A Reflection of Fear

A Reflection of Fear

Year: 1972

Runtime: 89 mins

Language: English

Director: William A. Fraker

HorrorThriller

A cry in the night, a gasp in the dark. A young girl lives with her mother and grandmother when her estranged father returns, bringing a woman he claims is his fiancée. As the girl becomes entangled in the family's unsettling events, the situation spirals into a tangled web of crime and murder.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen A Reflection of Fear yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – A Reflection of Fear (1972)

Trace every key event in A Reflection of Fear (1972) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Marguerite's isolating paranoia

In a secluded mansion in Eastern Canada, Marguerite, a 15-year-old, displays escalating paranoia and withdrawal. She talks to her dolls—especially one named Aaron—and to an amoeba she keeps, while painting unsettling images in isolation. She also takes daily injections whose labels have been removed, hinting at a fragile grip on reality.

early in Marguerite's stay Mansion, Eastern Canada
2

Desire to reconnect with her father

Marguerite expresses a longing to reconnect with her estranged father, Michael, who has been apart from the family for years. He arrives at the hamlet with his partner Anne, signaling an attempt to pursue a divorce from Katherine and repair his relationship with Marguerite. The atmosphere shifts as his presence rekindles the daughter's attachment.

upon Michael's arrival Mansion / hamlet
3

Unhealthy bond and surveillance

As Michael settles in, Marguerite's attachment grows more intense and invasive, with her spying on household members through crevices and hidden spaces. The line between daughter and father becomes blurred, creating a tense and foreboding mood. The Doll Aaron's influence is hinted at as a destabilizing force.

soon after Michael's arrival House
4

Katherine and Julia are murdered

Aaron, the figure associated with Marguerite's dolls, murders Katherine in her bed with a wooden pole, and Julia is killed soon after. The family reels from the brutal violence, and Marguerite's grip on reality further deteriorates. Michael and Anne confront the unimaginable loss and growing chaos.

night Mansion
5

A beach outing to soothe the tension

Marguerite is comforted by Michael, who arranges a local beach outing for Marguerite, Anne, and himself. The trip is meant to ease tensions, but it also reveals the fragility and unhealthy dynamics among the adults. The seaside setting marks a turning point in Marguerite's perception of her world.

afternoon Local beach
6

Evidence of a dangerous bond surfaces

The outing exposes an alarming level of attachment between Michael and Marguerite, including an inappropriate closeness that unsettles Anne. Anne exits in distress and ends up at the inn, where she encounters Hector and senses something ominous in his knowing look. The house feels on the edge of collapse.

evening Beach / inn
7

Anne confronts Michael; fragile relationship

Anne confronts Michael about his behavior toward Marguerite, and the couple briefly contemplates pursuing their relationship further. Marguerite's presence remains entwined with the adults' affair, heightening the emotional tension in the household. The confrontation leaves unresolved wounds.

that evening House
8

A perilous road encounter and danger at night

That night, a person in a raincoat calls out to Anne on the road, leading to a tense encounter. She stops to speak, then falls down a hill and is attacked by a hooded assailant, though she is saved by an unknown rescuer. Anne returns home, apologizing to Michael for leaving, while danger looms over the family.

that night Road / path to inn
9

Hector's boat date ends in tragedy

The next day, Hector takes Marguerite out on his boat, offering her beer and attempting to seduce her, leaving Marguerite visibly anxious. The sequence ends with the boat spiraling out of control and crashing on the rocky shore, killing Hector while Marguerite survives and is rescued by medical personnel.

the following day Boat / rocky shore
10

From hospital to home and a Boston call

Marguerite is taken home by medical personnel after the incident, and Michael tells her that he has made a call to Boston. The call hints at deeper institutional involvement or relocation, grounding the sense that Marguerite is to be removed from the current environment. The family tries to regain stability amid the trauma.

that evening Home / car to Boston hospital
11

The Boston call foreshadows Marguerite's fate

That night Marguerite senses that the Boston call means she will be 'taken away,' and Michael confirms this fear. She blames Aaron for the harm around them and asks to show Michael how he has hurt them all, a request Michael accepts. The threat of separation hangs over Marguerite's head.

that night House
12

The attic confrontation and revelation

A hooded figure attacks Michael, and the commotion leads through crawl spaces of the house. It is revealed that Marguerite, in Aaron's persona, is behind the assault. She collapses sobbing as Michael approaches, and a Boston-recorded inquiry reveals that Katherine had given birth to a boy, not a girl.

that night House / crawl spaces

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 08:45

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of A Reflection of Fear

Don't stop at just watching — explore A Reflection of Fear in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what A Reflection of Fear is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

A Reflection of Fear Summary

Read a complete plot summary of A Reflection of Fear, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

A Reflection of Fear Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in A Reflection of Fear

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape A Reflection of Fear. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in A Reflection of Fear

More About A Reflection of Fear

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about A Reflection of Fear: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About A Reflection of Fear

Similar Movies to A Reflection of Fear

Discover movies like A Reflection of Fear that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.