This was a good movie, but when I went to research the case, I was disappointed to learn that it didn't happen. I quote "Inspired by an event that happened in Europe, the script keeps story surprises coming." (cinemawithoutborders.com/reviews/2753-a-kiss-and-a-promise.html).The police in the movie are crooked, and being from Toronto, Ontario, we have more than two detectives everywhere in the GTA. If an American were watching this, they would think our police are as backwards as maybe some cops in the EU or Mexico.One person would never be able to remove evidence without it showing up in a forensic photograph. These were two of the dumbest detectives I had ever seen in my life. They made a mockery of policing in America. They would have been better off filming it in a small town in the U.S. where they have sheriffs, not detectives. DNA didn't exist for them, but mobile phones did. They didn't think that the reason the girls fingers were cut off was because she scratched him. Completely ludicrous.Also, I have never seen the TTC subway train moving without a single person on board. Most of the time, there are no seats on the TTC, and people have to stand until they arrive at their destination. It's a very unrealistic portrayal of the TTC, life in the GTA.

A kiss and a promise is another spin on the serial killer genre. It is a very low budget affair held together by some decent acting in particular from Mick Rossi who plays David Beck. Beck and his wife Samantha run a cheap bed and breakfast in a rural town in Ontario. One of their long term guests is an out of work failed writer (Charlie) who is a fantasist and also David Becks lover. This strange menage a trois is reluctantly accepted by Becks wife although she yearns for Charlie to leave. But unbeknown to her the husband is also a serial killer who preys on prostitutes with his modus operandi being strangulation with a belt.Charlie stays until the end but as events unfold it would have been easier for Beck if Charlie had left without fuss much earlier.Where the film succeeds is in its portrayal of the normality and indeed banality of small town life and yet showing that the normality is just a veneer. One of Becks guests , a divorcée, laments his own lack of family life thinking what he sees in the guest house is a perfect family. The irony is noted. The character of Beck repels and fascinates at the same time. He is tormented by his inner demons always losing control as his perverted appetite must be satiated.On the downside i found the direction and editing of the movie to be lacklustre and at times amateurish even when factoring in the low budget.Some of the support acting is also a bit ropey but the story and set up was intriguing enough to keep me hooked until the end. For a cut to the chase title this movie was released as "Sex Killer" in Germany.

I love visiting LA where I have the opportunity to see some films I would never get a chance to see. I decided to take a chance and see this film. The script was very well written and the direction of this film was phenomenal - you really got the flavor of the area and the stellar cast made you believe they were comfortable and at home in this cold environment. The seemingly peaceful town and seemingly harmless characters both held dark secrets. Saw a review in the LA Times before seeing this that was not flattering. I usually don't listen to reviewers and I had a feeling about this film and I'm SO glad I took a chance. BRAVO to these filmmakers and I hope this film gets a wider audience - it deserves it.