Apparition

Apparition

Year: 2014

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: Persian

Director: Dariush Mehrjui

A tyrannical general abuses his wife and maid, leading to a discovery of their affair. The wife dismisses the maid, unaware that she is pregnant with the general’s child. Following his death, a new generation emerges, grappling with shifting perspectives and unforeseen challenges in this stylized melodrama, loosely inspired by Ibsen.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Apparition (2014)

Trace every key event in Apparition (2014) 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

Network pressure and show cancellation

The crew is warned by their boss Ms. Simon that Ghost Sightings could be cancelled if ratings don't improve. The threat hangs over them as they search for a more compelling story in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles
2

Visit from Mr. Gaffney

Mr. Gaffney arrives with an offer to rid a haunted home of its spirits, pressing the crew to deliver results. Joel explains that they only investigate hauntings and that eradicating ghosts is far more difficult than it seems.

Los Angeles area / home property
3

Road trip to the haunted location

The crew travels to the area and stops for a restaurant meal before continuing to the abandoned prison. They discuss the risks of an overnight investigation and what they hope to capture on film.

On the road to the abandoned prison
4

Arrival at the abandoned prison

Clive, a former worker, gives them a tour and warns them to turn back. He recounts a prisoner who escaped, murdered an inmate by snapping his neck, and haunts the place.

Abandoned prison
5

Infirmary legend of the doctor

In the infirmary, Clive explains the doctor who paralyzed inmates and conducted illegal experiments in hopes of fixing their psyche. The legend says the doctor was jailed and ultimately killed by inmates.

Prison infirmary
6

Overnight stakeout and first attack

The crew begins their overnight investigation in the cell block. Roger is attacked by a ghost that possesses him and leaves large gashes on the side of his head. Berger and Joel rush Roger to the video control room and realize they are chain-locked inside, trapping themselves with the escalating hauntings.

Cell block and video control room
7

Infirmary return and pursuit

With limited medical supplies, they head to the infirmary, where Berger is attacked by ghosts and taken away. Kate searches for Berger and, while being attacked, escapes by using a device that disrupts the ghost energy.

Infirmary
8

Ghosts corner on the third floor; Roger's sacrifice

Kate and Joel try to warn the ghosts that the doctor is dead, but the apparition corners them on the third floor. Roger fights the ghost from within and, to prevent harm to his teammates, sacrifices himself by hanging.

Prison, third floor
9

Berger finds a possible escape; calls for help

After mourning Roger, the team finds Berger near the entryway and learns he may have found a second way out. They follow his lead to the outside grounds where Kate finally gets a signal and calls the police.

Prison grounds
10

Morning escape and confrontation with Clive

The crew is released by paramedics and police as dawn breaks, and they confront Clive about locking them inside. Clive denies responsibility, insisting he did not trigger the confinement.

Morning Prison
11

Mr. Gaffney's true identity revealed

It is revealed that Mr. Gaffney is, in fact, the doctor who tortured and molested the inmates. He reacts with anger when Joel and Kate explain that the ghosts have not truly been eradicated.

Prison
12

Locking Gaffney inside and spirits drag him away

Joel and Kate trick Gaffney and lock him inside the prison. The ghosts drag him away from the doors, confirming that the haunting will continue beyond his plans and ensuring his downfall.

Prison
13

Return to Los Angeles and vow to end the show

Joel, Kate, and Berger drive back to Los Angeles and vow to end the Ghost Sightings series. The crew leaves with a renewed caution toward pursuing haunted truth and the danger it brings.

Los Angeles

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 16:05

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Claustrophobic ghost hunt movies like Apparition

Characters become prey in a confined location with a violent supernatural past.Discover movies like Apparition where a ghost hunt descends into a desperate fight for survival. These films share a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere, fast pacing, and high-intensity supernatural threats. If you liked the feeling of being trapped and hunted in Apparition, you'll find similar stories here.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically begins with an investigation into a place with a notorious past. The characters quickly lose control of the situation as they are locked in and subjected to escalating, physical ghostly attacks. The story is a linear, straightforward survival thriller where the goal shifts from discovery to escape, often at a great cost.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a specific, high-intensity scenario: a contained haunting with immediate physical danger. The similarity comes from the oppressive setting, the fast-paced sequence of supernatural attacks, and the overarching theme of survival against a powerful, vengeful entity.

Bittersweet horror endings like in Apparition

Survivors escape a supernatural ordeal, but their victory is shadowed by profound loss.Explore horror films with bittersweet endings similar to Apparition. These movies conclude with the survivors escaping the immediate threat, but their victory is earned through sacrifice and leaves them emotionally scarred. If you appreciated the complex, heavy feeling at the end of Apparition, this thread is for you.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative builds towards a climax where the evil is defeated or contained, but this resolution requires a significant sacrifice—often the death of a key character. The final scenes focus on the survivors grappling with their trauma, implying that while they live, they are forever changed by the horrific experience. The closure is partial, emphasizing the lasting impact of violence and fear.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their specific emotional payoff. They deliver the catharsis of survival but refuse a clean, happy ending. The grouping is based on a shared tonal balance between triumph and tragedy, creating a more resonant and emotionally heavy conclusion than standard horror fare.

Unlock the Full Story of Apparition

Don't stop at just watching — explore Apparition 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 Apparition is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Apparition Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Apparition, 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.

Apparition Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Apparition

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Apparition

Apparition Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Apparition that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Apparition Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Apparition

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