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.

Mara (2018) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Mara (2018) 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 quiet suburbs where ordinary lives unfold, a sudden, terrifying rupture forces a respected criminal psychologist to confront the unthinkable. Kate Fuller is called in to evaluate a mother, Helena, whose night‑time outburst suggests a deep, hidden danger, while the child Sophie insists that an ancient sleep demon known as Mara is behind the tragedy. The case quickly becomes more than a routine assessment; it drags the rational world of forensic psychology into a shadowy realm where folklore and modern fear intersect.

The film’s atmosphere hangs heavy with the unsettling sensations of sleep paralysis—the hollow, weightless dread that pins victims to their beds while an unseen presence watches. In this world, the legend of Mara is whispered in support groups and old journals, a malign force said to prey on the most vulnerable moments of unconsciousness. The tone is a slow‑burning horror, blending clinical scrutiny with mounting supernatural unease, and it constantly teeters between skeptical inquiry and the palpable pull of something far older than any courtroom testimony.

As Kate delves deeper, she finds herself surrounded by a cast of uneasy allies: a determined detective, McCarthy, who insists on tangible evidence; a haunted support‑group leader, Dr. Ellis, who bridges science and myth; and a handful of other sufferers who have felt the same suffocating presence. Their interactions are charged with a mix of professional duty, personal guilt, and an almost instinctual fear of what lies beyond waking consciousness. The story builds a relentless sense of dread, inviting viewers to wonder whether the darkness lurking in the night is a creation of the mind or an ancient evil waiting for the next moment of vulnerability.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 02:22

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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.

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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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Mara

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Mara

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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Discover movies like Mara 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.