The Turning (2020) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place in a secluded estate surrounded by dense woods. This isolated setting creates an atmosphere of isolation and suspense, with the luxurious residence and its ominous East Wing serving as a central element that harbors dark secrets and contributes to the narrative's tension.

• setting
• estate
• woods
• location
• East Wing

The film does not specify a particular time period, allowing the story's themes to resonate across different eras. It evokes a timeless atmosphere of psychological horror reminiscent of classic ghost stories, focusing more on personal traumas and emotional disturbances rather than anchoring itself to a specific historical moment.

• time period
• era
• setting
• timeless

The film explores psychological horror through the protagonist's descent into madness, influenced by her traumatic past and the haunting atmosphere of the estate. As supernatural elements intertwine with her emotions, the line between reality and illusion blurs, leading to a deep exploration of fear, anxiety, and sanity.

• psychological horror
• themes
• madness
• sanity
• fear

Isolation is a prominent theme in the film, illustrated by the characters' physical and emotional detachment. The governess's difficult relationships with Flora and Miles highlight feelings of loneliness, while the oppressive environment of the estate juxtaposes their confined existence against their desperate need for connection.

• isolation
• loneliness
• connection
• theme
• emotional detachment

The narrative is laden with secrets and past traumas, particularly surrounding the governess's family history and the estate's tragic past. Revealed through Jessel's diary and revelations about Quint, the theme delves into how unresolved issues can haunt individuals, manifesting through terrifying experiences.

• secrets
• trauma
• past
• hidden
• theme

Kate Mandell is the governess hired to care for two children in the secluded estate. She carries a traumatic past, with her mother's descent into madness heavily influencing her psyche. Determined yet vulnerable, she navigates a horrifying environment while balancing care for the children with her own mental instability.

• kate mandell
• governess
• protagonist
• Mackenzie Davis

Miles and Flora are the two children living in the isolated estate. Miles is a troubled young boy exhibiting aggressive behavior stemming from trauma and isolation, having been expelled from school. Flora is a delicate and anxious girl with an unsettling attachment to the estate, particularly fearful of the East Wing, yet longing for connection with her new guardian.

• miles fairchild
• flora fairchild
• children
• finn wolfhard

Mrs. Grose is the enigmatic housekeeper of the estate. Her dismissive nature and hidden knowledge contribute to the oppressive atmosphere of the mansion. She is complicit in the estate's dark history and embodies the tension between protective instincts and the monstrous past, complicating her relationship with the governess and the children.

• mrs grose
• housekeeper
• caretaker
• barbara marten

Miss Jessel serves as a ghostly presence in the story whose tragic fate influences the haunting elements of the narrative. Her mysterious relationship with Miles and Flora unveils layers of emotional turmoil, setting the stage for the psychological tensions that plague the estate.

• miss jessel
• ghost
• teacher
• denna thomsen

The estate functions as more than just a backdrop, it serves as a central character itself. The ominous East Wing and the surrounding dense woods create an oppressive environment that amplifies the psychological horror. The mansion's dark secrets and supernatural occurrences directly influence the characters' mental states and drive the narrative's tension.

• estate
• east wing
• setting
• mansion
• atmosphere