Grim

Grim

Year: 1996

Runtime: 88 mins

Language: English

Director: Paul Matthews

HorrorHorror

This is no fairy tale… A team of spelunkers, when investigating a system of caves beneath a small town, come across a hideous creature that can move through walls.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Grim yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Grim (1996)

Trace every key event in Grim (1996) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Spirit board gathering

Katie, Steve, Trish, and Sarah gather in Katie's home in Woodland Hills for a late-night spirit board session. As the planchette moves, Katie begins to convulse and speak in a voice not her own, signaling the Grim's presence. The encounter ends with a chilling realization that a dark force has been unleashed from the town's caves.

Evening Katie's house, Woodland Hills
2

Katie possessed by the Grim

The Grim forcibly takes control of Katie, compelling her to verbally grant its freedom. The possession marks the creature's release from imprisonment and sets its plan into motion. Rob, Steve, and the others sense something has changed beneath the town.

That night Katie's house
3

Grim frees itself and travels underground

With Katie under its control, the Grim slips into the cave systems beneath Woodland Hills. It begins to move freely, triggering a trail of sinkholes above ground. Animals fall prey first, and soon a woman named Mary is kidnapped.

Following night Cave systems beneath Woodland Hills
4

Sinkholes and suspicion

The sudden sinkholes and tremors cause panic in Woodland Hills. The townspeople assume a mining company is expanding its tunnels, but Katie and Steve realize it is connected to the previous night's events.

Over the next days Woodland Hills
5

Rob arrives to investigate tunnels

An official named Rob, familiar with the town's tunnels, is dispatched to investigate. He begins organizing a plan to explore underground and locate the source of the disturbances.

Shortly after Woodland Hills
6

Impromptu spelunking team forms

Rob forms an impromptu spelunking team including Penny, Steve, Katie, Trish, Ken, Sarah, and Wendy, and they prepare to enter the cave system to search for clues and for Mary.

That night Cave entrance, Woodland Hills
7

Tragedy in the tunnels

Within the darkness of the tunnels, the Grim ambushes and slaughters Trish. The team reels from the sudden loss as panic spreads among them.

During exploration Cave system
8

Kills and abductions

While the group searches for Trish, the Grim kills Steve and abducts Ken and Sarah, taking them back to its lair where Mary is kept captive.

Moments after Trish's death Cave lair
9

Failed dynamite plan

The group devises a plan to kill the Grim using dynamite. The attempt fails, leaving them to regroup and rethink their strategy while the Grim's power grows stronger underground.

Shortly after abductions Cave tunnels
10

Rescue and retreat

Rob and the others manage to rescue the captives but are forced to leave Wendy behind due to her insanity and the Grim possessing her. The team grieves, knowing the danger is far from over.

During the rescue Escape route from lair
11

Final stand begins

With Ken dead, only Katie, Rob, and Penny remain to confront the Grim in the tunnels. The trio steels themselves for a dangerous confrontation with the otherworldly force.

After Wendy's removal Cave corridors
12

Grim imprisoned by sunlight

They locate the place where the Grim was imprisoned and learn that bright light can imprison it again. They detain the Grim with flashlights, but as the sun rises, the Grim grabs Katie, sealing them both in a radiant prison.

Sunrise Ancient prison site within the tunnels
13

Aftermath and Mary remains missing

Rob and Penny escape the tunnels, traumatized by the ordeal. Mary remains missing in the Grim's lair, suggesting she may still be under its control or hidden away beneath the town.

Dawn and aftermath Tunnel exit and Grim's lair

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 12:31

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These narratives follow characters confronted with an existential threat that systematically dismantles their group and psyche. The journey is straightforward, focusing on the mechanics of survival against an unforgiving force. The emotional arc is one of diminishing hope, culminating in an ending that solidifies the loss and horror, rather than providing catharsis.

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These films are united by their commitment to a dark, unforgiving tone and a high-intensity viewing experience. They prioritize a heavy emotional weight and bleak conclusions, offering a cohesive vibe for viewers seeking horror that doesn't pull its punches and lingers unsettlingly after the credits roll.

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Grim Summary

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Grim Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Grim

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Grim

Grim Spoiler-Free Summary

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Grim Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Grim

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