Dolls

A violent thunderstorm strands Judy, her father David, and her stepmother Rosemary in the English countryside. Seeking shelter, they break into a nearby mansion to wait out the weather. Inside they meet Gabriel and Hilary Hartwicke, a kindly couple who own the place and seem welcoming.

Judy learns her beloved Teddy is missing because Rosemary threw it into the bushes. Gabriel comforts Judy and gives her a new doll named Mr Punch to lift her spirits. The moment sets up the mansion with a strange toy filled atmosphere and hints at the Hartwicks love of toys.

Ralph, Isabel, and Enid arrive seeking shelter after hitchhiking. Gabriel invites them to stay the night, expanding the group of visitors.

Judy discovers the mansion is filled with beautifully detailed toys and dolls. Gabriel explains that he and his wife are toy makers who see toys as the heart of childhood. Judy and Ralph feel a rare sense of joy amid the storm.

Isabel sneaks out to rob the mansion. Dolls spring to life, attack her, and drag her into darkness. Judy witnesses part of the assault and rushes to tell her father, who remains skeptical.

Judy convinces Ralph to check the hallway with her. At first skeptical, Ralph gradually believes Judy as Mr Punch speaks briefly, validating Judy fears. The two share a growing belief in the danger around them.

Dolls attack Rosemary as she settles into bed. She tries to escape but falls from a window to her death. The event marks a turning point for the house and its magic like danger.

Enid searches for Isabel and finds her in the attic transformed into a doll like version of herself. A horde of toys attacks Enid, killing her.

Ralph is captured by a trap set by the dolls to ensnare the adults. Judy convinces the others to rescue him since he is innocent and kind.

Judy and Ralph enter the workshop where David confronts them. He refuses to listen to any explanation about the dolls from Ralph and knocks both unconscious. The Mr Punch doll comes to life and attacks David.

The dolls drag the unconscious Judy and Ralph to safety while David destroys Mr Punch. The immediate danger subsides as the night continues to unfold its deeper meaning.

Gabriel and Hilary Hartwicke reveal they are magicians who see toys as the heart of childhood. They explain that the dolls test visitors for bitterness or love of life; those who refuse to change are trapped as dolls.

As the Hartwickes speak, David slowly transforms into a doll to replace Mr Punch, symbolizing the price of his refusal to change. The change signals the permanent consequences for those who cling to cynicism.

Morning reveals that the events were explained as a dream. The Hartwickes read a fake letter from David explaining that he and Rosemary are changing their names and leaving the country with Enid and Isabel.

Judy gives Teddy to the Hartwickes and accepts a possible future with the caring mother figure. Ralph and Judy leave in a car, hinting that he could be Judy’s new father if he stays. The film ends with dolls of David, Rosemary, Enid, and Isabel on a shelf and a separate car of obnoxious parents stuck in mud near the mansion.