the punk rock scene, adds another layer of complexity to their turbulent living situation.

The trio's dynamics become strained as Reno vents his frustrations about their financial struggles. In a moment of anger, he impulsively throws their phone out of the window, symbolizing his overwhelming feelings of helplessness and frustration.

Haunted by dreams of his father and the pervasive sound of a power drill, Reno's psychological state deteriorates. The presence of homeless individuals continues to trouble him, serving as a constant reminder of the life he fears.

Desperate for money, Reno approaches Dalton, the flamboyant art gallery owner, hoping to get a loan. However, Dalton turns him down, citing too many past favors, further pushing Reno into a corner.

In a bid to manage their worsening situation, Carol concocts a story and writes a check to their landlord. Despite her efforts, the financial strain remains, highlighting the dire circumstances they are facing.

Reno struggles to focus on his painting of a buffalo as the noise from Tony Coca-Cola's punk band becomes increasingly disruptive. The chaos serves as a metaphor for the turmoil within Reno's mind as he attempts to create art amidst madness.

In a moment of unhinged contemplation, Reno has a strange encounter with a homeless man. This bizarre interaction deepens his resolve not to end up like his father, but it also marks the beginning of his spiraling obsession with his artistic vision.

Carol's receipt of a letter and cash from her ex-husband intensifies the existing tensions between her and Reno. The arrival of this uninvited communication complicates their already fragile relationship, adding to the brewing chaos.

As Reno's nights blend into chaos, his aspirations spiral into darkness. Consumed by his inner demons, he becomes increasingly obsessed with his work and art, leading to disturbing changes in his psyche.

On a fateful night encapsulated by his mounting obsessions, Reno arms himself with a power drill and goes on a frenzied spree, taking the lives of several homeless individuals. This brutal act signals his complete descent into madness.

Reno's relationships begin to collapse due to his increasingly erratic behavior. After inviting Dalton under false pretenses, the culmination of Reno's insanity gives rise to a horrific act of violence, betraying all those he once cared about.

Reno's mental unraveling leads to a shocking conclusion with Carol falling into a trap set by Reno. Her fate becomes bleak and uncertain, encapsulating the dire consequences of betrayal and madness in their turbulent lives.

The story delves into the dark underbelly of urban life, portraying the fragility of human relationships amidst despair. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of past decisions and the thin line between sanity and madness.