The Canal

The Canal

Year: 2014

Runtime: 92 min

Language: English

Director: Ivan Kavanagh

MysteryThrillerHorror

David, a man struggling with a failing marriage and personal demons, is an archivist who begins to uncover a disturbing connection between his home and a century-old murder. Haunted by visions and increasingly suspicious of his wife, he descends into paranoia as the lines between past and present blur. Determined to clear his name and discover the truth behind his wife's disappearance, David confronts a sinister force and fights to maintain his sanity.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Canal 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 & Setting – The Canal (2014)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Canal (2014). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 1900s, Present Day

The film oscillates between the present day and glimpses into the early 20th century, specifically around 1902, when a horrific murder occurred at David's home. This historical event casts a long shadow over the present narrative, intertwining past atrocities with David's contemporary struggles. The contrast highlights how the consequences of the past can linger and impact individuals long after the events have transpired.

Location

Canal, Public Restroom, Hotel

The canal serves as a haunting backdrop for the story, symbolizing the dark secrets that lie beneath its surface. It's associated with a history of violence and unresolved murders, adding to the eerie atmosphere. The public restroom, where David experiences chilling phenomena, is believed to be haunted, further intensifying the film's supernatural elements. The hotel represents a transient space for the family, becoming a site of tension and fear.

🏞️ Canal 🚻 Restroom 🏨 Hotel

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:03

Main Characters – The Canal (2014)

Meet the key characters of The Canal (2014), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

David

David is a film archivist plagued by suspicion and grief. His journey explores the descent into madness as he grapples with the haunting past and strained relationships. His tumultuous emotions, faced with betrayal and loss, lead him to act irrationally, showcasing a tragic character often torn between love and obsession.

👨‍💼 Professional 😞 Grieving 🔍 Obsessed

Alice

Alice is David’s wife, whose perceived betrayal and untimely demise profoundly affect the narrative. Her character serves as the catalyst for David's emotional turmoil, driving him to confront his fears and regrets. The ambiguity surrounding her actions adds complexity to her character, as she becomes a pivotal figure in David's spiral into madness.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Betrayed 🚪 Mysterious ⚰️ Deceased

Claire

Claire is David's work partner and represents a voice of reason amidst his turmoil. Torn between her professional responsibilities and her growing concerns for David, Claire embodies the struggle to maintain friendships under stress. Her character showcases the impact of David's obsession, as she becomes involuntarily caught in the web of his psychological decline.

👩‍💼 Supportive 😟 Concerned 🖼️ Archivist

Billy

Billy, David's young son, is innocent yet pivotal in the story's emotional weight. His belief in the haunting adds a childlike perspective to the narrative, highlighting the theme of childhood innocence in the face of tragedy. Billy’s experiences and his interactions with the supernatural elements serve as both a source of strength and vulnerability for David.

👦 Child 😨 Innocent 🎒 Vulnerable

Detective McNamara

Detective McNamara represents law and order amidst the chaos surrounding David. His character embodies skepticism and duty as he investigates not only Alice's death but also David's erratic behavior. McNamara's presence creates a sense of urgency and tension, ultimately complicating David's journey towards understanding the darker truths of his life.

🕵️‍♂️ Investigator ⚖️ Authoritative 🔍 Doubting

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:03

Major Themes – The Canal (2014)

Explore the central themes of The Canal (2014), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👻 Supernatural

The theme of the supernatural is prevalent throughout the film, as David grapples with unsettling visions and ghostly encounters. His obsession with the spectral realm blurs the line between reality and the afterlife, driving him to desperation. This theme illustrates how unresolved trauma can manifest in haunting ways, leading characters to confront their darkest fears.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal is at the heart of David's emotional turmoil, primarily stemming from his suspicion of his wife's infidelity with Alex. This feeling of betrayal catalyzes a series of tragic events, pushing David into a psychological spiral. The theme explores how deception can fracture relationships and lead to devastating consequences.

🕵️‍♂️ Obsession

David's obsession with uncovering the truth about past murders ultimately leads him down a dark path. As he becomes increasingly fixated on the supernatural, his mental state deteriorates. The theme reveals how obsession can consume an individual, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:03

Unlock the Full Story of The Canal

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

The Canal Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Canal, 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 Canal Summary

The Canal Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Canal with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Canal Timeline

More About The Canal

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Canal: 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 The Canal

Similar Movies to The Canal

Discover movies like The Canal 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.