Handling the Undead

Handling the Undead

Year: 2024

Runtime: 1 h 37 m

Language: norwegian

Director: Thea Hvistendahl

Echo Score: 70
DramaHorrorMystery

When a series of unsettling events coincide with the end of a sweltering summer in Oslo, the boundary between the living and the dead begins to dissolve. Three families find themselves confronted by the return of their deceased loved ones, forcing them to question their grief and the unresolved issues that linger. As these spirits reappear, the families must uncover the intentions of these restless souls and confront unsettling truths about their identities.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Handling the Undead (2024)

Trace every key event in Handling the Undead (2024) 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

The Inexplicable Event

An inexplicable event occurs, causing the dead to return to life. This shocking phenomenon transforms Oslo into a city where the deceased wander among the living, lost in a trance.

Oslo
2

Mahler Visits Elias's Grave

Mahler visits the grave of his grandson Elias, who had died previously. During this visit, he collapses, only to awaken lying across the grave, leading him to a terrifying discovery.

Cemetery
3

Elias is Found Alive

While digging up Elias's coffin, Mahler is horrified to find his grandson alive but in an advanced state of decay. He takes Elias home, where Anna, his mother, faces the shocking reality upon returning from her night shift.

Mahler's Home
4

Anna's Despair

Overcome with confusion and despair, Anna struggles to comprehend Elias's condition and ultimately attempts to take her own life. Mahler intervenes just in time, saving her from her tragic decision.

Mahler's Home
5

David's Tragic Loss

David's day takes a heartbreaking turn when he receives a call at work about his wife Eva's accident. He rushes to the hospital, but tragically, he arrives to find that she has already passed away.

Hospital
6

Eva's Resurrection

While grieving by Eva's body in the hospital, David is shocked when she unexpectedly begins to breathe again. The hospital staff are baffled by this miraculous event as they witness the impossible unfold.

Hospital
7

Resurrected Souls in the Streets

Oslo becomes a haunting scene as the resurrected wander the streets, most of them lost in their own minds and unable to communicate. Residents are disturbed to see their deceased loved ones roaming aimlessly.

Oslo
8

Tora's Attempts to Restore Normalcy

Tora, unable to accept her partner Elisabet's death, takes desperate measures to restore normalcy. She bathes and dresses Elisabet, but this act of care turns violent when Elisabet savagely attacks her.

Tora's Home
9

Retreat to the Cottage

Seeking solitude, Mahler and Anna retreat to a remote cottage with Elias. However, Elias’s disturbing behavior and the stench of decay exacerbate Anna's growing anxiety about their situation.

Remote Cottage
10

Confrontation at the Cottage

While alone with Elias, Anna goes for a swim, but her peace is shattered when she encounters a decomposing man near the cottage. Mahler arrives just in time to fend off the man, but is fatally bitten in the process.

Remote Cottage
11

Anna Flees with Elias

In a desperate escape, Anna takes Elias away in a rowboat after Mahler’s tragic demise. The sense of impending danger compels her to flee, leaving behind the horrors of the cottage.

Water
12

David's Struggles with Reality

In the days that follow, David attempts to keep his family together while grappling with the reality of Eva’s return. He celebrates his son Kian's birthday but is haunted by the truth that clashes with what they face.

Home
13

A Disturbing Reunion

During a visit to the hospital, David witnesses a horrifying moment when Eva, still in a confused state, crushes Kian's pet bunny while holding it. This event forces him and the children to confront the severity of their situation.

Hospital
14

Elisabet's Transformation

Elisabet, now fully transformed, emerges in the hallway after having killed Tora in her sleep. This gruesome act underscores the terrifying nature of the event and the drastic changes in the resurrected.

Tora's Home
15

Kian's Farewell

Overwhelmed by the loss of his mother, Kian organizes a private burial for his pet bunny in the woods. This ceremony highlights his struggle with loss and the profound impact it has on the young boy.

Woods
16

Anna and Elias's Heartbreaking Departure

The story concludes with a poignant moment on the rowboat, where Anna expresses her love for Elias. In a heart-wrenching act, she gently places him back into the water, watching him sink, symbolizing her ultimate loss.

Water

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 20:30

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Handling the Undead Summary

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Handling the Undead Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Handling the Undead

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Handling the Undead

Handling the Undead Ending Explained

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Handling the Undead Ending Explained

More About Handling the Undead

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