Quartile rating: 5.5/10 · 1 rating
A homicide detective teams up with a criminal profiler to catch a serial killer whose crimes are inspired by the children's game, Hangman.
Hangman (2017) is a formulaic serial killer thriller that fails to distinguish itself in any meaningful way. The premise of a killer inspired by the children's game Hangman has mild concept appeal but is executed in a predictable, by-the-numbers fashion. The plot follows well-worn detective procedural tropes without subverting or elevating them. Despite a cast including Al Pacino and Karl Urban, the performances feel phoned-in, constrained by a weak script. The cinematography is serviceable but unremarkable, relying on standard dark, gritty visuals typical of low-budget crime thrillers. The film offers little novelty beyond its game-inspired gimmick, which is itself reminiscent of Se7en and similar films. The ending resolves without surprise or emotional resonance, leaving little impression.