Thale

Thale

Year: 2013

Runtime: 76 min

Language: Norwegian

Director: Aleksander Nordaas

MysteryThrillerFantasyHorror

While cleaning a secluded cabin, two crime scene cleaners discover a mysterious creature, revealing a dark secret. As they investigate further, they are drawn into a chilling mystery that forces them to confront unsettling truths and the hidden darkness within themselves. The discovery leads them on a suspenseful journey filled with unexpected horrors.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Thale (2013) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Thale (2013), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Two men clad in plastic biohazard suits are busy working as a cleaning crew at a gruesome crime scene. Among them is Elvis, who is struggling to cope with the sights and sounds of his surroundings, frequently vomiting into a bucket, showcasing his lack of experience in this grisly line of work. Conversely, his partner, Leo, remains surprisingly calm and collected as he diligently mops up a large pool of congealed blood on the floor with handfuls of paper towels. Just then, Leo’s cell phone rings, and as Elvis attempts to help by answering it, he unwittingly holds the phone up to Leo’s ear while Leo is still gloved and engaged in his task. Leo’s voice is steady as he introduces himself in a rather unorthodox manner: “No shit cleaning service, Leo speaking.”

While Leo listens intently to the details of their next cleaning job, Elvis can’t help but steal a glance at the horrifying crime scene, which sends him double over in nausea once more, leading him to drop Leo’s phone right into the bloodied mess. Unperturbed, Leo kneels down, leans in to retrieve the phone, and calmly completes the call to get the address for their next assignment. Once the conversation wraps up, he nonchalantly informs Elvis, “lunchtime.”

Excitedly, Elvis responds with a cheerful, “great!” The scene transitions to a serene lakeside in a secluded wooded area where Elvis stands swaying gently in the wind with his eyes closed. Leo approaches him with grave news about their upcoming task — they are to clean up after an elderly man whose remains have been scattered across the woodland. Leo shares that the police managed to recover only half of the body due to the presence of wild animals in the vicinity. Still swaying with his eyes closed, Elvis queries, “so we have to find the other half?”

Leo, with his typical nonchalance, shrugs off the macabre details of their job, while Elvis elaborates on his current state of bliss, stating that he’s simply enjoying the breeze. Leo then joins in, closing his eyes and swaying alongside Elvis. The duo prepares for the next gruesome task at hand, ensuring they will have to tear up the outhouse floor to search for the remaining human remains that have been buried beneath the surface. Inside the outhouse, Elvis starts tossing out various bits of clutter, making room for the grim work that lies ahead as they dive deeper into their next job.

Last Updated: May 12, 2025 at 07:04

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Grim discovery movies like Thale

Stories where isolated settings become stages for unsettling and gruesome revelations.If you enjoyed the grim, isolated discovery in Thale, you'll find similar movies here. These films feature characters uncovering dark secrets or terrifying creatures in secluded settings, leading to suspenseful and atmospheric horror experiences.

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The narrative typically follows a linear investigation pattern, often starting with a mundane task that spirals into horror. Characters are usually ordinary people forced to deal with extraordinary and gruesome circumstances, with the focus on the psychological impact of the discovery rather than fast-paced action.

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Movies are grouped here based on their shared core premise of a disturbing discovery in an isolated environment, a slow-burn pacing that emphasizes atmosphere, and a dark, heavy tone that prioritizes psychological dread over jump scares.

Atmospheric folk horror films similar to Thale

Slow-burning horror rooted in folklore, ancient secrets, and a pervasive sense of unease.For viewers who liked the folk horror elements and slow-building dread in Thale, this section features movies with a similar vibe. Discover other suspenseful stories where dark folklore, mythical beings, and an heavy atmosphere create a uniquely unsettling experience.

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Stories in this thread often involve outsiders or unsuspecting characters encountering a hidden, ancient truth tied to a specific place or culture. The conflict is less about overt monsters and more about the inexorable, eerie power of the folklore itself, leading to ambiguous or bleak conclusions.

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These films are united by their foundation in folk horror tropes, a consistently dark and atmospheric tone, a slow pacing that builds unease, and a focus on the psychological horror of confronting something old and unknowable.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Thale

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Thale

Thale Spoiler-Free Summary

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