Patrick (1978)

40% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
54% of users liked it
(483 ratings)

In Australian director Richard Franklin's Patrick, the subject of psychokinesis is used, not for the creation of De Palma-like bloodbath special effects as in Carrie and The Fury, but as an expression of a deeply disturbed persona. Patrick is first seen in the intensive care section of a hospital in… More In Australian director Richard Franklin's Patrick, the subject of psychokinesis is used, not for the creation of De Palma-like bloodbath special effects as in Carrie and The Fury, but as an expression of a deeply disturbed persona. Patrick is first seen in the intensive care section of a hospital in a state of extreme catatonia -- after murdering his mother and her lover. Dr. Roget (Robert Helpmann) is the doctor in charge of the clinic who first tends to Patrick, but when new nurse Kathy Jacquard (Susan Penhaligon) arrives, she is assigned Patrick's case. As she cares for the comatose man, Patrick falls in love with her, telekinetically writing love notes to her on her typewriter. Kathy begins to suspect something is amiss when the doctors and nurses at the hospital who want to speed along the comatose man to his death start to die in mysterious ways. As Patrick's condition continues to deteriorate and he realizes that he is on the verge of death, he then wants Kathy to kill herself to join him when he dies. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 55 min.
Directed By: Richard Franklin
Genres: Horror, Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Sep 7, 1978 Wide
On DVD: Dec 9, 2003
Studio: Elite Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Andrew L. Urban, Urban Cinefile
One of Australia's commercially successful genre films of the 70s, a supernatural thriller
Alan Simpson, Sex Gore Mutants
a fine example of the sort of naively sleazy genre fare that was produced in the 70's
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Tepid little chiller -- like a horror version of Tommy.
Rumsey Taylor, Not Coming to a Theater Near You
It is a film that resists visceral shocks, favoring the horror of its psychology. A shame, for its psychology is only slightly horrific.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
D.o.a.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Lee ?

Carrie-esque Aussie-horror about a comatose hospital patient named Patrick who has lost as his senses but to compensate he has developed dangerous psychokinesis powers which he uses to win the affections of his newly oppointed nurse. I enjoyed this one, quite good fun. Very low body… More
Carrie-esque Aussie-horror about a comatose hospital patient named Patrick who has lost as his senses but to compensate he has developed dangerous psychokinesis powers which he uses to win the affections of his newly oppointed nurse. I enjoyed this one, quite good fun. Very low body count so it's quite tame, but it's effectively made and an entertaining little ride. The last 30 minutes are the best. Worth a look.
AJ V

I thought this creepy telekinesis movie was awesome, but I don't know anyone else who agrees. The story is really unique and the actors are good, and there's some good scary moments. I don't know about you, but I enjoyed it.
Emily B

A fun Ozploitation flick, about a creepy looking, disturbing comatose patient who communicates with his nurse through telekinesis. A bit dated, but as a no nonsense suspense/horror you could do worse.

Cast

Susan Penhaligon
as Kathy Jacquard
Robert Helpmann
as Dr. Roget
Rod Mullinar
as Ed Jacquard

Bruce Barry
as Dr. Brian Wright
Julia Blake
as Matron Cassidy
Helen Hemingway
as Sister Williams

See full cast

Patrick (1978)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Lee ?

AJ V

Emily B

Cast