The Tall Man

Julia lives in Cold Rock, a small, struggling town in Washington. Once a bustling mining community, it has fallen into despair, marked by poverty and a closed school.

Working as the local nurse, Julia often visits families in need. One such family is that of Jenny and Carol, who endure a difficult life due to their mother's relationship with an abusive alcoholic boyfriend.

Julia's anger grows as she witnesses Carol's struggles. Ultimately, the situation escalates, compelling Carol and her newborn to leave their home due to their mother's toxic relationship.

Jenny, heavily impacted by her harsh upbringing, has become selectively mute. She communicates through her journal, filled with sketches that reflect her life and local folklore about a figure known as 'the tall man.'

Back at home, Julia shares her life with her son, David, and his nanny. Their semblance of normalcy is shattered one night when Julia hears troubling noises downstairs.

After discovering the nanny bound and gagged, Julia realizes with horror that David is missing. A frantic search ensues as she comes to the chilling conclusion that David is one of the abducted children.

As Julia investigates further, she uncovers a shocking truth: David's biological mother is the actual kidnapper, attempting to reclaim her child. The townspeople dismiss her claims as delusions.

Guided by Jenny, Julia embarks on a perilous journey into the mining tunnels beneath Cold Rock. This venture is fraught with danger as she seeks to find David and his biological mother.

In a moment of vulnerability, Jenny asks Julia to allow The Tall Man to take her as well, believing it could help Julia's efforts. Initially reluctant, Julia eventually agrees but insists on silence until the moment arrives.

As law enforcement arrives and a mob forms around Julia, tension escalates. Faced with accusations of being a child killer, Julia's desperate circumstances lead her to a grim fate in prison.

Julia, overwhelmed by her situation, admits to heinous acts in custody. However, it later reveals that her confession was a ruse to protect children and her involvement in a covert mission to rescue them from dangerous environments.

Witnessing her mother's drunken brawls pushes Jenny to seek solace in nearby fields. There, she comes face to face with The Tall Man, who reveals an unexpected truth about Julia's late husband and offers Jenny a new life.

The Tall Man offers Jenny a loving family and a fresh start, emphasizing Julia's selfless actions to protect children. Jenny's life takes a positive turn as she embraces her new identity.

As Julia remains imprisoned, Cold Rock continues to deteriorate, with authorities dismissing any hope of finding the missing children. The town's plight thickens, overshadowed by dark memories.

In her new life, Jenny begins to express her feelings through voice-over, recognizing the roles of her three mothers. While she feels nostalgia for her past, she grapples with her new existence and what it means for her future.