Don't Tell a Soul

Don't Tell a Soul

Year: 2021

Runtime: 83 min

Language: English

Director: Alex McAulay

DramaThriller

In a desperate bid to save their ailing mother, two teenage brothers embark on a reckless heist, only to find themselves entangled with a resourceful security officer, Hamby. As they navigate the treacherous consequences of their actions, Joey and Hamby form an unlikely bond, but Hamby's secrets threaten to upend their fragile alliance and put everything at stake in this gripping thriller.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Don't Tell a Soul (2021)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Don't Tell a Soul (2021). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The story does not specify a particular time period, focusing instead on the immediate struggles of the characters. However, the themes of sibling conflict, desperation, and crime resonate with contemporary societal issues. The characters' actions reflect a sense of urgency common in modern narratives surrounding familial bonds under stress.

Location

Isolated Property, Woods, House

The movie takes place in an isolated property undergoing fumigation, which adds an eerie layer to the brothers' risky endeavor. Following their ill-fated robbery, the nearby woods become a pivotal location for the unfolding drama, providing a backdrop for their escape and subsequent confrontations. Additionally, their family home serves as a critical space where tensions escalate between the characters, leading to dramatic revelations.

🏡 Setting 🌳 Nature 🏚️ Abandonment

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:39

Main Characters – Don't Tell a Soul (2021)
Meet the key characters of Don't Tell a Soul (2021), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Matt

Matt is a 17-year-old burdened by his mother's illness, leading him into a dangerous path of crime. His aggressive need to assert control often manifests in reckless decisions that alienate his younger brother, Joey. As events spiral out of control, Matt's conflicting emotions reveal deep-seated insecurities and guilt, particularly in light of his criminal actions.

🚨 Conflict 🤬 Anger 😞 Guilt

Joey

14-year-old Joey is notably more empathetic than his brother, caught between loyalty to Matt and a sense of moral responsibility. His inner turmoil grows as he struggles with guilt after leaving Dave in the well. Joey ultimately takes a stand against Matt's recklessness, showcasing his bravery but also the emotional toll of their fraternal strife.

💔 Conflict 😢 Empathy 🦸 Bravery

Randy Michael Sadler

Randy is a notorious fugitive with a complex backstory, masquerading as a security guard. His presence in the brothers' lives catalyzes the film's central conflict, as he manipulates Joey into assisting him while challenging the brothers' bond. Randy's dark past and motivations reveal themes of vengeance and desperation.

🦹‍♂️ Antagonist 💰 Greed 🥵 Manipulation

Carol

Carol serves as both a tragic figure and protective mother, whose struggles with her past inform her responses to the chaos enveloping her family. Her history of violence surfaces during the climax, revealing the extent to which she is willing to go to safeguard her children from harm. Carol's character emphasizes themes of maternal instinct and justice.

👩‍👧‍👦 Sacrifice 🔫 Revenge 😢 Tragedy

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:39

Major Themes – Don't Tell a Soul (2021)
Explore the central themes of Don't Tell a Soul (2021), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Brotherhood

The film deeply explores the dynamic between the brothers, Matt and Joey, highlighting their strained relationship as they navigate guilt and betrayal. Matt's descent into ruthless behavior contrasts sharply with Joey's moral compass, resulting in pivotal conflicts that shape their lives. This theme underscores the complexity of familial loyalty and the lengths to which one might go to protect a loved one.

⚖️ Justice

Justice is a recurring theme as the characters grapple with ethical dilemmas, including theft and the choice to assist a fugitive. Joey's decision to aid Randy is complicated by his desperate circumstances, blurring the lines between right and wrong. The film raises questions about vengeance, redemption, and the pursuit of justice within a fractured family unit.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:39

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