Shut In

Mary, a dedicated child psychologist, says goodbye to her 18-year-old stepson Stephen, who is angry about being sent away. His father, Richard, takes him to a special school for the summer, unaware of the impending tragedy that awaits them.

While driving to the school, an argument between Richard and Stephen escalates as Richard reminds him of his expulsion from school. This heated exchange culminates in a tragic car accident, where their vehicle collides with an oncoming truck, resulting in devastating consequences.

Following the accident, the scene shifts to six months later, where Mary is grieving the loss of Richard, who was killed in the crash. Stephen is left paralyzed and mute, relying entirely on Mary for his day-to-day care amidst the cold and snowy atmosphere.

Overwhelmed by the burden of caring for Stephen, Mary secretly plans to send him away at the end of the month. This decision weighs heavily on her, as she struggles to maintain her psychological practice while dealing with her personal challenges.

Mary meets with Tom, a mute and hearing-impaired boy, during his last therapy session before being sent to a special school. She gifts him a knitted hat and scarf that belonged to Stephen, hoping to provide him with some comfort before his departure.

After an unsettling night, Mary discovers Tom hiding in her car after he breaks a window to flee. In panic, he escapes into the freezing woods, prompting Mary to call the sheriff for help, hoping to find him before it's too late.

After an extensive search, the sheriff returns without any news of Tom, leading to the heartbreak of presuming him dead. Mary is left to grapple with the silence and loss in her home, facing her own rising despair.

As days pass, Mary experiences haunting nightmares filled with visions of Tom. She wakes up one night to see him standing in her doorway, but he vanishes, leaving her to wonder if her grief is manifesting or if these encounters are something more.

Concerned about an incoming ice storm, Mary prepares her home for a potential power outage, which adds to her stress. Meanwhile, alarming results from her blood tests reveal high medication levels in her system, raising concerns for her mental well-being.

As the storm hits, the power goes out, and Mary is engulfed in darkness. In a moment of sheer terror, she sees Stephen's outline in the shadows, leading to a shocking revelation of his true intentions.

Mary wakes up to find herself bound and gagged, and Stephen reveals his sinister plan. He has been feigning his paralysis, manipulating Mary and plotting against her, convinced that she wishes to replace him with Tom.

Dr. Wilson attempts to intervene, but he falls victim to Stephen's wrath. In the chaos, Mary musters her courage to fight back, ultimately leading to a confrontation that will change their lives forever.

In a desperate struggle for survival, Mary successfully defends herself against Stephen. In an act of bravery, she uses a hammer to kill him in order to protect both herself and the memory of Tom.

In the film's hopeful conclusion, Mary drives away with Tom, signifying a fresh start. As they head towards a child and family center, Mary prepares to adopt Tom, leaving the darkness of her past behind.