Maniac

Maniac

Year: 2013

Runtime: 89 min

Language: English

Director: Franck Khalfoun

ThrillerHorrorCrime

In a gruesome game of cat and mouse, a disturbed serial killer stalks his prey, stripping their identities away with each brutal murder. As he meticulously attaches their scalps to vintage mannequins in his childhood home-turned-shrine, the line between reality and macabre artistry blurs, revealing a twisted psyche driven by a dark obsession.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Maniac yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Maniac (2013)
Trace every key event in Maniac (2013) 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

Frank inherits the mannequin business

After the death of his mother Angela, Frank Zito takes over the family mannequin sales business. This transition marks the beginning of his troubled journey as he grapples with his mental state and a dark past intertwined with his mother’s life.

2

Frank's traumatic childhood memories

Haunted by memories of his mother bringing home clients and his experiences with abuse, Frank struggles to connect with women meaningfully. His childhood flashbacks exacerbate his mental disturbance and influence his violent impulses.

3

Murder of Judy

Frank succumbs to his violent urges and stalks a young street walker named Judy. In a horrific act, he murders her and scalps her, attaching her hair to a mannequin that he keeps in his bedroom as a substitute for connection.

4

Frank's online dating attempt

In a bid to find love, Frank joins an online dating site where he meets Lucie. They arrange a date that initially seems promising, but Frank's overwhelming instincts lead to tragedy.

Local restaurant
5

Tragic encounter with Lucie

Although Frank tries to avoid his dark impulses during his encounter with Lucie, they intensify after she becomes aggressive in her advances. In a shocking turn of events, he strangles her and scalps her, adding her hair to another mannequin.

Lucie's apartment
6

Meeting Anna

One morning, Frank discovers a young woman named Anna photographing his storefront mannequins. Intrigued by her passion, he invites her in, and a friendship blossoms centered around art and mannequins.

Frank's storefront
7

Developing feelings for Anna

As Frank gets to know Anna, he begins to develop genuine feelings for her, trying hard to control his violent urges. This new relationship makes him attempt to manage his mental health with medication to avoid repeating past mistakes.

8

Murder in the parking lot

Despite his efforts, Frank is unable to suppress his darker self and follows a woman from a dance studio. In an uncharacteristic impulse, he murders her in a parking garage and adds her hair to his collection of mannequins.

Garage parking lot
9

Exhibit opening jealousy

As the exhibit featuring Frank's mannequins approaches, he learns that Anna is in a relationship with Jason. His jealousy grows as he meets Jason, leading to increased emotional instability and aggression.

Exhibit opening
10

Confrontation with Rita

After the exhibit, Frank encounters Anna's mentor, Rita, who belittles him and makes unwelcome advances. Consumed by rage, Frank later abducts Rita and brutally murders her while channeling his anger towards his mother’s abandonment.

Rita's apartment
11

Anna discovers the truth

Following Rita's murder, Anna learns about the crime, and her emotions lead her to confront Frank. As suspicions rise, Frank lets slip details about the murder, revealing his dark secret and shocking Anna.

Anna's apartment
12

Harrowing confrontation

In a desperate attempt to escape, Anna fights back against Frank, stabbing him with a butcher knife. However, Frank retaliates violently, causing chaos and leading to the tragic demise of her neighbor who tries to help.

Anna's apartment
13

Frank's attack on Anna

After overpowering her neighbor, Frank finds Anna after a brief respite. He manages to subdue her, further plunging into his violent madness as he prepares to make her his next victim.

14

Climactic struggle

While transporting Anna in his car, she regains consciousness and fights back. Their struggle ends tragically as an oncoming vehicle hits Frank, leading to a devastating accident and further violence.

On the road
15

Frank's final moments

In agony from his injuries, Frank returns home and attaches Anna's hair to a mannequin in a wedding dress. As he succumbs to death, he hallucinates being tormented by the very mannequins he loved, realizing the horror of his actions.

Frank's apartment

Last Updated: May 12, 2025 at 07:04

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