Zipperface

Zipperface

Year: 1992

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Director: Mansour Pourmand

MysteryHorrorThriller

An S&M‑obsessed murderer is terrorizing a quiet California town. Freshly promoted detective Lisa Ryder, a young policewoman, is assigned her first major case: to track, profile, and capture the serial killer behind the gruesome crimes. As the body count rises, she must navigate the killer’s sadistic games and confront the darkness lurking in her community.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Zipperface 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 – Zipperface (1992)

Trace every key event in Zipperface (1992) 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

Killer's rampage in Palm City

A sadomasochistic serial killer wearing a bondage suit begins murdering stage actresses who moonlight as BDSM prostitutes, throwing the city into fear. Detectives Lisa Ryder and Harry Shine are assigned to the case, under intense pressure from Mayor Angela Harris to bring the killer to heel.

Palm City
2

Police take charge

Ryder and Shine take command of the investigation, coordinating patrols and forensics to detect patterns in the killings. The case becomes a political headache for Mayor Harris, who demands swift results to protect her administration.

Palm City
3

A roster of suspects

As the inquiry widens, the detectives identify several potential suspects: misogynist officer Willy Scalia, cross-dressing aide Devon McClain, Reverend Dimsdale, and photographer Michael Walker. Each suspect carries a plausible link to the victims or the sex-work world surrounding the case.

Palm City
4

Ryder and Michael grow close

Lisa begins dating Michael Walker in secret, a personal entanglement that complicates the investigation. The romance strains professional judgment and raises questions about how much personal life can influence a high-stakes case.

Palm City
5

Suspension and warrant

Mounting circumstantial evidence against Michael leads to Ryder's suspension from the force, and a warrant is issued for his arrest. He and Ryder push forward, determined to prove Michael's innocence and uncover the killer's true identity.

Palm City
6

Confronting Dimsdale

Following clues tied to Reverend Dimsdale, Michael and Lisa confront the preacher in an attempt to expose a possible network behind the victims. They suspect a darker link between his charity work and criminal activity.

7

Dimsdale's murder

The investigators discover Reverend Dimsdale slain by a slit throat, a brutal clue pointing toward Zipperface. They question one of Dimsdale's prostitutes, who reveals that Dimsdale had begged her not to miss an appointment with a new ‘John’.

8

Prostitute's revelation

The prostitute's account links Dimsdale to a larger pimping network connected to the killer and the sex-work scene around the victims. The case expands beyond a single rogue killer to a broader, more dangerous operation.

9

Tracking to the warehouse

Following the clues, Ryder and Michael locate an abandoned warehouse that houses Zipperface's sex dungeon. Shine tails them, adding tension as the pursuit moves closer to the killer's lair.

Abandoned warehouse
10

Warehouse confrontation begins

Inside the warehouse, Zipperface ambushes Michael and attempts to strangle Lisa, pushing the investigators to their limits. Michael fights back, buying time for backup to arrive.

Abandoned warehouse
11

Michael's counterstrike

Michael recovers and uses Zipperface's own machete to stab him, temporarily incapacitating the killer. Shine arrives with reinforcements and Mayor Harris to secure the scene.

Abandoned warehouse
12

Unmasking the killer

Zipperface is unmasked as Brewster, Mayor Harris's husband, whose motive stems from emasculation and a need to dominate sex workers. The revelation ties the killer to the mayor's personal and political circle.

Abandoned warehouse
13

Mayor Harris's tragedy

Overwhelmed by the truth, Mayor Harris pulls a gun and shoots Brewster, ending the killer's rampage and triggering the political downfall that follows. The case closes as the city mourns the victims and faces the fallout for its leaders.

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:14

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Zipperface

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

Zipperface Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Zipperface, 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.

Zipperface Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Zipperface

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Zipperface. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Zipperface

More About Zipperface

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Zipperface: 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 Zipperface

Similar Movies to Zipperface

Discover movies like Zipperface that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.