 "Xtacy" is a suspense-thriller inspired by Edgar Allan Poe s classic novella, The Tell-Tale Heart. The film examines a year in the life of Alex Winthrop, a New York artist turned serial killer. Alex finds that by killing beautiful young women he is able to create beautiful masterpieces. He discovers that not only is he able to capture his victim s souls on canvas, but his art moves to a new and exciting place. He begins to taste success at his finger tips. After a while, his victims take over his mind and start driving him mad. He is haunted by them and hears them everywhere. He is unable to find a moment of peace. Alex realizes that the only way to quiet these voices and bring some tranquility to his existence is to keep on killing. It is Alex s addiction to kill which destroys his mind and which ultimately leads to his demise.