John the Violent

Ioannis Zachos is introduced as a psychopath who fantasizes about killing beautiful women to validate his manhood and gain feelings of empowerment. He stalks Athens at night looking for victims, driven by his disturbing urges. His mental state and motivations set the scene for his criminal actions.

Zachos enters a small sidestreet around midnight and attacks a young woman, Eleni Chalkia, stabbing her to death. He acts on his violent impulses during this night outing, and immediately disappears into the darkness after the murder. The murder marks the beginning of a police investigation into his crimes.

The police investigation intensifies, eventually leading to Zachos' arrest. During interrogation, he confesses to the murder openly, providing relief to the police who had faced criticism for their investigative faults. His confession marks a critical turning point in the case.

In court, Zachos admits his guilt but his testimony reveals contradictions. He bases his accounts on newspaper reports and his statements become inconsistent. His articulate narrative and charismatic demeanor influence the court and the media.

During the trial, Zachos explains that his violence was a means of catharsis in an indifferent society. He admits the murder was senseless but claims he was pressured and trapped, using violence to relieve his bottled-up frustrations.

Zachos describes his acts as pleasurable, both in guilt and confession. He views his openness as presenting his 'truth' and considers his confession an act of honesty. His hedonistic attitude resonates with the audience, portraying him as a complex figure.

Through his articulate and sincere explanations, Zachos gains media attention and public fascination. He becomes a 'social icon' representing societal frustrations, with his persona appealing especially to the youth who see their own feelings reflected in him.

Zachos is found not guilty by reason of insanity and is sentenced to life imprisonment in a psychiatric hospital. The trial concludes with the establishment of his mental state as a key factor in his guilt or innocence.

The film ends with an open-ended question about guilt, debating whether Zachos' actions are solely his own or a reflection of societal flaws. The narrative leaves viewers pondering the true source of blame — the individual or society.