The Turn of the Screw

Ann sits as a patient in a sanatorium while Dr Fisher, a skeptical and atheistic psychiatrist, discusses her case. His superior suggests he focus on soldiers returning from World War I, but Fisher expresses a genuine wish to help Ann if he can.

A wealthy aristocrat hires Ann to be governess for his orphaned nephew Miles and niece Flora, at Bly. He makes clear Ann should deal with any problems and that she is not to be bothered in London.

Ann travels to Bly and encounters the all-female staff led by Mrs Grose, who are wary and reserved. She also meets Flora, one of her new pupils, while the house feels unnerving and strange.

Ann receives a letter informing Miles has been expelled from his boarding school, though Mrs Grose assures her Miles is well-behaved. The mystery of Miles's past begins to loom over Bly.

Miles is introduced to Ann and initially charms her, but he refrains from explaining what happened at school. Ann accepts his evasiveness, hoping to give him space.

Ann forms a bond with Miles and Flora, and they sail on Bly's lake and enjoy picnics together. She also starts fantasizing about the Master, believing he might visit the house.

Ann learns that her predecessor, Emily Jessel, is buried in Bly's church and is told she killed herself. The sense of Bly being haunted deepens as Ann begins to doubt what is real.

Ann starts sensing figures of a young man and woman around Bly. Mrs Grose dismisses Ann's visions, but Carla, a maid, reveals the story of the sexually abusive former valet, Peter Quint.

Grose explains Carla's war trauma and fragility, explaining why her perceptions may be distorted. The staff's skepticism clashes with Ann's growing certainty about the haunting.

Ann is awakened by the figure of a woman and follows her to Flora near an open window. Carla falls from the roof, and Miles is found in the garden. The eerie events push Ann further toward belief in Bly's hauntings.

Ann suspects Quint and Jessel are trying to continue their passion through Miles and Flora. She resolves to leave Bly, but discovers that Miles also sees the figures and is drawn into the haunting.

After planning to depart Bly, Ann lingers by the lake and finds Miles and Flora playing roughly. She watches as Miles appears to be under Quint's influence, then speaks up, but the moment darkens as Miles regains his voice and collapses. The confrontation with the spectral figures reaches a peak as Ann pleads for Miles to break free and the tragedy unfolds.

Police discover Ann clutching Miles's dead body and she refuses to speak until she meets Dr Fisher, who seems to accept her story despite reservations. The film ends with a new governess arriving at Bly, suggesting the cycle will continue.