In the Electric Mist

In the Electric Mist

Year: 2009

Runtime: 117 mins

Language: English

Director: Bertrand Tavernier

DramaMysteryThrillerCrime

Detective Lt. Dave Robicheaux of New Iberia, Louisiana, investigates the murder of a worker that may be linked to mobster Julie “Baby Feet” Balboni, a film co‑producer. Meanwhile, star Elrod Sykes reports another body found in the Atchafalaya Swamp near the set, prompting Robicheaux to reopen an old case involving the killing of a Black man he witnessed.

In the Electric Mist (2009) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at In the Electric Mist (2009) 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 humid stillness of New Iberia, Louisiana, the sprawling bayou and the looming film set create a world where the raw grit of the swamp meets the glitter of Hollywood ambition. The town’s quiet rhythm is punctuated by the distant hum of cameras and the occasional flash of lights, casting long shadows over moss‑laden oaks. In this liminal space, the natural and the manufactured coexist, setting a tone that feels both eerie and oddly reverent, as if the landscape itself holds secrets waiting to surface.

_ Dave Robicheaux_ is the town’s seasoned detective, a man whose steady calm masks an inner battle with personal demons. He moves through his duties with a mix of seasoned intuition and a yearning for redemption, often finding his sense of duty tangled with the complexities of his own family life. The weight of his past lingers, giving his investigations a deeply personal edge that colors every lead he follows.

_ Julie “Baby Feet” Balboni_ adds a layer of intrigue as a notorious figure who has stepped into the film world as a co‑producer. Her reputation precedes her, and the mere suggestion of her involvement hints at a murky undercurrent of organized influence that clashes with the town’s modest pace. Her presence blurs the line between legitimate business and shadowy dealings, casting a subtle tension that permeates the community and the production alike.

_ Elrod Sykes_ — the charismatic star of the Civil War‑era picture being filmed — arrives with a blend of swagger and curiosity. When he mentions a troubling discovery near the set, it acts as a catalyst, prompting Robicheaux to revisit a haunting memory from his past. The convergence of a high‑profile film crew, a detective wrestling with his history, and the whisper of old, unresolved wounds creates an atmosphere thick with anticipation, where every ripple in the swamp could signal a deeper truth waiting to be uncovered.

Last Updated: October 11, 2025 at 19:40

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

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.

Haunted detective stories like In the Electric Mist

Grizzled investigators are haunted by old cases and personal demons while pursuing new ones.If you liked the blend of crime-solving and personal demons in In the Electric Mist, you'll find more movies like it here. Explore similar atmospheric thrillers featuring troubled investigators whose past traumas and haunted visions intertwine with their present-day cases.

broodingatmosphericmelancholichauntinggrittypsychologicalsolemn

Narrative Summary

The narrative revolves around a detective grappling with a new crime that eerily echoes or directly connects to an old, often personal, failure or trauma. The investigation becomes a journey into their own psyche, forcing them to reconcile with their past to solve the present case, often with a morally complex resolution.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together because they share a deep focus on the detective as a flawed, psychologically complex character. The similarity lies in the atmospheric tension, the interweaving of past and present mysteries, and the exploration of redemption, trauma, and the ghosts—literal or figurative—that drive the protagonist.

Southern Gothic crime mysteries like In the Electric Mist

Atmospheric thrillers where the humid, decaying Southern setting is a character itself.Fans of the swampy, atmospheric setting of In the Electric Mist will enjoy these similar movies. Discover more Southern Gothic thrillers and murder mysteries where the location's history and mood are integral to the story of crime, corruption, and haunting secrets.

atmosphericsuspensefulhumiddecayinggrittyhauntingcorruptdreamlike

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread use the specific atmosphere of the American South—its humidity, history, and social hierarchies—to create a sense of claustrophobia and inevitable doom. The crime often exposes the rot beneath the surface of a community, where the past is never truly buried, and justice is as murky as the bayou.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here based on their shared, potent setting and the resulting mood. The similarity is in the evocative, almost dreamlike atmosphere, the exploration of localized corruption, and the way the environment contributes to a feeling of pervasive unease and melancholic suspense.

Unlock the Full Story of In the Electric Mist

Don't stop at just watching — explore In the Electric Mist 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 In the Electric Mist is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

In the Electric Mist Summary

Read a complete plot summary of In the Electric Mist, 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.

In the Electric Mist Summary

In the Electric Mist Timeline

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

In the Electric Mist Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in In the Electric Mist

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in In the Electric Mist

More About In the Electric Mist

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about In the Electric Mist: 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 In the Electric Mist

Similar Movies to In the Electric Mist

Discover movies like In the Electric Mist that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.