Separation

Separation

Year: 2021

Runtime: 107 min

Language: English

Director: William Brent Bell

Horror

A young girl finds solace in her artistic father’s world and the seemingly comforting presence of her deceased mother, who appears as a ghost. They reside in an isolated home, but a growing sense of unease and darkness threatens their fragile security, hinting at a chilling secret lurking just beyond their haven.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Separation 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 – Separation (2021)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Separation (2021). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film takes place in contemporary times, reflecting modern themes of family dysfunction and the struggles of parenthood. This period showcases real-life issues such as divorce, loss, and the societal pressures of being a single parent while navigating personal chaos.

Location

Jeff's home, Attic, Funeral location

Jeff's home serves as the heart of the emotional turmoil in the film, filled with memories and haunted by past events. The attic, a critical place in the narrative, becomes the site of Jenny's accident, casting a shadow over the family's history. The funeral location, steeped in grief, acts as a backdrop for the family's confrontation and the unraveling of their relationships.

🏠 Home ⚰️ Funeral

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:36

Main Characters – Separation (2021)

Meet the key characters of Separation (2021), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jeff Vahn (Rupert Friend)

Jeff is an incompetent illustrator grappling with the chaos of his personal life following his separation from Maggie. His insecurity and desperation become apparent as he faces the possibility of losing both his family and career. The weight of his failures manifests in his attempts to connect with Jenny and cope with the haunting presence of his late wife.

🎨 Illustrator 😟 Insecure 💔 Desperate

Maggie Vahn (Mamie Gummer)

Maggie is portrayed as emotionally detached and conflicted, especially concerning her daughter Jenny and ex-husband Jeff. Her decision to separate signifies her struggle for stability amid chaos, but her tragic end underscores the film's themes of loss and regret. Maggie’s complexities are revealed through her actions and their impact on her family.

💔 Estranged 🌪️ Turbulent 👩‍👧 Mother

Jenny Vahn (Violet McGraw)

Jenny is a young girl caught in the emotional crossfire of her parents' tumultuous relationship. Her character evolves from innocent childhood into a state of confusion and depression as she deals with the fallout from her mother's death and her father's struggles. Jenny's behavior reflects the impact of her family dynamics on her mental health.

👧 Child 😢 Grief 📉 Troubled

Paul Rivers (Brian Cox)

Paul is Maggie’s father, whose presence in the film introduces further tension and conflict, particularly during the funeral. His protective nature and anger reflect a grandfather's despair over losing his daughter and concern for Jenny's well-being. Paul’s actions reveal familial devotion intertwined with the complexities of grief.

👨‍🦳 Grandfather 😡 Angry 💪 Protector

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:36

Major Themes – Separation (2021)

Explore the central themes of Separation (2021), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Loss

Loss is a central theme that permeates the entire film. Jeff faces the emotional fallout from both the end of his marriage and the tragic death of Maggie, leading to profound grief for him and his daughter. The impact of this loss extends beyond mere separation, affecting familial bonds and mental health.

👻 Haunting

The theme of haunting manifests not only through literal spirits but also through the psychological aspects of grief and regret. Jeff's nightmares and the strange occurrences within the home symbolize the unresolved issues that continue to plague him and his family. This theme illustrates how past actions can create lingering shadows in the present.

📉 Desperation

Desperation drives much of Jeff's actions throughout the film. Struggling with his career and the impending divorce, he battles feelings of inadequacy and helplessness. His artistic pursuits suffer as he tries to cope with his failing relationships, symbolizing the broader struggle many face when confronted with personal crises.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:36

Unlock the Full Story of Separation

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

Separation Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Separation, 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.

Separation Summary

Separation Timeline

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

Separation Timeline

Separation Ending Explained

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

Separation Ending Explained

More About Separation

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

Similar Movies to Separation

Discover movies like Separation 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.