The Haunting

The film begins with Dr. John Markway narrating about Hill House, describing it as an 'evil old house' rich with a history of scandal, murder, insanity, and suicide. He hints at the supernatural secrets waiting to be uncovered, setting a foreboding tone for the story to unfold.

The backstory of Hill House is revealed through narration. Built by Hugh Crain for his family, the house became a site of tragedy after his first wife died in a carriage accident. Following this, Hugh's second wife also met a tragic fate, fueling the house's haunted reputation.

Abigail, the daughter of Hugh Crain, is left to grow up in the same nursery room all her life after her father leaves for England and eventually dies in a drowning accident. Abigail becomes a bedridden invalid by age eighty, leading a lonely life overshadowed by the house's dark past.

Abigail's nurse-companion inherits Hill House after her death, only to end her life by hanging herself years later. This event adds to the tragic lineage of the house, contributing to its haunted legacy.

Dr. John Markway visits Mrs. Sannerson, the current owner of Hill House, to propose his research on the supernatural. Despite concerns about publicity seekers, he is granted permission to investigate the house with his carefully chosen assistants.

Eleanor Lance, a troubled woman who has just lost her invalid mother, expresses her desire for independence as she prepares to leave her sister’s home. This marks the beginning of her journey to Hill House, which she sees as an escape.

Eleanor arrives at Hill House, greeted by the unwelcoming caretaker, Mr. Dudley. Her initial impression of the house is unsettling, describing it as a 'vile' structure that seems to be staring at her.

Eleanor meets Theodora, her fellow research assistant, as they bond over shared bathroom arrangements. They quickly find themselves drawn to each other, with hints of a flirtation emerging between them.

The first night in Hill House, Eleanor and Theodora hear loud and eerie noises coming from the walls. They experience a terrifying moment when they believe they hear a woman screaming, leading to an unsettling atmosphere among the group.

Eleanor discovers a chilling message written on the wall in chalk, stating 'Help Eleanor Come Home.' This event incites paranoia and suspicion, as Eleanor begins to feel an odd connection to the house and its history.

John's wife, Grace Markway, arrives unexpectedly at Hill House, in search of her husband and wanting to join the ghost hunt. Her arrival adds tension to the already strained dynamics among the house’s occupants.

That night, the group is awakened by terrifying banging sounds, leading to chaos. This moment reveals the supernatural forces at play within the house, and Eleanor feels compelled to find out what is happening.

Distracted by the sight of Grace Markway, Eleanor gets into a car accident, crashing into the very tree that killed the first Mrs. Crain. This tragic event demonstrates the house's chilling control over its inhabitants.

The group is left devastated after discovering Eleanor dead in the car. Grace Markway tries to defend her actions during the events leading up to the accident, creating further conflict among the remaining group members.

The film concludes with the haunting narration from Eleanor's spirit, emphasizing the isolation of those who haunt Hill House. Her final words encapsulate the tragic history of the house and the despair that encircles it.