The Monk

The Monk

Year: 2013

Runtime: 101 min

Language: Russian

Director: Dominik Moll

DramaMysteryThriller

In 17th century Catholic Spain, the devout life of Brother Ambrosio is upended by the arrival of a mysterious young novice. This event triggers a disturbing chain of events, leading to a crisis of faith and a descent into temptation. Based on Matthew G. Lewis' gothic novel, the film explores the dark side of human nature and the fragility of morality as one man’s unwavering beliefs are tested.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Monk 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 & Setting – The Monk (2013)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Monk (2013). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Modern Day

The events of the film occur in a contemporary setting, allowing for relatable themes of family dysfunction and the impact of trauma. The modern backdrop complement the absurdity of the cursed monkey's effects on the characters, enhancing the contrast between everyday life and the chaos it brings.

Location

Motel, Hibachi Restaurant, Uncle Chip's House

The movie takes place in various locations that highlight the bizarre and dark atmosphere of the story. The hibachi restaurant adds a comedic and chaotic element, showcasing the unexpected and violent outcomes of ordinary situations. Uncle Chip's house serves as a temporary refuge for the boys, but it ultimately becomes a place of horror as strange events unfold.

🌆 Locations 🏠 Homes 🍽️ Dining

Last Updated: March 08, 2025 at 15:50

Main Characters – The Monk (2013)

Meet the key characters of The Monk (2013), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Petey Shelbourne

A young boy who represents innocence among the chaos caused by the cursed monkey. His relationship with his father Hal is strained due to a history of trauma, yet he yearns for connection and understanding. Petey's curiosity about family history leads him into danger, illustrating the vulnerability of youth.

👶 Child 💔 Innocence

Hal Shelbourne

Hal is a conflicted character haunted by his childhood memories and the tragic death of his mother. His estrangement from his brother Bill and his attempts to connect with his son Petey showcase his struggles with guilt and fear. Hal's character arc reveals his journey towards reconciliation and understanding.

👨‍👦 Father 😔 Regret

Bill Shelbourne

Bill embodies the darker aspects of their family dynamic, representing jealousy and resentment toward Hal. His actions are driven by a desire for revenge, stemming from their shared traumatic past. Ultimately, Bill's character confronts the consequences of his choices as he grapples with the disorder and destruction he creates.

👨 Brother 😡 Hatred

Lois Shelbourne

Lois is depicted as a cynical and troubled mother who shares the burden of trauma with her sons. Her tragic end is a pivotal point in the story, shaping Hal and Bill's tumultuous relationship. Her character represents the sacrifices and struggles of motherhood amid chaos.

👩 Mother 🌧️ Tragedy

Last Updated: March 08, 2025 at 15:50

Major Themes – The Monk (2013)

Explore the central themes of The Monk (2013), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💀 Death

The film revolves around the theme of death, manifested through the curse of the monkey and the tragic events that unfold. Each character experiences loss in a shocking manner, reflecting on the fragility of life. Death becomes a catalyst for the estranged relationships among family members as they grapple with guilt and regret.

🧩 Family Dynamics

Family relationships play a crucial role, exploring themes of abandonment, rivalry, and reconciliation. Hal's complicated relationship with his brother Bill and their shared traumatic past showcase the impact of their upbringing on their adult lives. The struggle to navigate family ties amidst chaos highlights both the importance and the challenges of familial bonds.

Last Updated: March 08, 2025 at 15:50

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.

Gothic moral collapse stories like The Monk

Stories where piety is tested and morality unravels in a dark, historical setting.If you liked the dark, psychological journey of The Monk, this list features similar movies about characters facing a crisis of faith and a descent into sin. These films share a gothic atmosphere, a steady, ominous pacing, and a heavy emotional weight, exploring themes of temptation and the fragility of morality in a historical context.

gothicfatalisticominouspsychologicalhauntinggrimclaustrophobic

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a character of high moral standing—a monk, priest, or puritan—whose carefully constructed world is invaded by a corrupting influence. The story methodically charts their internal struggle and eventual moral collapse, often set against a backdrop of religious iconography and gothic architecture, culminating in a bleak revelation or damnation.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared focus on a psychological and spiritual downfall within a gothic framework. They create a coherent experience through their dark tone, steady pacing that builds dread, and intense exploration of sin, guilt, and the dark side of human nature, making them perfect for viewers seeking intellectually stimulating and morally complex horror.

Supernatural curse movies with slow burn dread like The Monk

Films where a supernatural curse methodically destroys lives across generations.For fans of The Monk's relentless curse narrative, this selection features movies where a supernatural force causes inevitable tragedy. These stories share a high intensity, a steady pacing that methodically builds dread, and a heavy emotional focus on grief, loss, and the psychological impact of being hunted by an unseen, fatalistic evil.

dread-filledfatalisticinevitablehauntinggrimanxioussupernatural

Narrative Summary

The plot revolves around a defined supernatural rule or curse that triggers a chain of tragic events. The story structure is often episodic, jumping through time to show different victims falling prey to the same force. The focus is less on jump scares and more on the growing, suffocating dread and the emotional devastation left in the curse's wake, typically concluding with no victory over the evil.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their use of a supernatural premise to explore themes of fate, trauma, and inherited guilt. They share a specific mood of fatalistic dread, a steady pacing that allows the horror to sink in, and a consistently high intensity that comes from the inescapable nature of the threat, creating a uniquely harrowing viewing experience.

Unlock the Full Story of The Monk

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

The Monk Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Monk, 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.

The Monk Summary

The Monk Timeline

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

The Monk Timeline

The Monk Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Monk that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Monk Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Monk

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Monk: 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 The Monk