The Clearing

The Clearing

Year: 2004

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Pieter Jan Brugge

DramaThriller

During a peaceful wilderness trip, a father and daughter find themselves unexpectedly attacked by a group of flesh-eating undead. They must then depend on their skills and bond to navigate the dangerous situation and fight for survival in the isolated clearing.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Clearing 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 Clearing (2004)

Trace every key event in The Clearing (2004) 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

Wayne and Eileen's idyllic life

Wayne Hayes and Eileen live what appears to be the perfect American dream. Having raised two children and built a successful business, they look forward to a peaceful retirement together.

2

Wayne's kidnapping

Wayne's life takes a dark turn when he is brazenly kidnapped by his former employee, Arnold Mack. The kidnapping occurs in broad daylight, shocking both Wayne and the community.

3

Eileen's frantic battle

As Wayne negotiates for his survival with Arnold, Eileen is thrown into a frantic battle to secure his release. Her desperation only intensifies as she realizes the FBI is monitoring her every move.

4

FBI scrutiny

Eileen discovers that the FBI has turned its attention on her, complicating her attempts to gather resources for a ransom. This added pressure creates an emotional whirlwind as she tries to save Wayne.

5

Wayne's extramarital affair revealed

In the midst of the chaos, Eileen uncovers the painful truth about Wayne's ongoing extramarital affair. The promise Wayne made months ago to end this affair weighs heavily on her mind as she reevaluates their relationship.

6

Eileen considers paying ransom

Doubt fills Eileen's mind as she weighs the decision of whether to pay the ransom for Wayne's return. As the situation grows more dire, she grapples with the fear that her actions may be futile.

7

The grim realization

As the week drags on, Eileen's desperate efforts to save Wayne seem to be in vain. The grim realization dawns on her that the chances of his safe return are dwindling rapidly.

8

Wayne's tragic fate

Within just hours of his captivity, Wayne is brutally murdered by Arnold, a fact that shatters Eileen's hope. This heartbreaking event marks a significant turning point in the film's emotional landscape.

9

Eileen's week of torment

Eileen endures a grueling week filled with anxiety and fear as she unknowingly fights for a life that has already been lost. The emotional strain takes a heavy toll on her psyche.

10

Climactic revelation

In a poignant climax, it becomes clear that the timeframe of Wayne's death and Eileen's struggle is vastly different. This realization creates a haunting illusion of simultaneous fates that deeply resonates with the audience.

11

Impact on Eileen

Following Wayne's death, Eileen is left to grapple with the aftermath of both her loss and the betrayal she experienced. The emotional fallout reshapes her future and her perspective on their life together.

12

Community response

The kidnapping and tragic murder of Wayne profoundly affect the community that once admired the Hayes couple. As the news spreads, reactions range from shock to anger, intensifying the film's overall themes of trust and betrayal.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 21:38

Unlock the Full Story of The Clearing

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

The Clearing Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Clearing, 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 Clearing Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Clearing

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Clearing

More About The Clearing

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

Similar Movies to The Clearing

Discover movies like The Clearing 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.