Is Maniac Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Maniac is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 89 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Maniac Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2012, Maniac emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of As he helps a young artist with her upcoming exhibition, the owner of a mannequin shop's deadly, suppressed desires come to the surface. Unlike standard genre fare, Maniac attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Maniac features a noteworthy lineup led by Elijah Wood . Supported by the likes of Nora Arnezeder and America Olivo , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Maniac (2012) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Maniac Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Maniac is a Horror, Thriller film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. As he helps a young artist with her upcoming exhibition, the owner of a mannequin shop's deadly, suppressed desires come to the surface. The film uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Maniac Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Maniac concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Maniac reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Maniac?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere
Maniac Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $6.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $2.6M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Maniac Budget
The estimated production budget for Maniac is $6.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Maniac
- Elijah Wood – Frank Zito
- Nora Arnezeder – Anna
- America Olivo – Frank's Mother
- Zoe Aggeliki – Jenna
- Jan Broberg Felt – Rita
Top Highlights
Elijah WoodFrank Zito
Nora ArnezederAnna
America OlivoFrank's Mother
Zoe AggelikiJenna
Jan Broberg FeltRita
Joshua De La GarzaMartin
Dan HunterNick / Clubber Boy
Genevieve AlexandraJessica
Liane BalabanJudy
Megan DuffyLucie
Where to Watch Maniac Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
fuboTV
Paramount+ Amazon Channel
AMC+ Amazon Channel
AMC+
Philo
Sundance Now
Paramount Plus Premium🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
Maniac is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, Maniac stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2012 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maniac movie hit or flop?
Maniac has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Maniac worth watching?
Maniac is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Maniac online?
Maniac is currently available for streaming on fuboTV. You can also check for it on platforms like fuboTV, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, AMC+, Philo, Sundance Now, Paramount Plus Premium depending on your region.
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How Maniac Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Maniac
Mannequinac! Having not seen the original film that this is a remake of, I have no frame of reference. Entering into it oblivious to any sort of bias or guideline, this Maniac proves to be a nifty shocker, one that is not without style even as it puts churnings in your stomach. It's the stylings that I imagine have upset a lot of horror fans, the first person approach and avant-garde sheens strip the pic of genuine suspense. Yet it's a brave film in that respect, as is the casting of Elijah Wood as the titular maniac. Story is hardly original, boy had major mommy issues to deal with and has grown up disturbed. He has taken a career creating mannequins, but with real lady hair! Cue a bloody rampage of scalping - but wait! A pretty lady photographer has befriended him... So it is what it is, a film that's grotty in narrative thrusts, yet one that's plush of cityscape photography and POV daring. An odd blend for sure, so it goes without saying, all these things need to be of interest to the viewer for it to butter your bloody sandwich. 7/10
32/100 Frodo! Say it ain't so!! Actually, far from being typecast, Elijah Wood has grabbed quite a variety of roles including this one as a totally psychopathic - but likable - manikin maker and does a fantastic job. Unfortunately, that's the only good thing about this dark and very uncomfortably slow remake of the 1980 film. Apparently, someone didn't think the original was depraved enough. -- DrNostromo.com
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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