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The Silencing (2020) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2020 · 93 min · English
Echo score 67
JustWatch #7,696 11
Directed by
Robin Pront
Starring
Zahn McClarnon, Nikolaj Coster Waldau, Josh Cruddas, Annabelle Wallis, Lisa Cromarty, Hero Fiennes-Tiffin

Five years after a young girl vanished, a former hunting expert and a determined sheriff join forces to investigate the unsettling disappearance. Haunted by their own pasts, they must confront a long-standing mystery and navigate a deadly pursuit as they attempt to uncover the truth behind the possible abduction and the secrets hidden within the community.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like The Silencing
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch The Silencing (2020)

Where can you watch The Silencing? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Video and Apple TV Store: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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15 events in order · contains spoilers

The Silencing Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of The Silencing (2020) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Body in the Rapids

    The film opens with a striking image of a deceased individual in colorful attire being swept away by tumultuous white-water rapids. This haunting scene sets the tone for the mystery that unfolds throughout the film, hinting at the dark events tied to this death.

    Where
    White-Water Rapids
  2. Rayburn Confronts Intruders

    Rayburn Swanson interrupts a duo of hunters trespassing in a protected refuge, forcefully taking their weapons. This encounter reveals his past as a hunter and establishes his transformation, as he now advocates for the sanctuary's protection, declaring that 'People change.'

    Where
    Protected Sanctuary
  3. Rayburn's Return Home

    Once back home, Rayburn is greeted by his loyal dog, Thor, highlighting the bond Rayburn has with his pet. We also learn of Rayburn's installation of surveillance equipment to monitor the sanctuary, hinting at his growing obsession with safety and protection.

    Where
    Rayburn's Home
  4. Sheriff Alice and Brooks

    Sheriff Alice Gustafson picks up her brother, Brooks, from tribal police. Brooks is visibly shaken after an altercation related to a girl named Sam Moonblood, and as they drive home, Alice receives urgent news about a homicide investigation that will soon unfold.

    Where
    Tribal Police Station
  5. Rayburn's Field Trip

    While slightly intoxicated, Rayburn leads a group of schoolchildren on a field trip. He brims with pride discussing the 50-square-mile sanctuary he manages, though one child reminds him of his past as a hunter, forcing Rayburn to confront the reasons for his changed lifestyle.

    Where
    Sanctuary
  6. Investigation of the Body

    Alice and her team investigate the discovered body of a young girl, which forensic analysis indicates had been in the water for over a week. The discovery of a spearhead nearby suggests she may have been hunted, deepening the mystery surrounding her death.

    Where
    Crime Scene
  7. Missing Person Posters

    As Rayburn searches for his missing daughter Gwen by putting up posters around town, he crosses paths with Sheriff Blackhawk and his wife, Debbie. Their conversation reveals the harsh realities and the impending need to declare Gwen legally deceased to proceed with arrangements.

    Where
    Town Center
  8. Discovering the Initials

    Back at her office, Alice inspects the spearhead found at the crime scene and uncovers the initials 'MB' engraved on it. This leads her on a trail that connects deeper into the town's dark events, igniting her determination to solve the case.

    Where
    Sheriff's Office
  9. Rayburn's Confrontation

    Rayburn encounters a mysterious figure in camouflage while reviewing his surveillance footage. Gathering his hunting gear, he sets out to confront the intruder, leading to a dangerous encounter that leaves him injured and running for his life.

    Where
    Sanctuary
  10. Alice's Revelation

    Alice discovers the historical significance of the spearhead at a local store, further connecting her to Sam Moonblood, implicating him in the grim circumstances surrounding the girl’s death. This crucial piece of evidence heightens the stakes for her investigation.

    Where
    Hunting Gear Shop
  11. Hiding with Molly

    In the woods, Rayburn meets a girl named Molly, and together they take refuge in a hidden bunker. This unexpected alliance provides a thread of hope amidst the chaos, as they seek shelter from the escalating danger lurking throughout the town.

    Where
    Woodland Bunker
  12. Alice Finds Connections

    Alice continues her investigation at Moonblood's hideout, finding spearheads that share the same initials as the one from the crime scene. This discovery intensifies her pursuit of the truth, drawing her closer to the deeply buried secrets of the community.

    Where
    Moonblood's Hideout
  13. The Accidental Shooting

    Tensions peak when Rayburn confronts one of the hunters, and during the scuffle, Alice, aiming to protect her brother, accidentally shoots Rayburn. This tragic misunderstanding adds to the chaos and confusion surrounding the already complex investigation.

    Where
    Forest Clearing
  14. Confronting Dr. Boone

    In a climactic confrontation, the truth about the dark secrets of the townsfolk, including Dr. Boone's connection to the happenings, begins to surface. This encounter becomes pivotal as it exposes the hidden past and the complicated ties that bind the characters.

