Paperhouse

Paperhouse

Year: 1988

Runtime: 92 mins

Language: English

Director: Bernard Rose

HorrorFantasyDramaHorror the undead and monster classicsIntense violence and sexual transgression

After sketching a strange house in her school composition book, a lonely young girl discovers she can enter the illustrated world in her sleep. There she meets a frail boy who lives within the surreal landscape. As the line between her drawings and reality blurs, the friendship gives her comfort and lets her face the loneliness of her everyday life.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Paperhouse 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 – Paperhouse (1988)

Trace every key event in Paperhouse (1988) 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

Anna falls ill and draws a house

While suffering from glandular fever, 11-year-old Anna Madden draws a house. She falls asleep and enters a troubling dream where she finds herself inside the drawing. The dream sets up the central conceit: the house is a portal to another world that blurs with reality.

early illness scene Anna's bedroom
2

First dream visit to the house she drew

In her first dream, Anna finds herself inside the very house she drew. The space feels tangible as if the drawing had become real. A sense of unease grows as the environment responds to her presence.

that night Within the drawing/house
3

Anna meets Marc in the dream house

After drawing a face at the window, Anna's next dream introduces Marc, a real boy living with muscular dystrophy in the house. She learns from her doctor that Marc exists in the real world and is connected to her drawings. The dream deepens the mystery: drawings seem to affect actual people.

following night Inside the house dream
4

Doctor confirms Marc is real

Anna discovers that Marc is a real person when her doctor explains his existence outside her dreams. This revelation blurs the line between fantasy and reality. The bond between drawing and real patient becomes central to the story.

shortly after Hospital/doctor's office
5

Anna adds stairs to the dream house

In subsequent dreams, Anna adds a staircase to the house so she can visit Marc more easily. Each addition to the drawing materializes in the dream, reinforcing the connection between her art and the lived world. The dream world expands as she grows closer to Marc.

later dream session Dream house
6

More items and a fruit tree appear

Anna keeps enriching the house with new rooms and a front-yard fruit tree. The changes she makes in her drawings appear in the dream, reinforcing that the two realms influence each other. The escalating details reflect her increasing hope and fear for Marc.

another dream session Dream house
7

Anna sketches her father to help carry Marc away

Anna sketches her father into the drawing so he can help carry Marc away, but she accidentally gives him an angry expression. The drawing thus brings a threatening version of her father into the dream world. This prompts a dangerous confrontation as the father figure appears.

dream sequence Dream house
8

The father attacks; Marc destroys him

In the dream, Anna's father breaks into the closet and tries to harm Anna. Marc musters strength to fight back with a hammer, destroying the violent figure. Anna awakens to a hospital scene that echoes the dream's violence.

during the same dream session Dream sequence and hospital cues
9

Anna wakes in hospital; diagnosis and truth

Anna wakes up in the hospital; doctors say Marc is getting better, but Anna senses his death is imminent. She reveals information she couldn't have known otherwise, showing how much she has learned from the dream-relationship with Marc. She asks for her drawing supplies, keeping the connection alive.

immediately after the dream Hospital room
10

Father returns; holiday planning; new room for Marc

While recovering, Anna's father returns with her mother to discuss a holiday. Anna remains distant, but she sketches a new, nicer room for Marc and even adds a pencil for future needs in dreams. The boundary between care and fantasy remains delicate.

during recovery Hospital
11

Marc appears at the lighthouse; a brighter dream

In a dream by the lighthouse, Marc seems cured and the two share time together on a hill. They discuss drawing a ladder to leave the cliff, and Marc hints he can draw a helicopter but insists he must do it alone in the lighthouse. Anna wakes before knowing the outcome.

dream sequence Lighthouse (dream)
12

Discharge and Marc's death acknowledged

Anna is discharged from the hospital and learns that Marc has died. She reveals she already knew the truth, underscoring how the bond with him has affected her. Her relationship with her father begins to improve despite the grief.

shortly after discharge Home/hospital discharge
13

Seaside holiday and the note

The family goes on a seaside holiday. Anna discovers a note from Marc with a drawing of a helicopter, stating he can't wait but will come back if she waits. A helicopter arrives with a ladder, and Anna's mother saves her from falling off the cliff as the moment closes.

final scenes Seaside hotel and lighthouse area
14

Ending: waiting for Marc and reunion

The film ends with Anna in her parents' arms, having come to terms with Marc's death and repaired relationships. A final image shows hope: Marc promises to return if she waits and the helicopter ladder hints at his eventual return.

end Hotel room, lighthouse vicinity

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:24

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.

Unlock the Full Story of Paperhouse

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

Paperhouse Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Paperhouse, 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.

Paperhouse Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Paperhouse

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Paperhouse

More About Paperhouse

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

Similar Movies to Paperhouse

Discover movies like Paperhouse 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.