The Minus Man

Vann Siegert adopts an unusual method of killing, using poison as his weapon of choice. He rationalizes his actions as a form of mercy, believing that he is helping his victims by granting them an escape from suffering.

After encountering Casper, a heroin addict, at a bar, Vann kills him with a lethal dose of poison. To divert suspicion, Vann cleverly stages the scene to look like an overdose and promptly leaves for a new town.

Vann settles into the home of Doug and Jane Durwin, who are distressed by their daughter's mysterious disappearance. The couple's grief serves as a backdrop for Vann's new life, as he rents their empty room.

Doug encourages Vann to apply for a job at the local post office, where temporary help is needed for the holiday season. This job allows Vann to integrate into the community while hiding his sinister intentions.

Vann attends a high school football game with Doug, where he meets Gene, a popular athlete. This encounter leads to Vann developing a connection with Gene, although it ultimately sets the stage for his next victim.

After offering Gene a ride home, Vann brutally murders him, displaying his cruel nature. He then hides Gene's body on a remote beach, taking a chilling moment to converse mockingly with police detectives during their investigation.

Despite having killed Gene, Vann participates in the community's efforts to search for the missing young athlete. He even attends Gene's memorial service, feigning sorrow and blending in with the grieving town.

As Vann becomes more established in town, he receives additional responsibilities at the post office. His relationships with coworkers, including Ferrin, begin to develop, providing both comfort and tension in his twisted life.

During a tense drive to the beach with Ferrin, Vann shares a brief, fraught connection with her. The drive takes place above the ground where Gene's body is hidden, adding an unsettling layer to their interaction.

On Christmas Day, Vann chooses another victim at a diner. After a brief and unsettling encounter with a potential target, he returns later and secretly poisons a drink, showcasing his chilling method once again.

Authorities connect the rare poison used in the recent murder to Casper's earlier death, raising the stakes for Vann. He becomes increasingly anxious about the investigation's progress and the spotlight tightening around him.

Vann’s mental state deteriorates as he feels the pressure of the investigation closing in on him. On an uncomfortable date with Ferrin, he struggles to maintain his facade, leading to an abrupt and awkward exit.

Vann's worst fears are realized when Doug is arrested for the murder of Jane. Fearing exposure, he makes a hasty decision to flee the town, desperate to avoid being linked with the chaos surrounding him.

Before leaving town, Vann mails off his postal uniform along with a mysterious envelope labelled 'FERRiN.' This act signifies both a cleanup of his identity and a foreboding connection to his past deeds.

As Vann drives away, he encounters a sharp police officer, heightening the tension of his escape. Their brief exchange serves as a stark reminder that Vann's secrets may never truly be buried.