Take Shelter

In LaGrange, Ohio, Curtis LaForche begins experiencing vivid and disturbing apocalyptic dreams. These dreams feature ominous forebodings, including unusual rain resembling 'fresh motor oil' and swarms of black birds, which deeply unsettle him.

Concealing his haunting visions from his wife Samantha and their deaf daughter Hannah, Curtis becomes obsessed with building an elaborate storm shelter. His compulsive drive to complete this project begins affecting his relationships and responsibilities.

Curtis's insomnia and escalating fears drive him to seek help from a counselor at a local clinic. Here, he learns about his family's history with mental health issues, particularly his mother's struggle with paranoid schizophrenia.

In his desperate attempt to finance the storm shelter renovations, Curtis secures a risky home improvement loan. This decision places immense strain on his finances, all while he keeps this secret from his wife Samantha.

When Samantha finally learns about Curtis's plans for the storm shelter and the loan, her anger boils over. The realization of the situation adds tension to their already complex relationship.

Under the weight of his anxiety, Curtis takes an excessive amount of sedatives, leading to a seizure. In panic, Samantha calls for an ambulance, which marks a critical moment in their lives, revealing the depths of Curtis's struggles.

As Curtis becomes increasingly absent from work due to his mental health issues, his boss confronts him about the borrowed equipment. The confrontation leads to Curtis being fired, cutting off important medical benefits just as Samantha prepares for Hannah's cochlear implant surgery.

In a misguided attempt to provide safety for his family amidst his fears, Curtis buys gas masks. This action further demonstrates his increasing panic, as he struggles with an unfounded belief that a disaster is imminent.

Curtis learns that his counselor has been replaced, which triggers a downward spiral in his mental health. Feeling abandoned, he becomes more isolated at a time when he desperately needs support.

Samantha urges Curtis to attend a community event, hoping to restore some normalcy to their lives. However, a confrontation with a bitter coworker named Dewart escalates into a physical altercation, showcasing Curtis's unraveling state of mind.

As a tornado warning is issued, Curtis and his family urgently retreat to their makeshift shelter. This moment heightens the family's anxiety as they face the physical storm outside and Curtis's internal storm of fears.

Inside the shelter, Curtis struggles to face the reality outside, confused by the sounds he hears. Eventually, with encouragement from Samantha, he opens the shelter doors to find the world intact, forcing him to confront the delusions that cloud his mind.

After the shelter incident, a psychiatrist recommends that the couple take their planned beach vacation. It is emphasized that Curtis should seek professional help at a facility following their trip, highlighting a critical turning point in their need for healing.

While on vacation at Myrtle Beach, Curtis enjoys playful moments building sandcastles with Hannah, who gloomily signs 'storm.' Their shared experience feels all too real when the oily rain Curtis once envisioned starts to fall, marking a sinister return of his fears.

As the dark clouds gather, Samantha realizes the magnitude of the situation. In a moment of silent acknowledgment, she and Curtis share a fleeting connection, whispering 'okay' as they confront the uncertainty ahead.