Eyes of the Beholder

August 20, 2025

Eyes of the Beholder

Release Date
May 1992

Directed by
Lawrence L. Simeone

Written by
Jason Coleman, Lawrence L. Simeone

Starring
Joanna Pacula
Matt McCoy
George Lazenby
Kylie Travis

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Janice Bickle (Lenny Von Dohlen), a man whose past includes murder, escapes a mental ward by sedating his doctor, Frank Carlyle (Matt McCoy), and assuming his identity. After searching the doctor's house, Janice learns that Carlyle and his wife expect guests that evening.

Before her husband returns home, Carlyle's wife, Diana (Joanna Pacula), is informed by the police of Janice's escape. Dr. Carlyle arrives home, worried that Janice will discover their location. Little does he know, Janice has already canvased their home.

Carlyle's guests arrive, and the doctor decides security will no longer be needed, insisting they'll be safe. He's been working with Janice for five years and has faith that he won't harm anyone. Diana has a different opinion. The Carlyle's guests consist of a couple, Jack (George Lazenby) and Holly (Kylie Travis). Holly, a former patient of Dr. Carlyle, is particularly apprehensive about the evening.

As a storm rages and the night passes, we learn from the doctor that Janice is a former artist with an IQ of 145. The doctor conducted experimental surgery on Janice without his consent or knowledge, hoping to disable the part of his brain responsible for his violent impulses. The surgery was unsuccessful and disabled him, rendering him unable to draw. Carlyle's fellow doctors opposed the surgery, and he now regrets his decision.

Janice eventually appears and, as retribution, torments Frank, Diana, and their guests at length, eventually forcing the doctor to walk through broken glass to reach Diana, whom Janice has taken upstairs, and Frank fears is being assaulted.

Frank struggles upstairs but is shot as soon as he enters the room where Janice holds Diana captive. He is thrown out the window, and Janice follows, falling safely. It is as they come upon a collapsing bridge that Frank, Diana, and Janice must come to terms with the hand fate has dealt them.

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