Mara

Mara

Year: 2018

Runtime: 98 min

Language: English

Director: Clive Tonge

Echo Score: 40

Budget: $5M

ThrillerHorrorCrime

Dr. Kate Fuller investigates a case where a young child's testimony suggests the existence of Mara, an ancient and terrifying evil. This malevolent force preys on its victims while they sleep, striking in moments of vulnerability. As Kate pursues justice, she uncovers a dark and disturbing history steeped in fear and superstition, forcing her to confront a sinister threat with potentially devastating consequences.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Mara (2018)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Mara (2018). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie's events take place in contemporary times, as indicated by the modern settings and psychological issues discussed. This period is characterized by an increased awareness of mental health and the impact of sleep disorders, highlighting the struggles of the characters to cope with their traumas.

Location

Mental Health Facility, Sleep Paralysis Support Group

The mental health facility is where Helena is institutionalized after a traumatic incident involving her daughter. It serves as a backdrop for the psychological turmoil experienced by the characters, emphasizing the fragility of the human mind under stress. The Sleep Paralysis Support Group is a crucial setting that brings together individuals grappling with shared fears and experiences, illuminating the pervasive impact of sleep disturbances.

🏥 Mental Health 🛌 Sleep Disorders

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:01

Main Characters – Mara (2018)

Meet the key characters of Mara (2018), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Kate Fuller (Olga Kurylenko)

Kate is a determined criminal psychologist who becomes increasingly enmeshed in the fears of those she seeks to help. As she navigates her own struggles with sleep paralysis, her character arc becomes one of resilience against overwhelming guilt and fear. Ultimately, her quest to protect Sophie reveals her depth of compassion and resolve.

👩‍⚕️ Psychologist 😰 Fearful 💔 Compassionate

Helena (Rosie Fellner)

Helena is portrayed as a troubled mother, embodying the psychological trauma of her past. After her horrific act, she becomes a figure of both fear and sorrow. Helena's character serves as a cautionary tale about the deep connections between mental health struggles and familial bonds.

👩‍👧 Mother 😨 Traumatized 🎭 Tragic

Dougie (Craig Conway)

Dougie is a complex character who connects the stories of sleep paralysis victims. His belief in Mara symbolizes the struggle individuals face when confronted by their fears. His descent into madness showcases the psychological impact of unaddressed trauma and the terror of being hunted by an unseen force.

🧑‍🏫 Support Group Leader ⚰️ Tragic 🌀 Scared

Detective McCarthy (Lance E. Nichols)

As a skeptical figure, Detective McCarthy represents the rational viewpoint amidst the chaos. His character contrasts with the belief in supernatural forces, serving to illustrate the conflict between science and the inexplicable. McCarthy's skepticism ultimately gives way to fear as events unfold.

🕵️ Detective 🤔 Skeptical ⚖️ Rational

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:01

Major Themes – Mara (2018)

Explore the central themes of Mara (2018), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

😱 Fear and Guilt

Fear and guilt are central themes in the film, particularly as they affect Kate's interactions with both Helena and Sophie. Kate's battles with her own guilt become increasingly tangible as she confronts the spectral presence of Mara. The emotional weight of their shared tragedies manipulates their realities, leading to psychological disintegration.

🌀 Supernatural vs. Reality

The film explores the tension between supernatural beliefs and psychological explanations. While Dr. Ellis views the eerie occurrences as cultural responses to sleep paralysis, the characters experience undeniable supernatural phenomena that blur the line between reality and nightmare. This theme challenges viewers to consider the influences of belief and fear on mental states.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:01

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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.

Horror movies about sleep paralysis and nightmares like Mara

Stories where the vulnerable state of sleep becomes a realm of terror.If you liked the terrifying premise of Mara, you'll find similar dread in these movies. This collection focuses on horror stories where sleep itself is the enemy, featuring entities that attack during dreams or paralysis. Explore films that capture the same feeling of being hunted in your most vulnerable state.

anxiousparanoidunsettledclaustrophobichauntingpsychologicalnightmarevulnerable

Narrative Summary

These narratives often follow a protagonist, sometimes a skeptic drawn into the mystery, who discovers a supernatural threat tied to sleep. The investigation leads to confrontations that occur in the dream world, where the rules of reality are fluid. The conflict is inherently psychological, challenging the character's sanity as they fight an enemy that exists just beyond the edge of consciousness.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here based on their core premise: the horror of sleep. They share a specific kind of fear rooted in vulnerability and the invasion of a personal sanctuary. The tone is consistently dark and paranoid, with a steady pacing that builds dread around the inevitable approach of night.

Grim supernatural investigation thrillers like Mara

A rational investigation uncovers a disturbing and ancient evil.For viewers who enjoyed the investigative thriller elements of Mara mixed with supernatural horror. This list includes movies where a professional, like a doctor or detective, follows evidence that leads to a dark, ancient truth. These films share a steady pace, a dark tone, and a heavy emotional weight centered on uncovering horrific realities.

oppressiveanxiousinvestigativesinisterunsettlinggloomymethodicalpsychological

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist, often an expert in a rational field, who is initially tasked with solving a concrete mystery. As they dig deeper, the evidence begins to point towards supernatural causes, challenging their worldview. The story structure is straightforward but emotionally complex, as the investigation becomes a personal battle against a force that defies logic, often culminating in an ambiguous or pyrrhic resolution.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their blend of investigative procedural structure with supernatural horror. They share a dark tone, steady pacing, and a high intensity derived from the collision of the rational and the occult. The emotional weight is heavy, focused on the psychological toll of accepting a terrifying new reality.

Unlock the Full Story of Mara

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

Mara Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Mara, 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.

Mara Summary

Mara Timeline

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

Mara Timeline

Mara Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Mara 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.

Mara Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Mara

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

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