The Good Son

The Good Son

Year: 1993

Runtime: 87 mins

Language: English

Director: Joseph Ruben

HorrorThrillerDramaIntense violence and sexual transgressionHorror the undead and monster classics

Living with his aunt and uncle, a young boy bonds with his same‑age cousin, only to notice increasingly disturbing and violent tendencies. As the cousin’s psychotic behavior escalates, suspicion spreads through the household, forcing the boy to confront a chilling truth: evil can wear a familiar face.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Good Son 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 Good Son (1993)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Good Son (1993). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events unfold during winter break in a contemporary setting, with snow and ice shaping the peril. The story centers on a family household in a Maine town, highlighting a period of downtime between fall and spring terms.

Location

Rock Harbor, Maine, Arizona

Rock Harbor is a quiet coastal town in Maine where Mark stays for winter break with his aunt Susan and uncle Wallace. The story juxtaposes the icy, snowbound scenes of Maine with flashbacks to Arizona, the boy's home state. The climate and geography—bridges, ponds, and a cliffside—drive the tension and set the stage for the escalating danger.

❄️ Snowy setting 🏡 Small-town 🌊 Coastal Maine

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:32

Main Characters – The Good Son (1993)

Meet the key characters of The Good Son (1993), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Mark Evans (Elijah Wood)

A twelve-year-old recently grieving his mother, Mark is cautious and perceptive. He navigates a chilling home environment, trying to warn others about Henry's danger while seeking safety for himself and Connie. His bond with Susan grows as he faces fear and truth.

🎭 Courage 🧭 Insight 🕵️‍♀️ Suspense

Henry Evans (Macaulay Culkin)

Henry is a charming but dangerously unpredictable boy who revels in death-related obsessions. His threats and violent acts escalate with chilling calm, revealing a cold, manipulative psyche. He resents attempts to restrain him and resists any help.

⚠️ Danger 🗡️ Violence

Susan Evans (Wendy Crewson)

Aunt Susan becomes a wary protector who pieces together Henry's true nature. Her actions escalate from concern to decisive courage as she tries to rescue Mark and stop Henry. The climax tests her instinct to safeguard a child at all costs.

🛡️ Protector ❤️ Maternal 🧭 Morality

Wallace Evans (Daniel Hugh Kelly)

Uncle Wallace is a steady, well-meaning patriarch who struggles to manage Henry's behavior. He becomes a peripheral figure as the danger intensifies, ultimately overwhelmed by the family's crisis. His presence anchors the domestic space in Maine.

🏠 Family 🧭 Authority

Connie Evans (Quinn Culkin)

Connie is Mark's cousin whose friendliness and later vulnerability bring a clear target for Henry's violence. Her ice-skating accident and coma escalate the stakes and highlight the fragility of safety within the family.

🧊 Safety 💔 Vulnerability

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:32

Major Themes – The Good Son (1993)

Explore the central themes of The Good Son (1993), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧠 Psychopathy

Henry's behavior reveals a calculated, remorseless streak that endangers his relatives. Mark recognizes the threat but struggles to persuade adults he should be believed. The tension builds as Henry's manipulations escalate from small cruelties to a life-threatening plan.

🛡️ Protection

Susan's decision to intervene when Henry threatens Mark shows the moral weight of protecting a vulnerable family member. The climax hinges on her willingness to risk herself to save another. This theme underscores the cost of guardianship and sacrifice.

🤝 Trust and Suspicion

Mark and Susan form a wary alliance as trust is tested by Henry's lies and deception. Susan's suspicions rise after Henry reveals his capacity for violence. The revelation of Henry's true nature fractures the family trust and drives the final confrontation.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:32

Unlock the Full Story of The Good Son

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

The Good Son Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Good Son, 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 Good Son Summary

The Good Son Timeline

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

The Good Son Timeline

More About The Good Son

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

Explore More About Movie The Good Son

The Good Son (1993) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

The Good Son (1993) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

The Good Son (1993) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow