Lights Out

Lights Out

Year: 2016

Runtime: 81 min

Language: English

Director: David F. Sandberg

Budget: $4.9M

ThrillerFantasyHorror

When the lights go out, a terrifying presence emerges, forcing a young woman to confront the unresolved trauma of her past. Years after experiencing frightening events as a child, Rebecca discovers her brother Martin is now facing the same inexplicable terrors. A malevolent force linked to their mother, Sophie, has resurfaced, threatening their lives as Rebecca investigates the disturbing truth behind the darkness that haunts them.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Lights Out 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 – Lights Out (2016)

Trace every key event in Lights Out (2016) 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

Late-Night Skype Call

Paul engages in an unsettling late-night Skype conversation with his son Martin. During the call, Martin expresses concerns about his mother Sophie, whose behavior has become increasingly alarming.

2

Esther's Frightening Encounter

As Paul's assistant Esther secures the warehouse, she feels a disturbing presence lurking in the shadows. After multiple attempts to turn off the lights, she sees the figure lurking ominously close before rushing to inform Paul.

Night Mannequin Factory
3

Paul's Dark Encounter

Ignoring Esther's fears, Paul ventures into the dim warehouse. He quickly encounters the haunting figure before being injured as it claws at his leg while he tries to escape into his office.

Night Mannequin Factory
4

Paul's Demise

As the lights flicker out completely, the figure attempts to force its way into Paul’s office. He is violently yanked into the darkness, leaving behind his lifeless body.

Night Mannequin Factory
5

Martin's Disturbing Discovery

Days later, Martin overhears his mother Sophie talking to an indistinct entity at night. He is troubled by the sight of her speaking to a shadowy figure in the bathroom.

Night Sophie's House
6

Rebecca's Concern

Rebecca is alerted by a call from Martin's school about his erratic behavior. She confronts their mother about her neglect of Martin due to her refusal to take antidepressants.

Next Day School
7

Martin and Rebecca's Plan

After learning about Diana, Martin confides in Rebecca about their mother's conversations with the entity. They argue, leading Rebecca to take Martin into her care for safety.

Sophie's House
8

Night of Terror

That night, Rebecca and Martin awaken to find Martin missing. They panic and conduct a frantic search, inadvertently uncovering Diana’s sinister presence.

Night Sophie's House
9

Rebecca Learns the Truth

In their search, Rebecca learns about Diana’s tragic backstory as a girl who could not withstand light. This revelation deepens the family's understanding of the entity haunting them.

10

Confrontation with Diana

Diana emerges to threaten Rebecca. Realizing the entity's connection with shadows, Rebecca struggles in chaotic confrontations, seeking a way to free her family.

11

Sophie's Sacrifice

In a climactic confrontation, Sophie recognizes the imminent danger posed by Diana. Choosing to face her past, she sacrifices herself, allowing her children to escape the spirit's wrath.

Sophie's House
12

Aftermath of Loss

With Sophie gone, Rebecca and Martin are left to grapple with their grief. They struggle to reclaim their lives amid the lingering shadows of darkness that haunt them.

13

Rebecca's Emotional Scars

Emerging from the harrowing experience, Rebecca carries both physical and emotional scars from the ordeal. The shadows of darkness continue to echo ominously in their lives.

Last Updated: October 21, 2024 at 20:56

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Claustrophobic horror movies with high-stakes threats like Lights Out

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These films are grouped by their shared foundation of a high-concept, tangible horror premise. They deliver a consistently high-intensity experience with fast pacing, focusing on the visceral fear of a clear and present danger that operates by a specific, inescapable logic.

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Horror where the monster is a physical manifestation of generational pain.For viewers who appreciated how Lights Out wove maternal mental illness and past trauma into its horror, this thread collects similar films. Discover movies where the supernatural entity is a metaphor for inherited family struggles, blending heavy emotional themes with genuine scares for a poignant and unsettling experience.

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Narrative Summary

The story centers on a protagonist investigating a supernatural phenomenon that is inexplicably tied to their own family history. The journey is as much about uncovering buried secrets and understanding a relative's suffering as it is about surviving the entity itself, often leading to a bittersweet resolution involving sacrifice.

Why These Movies?

These movies are united by their use of horror as a lens to explore profound themes of mental health, grief, and the ways trauma echoes through generations. They balance high-intensity scares with heavy emotional weight, creating a layered experience that is both frightening and emotionally resonant.

Unlock the Full Story of Lights Out

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

Lights Out Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Lights Out, 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.

Lights Out Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Lights Out

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Lights Out

Lights Out Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Lights Out 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.

Lights Out Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Lights Out

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Lights Out: 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 Lights Out

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