Mr. Brooks (2007)

The American psychological thriller film, Mr. Brooks (2007), directed by Bruce A. Evans and starring Kevin Costner, follows the story of Earl Brooks. Despite appearing as a respected businessman in Portland, Oregon, Brooks leads a secret life as a serial killer. Struggling to control his ‘killing addiction’, Brooks eventually gives in to his id, Marshall, and murders a young couple in their bedroom. This pattern of leaving a thumbprint on the lampshade earned him the moniker ‘Thumbprint Killer’. His methodical approach includes meticulous preparation, cleaning the crime scene, and reciting the Serenity Prayer to calm himself down. However, during his latest murder, Brooks realizes that he left the bedroom curtains open with a clear view from an apartment building across the street. On the case is Detective Tracy Atwood of the Portland Police Homicide division who has been tracking the Thumbprint Killer for years.

During her investigation, she discovers that another serial killer known as The Hangman has escaped from prison. This killer is also known as Thornton Meeks, whom she had previously caught. He has now made it his mission to harm her. In the meantime, Brooks’ daughter, Jane, unexpectedly returns home and asks for a job at his company after dropping out of college. As Brooks processes this news, he learns that Jane is pregnant. Sometime later, detectives from Palo Alto visit the Brooks family regarding a murder that occurred in Jane’s old dorm room. To Brooks’ surprise, he realizes that Jane committed the crime. Initially, he considers allowing her to get caught in order to ‘save’ her from turning into a killer like him. However, after much contemplation, he decides to cover for her by committing a similar murder in Palo Alto, providing her with an alibi. ‘Mister Smith’, who witnessed the murder through a direct view of their bedroom window, approaches Brooks with photographs of his crime scene.