Hangman

The 2017 American crime thriller directed by Johnny Martin and written by Charles Huttinger and Michael Caissie follows retired detective Ray Archer (Al Pacino) as he returns to investigate a series of murders committed by a serial killer who uses the children's game "Hangman" as a model for his crimes. He is joined by detective Will Ruiney (Karl Urban) and journalist Christi Davies (Brittany Snow), who seeks to cover the case in the press. The first victim is teacher Carrie Cooper, found hanged outside her school with the letter "O" carved into her chest. During the investigation, the detectives discover that the killer leaves clues related to their own police badge numbers, making the case personal. As events unfold, the team encounters new victims, each with a carved letter forming a word linked to the killer's motives. Police captain Lisa Watson (Sarah Shahi) warns Davies to stay away from the investigation, but she continues to participate, risking her own safety. Ultimately, the detectives track down the perpetrator, whose motives are rooted in the past and tied to personal vengeance. The film delves into themes of justice, revenge, and the moral dilemmas faced by those upholding the law. Premiering on December 22, 2017, the film received predominantly negative reviews from critics, who noted the predictability of the plot and the lack of character depth. Despite its star-studded cast, the film failed to achieve commercial success, grossing approximately $104,503.