Mara

The film kicks off with Sophie Wynsfield being abruptly awakened by her mother, Helena, who is in a state of horror. It becomes clear that Helena has just committed a terrible act of violence.

Criminal psychologist Kate Fuller is brought in to assess Helena's mental state following the murder. She interviews both women, learning that they believe a sleep demon named Mara is responsible for their tragic situation.

After the interviews, Kate secures the commitment of Helena to a mental health facility. This decision raises questions about Helena's grip on reality, highlighting the family's turmoil in the wake of the murder.

As the investigation unfolds, Kate begins to experience sleep paralysis herself. During these episodes, she encounters a shadowy figure that stalks her, leaving her increasingly disturbed and questioning her own sanity.

Kate's search leads her to a man named Takahashi, only to find his body, reminiscent of Mr. Wynsfield's horrific fate. This discovery heightens her fear and confirms that something sinister is at play.

During a visit, Helena warns Kate that her daughter Sophie may also be at risk from Mara. She reveals a striking mark on Sophie's eye that indicates a dark future ahead, intensifying the urgency of Kate's mission.

Determined to find answers, Kate attends a Sleep Paralysis support group led by Dr. Ellis. There, she meets Dougie, who fervently believes in the existence of Mara and warns her that the demon is targeting Saul.

Saul, another member of the support group, meets a dreadful fate when his eyes reveal a spectral red hue. Tragically, he succumbs to the influence of Mara and kills himself in a horrific instance of self-immolation.

When Kate returns to have Helena released from the facility, she learns that Helena has died under alarming circumstances. Her eyes are reported to be unnaturally red, raising further suspicions about the supernatural.

In a moment of desperation, Dougie recounts the tragic history of Mara and describes her pattern of manifestation. He details the stages that lead to a sleeping death, which serve as a foreboding omen for Kate and Sophie.

Despite the terror surrounding them, Dr. Ellis maintains a rational viewpoint, attributing the group's experiences to cultural beliefs about sleep paralysis. However, the supernatural occurrences only escalate and defy explanation.

As Dougie's fear grows, his attempts to escape the nightmare culminate in chaos. Overcome by the terror of Mara, he slips further into madness, ultimately succumbing to the demon as he becomes her next victim.

With time running out, Kate races to save Sophie, who is on the brink of becoming Mara's next victim. Understanding the collective trauma that ties the victims together, Kate pushes herself to confront the horrors head-on.

As Kate reunites with Sophie, she is haunted by an encounter with the accusing spirit of her mother, which symbolizes her own guilt and unresolved issues. This emotional turmoil adds layers to her fight against Mara.

The film culminates in a gripping confrontation between Kate and Mara, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare. This climactic struggle addresses Kate's psychological battle and leaves audiences with a lingering sense of dread.