Strangler vs Strangler

The film is set in a Belgrade of the mid-1980s, a period marked by economic challenges and a growing mass-media culture in Yugoslavia. Society experiences shifting attitudes and a craving for sensationalism that mirrors the killer's notoriety. The era's tension feeds the narrative's dark humor and horror.

Belgrade in the mid-1980s is a city of contrasts: vibrant nightlife and culture sit beside social strain and rising violence. The urban landscape provides a tight, gritty backdrop for a serial killer and a flawed police investigation. The atmosphere blends bustling streets with a sense of unease as events unfold.

🔪 Obsession

An all-consuming fixation on power and recognition drives the killer’s acts. Violence is used as a way to dominate victims and satisfy a twisted need for control. The obsession intensifies as public attention grows, culminating in a devastating finale.

👩‍👦 Maternal Influence

The mother’s punishments and the unhealthy bond shape the killer’s psyche, creating Oedipal overtones that push him toward murder. The film uses this dynamic to explore how parental control and abuse can warp a person’s sense of reality. It positions family dynamics at the heart of violence and discipline.

🎤 Media & Fame

A sensationalized media culture breathes life into the crimes, with a hit song idolizing the killer. Public fascination with celebrity and spectacle blurs the line between truth and entertainment. The chase becomes powered by fame, influencing both motive and investigation.