    Where
    Confrontation Site
  15. Gwen's Funeral

    The film concludes with a somber funeral for Gwen, casting a profound shadow over the community. As memories flood back and regrets linger, Rayburn stands amongst the ruins of the barn, grappling with guilt and loss as he reflects on the tragic events that have unfolded.

    Where
    Funeral Site

Last updated: November 03, 2024 at 12:24

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Timeline questions answered

The Silencing Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of The Silencing (2020): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

What happened to Rayburn's daughter Gwen?

Gwen Swanson, Rayburn's daughter, disappeared five years before the film takes place. While searching for her, Rayburn became obsessed with protecting the sanctuary. The film implies she was abducted and likely killed, though her body is never found. A funeral is held for her at the end, confirming her death.

Foreshadowing: Early scenes show Rayburn hanging missing person posters and his ex-wife Debbie urging him to declare Gwen legally dead.

  • gwen swanson
  • missing daughter
  • abduction
  • rayburn daughter
Q2

Who is hunting people in the movie?

Sam Moonblood is revealed as the serial killer who hunts humans for sport using a spear. He is connected to the initial murder of the young girl found in the river and is later linked to multiple killings through the spearheads with the initials 'MB' found at his hideout.

Foreshadowing: Alice discovers the spearhead with 'MB' initials and traces it to Sam Moonblood through a local hunting gear shop.

  • sam moonblood
  • serial killer
  • hunter
  • hunting humans
  • spearhead
Q3

Why does Alice accidentally shoot Rayburn?

Alice shoots Rayburn during a confrontation in the forest because she believes her brother Brooks is in danger. When Rayburn confronts one of the hunters, Alice sees the situation as a threat to Brooks and fires to protect him, accidentally hitting Rayburn instead.

Foreshadowing: Brooks' earlier confrontation with Sam Moonblood establishes the tension between them and Alice's protective instincts toward her brother.

  • alice shoots rayburn
  • accidental shooting
  • brooks
  • police shooting
Q4

What is Dr. Boone's connection to the killings?

Dr. Boone is revealed to have a hidden past connected to the hunting murders. During the climactic confrontation, his involvement in the dark secrets of the town comes to light, though the specific nature of his connection is tied to the broader network of hunters operating in the area.

Foreshadowing: The timeline building toward the climax explicitly mentions Dr. Boone's hidden past being exposed.

  • dr boone
  • killer reveal
  • hidden past
  • climax twist
Q5

What is Brooks' relationship to Sam Moonblood?

Brooks had a physical altercation with Sam Moonblood over a girl prior to the main events of the film. This confrontation leaves Brooks shaken and reluctant to share details with his sister Alice. His involvement with Moonblood connects him to the underlying mystery of the hunting killings.

Foreshadowing: Alice picks up Brooks from tribal police after his scuffle with Moonblood, establishing their prior conflict.

  • brooks
  • sam moonblood
  • fight
  • altercation
  • alice brother
Q6

What do the initials 'MB' on the spearhead mean?

The initials 'MB' etched on the spearhead stand for Sam Moonblood, connecting the weapon directly to him as the killer. This crucial evidence allows Alice to trace the spear to a local hunting gear shop and ultimately link Moonblood to the murder of the young girl found in the river.

Foreshadowing: Alice discovers the initials during her investigation at the sheriff's office, setting her on the path to identifying the killer.

  • spearhead initials
  • mb
  • sam moonblood
  • evidence
  • forensics
Q7

Why did Rayburn stop hunting?

Rayburn abandoned hunting after his daughter Gwen disapproved of it. He tells the children on the field trip that he quit hunting because of his daughter's feelings. This transformation from renowned hunter to sanctuary protector defines his character arc throughout the film.

Foreshadowing: The hunters who confront Rayburn remind him that people don't change, directly referencing his past.

  • rayburn hunting past
  • quit hunting
  • daughter gwen
  • transformation
Q8

Why is the barn demolished at the end of the movie?

The barn is demolished as a symbolic act representing the closure of the dark chapter in the town's history. Many of the tragic events, including the circumstances surrounding Gwen's disappearance, occurred at or near this barn. Its destruction signifies the community's attempt to move forward while acknowledging the unresolved trauma.

Foreshadowing: Brooks expresses unease when passing the barn earlier in the film, hinting at its significance.

  • barn demolition
  • closure
  • tragic events
  • symbolism
  • town secrets
Q9

What is the significance of Rayburn's dog Thor?

