Madman

Madman

Year: 1981

Runtime: 89 mins

Language: English

Director: Joe Giannone

ThrillerHorrorHorror

Believing they were alone in the woods, a group of campers unwittingly awakens the legend of Madman Marz—a folkloric figure who slaughtered his family before fleeing into the forest. Summoned by their presence, Marz returns to finish the murderous spree he began decades earlier, turning their night into a frantic fight for survival.

Madman (1981) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Madman (1981) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the waning days of summer, a remote wilderness camp becomes a sanctuary for a rag‑tag crew of senior counselors and eager campers. Around a crackling fire, they swap stories to chase away fatigue, while the surrounding pines keep watch over a season that feels both endless and about to end. The night air carries the faint scent of pine needles and the promise of something unseen, setting the stage for a gathering where myth and memory intertwine.

The centerpiece of their tale is the grim legend of Madman Marz, a figure whose violent past is whispered in the woods like a warning. Max, the seasoned head counselor, recounts the dark history of the axe‑wielding recluse who vanished into the forest after a tragic spree, and cautions that uttering his name can summon more than just a story. Among the listeners are T. P., Tony Fish, Betsy, Gaylen Ross, Ellie, Jan Claire, Dave, Seth Jones, Stacy, Harriet Bass, Bill, Alexander Murphy Jr., Richie, and Jimmy Steele, a mix of hardened mentors and wide‑eyed youths whose camaraderie masks an undercurrent of nervous curiosity.

As the firelight flickers, the group’s dynamic shifts from lighthearted banter to a subtle, growing tension. The ancient woods seem to close in, their shadows deepening with each retelling, while the campers’ skepticism battles the counselors’ instinct to protect. The legend’s foreboding presence lingers, a thin veil between harmless folklore and an unsettling reality that feels too close to the rustling leaves.

When the night stretches on and the name is spoken, the camp’s ordinary rhythm is replaced by a quiet, primal alertness. The characters must navigate the thin line between myth and menace, relying on their bonds and wits as the forest watches. In this isolated setting, the story becomes a test of courage, where the unseen threat forces each person to confront the unknown and discover how far they will go to survive the darkness that may have been summoned.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 16:23

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Folklore Slasher Survival Movies like Madman

A folkloric killer systematically stalks and murders a group of isolated victims.If you enjoyed the folk horror and relentless killer of Madman, explore similar movies where a legendary or psychopathic murderer terrorizes a group. These stories feature intense survival scenarios, high tension, and often bleak outcomes, perfect for fans of brutal slasher horror.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically follow a simple, effective structure: an ancient evil or local legend is awakened, and a group of characters becomes its prey. The plot is a linear sequence of stalking and killing, with suspense built through chase sequences and the inevitable reduction of the cast, leading to a final confrontation that rarely ends well for the survivors.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on a monstrous antagonist, high-stakes survival, and a straightforward, fast-paced plot that prioritizes tension and visceral horror over complex character development. They deliver a specific, adrenaline-fueled type of fear.

Unrelenting Horror Tension Movies like Madman

A constant, suffocating sense of dread with little relief from the horror.For viewers who appreciated the non-stop suspense and bleak atmosphere of Madman, this list features horror movies with a similarly high-tension, oppressive vibe. These films maintain a fast pace and heavy emotional weight, creating an anxious and draining viewing experience similar to Madman.

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Narrative Summary

The emotional journey in these films is a steep downward slope into terror. There is minimal respite or comic relief; the narrative structure is designed to maximize anxiety, often through a series of escalating, unforgiving events that trap the characters and audience in a cycle of fear.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their ability to create and maintain an intensely stressful mood. They share a dark tone, fast pacing, and a high-intensity approach that focuses on visceral reactions and a pervasive feeling of hopelessness, making the horror feel immediate and inescapable.

Unlock the Full Story of Madman

Don't stop at just watching — explore Madman in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Madman is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Madman Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Madman, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Madman Summary

Madman Timeline

Track the full timeline of Madman with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Madman Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Madman

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Madman. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Madman

More About Madman

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Madman: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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