Clock

Ella, a 37-year-old woman, starts to feel the weight of societal and familial expectations to bear children. This ongoing pressure deeply unsettles her, as she does not desire the traditional motherhood path.

At the prompting of her husband, Ella visits Dr. Webber for a routine breast cancer screening. During the appointment, she reveals her anxiety about motherhood and her hope that her biological clock might be ticking.

Dr. Webber informs Ella that her biological clock may be broken, suggesting an experimental treatment. Ella is faced with a pivotal decision about whether to explore this uncharted path.

Ella resolves to participate in the experimental treatment study, using a work project as a cover to disguise her true motivation. This decision marks a significant turning point in her quest for resolution.

She meets Dr. Elizabeth Simmons, who confidently assures her that an implant and hormone therapy can reset her biological clock. Ella feels hopeful as she embraces the prescribed treatment.

While undergoing a Rorschach test, Ella experiences vivid hallucinations of a tall woman and bizarre imagery. These experiences trigger significant conversations with Dr. Simmons about her fears and legacy.

Ella enters a sensory deprivation chamber and is overwhelmed by her fears surrounding childbirth. She visualizes both the beauty and horror of motherhood, causing her to panic and lose consciousness.

Upon awakening, Dr. Simmons reassures Ella about her reactions being a positive sign. Despite her bizarre hallucinations, Ella decides to remain in the study, continuing her struggle for clarity.

Ella attends a gathering at her friend Shauna's house where seeing her pregnant friend amplifies her emotional turmoil. Hallucinations intensify, culminating in a near-violent incident with a heavy book.

In a fit of rage, provoked by personal and familial pressures, Ella destroys a grandfather clock at home. This act symbolizes her attempt to dismantle a part of her identity and legacy.

Ella learns of Aiden's involvement in her decision to participate in the study from a conversation he had with Dr. Webber. This revelation fuels her rage and sense of betrayal, leading to a dramatic confrontation.

In a moment of desperation, Ella tears the implant from her body, seeking autonomy over her life choices. This chaotic act signifies her determination to reclaim control amid confusion.

With the police approaching, Ella finds herself on the edge of a cliff, grappling with her overwhelming emotions. A phone call from Aiden reveals the depth of her situation, compelling her to confront her father's mortality.

In a moment of despair, Ella leaps off the cliff but miraculously survives, landing at the water's edge. This act becomes a pivotal moment in her journey of self-discovery and emotional upheaval.

As Ella lies by the water, a strange fish-like creature approaches her, symbolizing uncertainty and the unknown. This curious encounter serves as a metaphor for her ongoing journey of self-exploration.