Grace (2009) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Patricia, Madeline's former midwife and ex-girlfriend, agreed because Madeline and Michael had already experienced two failed attempts to have a child. Desperate for a successful pregnancy, they requested an unconventional birth method that Patricia believed could improve their chances. Her agreement sets in motion the unusual circumstances that lead to Grace's supernatural birth.

Foreshadowing: The unorthodox delivery method foreshadows the abnormal nature of what follows, hinting that something extraordinary will happen.

• Patricia
• midwife
• unconventional birth
• pregnancy
• attempted children

Grace appeared stillborn immediately following the car accident that killed Michael, but she miraculously came alive moments later during delivery. This unexpected revival becomes the source of both Madeline's relief and her horror, as the life that returned is not entirely normal. The stillborn-to-alive transition marks the supernatural turning point of the entire film.

• stillborn
• born alive
• miracle
• car accident
• supernatural birth

Grace's digestive system rejects ordinary breast milk entirely, causing her to vomit repeatedly. However, she can digest and retain blood, which she feeds on directly from her mother's bleeding breast. This physical impossibility reveals from the start that Grace is not a normal infant, she requires human blood to survive and thrive.

Foreshadowing: The flies attracted to Grace's putrid scent earlier hints at something dead or unnatural about her.

• vomiting
• breast milk
• blood feeding
• digestion
• monstrous baby

After discovering Grace cannot digest breast milk and only keeps down blood, Madeline allows her daughter to feed from her bleeding breast to keep the baby alive. This act of extreme maternal sacrifice quickly drains Madeline physically and causes her significant harm. Her desperation to preserve her only child outweighs the danger to her own body.

• maternal sacrifice
• blood feeding
• breastfeeding
• danger
• protection

Dr. Sohn visits Madeline's home to examine Grace and potentially document evidence that Madeline is an unfit mother, which could lead to the baby being taken away. Fearing she will lose Grace, Madeline attacks and kills the obstetrician in a desperate act of protection. She then drains his blood into a bottle to continue feeding her daughter, turning the house into a crime scene.

• Dr. Sohn
• murder
• protect daughter
• unfit mother
• obstetrician

Vivian, Michael's domineering mother, insists on visiting Grace and pressures Madeline constantly. She enlists Dr. Sohn to help prove Madeline is an unfit mother, aiming to remove the baby from her care. Vivian's controlling nature drives her to get custody of her grandchild, though her methods and true motivations remain harsh and uncompromising.

• Vivian
• grandmother
• custody
• Michael's mother
• pressure

Vivian arrives at the house, discovers Dr. Sohn's body and a bottle of blood, and grabs Grace to flee. Madeline pursues her, and during the brutal struggle, Madeline tears out part of Vivian's throat with her teeth, leaving her unconscious. Grace remains unharmed, and Patricia arrives shortly after to witness the aftermath.

• confrontation
• throat
• struggle
• violence
• Vivian injured

Patricia arrives at the house after the violent events and witnesses Grace drinking blood, confirming the dark truth about the baby. Rather than seeking help or leaving, Patricia chooses to stay and assist them, later driving the motor home across the desert. She rationalizes that as long as Madeline maintains the proper diet for Grace, they can continue raising the child.

• Patricia
• witness
• blood drinking
• acceptance
• desert escape

Some time later, Madeline reveals that Grace has begun teething, and the final image exposes her mutilated breast. This indicates Grace is physically developing and her needs are growing stronger. The bleak ending confirms the horrific cycle of feeding and mutilation will only intensify as the child gets older.

• teething
• ending
• breast
• growth
• cycle of horror