At first, the audience is led to believe that Pieter and Nienke are the murderers in The Postcard Killings. The movie begins with the murder of Detective Jacob Kanon’s daughter and her husband. This event sparks his investigation into similar killings across Europe.
Along the way, Kanon encounters a young American couple, Mac and Sylvia Randolph, who become entangled with Pieter and Nienke. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the killers seem to be working as a team, and Pieter and Nienke are suspected of being behind the murders.
A hunt for killers takes an unexpected turn with deadly consequences (Photo: The Postcard Killings/Good Films Collective)However, a major twist occurs when Pieter and Nienke become victims themselves. The real killers turn out to be Mac and Sylvia, who are later revealed to be Simon and Marina Haysmith. These two individuals are not who they initially appear to be.
Simon and Marina are siblings, adopted by Simon Haysmith Sr., a man who stole millions from his Wall Street clients.
The disturbing truth about their past eventually emerges—Simon and Marina were brought up in an abusive household and are seeking freedom through the murders of newlywed couples, targeting them to demand understanding while rebelling against their father.
Their twisted relationship, built on secrets and lies, leads them to take drastic actions. The final revelation comes when it is discovered that Simon and Marina are not blood-related after all, but were both adopted by Simon Haysmith Sr.
They were raised under the false belief that they were siblings, a lie that severely impacted their lives. Had they known the truth, they might have been able to live their lives as they wished, and none of the murders would have taken place.
Why The Killers’ Murders Were Inspired By Art (and What The Postcards Meant)
The killings in The Postcard Killings are not just about murder—they are deeply connected to the killers’ past and their relationship with art. Simon and Marina use art as a way of expressing their inner turmoil and making a statement against their father.
Each murder scene is designed to mirror a famous work of art, symbolizing love, pain, or death. The postcards sent by the killers not only serve as a teaser for their next move but also tell a story of rebellion and frustration.
Simon Haysmith Sr. had ingrained an appreciation for art in his children, but his distorted version of perfection and control over their lives led to tragic consequences. Through their murders, Simon and Marina are effectively using their knowledge of art to rebel against the oppressive ideals their father forced upon them.
What Happened To Simon and Marina (Did They Die?)
Kanon takes a daring step to draw Simon and Marina out by having Dessie write an article about the case, which successfully attracts their attention. This move, however, sets Dessie up as the next target. Simon and Marina abduct her, intending to recreate a famous Modigliani artwork.
The truth about the killers’ past uncovers a chilling legacy of abuse (Photo: The Postcard Killings/Good Films Collective)Just in time, Kanon intervenes, shooting Simon to prevent the murder, though Marina drags her bleeding brother through the snow. Simon succumbs to his injuries, but Marina survives, heading towards Russia in an attempt to escape.
It is understood that Simon dies from his wounds, while Marina may have hidden his body somewhere along the way.
What Happened To Simon Haysmith Sr.?
Simon Haysmith Sr. is a key figure in the story, although his actions are less discussed. He is a man driven by greed and control, manipulating his children to fit his ideals of perfection. He abused Simon and Marina both physically and emotionally, all while teaching them about art in an authoritarian manner.
The movie leaves open the question of whether Haysmith Sr. ever learns about the murders his children committed. He remains imprisoned, and Valerie, Kanon’s ex-wife, never mentions the killings to him during her visit.
How The Postcard Killings Sets Up A Sequel
While The Postcard Killings offers closure on the identity of the killers, it leaves the door open for a potential sequel. Despite Simon’s death, Marina remains alive and is seen contacting her father in prison, speaking to him in Russian, leaving a chilling message.
This unexpected twist suggests that Marina’s story is far from over. However, due to the movie’s critical reception and commercial performance, it is unlikely that a continuation will ever be made.
