Maniac

Maniac

Year: 2013

Runtime: 89 min

Language: English

Director: Franck Khalfoun

ThrillerHorrorCrime

A disturbed man engages in a terrifying game of cat and mouse, brutally murdering his victims and stripping away their identities. He meticulously displays the scalps of his victims on vintage mannequins within his childhood home, which he has transformed into a shrine. As the killings escalate, the boundaries between reality and a macabre artistic vision become increasingly blurred, offering a glimpse into his deeply twisted and obsessive psyche.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Maniac (2013)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Maniac (2013). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie does not specify a particular time period, but it is set in contemporary Los Angeles, engaging with modern themes of isolation and psychological distress. The events unfold in a present-day context, highlighting the struggles of a disturbed man navigating modern relationships and societal expectations.

Location

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a sprawling city known for its vibrant entertainment industry and artistic communities. The backdrop of the film provides a juxtaposition of glamour and darkness, as it delves into themes of beauty, obsession, and the hidden horrors lurking beneath its surface. It is a city where dreams are made and shattered, reflecting Frank's tumultuous inner world.

🌆 City 🏙️ Urban 🎨 Art Scene

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:48

Main Characters – Maniac (2013)

Meet the key characters of Maniac (2013), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Frank Zito (Elijah Wood)

Frank is a deeply disturbed character grappling with trauma from his childhood and unhealthy attachments to women. His struggle to suppress violent urges while longing for connection makes him a tragic figure. Frank's internal conflict escalates throughout the film, leading him down a path of destruction.

🧠 Mental Health ⚰️ Tragedy 🔒 Isolation

Anna (Nora Arnezeder)

Anna is an artist who becomes the object of Frank's affection. She represents a potential for love and normalcy in Frank's chaotic life, but her eventual realization of his true nature leads to dire consequences. Anna’s courage and determination to survive illustrate her strength amidst terror.

🎨 Art 💔 Love ⚔️ Conflict

Lucie (Megan Duffy)

Lucie is a character who briefly represents hope for Frank’s redemption, as she attempts to initiate a romantic relationship with him. Her tragic fate serves as a catalyst for Frank's descent into further violence, underscoring the dangers of his unchecked impulses.

💔 Tragedy 💌 Romance 😟 Innocence

Rita (Jan Broberg Felt)

Rita, Anna's mentor, unknowingly becomes a target of Frank's violence as she triggers memories of his traumatic childhood. Representing the societal pressures and criticisms that haunt Frank, her taunts provoke his fury and unleash his darkest tendencies.

🎭 Drama 🧠 Mental Health ⚰️ Tragedy

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:48

Major Themes – Maniac (2013)

Explore the central themes of Maniac (2013), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🖤 Obsession

The theme of obsession permeates the film as Frank is consumed by his violent impulses and his fixation on mannequins. His unhealthy attachment to women leads to tragic outcomes, illustrating how obsession can distort perception and reality. The film explores the psychological depths of a character who seeks love through destruction.

🔪 Violence

Violence is a central theme, manifesting through Frank's horrific acts as he battles his inner demons. The film forces the audience to confront the gruesome reality of his actions, challenging perceptions of sanity and monstrosity. This theme serves as a commentary on the fragility of human life in the face of unchecked impulses.

💔 Isolation

Isolation shadows Frank throughout the film, stemming from his troubled childhood and inability to form healthy relationships. This theme highlights the loneliness that often accompanies mental illness and the desperation for connection, which ultimately leads to catastrophic outcomes. Frank's turmoil underscores the human need for love and acceptance.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:48

Unlock the Full Story of Maniac

Don't stop at just watching — explore Maniac 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 Maniac is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Maniac Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Maniac, 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.

Maniac Summary

Maniac Timeline

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

Maniac Timeline

More About Maniac

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

More About Maniac

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