A homicide detective brings his partner out of retirement to help catch a serial killer whose crimes are based on the children's game Hangman.

Decorated retired homicide detective Ray Archer (Al Pacino) and his partner, ex FBI agent Will Ruiney, (Karl Urban) are tasked with catching a vicious serial killer who is playing a twisted version of the children's game Hangman. Crime journalist Christi Davies (Brittany Snow) shadows the detectives, aiding them with her own insights into the criminal mind.