The Boy

The Boy

Year: 2016

Runtime: 97 min

Language: English

Director: William Brent Bell

Budget: $10M

MysteryThrillerHorror

A young American nanny, Greta, accepts a position caring for a young boy in a secluded English village. She soon discovers the family’s unsettling secret: they maintain the illusion that their deceased son still lives through a remarkably realistic doll. Disregarding the family's strict rules, Greta investigates further, inadvertently unleashing a disturbing and inexplicable force that threatens to unravel her sanity and expose a terrifying truth.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Boy 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 – The Boy (2016)

Trace every key event in The Boy (2016) 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

Arrival at Heelshire Manor

Greta Evans arrives at Heelshire Manor after a secluded taxi ride through dense woods. As she steps out, she is greeted by the grandeur of the mansion, preparing for a new chapter as the family's nanny.

Heelshire Manor
2

First Encounter with Malcolm

Upon entering the manor, Greta meets Malcolm, the weekly grocery boy. Their conversation reveals mutual curiosity, but Greta maintains a polite distance as Malcolm shares quirky details about his family.

Heelshire Manor
3

Introduction to the Heelshires

Mrs. Heelshire makes a critical first impression by disapproving of Greta's bare feet. This encounter sets a tense tone for their relationship, highlighting the family's peculiarities right from the start.

Heelshire Manor
4

Meeting Brahms

Greta's introduction to Brahms, the family's life-sized porcelain doll, causes her to initially chuckle. However, the seriousness of the Heelshires quickly dampens her amusement, indicating deeper family dynamics.

Heelshire Manor
5

Brahms’ Care Instructions

Mrs. Heelshire carefully guides Greta through the household's unique rules concerning Brahms. This moment reveals the family's unnerving attachment to the doll and sets the tone for Greta's upcoming challenges.

Heelshire Manor
6

Greta's Troubled Past

During a conversation with her friend Sandy, Greta reveals her troubled history, including her previous relationship with Cole. This backstory adds depth to her character and highlights her struggles as she begins her new job.

7

First Night of Unease

Greta's first night at the manor is filled with unsettling occurrences that heighten her sense of dread. She begins to sense that Brahms may not be just an inanimate object, raising her anxiety about the mysterious household.

Heelshire Manor
8

Growing Closer to Malcolm

As Greta spends more time with Malcolm, their relationship begins to deepen. Their shared experiences amidst the eerie ambiance of the manor create a bond built on trust and mutual reliance.

Heelshire Manor
9

Discovery of Brahms’ History

Greta uncovers Brahms' tragic backstory involving a fire and the disappearance of a girl. This revelation adds an ominous weight to the doll's presence and intensifies the horror encapsulating the manor.

Heelshire Manor
10

Heelshires' Absence

With the Heelshires out of the manor, the atmosphere shifts into one filled with tension and uncertainty. Greta now faces the consequences of care for Brahms, as eerie incidents push her deeper into a chilling reality.

Heelshire Manor
11

Escalating Tension

As strange occurrences continue to escalate, Greta’s sense of reality becomes increasingly tenuous. She grapples with the complexities of her role, entwining her fate with that of the haunting doll Brahms.

Heelshire Manor
12

Confrontations with the Supernatural

Greta's harrowing encounters with Brahms force her to confront her fears and her tumultuous past. The lines blur between protector and prisoner, pushing her to struggle for both her safety and sanity.

Heelshire Manor
13

The Final Showdown

In a climactic confrontation, Greta must gather her courage and wit to face the sinister legacy of Brahms and the Heelshires. This moment serves as a pivotal point in her journey toward freedom and self-discovery.

Heelshire Manor
14

Escape from Brahms

Ultimately, Greta finds a way to escape the ominous grasp of Brahms, illustrating her resilience and determination. However, the lingering question remains whether the malevolent legacy of the doll truly ends.

Heelshire Manor
15

Reflections on Familial Ties

As the narrative concludes, Greta reflects on her experiences and the complexities of familial bonds, recognizing how they can be both nurturing and toxic. Her journey leaves viewers contemplating the shadows lurking within the walls of Heelshire Manor.

Heelshire Manor

Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 18:35

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Narrative Summary

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Unlock the Full Story of The Boy

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

The Boy Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Boy, 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.

The Boy Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Boy

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Boy

The Boy Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Boy Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Boy

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