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Mystery thriller

Hangman (2017): Cast, Ratings & Ending

Hangman (2017) movie poster

Hangman is a 2017 mystery thriller directed by Johnny Martin, starring Joe Anderson as Hangman, Al Pacino and Brittany Snow. It runs 1 hour 38 minutes. Critics gave it 5% on Rotten Tomatoes and 31 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.2/10.

IMDb rating
5.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
5%
Echo Score
22
Metascore
31
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Hangman (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 38m (98 min)
Director
Johnny Martin
Genres
Mystery , Thriller , Crime
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Hangman About?

The premise of Hangman without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

A decorated detective and a criminal profiler team up to hunt a serial killer who uses the game of Hangman to taunt them. As they investigate, a journalist documents their pursuit, exploring the killer's disturbing motives and the detectives' determination to stop him. The investigation becomes a tense cat-and-mouse game, revealing the dark side of both the hunter and the hunted.

Hangman Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • serial killer
  • homicide detective
  • revenge
  • violence
  • police detective
  • psychopathic killer
  • forehead scar
  • internet
  • serial killer crime
  • female captain
  • female journalist
  • tough woman
+38 more
  • strong female character
  • handgun
  • gun
  • sunglasses
  • caucasian
  • retired detective
  • police captain
  • haunted by the past
  • race against time
  • pair of killers
  • one word title
  • police protagonist
  • scene before opening credits
  • car chase
  • van
  • police chase
  • blonde
  • police investigation
  • police station
  • reporter
  • school
  • classroom
  • blackboard
  • police partner
  • foot chase
  • arrest
  • police interrogation
  • questioned by police
  • police report
  • pistol
  • semiautomatic pistol
  • church
  • priest
  • blood
  • blood sample
  • hanging
  • hanged woman
  • pig's head
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Cast & crew

Hangman Cast & Characters

Joe Anderson leads the cast as Hangman, with Al Pacino as Ray Archer and Brittany Snow as Christi Davies. Directed by Johnny Martin; 13 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Hangman

· 9 more
Ratings

Hangman Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Hangman 5% on Rotten Tomatoes and 31 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 22/100, strongest in art & craft (30) and weakest in rewatch factor (15).

22 /100

Hangman Echo Score Breakdown

Hangman struggles to rise above its formulaic construction and frequent narrative lapses. Critics and viewers both point to a predictable plot riddled with unexplained gaps and uneven execution. While a handful noted moments of intrigue, the directional choices and character portrayals largely fail to engage. Pacing issues and schematic plotting detract from any suspense the film tries to build. The overall impression is a stalled procedural thriller that delivers limited entertainment value.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 30

    In terms of art and craft, Hangman displays uninspired visual execution and unremarkable production design. The direction is noted for its lack of suspense, and critics describe the pacing as dirge-like, undermining any tension. A solitary well-composed shot was occasionally praised, but such moments are too infrequent to offset the inconsistent editing and generic set pieces. Overall, the film’s visual construction falls short of engaging standards.

  • Character & Emotion 25

    When it comes to character and emotion, performances are uneven and often fail to convey depth. Reviewers note that Al Pacino resorts to a disengaged portrayal, while Karl Urban's efforts are hampered by shallow writing. Supporting roles also suffer from implausible casting choices, limiting credibility and emotional connection. As a result, the film does not establish compelling relationships or resonance with its protagonists.

  • Story & Flow 20

    In terms of story and flow, Hangman is hindered by a predictable narrative and numerous plot holes. The procedural framework is overly familiar, drawing comparisons to earlier crime thrillers without offering new insights. Critics and viewers alike mention that revelations are telegraphed far in advance, diminishing suspense. Consequently, the film struggles to sustain engagement or deliver a coherent and compelling mystery.

  • Sensory Experience 30

    When evaluating sensory experience, the film’s soundtrack and sound design remain unremarkable, lacking memorable themes or dynamic layering. Visual style is serviceable but does not distinguish the film from standard genre fare, with few sequences exhibiting strong cohesion. Occasional atmospheric lighting is noted, but the overall audio-visual presentation fails to elevate routine material. As such, sensory elements contribute little to the film’s impact.

  • Rewatch Factor 15

    When considering rewatch factor, Hangman offers minimal incentive for repeat viewing due to its predictable plot and lack of engaging surprises. The procedural routine leaves little new to discover on subsequent viewings, and the film’s central mystery provides limited payoff. Viewer accounts rarely suggest enduring appeal or lasting enjoyment beyond initial curiosity. Overall, the film’s low rewatch potential underscores its fleeting entertainment value.

Plot

Hangman Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Hangman from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Confronting the driver of a hit-and-run van in Monroe, Georgia, Detective Ray Archer notices a gothic pendant dangling from the rear-view mirror.

Full summary

The whole story of Hangman, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Videos

Hangman Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Hangman.

Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Hangman?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Which detective originally arrested the driver who later became the Hangman killer?

Cars

Cars in Hangman

41 cars on screen, including the 1971 Buick Riviera and the 2012 Chevrolet Impala.

All 41 cars
  • 1971 Buick Riviera in Hangman 1971 Buick Riviera Main role
  • 2012 Chevrolet Impala in Hangman 2012 Chevrolet Impala Important role
  • 2006 Dodge Charger in Hangman 2006 Dodge Charger Important role
  • 2011 Dodge Charger Pursuit in Hangman 2011 Dodge Charger Pursuit Important role
Details

Hangman Also Known As

22 alternative titles, including “El Verdugo” and “Hangman - Spiel mit dem Tod”.

Also known as
  • El Verdugo
  • Hangman - Spiel mit dem Tod
  • Šibenice
  • Hangman - The Killing Game
  • Бесенка
  • Виселица
  • El juego del ahorcado
  • Letras da Morte
  • Το Παιχνίδι Του Δολοφόνου
  • M jak morderca
  • A hóhér
  • 吊人游戏
+10 more
  • Игра Вешала
  • 행맨
  • Adam Asmaca
  • Le bourreau
  • Igra vješala
  • Шибениця
  • Hangman - Il gioco dell'impiccato
  • 吊死鬼殺人魔
  • Obesenec
  • Korikas

Seen Hangman?

FAQ

Hangman FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Hangman, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Hangman?

Hangman runs 1 hour 38 minutes (98 minutes).

When was Hangman released?

Hangman was released on December 22, 2017.

Who directed Hangman?

Hangman was directed by Johnny Martin.

More films by Johnny Martin

Who is in the cast of Hangman?

Hangman stars Joe Anderson as Hangman, Al Pacino as Ray Archer and Brittany Snow as Christi Davies, among 13 credited actors.

How is Hangman rated?

Hangman has 5.2/10 on IMDb, 5% on Rotten Tomatoes, 31 on Metacritic and 58% on TMDB.

Does Hangman have a post-credit scene?

No. Hangman has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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