Inconceivable (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie is set primarily in a suburban home where Angela and Brian live with their daughter Cora. This seemingly peaceful suburban environment serves as the backdrop for the story, with the contrast between the typical family-oriented neighborhood and the dark events that unfold making the narrative more impactful.

• setting
• suburb
• home
• location

Inconceivable takes place in contemporary, modern times. The story reflects current societal issues including family dynamics, surrogacy, and psychological struggles, making the characters and their situations relatable to today's audiences.

• time period
• modern
• contemporary
• year

The film explores several interconnected themes centered on motherhood, deception, and psychological thriller elements. Motherhood is central, showing both its nurturing and destructive aspects through Angela's love for her family versus Katie's obsessive need to have a child. Deception runs throughout as Katie's true identity and intentions remain hidden, while the psychological thriller elements examine mental illness and its devastating impact on families.

• themes
• motherhood
• deception
• psychological thriller

Katie, also going by the alias Tara, is a deeply troubled woman who becomes the family's new nanny. She presents herself as a victim of her past but her true nature is manipulative and dangerous. Her role represents the destructive force that infiltrates a happy family, driven by her own desperation to have a child after experiencing loss.

• katie
• tara
• nanny
• character

Angela is the mother in the Morgan family, portrayed as a warm and dedicated parent who serves as the emotional anchor for her household. She embodies both strength and vulnerability as she navigates the challenges of motherhood while facing the threat posed by Katie. Her journey showcases a mother's protective instincts and resilience when her family is endangered.

• angela
• mother
• parent

Brian is Angela's husband and Cora's father, depicted as a supportive family man who works as a doctor. He represents the typical suburban father figure initially, but his character is tested as he confronts the reality of Katie's intentions. His struggle highlights the pressures and complexities that can emerge in marital relationships under extreme stress.

• brian
• father
• doctor
• husband

Donna is Brian's mother and Angela's mother-in-law, portrayed as an observant and protective figure within the family. She is quick to sense that something is wrong with Katie and serves as a warning voice to Angela and Brian about trusting the wrong person. Her character adds depth to the family dynamics, showing how different generations within a family can have conflicting perspectives.

• donna
• grandmother
• family

Inconceivable is a drama thriller that blends psychological suspense with family drama elements. The film creates a tense atmosphere through its examination of a mentally unstable individual infiltrating a family, resulting in a suspenseful viewing experience that keeps audiences on edge while exploring disturbing themes of obsession and manipulation.

• genre
• drama
• thriller
• psychological

The suburban setting is significant because it represents the idealized family environment that Katie seeks to infiltrate and destroy. The contrast between the peaceful, close-knit community appearance and the dark psychological events creates additional tension. Suburbia is traditionally associated with safety and family life, making the violation of that space through Katie's presence more disturbing and impactful.

• suburb
• setting
• family home

The film presents motherhood as a powerful force that can be both nurturing and destructive. Angela's genuine love for her child drives her to protect her family, while Katie's twisted desire to be a mother leads her to harmful and manipulative behavior. The theme explores how the desperate need for motherhood can drive people to extreme and dangerous actions, blurring the lines between love and obsession.

• motherhood
• love
• obsession
• children

Deception is central to the narrative, primarily through Katie's false identity and hidden motives. She masquerades as a trustworthy nanny while harboring dangerous intentions, creating a persistent sense of unease. The theme highlights how easily trust can be exploited, especially within intimate family settings, and demonstrates the severe consequences that arise when deceptions are finally revealed.

• deception
• secrets
• trust
• manipulation