The Little Stranger

The Little Stranger

Year: 2018

Runtime: 111 min

Language: English

Director: Lenny Abrahamson

DramaMysteryThrillerHorror

In the summer of 1948, Dr. Faraday returns to Hundreds Hall, a stately home now showing signs of decline, to care for a patient. Having grown up in the area as the son of a housekeeper, he knows the troubled history of the Ayres family. However, he finds himself confronting unsettling events and dark secrets that impact the family and test his own well-being, delving into themes of class, societal decay, and the possibility of supernatural forces at play.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Little Stranger 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 Little Stranger (2018)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Little Stranger (2018). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1940s

The 1940s, marked by the aftermath of World War II, was a period steeped in recovery and social change. The era saw lingering scars from the conflict on both the land and its people, affecting many lives profoundly. The societal anxieties surrounding mental health and loss during this time play a significant role in the film's narrative.

Location

Hundreds Hall, Warwickshire

Hundreds Hall is a once-magnificent estate now in decay, embodying the remnants of a glorious past. Set in the idyllic countryside of Warwickshire, it serves as the backdrop for haunting events and family struggles. The estate is known for its ancient architecture and disturbing history, particularly surrounding the tragic fate of the Ayres family.

🏰 Estate 🌳 Countryside

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:33

Main Characters – The Little Stranger (2018)

Meet the key characters of The Little Stranger (2018), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dr. Faraday (Domhnall Gleeson)

Dr. Faraday is a complex character marked by ambition and longing for connection with the Ayres family. As a medical professional, he is drawn to Hundreds Hall, but his infatuation with its past influences his decisions significantly. His struggles with morality and obsession drive the plot's dark undertones, as he becomes entwined in the family's tragic fate.

🩺 Doctor ❤️ Obsession

Roderick Ayres (Will Poulter)

Roderick Ayres is a scarred war veteran, struggling with the hauntings of his past both physically and emotionally. His protective nature towards his family adds depth to his character, revealing a profound sense of loyalty intertwined with vulnerability. Roderick's journey of grappling with trauma and his haunting home paints him as a tragic figure.

👨‍✈️ Veteran 🛡️ Protector

Caroline Ayres (Ruth Wilson)

Caroline Ayres embodies the conflicting emotions of love and despair throughout the narrative. As her family's last hope, she grapples with the haunting legacy of Hundreds Hall while yearning for freedom. Caroline's tragic choices underscore her resilience, yet they also reveal her vulnerability to the oppressive nature of her surroundings.

💔 Tragic 🏡 Resilient

Mrs. Ayres (Charlotte Rampling)

Mrs. Ayres is portrayed as a deeply troubled character who feels the weight of her family's history bearing down on her. Her descent into madness due to the pervasive hauntings of the estate symbolizes the losses endured by the family. The character's tragic end underscores the film's exploration of psychological and emotional trauma.

👵 Matriarch 😣 Haunted

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:33

Major Themes – The Little Stranger (2018)

Explore the central themes of The Little Stranger (2018), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👻 Haunting

The theme of haunting pervades the narrative, intertwining the past with the present. As the characters grapple with their trauma, the spirits of those lost linger eerily around them, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural. The haunting serves as a metaphor for unresolved grief and the inescapable shadows of history.

💔 Tragedy

Tragedy is a central theme, encapsulating the sorrowful fates of the Ayres family. Each character experiences profound loss, leading to despair and desperate choices. The emotional weight of the characters' relationships ultimately culminates in acts of self-destruction, underscoring the fragility of happiness amidst personal demons.

⚖️ Justice

The theme of justice is a crucial aspect of the plot, explored through the inquest following Caroline's death. The proceedings reveal the complexities of truth and perception, as the characters navigate their guilt and culpability. This theme begs the question of how society reconciles tragedy with accountability.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:33

Unlock the Full Story of The Little Stranger

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

The Little Stranger Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Little Stranger, 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 Little Stranger Summary

The Little Stranger Timeline

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

The Little Stranger Timeline

More About The Little Stranger

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

Similar Movies to The Little Stranger

Discover movies like The Little Stranger 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.