Maniac

A young couple enjoys a day at the beach, blissfully unaware of the danger lurking nearby. An unseen man watches them intently from the dunes, setting the stage for the brutal events that will follow.

While the man goes to gather wood for their fire, the unseen man approaches the woman. In a shocking act of violence, he slits her throat with a razor, demonstrating his predatory nature.

After collecting driftwood, the man returns to find the horror has unfolded. Before he can react, the killer attacks him from behind and wraps wire around his neck, leading to his violent death.

Some time later, we see Frank Zito awoken from a nightmare in his small New York City apartment. The space is filled with strange art and mannequins, giving insight into his disturbed mind.

Frank, haunted by his past, dresses and steps out into the cold night. He walks past a seedy hotel, symbolizing his troubled interactions with women, as he struggles with deep-seated issues.

Inside the hotel, Frank engages with a prostitute, initially appearing calm. However, his rage suddenly erupts as he chokes her to death, showing his uncontrollable violent impulses.

Recovering from his violent act, Frank is compelled to scalp the dead woman, highlighting his disturbing fixation on beauty. He then goes home to add her likeness to his collection of mannequins.

Frank prepares for another evening out, armed as a hunter. His obsession drives him to seek out another victim, showcasing his descent into a serial killer's mindset.

Frank stalks a young couple parked by the Verrazano Bridge. After a brief moment of intimacy, he abruptly kills the man with a shotgun blast, then turns to the terrified woman.

Back in his apartment, Frank stares at a TV report covering the murders he committed. Distraught, he talks to his mannequins about his twisted views on beauty, revealing his inner turmoil.

In Central Park, Frank observes a woman named Anna photographing a girl. His fascination leads him to track Anna down, indicating a shift from victim to potential connection.

Frank manages to charm Anna during their dinner date, sharing a story about his deceased mother. This moment showcases his struggles with his past and his desperate need for connection.

After seeing Anna with other models, Frank's jealousy consumes him. He stalks and ultimately kills Rita, adding her to his collection of mannequins, further reflecting his twisted psyche.

During a visit to his mother's grave, Frank's psychosis peaks. In a moment of clarity, he reveals his childhood trauma, but it quickly spirals into violence as he lashes out at Anna.

In the horrific climax, Frank is attacked by the very mannequins that represent his victims, culminating in a gruesome end. In a chilling twist, he seemingly returns to life after the police find him, leaving his fate ambiguous.