The Unholy

The Unholy

Year: 2021

Runtime: 99 min

Language: English

Director: Evan Spiliotopoulos

DramaMysteryHorror

In this eerie drama, a young girl's sudden gift for hearing and healing sparks a whirlwind of wonder and terror in a small New England town. As a cynical journalist delves deeper into her miraculous abilities, he uncovers a dark undercurrent that threatens to destroy everything, forcing him to confront the possibility that the Virgin Mary's supposed visitation may be just a catalyst for something far more malevolent.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Unholy (2021)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Unholy (2021). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1845

The film oscillates between two time periods, with a significant focus on the year 1845 when Mary Elnor was accused of witchcraft and met a brutal execution. This time reflects an era of superstition and fear regarding the occult, setting the stage for the haunting legacy that extends into contemporary times where Jerry Fenn confronts the repercussions of the past.

Location

Banfield, Massachusetts, Boston

Banfield, Massachusetts, serves as the central setting for the movie, intertwining with the themes of horror and the supernatural. Initially, it appears as a quaint town overshadowed by its dark history, particularly concerning witchcraft and the tragic figure of Mary Elnor. Boston, on the other hand, represents the modern world where Gerry Fenn begins his investigation, contrasting the eerie occurrences back in Banfield.

🏙️ City 🌳 Nature ⛪ Religion

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:54

Main Characters – The Unholy (2021)
Meet the key characters of The Unholy (2021), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Gerry Fenn

A disgraced journalist with a specialization in the bizarre, Gerry serves as the film's central character. His journey begins with skepticism but transforms into a desperate quest for redemption as he grapples with the supernatural occurrences in Banfield. His relationship with Alice adds depth to his character, showcasing his determination to protect her amidst chaos.

📰 Journalist 🔍 Investigator

Alice Pagett

Alice is a young girl who initially appears as a miraculous figure after claiming to have been healed by the Virgin Mary. However, as the story unfolds, her innocent beliefs lead to dire consequences. Her character embodies the theme of faith and the tragic consequences that can stem from misunderstanding the nature of miracles.

👧 Innocent ✝️ Believer

Mary Elnor

The tragic figure whose spirit haunts the film, Mary Elnor is crucial to the unfolding mystery. Once accused of witchcraft, her wrath manifests in a horrifying quest for vengeance against those who invoke her name. Her character serves as a haunting reminder of the past and its connection to present-day beliefs.

👻 Spirit ⚡ Vengeful

Father William Hagan

Alice's maternal uncle, Father Hagan serves as a moral compass amidst the unfolding chaos. His skepticism regarding Alice's 'miracles' drives the tension in the film as he seeks to unveil the dark truth behind Mary Elnor. His tragic fate serves as a warning of the dangers inherent in blind faith.

⛪ Priest ⚖️ Moral

Bishop Gyles

Bishop Gyles represents the Catholic Church's response to the growing phenomena in Banfield. His concern for the church's reputation often puts him at odds with the truth as he tries to cover up tragedies to protect the narrative of miracles. He plays a vital role in the community's escalating belief in Mary.

⛪ Religious 🎩 Authority

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:54

Major Themes – The Unholy (2021)
Explore the central themes of The Unholy (2021), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👻 Supernatural

The supernatural plays a pivotal role in 'The Unholy,' where the spirit of Mary Elnor is tied to a doll, leading to a series of alarming events. Her presence serves to manipulate the perceptions of the living, blurring the lines between faith and malevolence. The themes of deception and belief challenge the characters, particularly Gerry, as they navigate miraculous claims and the inherent dangers tied to them.

🕊️ Faith

Faith is a recurring theme throughout the narrative as characters struggle with their beliefs in the face of miraculous claims and horrifying revelations. Alice's initial belief in her healing powers speaks to a child's innocence, while Gerry's skepticism evolves into a desperate quest for truth. The film explores how faith can be both a source of comfort and a tool for manipulation.

🕵️‍♂️ Investigation

An investigation of supernatural events forms the backbone of the plot as Gerry Fenn delves into the mysteries surrounding Alice's supposed miracles. His journalistic background drives the narrative forward, pushing him to uncover the truth about Mary Elnor and the dark legacy of the town. This theme highlights the clash between rationality and the inexplicable.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:54

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