The Night Digger

The Night Digger

Year: 1971

Runtime: 97 min

Language: English

Director: Alastair Reid

DramaThrillerHorror

A chance encounter with tragedy plunges an innocent bystander into the dark reality of urban despair. Investigating the lives of expectant mothers struggling in the city's underbelly, they confront the harshness of their circumstances and the fragility of life. The experience blurs the lines between hope and sorrow, revealing a haunting perspective on mortality and leaving a lasting impact on their understanding of the world.

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Timeline – The Night Digger (1971)

Trace every key event in The Night Digger (1971) 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

Maura's Care for Edith

Maura Prince takes on the dual role of a speech therapist while also caring for her blind and invalid mother, Edith. This demanding responsibility weighs on her, as she struggles to manage both her professional and personal life.

2

Billy's Arrival

The dynamics of Maura's life shift dramatically with the unexpected arrival of Billy Jarvis. Claiming to be a long-lost relative, he earns Edith's affection and Maura’s initial skepticism slowly transforms into trust as he becomes an integral part of their household.

3

Billy's Infatuation

As Billy settles in, he becomes enamored with Mary Wingate, a charming nursery school teacher. Despite the stirring feelings, his romance with Mary is overshadowed by the dark forces pulling at his past.

4

The Horror Unleashed

One fateful night, overwhelmed by his inner demons, Billy tragically kills Mary and buries her body at a nearby construction site. This horrific act marks the beginning of a relentless spiral into madness, serving as the seventh murder in a series linked to his past.

Construction site
5

Rising Anxieties

With each new tragedy, Maura becomes increasingly anxious about the presence of Billy in their lives. Her stress escalates as unsettling events unfold, foreshadowing the chaos that will soon erupt.

6

Joan's Warning

A nurse named Joan visits, revealing Edith's fragile health and hinting that she may not be safe under Billy's watch. This alarm ignites Billy's paranoia, showcasing the intensifying tension within the household.

7

Another Atrocity

Billy, besieged by violent flashbacks, commits another heart-wrenching crime against Joan. The gravity of his actions rapidly escalates, and once again, an innocent life is extinguished.

8

Edith's Heart Attack

During a critical confrontation involving Billy, Edith suffers a heart attack while attempting to reach him. Maura rushes her mother to the hospital, marking a pivotal moment in their continued struggles.

Hospital
9

A Mother's Last Wish

At the hospital, a recovering Edith urges Maura to expel Billy from their lives. However, Maura, seeking independence for herself, decides to distance herself from her mother instead, leading to a rift in their relationship.

Hospital
10

Newfound Freedom

Embracing her independence, Maura indulges in a stylish new wardrobe and makes a bold decision to purchase a farm in Scotland. She dreams of a fresh start alongside Billy, picturing a life free from her past burdens.

Scotland
11

Billy's Past Resurfaces

Just as Maura begins to build their new life, the shadows of Billy's past emerge once more. A chance encounter with a woman searching for her lost dog triggers a chain reaction of events that threaten their peace.

12

Billy's Tragic Demise

In a moment of desperation, Billy's past actions culminate in his tragic demise. This event profoundly impacts Maura, leaving her to grapple with the loss and the remnants of their shared dreams.

13

Altered Life

With Billy gone, Maura is left to confront the reality of her choices and the future. The end of their dream life together leaves her forever altered, including the emotional scars from their tumultuous relationship.

Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 21:49

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The Night Digger Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Night Digger, 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 Night Digger Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Night Digger

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Night Digger

More About The Night Digger

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