Citizen X

Citizen X

Year: 1995

Runtime: 105 mins

Language: English

DramaCrimeIntense violence and sexual transgressionPolitics and human rightsThrillers and murder mysteries

You’re terrified of his crimes, but you want to see him finally caught. Based on the true story of a Soviet serial killer who murdered more than 50 victims, most under 17. In the Soviet Union, police work is stymied by bureaucracy, incompetence, and political interference. The narrative follows the lead detective as he pursues the case.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Citizen X (1995)

Trace every key event in Citizen X (1995) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Discovery of the first bodies on the collective farm

A body is discovered during the 1982 harvest on a collective farm. A subsequent search of adjacent woods turns up seven more bodies in varying stages of decomposition. The discovery marks the start of a long, chilling serial killer investigation.

1982 collective farm and adjacent woods
2

Burakov becomes detective and leads early investigation

Viktor Burakov leads the initial investigation and is promoted to detective as the case expands. He begins coordinating the search and formalizing the effort, with Colonel Fetisov later providing critical support. The investigation gains momentum but is hampered by state bureaucracy.

1982-1983 regional police headquarters
3

Propaganda and bureaucracy impede the case

The film depicts how propaganda and bureaucracy limit public reporting of the killer's crimes. Local politicians fear the USSR's image would suffer from revealing a serial killer. Investigations chafe under political considerations that delay progress.

1980s Soviet Union
4

Chikatilo comes under scrutiny at a railway station

Chikatilo is spotted at a railway station and found with a satchel containing a knife. He is arrested but shielded from investigation due to his Communist Party membership. Blood-type analysis at the crime lab initially misleads investigators.

early investigation phase railway station; crime laboratories
5

Party protection leads to release

Despite the evidence, Chikatilo is shielded and released because of his party membership. The decision demonstrates the influence of political protection over police work. The killer remains at large as the case stagnates.

1980s police stations and party organs
6

Glasnost and Perestroika bring progress

With glasnost and perestroika, the investigation gains traction and public accountability increases. Blood-type reports are reevaluated, enabling the case to move forward. The political climate becomes conducive to catching the killer.

late 1980s Soviet state labs and public institutions
7

Burakov devises blanket rail plan

Burakov devises a plan to blanket almost all railroad stations with conspicuous uniformed men to deter the killer from striking. Three small stations are left unattended, protected only by undercover agents. The strategy marks a shift toward proactive, low-profile policing.

late 1980s railroad stations across the region
8

Chikatilo is discovered and arrested

Chikatilo is ultimately discovered and identified through the diligence of a local plain-clothes soldier. He is arrested, ending years of elusiveness. The station-based search narrows in on him as the killer.

late 1980s-early 1990s railroad station vicinity
9

Interrogation by Gorbunov begins

Chikatilo is interrogated for seven consecutive days by the hardliner Gorbunov who insists on extracting a confession. He refuses to yield until mounting pressure prompts more nuanced approaches. The tense sessions drive the investigation toward a breakthrough.

early 1990s interrogation room
10

Bukhanovsky's analysis unlocks confession

Psychiatrist Bukhanovsky is introduced and presents a long analysis of Chikatilo's psychology, described in depth as 'Citizen X'. His insights strike a nerve and trigger a confession. Following this, Chikatilo reveals details about the murders and helps locate crime scenes.

early 1990s interrogation room
11

Chikatilo reveals graves and crime scenes

After his confession, Chikatilo leads investigators to the crime scenes and to three previously undetected graves. This new information closes many cases and provides crucial evidence for prosecutors. The revelations accelerate the path to justice.

early 1990s crime scenes and graves
12

Trial, conviction, and execution

Chikatilo is tried in a metal cage and convicted, sentenced to death. He is led to a nameless prison chamber where a pistol shot ends his life. The sentencing marks a grim closing chapter to a decade-long pursuit.

1990s courtroom and prison

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:09

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Citizen X Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Citizen X

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