Thor represents Rayburn's remaining capacity for loyalty and connection after losing his daughter. The dog greets him warmly at home and accompanies him throughout his journey, serving as an emotional anchor and symbol of the domestic life Rayburn lost when Gwen disappeared.

Foreshadowing: Thor is introduced in the opening act, highlighting the contrast between Rayburn's solitary existence and his past family life.

  • thor dog
  • rayburn pet
  • symbolism
  • loyalty
  • emotional anchor
Q10

What is Alice and Brooks' childhood backstory?

Alice and Brooks share a traumatic childhood filled with hardship, which explains their complicated dynamic. Brooks specifically asks Alice about her loyalty should he find himself in grave trouble, suggesting past events have created deep bonds and potential secrets between them.

Foreshadowing: The poignant moment between Alice and Brooks reveals their shared history of trauma.

  • alice brooks childhood
  • trauma
  • backstory
  • sibling relationship
Q11

Who is the girl Rayburn meets in the woods?

Rayburn encounters a girl named Molly in the woods during his confrontation with the hunter. They hide together in a woodland bunker for protection from the danger lurking in the town. This encounter provides a brief moment of hope and partnership amid the escalating threat.

Foreshadowing: This event occurs during Rayburn's direct confrontation with the hunter disrupting his sanctuary.

  • molly
  • bunker
  • hiding
  • rayburn encounter
  • girl in woods
Q12

What does the whiskey bottle symbolize at the end of the film?

The whiskey bottle symbolizes Rayburn's guilt and grief over the day Gwen disappeared. The final scene shows him contemplating pouring it out, representing his struggle with alcoholism and the tragic memories tied to his daughter's vanishing. The choice to either keep or release this burden remains ambiguous as the screen fades.

Foreshadowing: Rayburn is shown slightly intoxicated during the school field trip, establishing his drinking habit early in the narrative.

  • whiskey bottle
  • alcoholism
  • g guilt
  • ending symbolism
  • gwen disappearance
Q13

What is the relationship between Blackhawk, Debbie, and Rayburn?

Blackhawk is the tribal police chief and is married to Debbie, who is Rayburn's ex-wife. This creates a complex emotional web where Rayburn must interact with his former spouse and her new husband while dealing with the grief over their shared connection through Gwen, who was Rayburn's daughter with Debbie.

Foreshadowing: Rayburn encounters Blackhawk and Debbie while putting up missing person posters, and they discuss Gwen's funeral arrangements.

  • blackhawk
  • debbie
  • ex wife
  • rayburn
  • relationship
  • tribal police

Movie threads

More Movies Like The Silencing, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes The Silencing tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Grieving hunter thrillers like The Silencing

Desperate protagonists use survival skills to hunt a killer amidst personal tragedy. If you liked The Silencing, you'll appreciate these movies where skilled hunters, burdened by personal tragedy, are drawn into a deadly pursuit. These films share a tense, melancholic atmosphere and a steady, methodical pace as the characters use their wilderness expertise in a high-stakes investigation.

  • grim
  • tense
  • melancholic
  • determined
  • oppressive
  • grieving
  • Tone: dark, melancholic, grim
  • Pacing: steady, methodical
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a tormented expert, often a hunter, tracker, or lawman with a tragic past, who becomes the only one capable of stopping a killer in a remote community. The investigation is as much about confronting their own demons as it is about catching the culprit, leading to a physically and emotionally grueling climax.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread are grouped by their central archetype of the grieving hunter, their shared setting of isolated rural landscapes, and a consistent tone of bleak determination. They blend high-tension thriller elements with heavy emotional weight, creating a specific, immersive subgenre of crime stories.

Bleak small-town crime movies like The Silencing

A grim crime uncovers hidden rot and sorrow within a tight-knit community. For viewers who enjoyed the grim community secrets in The Silencing, this list features similar crime thrillers set in isolated towns. These movies share a dark tone, a steady investigative pace, and a heavy emotional focus on grief, loss, and the devastating impact of crime on a small community.

  • tense
  • oppressive
  • grieving
  • anxious
  • grim
  • melancholic
  • Tone: dark, tense, oppressive
  • Pacing: steady, investigative
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The plot typically begins with a traumatic event that disrupts a seemingly quiet community. The investigation proceeds methodically, exposing interconnected lies, corruption, or historical sins among the residents. The journey is characterized by rising tension and a sense of inevitable tragedy, culminating in an ending that seldom offers full closure or happiness.

Why they belong together: These films are connected by their core premise of a community investigation into a dark crime, their consistent bleak and tense tone, and their exploration of themes like collective guilt and unresolved grief. They provide a specific viewing experience centered on moral decay and the high cost of uncovering the truth.

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Movies Like The Silencing

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Every angle

The Silencing (2020) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about The Silencing in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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