Dalaw (2009) Plot Summary Explained

Milagros was attacked because Lorna's ghost was already present and vengeful. Though Milagros was not directly involved in Lorna's death, the ghost's rage targeted Anton's family indiscriminately. The attack at the wedding marked the beginning of Lorna's campaign of terror, striking at the moment Anton tried to start a new life with Stella.

Foreshadowing: The attack occurs suddenly during the happiest moment, signaling that something ancient and malicious lurks beneath the celebration.

• milagros
• wedding attack
• lorna ghost
• anton mother

Anton accidentally killed his ex-girlfriend Lorna, though the specific circumstances of the accident are not detailed in the summary. What is known is that Lorna was buried in a forest after her death, and her spirit returned as a vengeful ghost seeking revenge against Anton and his new family.

• lorna death
• anton killed lorna
• ex girlfriend
• buried forest

Lorna targets Stella because she represents Anton's new life and happiness. The ghost's jealousy and rage extend to anyone connected to Anton, particularly those who replace her in his heart. Stella becomes the primary target not because of any personal wrongdoing, but simply because she is the woman Anton chose to marry.

• lorna targets wife
• anton new love
• revenge ghost
• jealousy

Olga dies because she directly confronts Lorna's ghost while trying to help Stella. As a clairvoyant with the ability to perceive spirits, Olga poses a threat to Lorna's plans. The ghost kills her to eliminate this obstacle and demonstrate the deadly consequences of opposing her.

Foreshadowing: Olga's ability to see the truth makes her a target once she shares this knowledge with Stella.

• olga death
• clairvoyant killed
• lorna attacks
• housekeeper murdered

The black liquid represents lingering evil that follows Stella and Paolo. This ominous final image suggests Lorna's curse or a broader supernatural threat may have attached itself to them. The film leaves this ambiguous, implying that some darkness cannot be simply left behind when departing a haunted place.

• black liquid
• taxi ending
• evil follows
• ominous sign

Stella assumes her late husband Danilo is causing the disturbances because the hauntings began after she remarried. Guilt-ridden over moving on so quickly, she projects the supernatural activity onto him. This misinterpretation delays the discovery of Lorna's true presence and allows the vengeful ghost to escalate its attacks.

Foreshadowing: Stella's guilt over remarrying so soon after Danilo's death creates the perfect opportunity for misdirection.

• late husband haunting
• stella guilt
• danilo ghost
• misdirection

Stella defeats Lorna through sheer resolve and courage at the gravesite. While Anton loses his life during the confrontation, Stella pushes through her fear and overcomes the ghost. The victory comes at a tremendous personal cost, leaving her scarred by the experience but alive.

• stella defeats lorna
• final battle
• ghost confrontation
• victory

Anton's ghost appears to offer comfort and closure after his death at Lorna's hands. His appearance represents peace rather than vengeance, signaling that his spirit is not bound by the same hatred that consumed Lorna. This moment provides Stella emotional healing after the traumatic confrontation.

Foreshadowing: Despite his death, Anton's love for Stella transcends the grave, allowing him to appear peacefully.

• anton ghost
• comfort stella
• after death
• closure

Lorna's backstory involves being Anton's ex-girlfriend whom he accidentally killed. Her rage stems from being replaced and forgotten, combined with whatever violence led to her death. She was buried in a forest, and her spirit returned to claim revenge against Anton and anyone connected to his new life.

• lorna backstory
• revenge motive
• ex girlfriend
• tragic past

After being struck by an unseen force at the wedding, Milagros is left paralyzed and unable to speak. She dies soon after the attack from her injuries. Her death marks the first fatality and establishes the deadly serious tone of the haunting that follows.

Foreshadowing: The attack on Milagros foreshadows the escalating violence that will claim more lives.

• milagros paralyzed
• wedding tragedy
• mother dies
• anton family