When a notorious German serial killer is finally apprehended after a spree of inconceivable brutality, the story unfolds in a harrowing manner within the confines of a quaint rural community located just outside Berlin. The tale, directed by Christian Alvart, immerses the viewer in a chilling psychological thriller where a farmer and police officer becomes embroiled in the hunt for truth as he seeks to uncover the mystery behind a murder that has deeply unsettled the very fabric of his close-knit town.
The enigmatic Gabriel Engel (André Hennicke) is a staggering embodiment of evil, engaging in a spree of violence that knows no bounds. His gruesome deeds do not only target unsuspecting adults but extend to defenseless young children, making his actions even more unforgivable. Though he has been captured, the sense of relief among the community is short-lived, particularly for Michael Martens (Wotan Wilke Moehring). It’s been a year since the gruesome murder of young Lucia Flieder sent shockwaves through the town, and the tension is palpable as frustration mounts among the locals, who demand justice for the horrendous crime.
Despite admitting to 14 murders, Engel still maintains that he has no involvement with the Flieder case. As if taunting the authorities, he asserts that he possesses crucial information regarding the identity of her killer, yet insists that before he divulges this critical insight, he wishes to delve into a total psychological evaluation of Martens himself. This peculiar request places Martens in a precarious position, drawing him deeper into Engel’s twisted game of cat and mouse.
Consequently, as the situation escalates, Michael Martens finds himself ensnared in a treacherous web of psychological torment. With the urban police force scoffing at him and labeling him an ineffective cop, and his once-stable family life fraying at the edges, Martens gradually succumbs to the insidious madness that closes in on him. Each interaction with Engel serves to unravel him further, forcing him to confront the horrific truths that lie within their deadly dance. The weight of pressure, the unyielding pursuit of justice, and a mind on the brink of collapse create a perfect storm as Martens inches closer to unmasking the true perpetrator behind Flieder's tragic demise.
