Daddy's Head

The story begins with the sudden loss of Isaac's father, James, who dies in a tragic car accident. This event leaves both Isaac and his stepmother, Laura, to mourn and grapple with their grief in the aftermath of his unexpected death.

During a discussion about James' will, social worker Mary informs Laura that if she does not assume legal guardianship of Isaac, he may be sent to a foster home. This news puts additional pressure on Laura as she navigates her new responsibilities and the complexities of her relationship with Isaac.

After watching home videos of James, Laura falls asleep only to be jolted awake by flashing blue lights outside her window. She is unsettled and feels compelled to investigate the unusual occurrence, setting off a series of eerie events.

While searching in the woods, Laura discovers a destroyed car and hears James' voice calling her name. This haunting experience deeply troubles Laura as she confronts the blurred line between grief and reality.

That night, Isaac is disturbed by the family dog, Bella, barking at a strange creature outside his bedroom. Sleep-deprived and scared, Isaac believes the creature is his father, appearing with a familiar face and calling his name, intensifying his grief and confusion.

Laura and Isaac stumble upon a wooden structure in the woods, resembling James' architectural work. Isaac insists that his father built it for him, which raises Laura's concerns about Isaac's mental state and attachment to his deceased father.

Laura confides in Robert, expressing her worries about Isaac's increasingly erratic behavior. Robert offers to take in Isaac, but Laura's rejection of help showcases her struggle with her responsibilities and fears.

Bella, the family dog, runs back to the wooden structure and meets a violent end at the hands of the creature. Later, Laura visits a veterinarian who reveals that the dog's injuries could not have been caused by another animal, leading Laura to suspect Isaac's involvement.

Laura and Robert visit James' grave, only to find it vandalized, heightening the mysteries surrounding the events and Isaac's behavior. The destruction signifies deeper issues that Isaac is grappling with in his mind as he deals with loss.

A creature in Isaac's room urges him to return to the wooden structure. Laura sees the creature through a hidden camera and, despite the danger, she resolves to confront the growing threats to her family.

Isaac, driven by rage and manipulation from the creature, leads Robert to the structure, where Robert is brutally attacked. This act escalates the tension within the household and demonstrates Isaac's increasingly violent tendencies.

Laura confronts Isaac about the vandalism and his erratic behavior, finding it nearly impossible to connect with him. She declares her intention to leave the next day, feeling overwhelmed by the situation and unsure of how to help him.

In a harrowing turn of events, Laura enters Isaac's room and discovers the creature lying beside him. In a desperate act to save Isaac, she stabs the creature, but it manages to escape, leaving Laura in disbelief as Isaac cries out for her.

Years later, an older Isaac returns to his childhood home, confronting his past. He discovers the decayed structure and unearths remnants of the creature, symbolizing his long-buried trauma and unresolved grief.

In a poignant closing scene, Isaac finds his mother’s room and refers to her as 'mum.' This moment signifies a shift in his understanding and acceptance, as well as the memories that continue to define his life.