Ghostland

Ghostland

Year: 2018

Runtime: 91 mins

Language: English

Director: Pascal Laugier

Echo Score: 67
HorrorMysteryThrillerHorror

A grieving mother and her two daughters find themselves targeted by violent intruders shortly after inheriting a house from her aunt. Years later, the daughters return to the house, now adults, and unsettling events begin to unfold, forcing them to confront the lingering trauma of that terrifying night and the mysteries surrounding their family's past.

Ghostland (2018) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Ghostland (2018) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the remote countryside, a grieving mother and her two daughters inherit a solitary house left to them by a distant aunt. The property, tucked away among tangled woods and shadowed by the weight of family history, becomes a fragile refuge where the past and present press together. Pauline, still mourning her loss, attempts to rebuild a sense of normalcy within the old walls, while her teenage daughters, Beth and Vera, each carry their own quiet burdens.

The house itself feels alive with the echo of memories, its creaking floors and dimly lit rooms serving as a canvas for lingering sorrow and unspoken fears. The family dynamic is a delicate balance: Pauline strives to protect her girls, Beth seeks to understand the strange undercurrents that surround them, and Vera grapples with an unsettling unease that refuses to fade. Their interactions are tinged with a mix of affection and tension, as the trio navigates the thin line between healing and the pull of unseen forces that seem to linger in every corner.

Sixteen years later, the sisters return as adults, drawn back to the house that shaped their childhood. Their reunion awakens dormant questions and awakens a disquieting atmosphere that hints at unresolved mysteries embedded in the family’s past. As they move through the familiar yet altered spaces, they find themselves confronting the lingering echo of that night, forced to examine the fragments of trauma that have silently guided their lives.

The film unfolds with a brooding, atmospheric tone, blending psychological suspense with an intimate portrait of grief and sisterhood. Its visual palette—dark woods, muted interiors, and fleeting glints of light—mirrors the characters’ internal struggle, inviting viewers to linger in the uneasy silence and wonder what truths the house still guards.

Last Updated: September 17, 2025 at 13:56

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about trauma and escapism like Ghostland

Characters who survive extreme trauma by retreating into protective fantasy worlds.If you were captivated by Ghostland's exploration of fantasy as a refuge from trauma, you'll find similar themes here. This collection features movies where characters use elaborate mental escapes to survive horrific events, resulting in psychologically complex and emotionally heavy stories with a dark tone.

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Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread often begin with a profound, tangible trauma that shatters a character's world. The plot then bifurcates, following both the grim reality of their suffering and the intricate, often beautiful or empowering, fantasy they construct to psychologically survive. The climax typically involves a painful confrontation where the two worlds collide.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together because they share a unique focus on internal psychological survival as the primary response to external horror. They blend high-intensity violence with complex, dreamlike structures, creating a specific, unsettling mood where the mind itself becomes both the battleground and the sanctuary.

Intense home invasion horror movies like Ghostland

Stories where the safety of home is violently shattered by intruders.For viewers who found the violent intrusion and prolonged captivity in Ghostland so gripping, this list features similar movies. Discover other horror and thriller stories where characters fight for survival within the confined space of their own home against merciless attackers, often dealing with heavy themes of trauma.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern typically involves a sudden, brutal attack that disrupts a state of normalcy, followed by a prolonged struggle for survival within a confined space. The conflict is intensely personal and physical, pitting vulnerable inhabitants against ruthless invaders. The story often extends beyond the immediate event to explore the long-term trauma of the survivors.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a core premise that generates immediate, high-tension dread. They deliver a specific kind of visceral fear through their focus on confined settings, intimate violence, and the violation of personal safety. The mood is consistently anxious, oppressive, and unsettling, prioritizing raw survival over complex mystery.

Unlock the Full Story of Ghostland

Don't stop at just watching — explore Ghostland in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Ghostland is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Ghostland Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Ghostland, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Ghostland Summary

Ghostland Timeline

Track the full timeline of Ghostland with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Ghostland Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Ghostland

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Ghostland. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Ghostland

More About Ghostland

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Ghostland: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Ghostland