Sacrifice

Sacrifice

Year: 2016

Runtime: 91 min

Language: English

Director: Peter A. Dowling

Thriller

In the remote Shetland Islands, surgeon Tora Hamilton discovers a disturbing murder. The victim’s body displays unsettling ancient symbols, and their heart has been savagely removed. Investigating the crime, Tora finds herself drawn into a dangerous mystery rooted in dark folklore and unsettling local legends. As she seeks answers, she confronts a terrifying threat to her life and the community she serves.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Sacrifice 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 & Setting – Sacrifice (2016)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Sacrifice (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary (late 2020s)

The story unfolds in the current era, characterized by modern urban life and social movements. The presence of smartphones, underground clubs, and contemporary protest groups situates the narrative firmly in the late 2020s, highlighting current societal issues related to community, identity, and extremism.

Location

Berlin, Germany, Suburban Neighborhood, Lake

The movie is primarily set in Berlin, Germany, a city known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and cultural diversity. The suburban house scene reflects quieter, more insular residential areas on the outskirts of the city. The lake serves as a natural, serene setting that contrasts with the intense events happening nearby, symbolizing both tranquility and danger.

🏙️ Urban 🌳 Natural 🏡 Suburban

Last Updated: July 28, 2025 at 06:17

Main Characters – Sacrifice (2016)

Meet the key characters of Sacrifice (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Mazzy (16 years old)

Mazzy is a curious and sensitive teenage girl grappling with her parents' separation and her identity. Her journey reflects a search for belonging and understanding, as she becomes entangled with the cult and its members, revealing her vulnerability and resilience.

🧠 Curious 🌟 Vulnerable 🌱 Growing

Ben

Ben is an American social psychologist specializing in cult behavior, whose quest for understanding leads him into dangerous territory. His protective instincts and academic background shape his approach, even as he becomes personally affected by the group's influence.

📚 Scholar 🧑‍🔬 Rational 😔 Compassionate

Nina

Nina is a forensic detective and cult member, whose loyalty to Hilma and the group clouds her judgment. Her character embodies the conflict between authority and moral integrity, influenced by her traumatic past and search for belonging.

🕵️‍♀️ Loyal 🌑 Troubled 🔒 Secretive

Martin

Martin is a sensitive young man deeply affected by grief over his grandmother, which makes him susceptible to cult influence. His actions stem from loneliness and the desire for connection, ultimately leading to tragic choices.

🌧️ Grieving 🤝 Hopeful 🌿 Influenced

Hilma

Hilma is the charismatic leader of the cult, advocating for collective sacrifice as a spiritual act. Her authoritative presence masks a manipulative personality driven by her belief in the group's ideology.

🔥 Charismatic 🧙‍♀️ Manipulative 🌙 Fanatical

Last Updated: July 28, 2025 at 06:17

Major Themes – Sacrifice (2016)

Explore the central themes of Sacrifice (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌀 Manipulation

The film explores how cult leaders manipulate individuals and groups, exploiting their vulnerabilities through emotional and psychological control. The characters, especially Mazzy and Martin, are caught in cycles of influence and coercion, illustrating the destructive power of manipulation within close-knit communities.

🔥 Obsession

A recurring theme is obsession—whether with the cult's ideology, personal beliefs, or relationships. The members’ unwavering devotion leads to tragic consequences, emphasizing how obsession can distort reality and override moral judgment.

🌊 Loss & Grief

The narrative examines how grief and loss influence the characters’ actions, from Martin’s grieving for his grandmother to Mazzy’s fears about her parents’ past. These emotional struggles fuel their decisions, ultimately culminating in tragedy and self-destruction.

Last Updated: July 28, 2025 at 06:17

Unlock the Full Story of Sacrifice

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

Sacrifice Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Sacrifice, 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.

Sacrifice Summary

Sacrifice Timeline

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

Sacrifice Timeline

Sacrifice Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Sacrifice? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Sacrifice Ending Explained

Sacrifice Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Sacrifice 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.

Sacrifice Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Sacrifice

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

Similar Movies to Sacrifice

Discover movies like Sacrifice 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.