Sole Survivor

Sole Survivor

Year: 1984

Runtime: 85 mins

Language: English

Director: Thom Eberhardt

ThrillerHorrorHorror the undead and monster classicsTerrifying haunted and supernatural horrorGory gruesome and slasher horror

After inexplicably surviving a plane crash, TV station employee Denise tries to rebuild her life, only to discover she was meant to die in the disaster. An unseen force of death begins to send the recently deceased as its agents, relentlessly hunting her as they close in.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Sole Survivor 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 – Sole Survivor (1984)

Trace every key event in Sole Survivor (1984) 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

Denise survives the plane crash

Denise, a TV commercial producer, survives a catastrophic plane crash and wakes up in a hospital as the sole survivor. She senses a malevolent force closing in around her. Doctors confirm she is physically fine, but her nerves are shredded.

Immediately after crash Hospital
2

Denise meets Dr. Brian and survivor's syndrome theory

At the hospital, Denise flirts with Dr. Brian, who suggests her symptoms are survivor's syndrome rather than a real threat. He grows protective as she shares unsettling experiences. His skepticism contrasts with Denise's growing fear.

Shortly after crash Hospital
3

Carla's psychic warnings

Carla, a retired actress turned psychic, predicts the crash and warns Denise that danger lies ahead. Denise questions whether the visions are real or a trick of her mind. The exchange seeds a tension between belief and doubt.

Soon after crash Hospital
4

First signs of danger intensify

Denise begins to suffer night terrors and a string of near-miss accidents that seem tied to her fate. She becomes convinced that someone or something is trying to kill her. The fear seeps into every aspect of her life.

That night Denise's home
5

Denise confides in Kristy

Denise tells her friend and neighbor Kristy about the strange events. Kristy remains skeptical but vows to listen and watch for anything unusual. The sense of isolation grows as no one else believes her.

The following day Denise's home
6

A intruder kills Kristy

A man breaks into Denise's house and drowns Kristy, catching Denise by surprise. Denise barely escapes the attack and calls the police. The danger suddenly feels personal and inescapable.

That night Denise's home
7

Police dismiss explanations, question the killer

The police cannot find Kristy's body and tell Denise the attacker is dead. Brian discusses the case with pathologist Artie, who notes unusual lividity in several recently deceased people. This evidence makes Denise's suspicions harder to dismiss.

Immediately after murder Police station / Denise's home
8

Pathologist notes undead signals

Artie reveals irregular findings in multiple corpses, suggesting movement after death. Brian begins to believe Denise's story might be true. The mystery shifts from superstition to a possible supernatural threat.

A few days after Pathology lab
9

Undead Kristy turns violent against Denise

Kristy returns as an undead killer, murdering a taxi driver and then targeting Denise at her own home. Denise fights for her life as the undead close in. The danger feels unstoppable.

That night following the earlier murder Denise's home
10

Brian tries to intervene and is killed

Brian arrives with a gun to protect Denise but is stabbed and killed by the undead Kristy. Denise escapes the house and flees into the city streets. The rescue effort collapses into tragedy.

During the attack Denise's home
11

Desperate flight through the city

Denise drives through the city, but her car breaks down and she ends up stranded on the street. Shelter and help seem out of reach, forcing her to improvise for survival. The threat appears to tighten its grip.

After Brian's death City streets
12

Seeking help at Carla's house

Desperate, Denise boards a bus and heads toward Carla's house, bringing Brian's gun for protection. Carla opens the door in silence and seems to be hiding something. Denise hopes Carla can offer safety or answers.

That same night Carla's house
13

Carla reveals undead nature and kills Denise

Carla reveals she is undead and had committed suicide, then shoots Denise. Denise dies, realizing the danger is closer than she imagined. The film confirms the horror is real and personal.

That same night Carla's house
14

Final morgue twist and unresolved mystery

In the morgue, Artie surveys the bodies and notes the bizarre blood patterns draining to the legs. He begins drafting a report about the anomalies. The final scene ends with one body sitting up on a gurney, leaving the mystery unresolved.

After the deaths Morgue

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:48

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 Sole Survivor

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

Sole Survivor Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Sole Survivor, 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.

Sole Survivor Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Sole Survivor

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Sole Survivor

More About Sole Survivor

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

Similar Movies to Sole Survivor

Discover movies like Sole Survivor 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.