Swept Under

Swept Under

Year: 2022

Runtime: 10 mins

Language: English

Director: Ethan Soo

WarHorrorHistory

American intervention and a killer carpet After receiving a housewarming rug from his sister, a Cambodian adoptee discovers a dark history hidden underneath its surface.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Swept Under 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 – Swept Under (2022)

Trace every key event in Swept Under (2022) 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

Sher meets Hopewell at a grim crime scene

At a grim crime scene, Morgan Sher immediately proves her sharp observational skills, catching the attention of Nick Hopewell. The moment hints at professional tension with Detective Braxton, whose reputation is damaged by Sher solving a crime he couldn't. The scene sets Sher's value and the fraught dynamic with Braxton.

Crime scene
2

Sher shares a clue at the police station; Braxton dismisses her input

Sher returns to share a clue she found at the crime scene with Braxton at the police station. Braxton dismisses her contribution, showing open resentment and a willingness to ignore her insights. The moment foreshadows the professional friction that drives later actions.

Police station
3

Sher's one-night stand and a renewed encounter with Hopewell

Sher has a one-night stand with a data entry worker, exposing a personal vulnerability. She later encounters Hopewell again, who is anxious to impress his captain and learn about the evidence she found. The encounter marks a pivot toward their future collaboration rather than mere chance meetings.

4

Cane tip leads to a related case; partnership begins

After Sher hands Hopewell the tip of a cane, he asks for her help examining a seemingly related case, sparking Braxton's anger. Hopewell proposes a formal collaboration, and Sher agrees to work as a police consultant in return for help cleaning crime scenes. The two start a tentative professional partnership.

5

Partnership deepens; cleaning duty becomes part of the deal

The pair form a working relationship as police consultants and begin to trust each other professionally. Sher negotiates the deal by insisting Hopewell help her with crime-scene cleanup, creating a transactional but growing personal bond. Hopewell's respect for her work grows as they collaborate.

6

Romance on hold; Sher rebuffs Hopewell's flirtation

As they grow closer, Hopewell flirts with Sher, who rebuffs him, citing a policy against dating cops and coworkers. The boundary remains a recurring theme as their casework continues. The tension between personal and professional lines persists.

7

Lully clue surfaces; Butler implicated in the orchestra network

Clues connect the cane to Jean-Baptiste Lully and a disc containing Marche pour la Cérèmonie des Turcs, hinting at an orchestra-connected killer. Hopewell researches the local orchestra and identifies Gary Butler, a donor with a troubling history. Butler's nervous denial and a push from Hopewell lead them toward Adam Fowler, a conductor, as potential suspects.

8

Butler questioned; Fowler emerges as a suspect

Butler is questioned and nervous, denying the rape accusation and claiming extortion. When pressed, he panics and leads Hopewell and Sher to Adam Fowler, a conductor, strengthening the theory that the killer targets orchestra-connected individuals. The investigators push for cooperation from the orchestra’s circle to expose a serial killer.

9

Dinner and a relationship formalized; a dangerous pursuit begins

Hopewell cooks dinner for Sher and persuades her to begin a romantic relationship. After they share a night of intimacy, Sher leaves Hopewell's home with his badge to confront Butler. Impersonating a police officer, she reveals she intends to kill him and recounts her past as a runaway kidnapped by Fowler, Butler, and others.

10

Butler's murder and the attempted salvage of the case

Butler is found dead and Captain LaSalle angrily removes Hopewell from the case, forcing him to rely on Sher again. Sher agrees to help and murders Fowler, making it look like a suicide to push the case toward Fowler as the killer and to save Hopewell's career.

11

The perfect closure is questioned by new evidence

Butler's estranged wife reveals a hidden camera in their house to gather evidence of Butler's infidelity. The footage shows a woman killing him, casting doubt on the case's perfect ending and fueling Hopewell's suspicions about Sher.

12

The final rift: Hopewell pleads, Sher contemplates fleeing

Hopewell confronts Sher as she plans to flee the city; he pleads with her not to go, claiming he cannot accept her departure. Sher hesitates, then apologizes, explaining that he would never be able to let her go, leaving their fate unresolved.

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 10:24

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Movies about trauma and justice like Swept Under

Protagonists confronting their past while pursuing a difficult truth.For viewers who liked Swept Under, this section features movies where characters carrying heavy personal trauma become entwined in a search for truth. These similar crime and drama stories explore the difficult path of pursuing justice while healing from profound pain.

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Gritty crime procedurals with personal stakes like Swept Under

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The narrative pattern involves a detective or investigator whose current case becomes inextricably linked to their personal life or past. This connection creates constant tension, forces difficult moral choices, and often reveals systemic corruption. The story unfolds with a steady flow of clues and interpersonal conflict, leading to a resolution that is often bittersweet, as justice is served but personal costs remain high.

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Unlock the Full Story of Swept Under

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

Swept Under Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Swept Under, 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.

Swept Under Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Swept Under

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Swept Under

Swept Under Spoiler-Free Summary

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Swept Under Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Swept Under

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