The Unholy

The Unholy

Year: 2021

Runtime: 99 min

Language: English

Director: Evan Spiliotopoulos

Echo Score: 51
DramaMysteryHorror

A young girl’s extraordinary ability to hear and heal captivates a small New England town, bringing both wonder and fear. A skeptical journalist investigates the miraculous events, but his inquiries reveal a disturbing darkness lurking beneath the surface. As he digs deeper, he questions whether the perceived divine intervention is a prelude to something sinister, forcing him to confront a potential evil that could devastate the community.

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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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Supernatural Investigation Movies Like The Unholy

A skeptic uncovers a dark truth behind seemingly benevolent miracles.If you enjoyed the investigative plot of The Unholy, you'll find similar movies here. These films feature characters unraveling supernatural mysteries where miracles or strange events conceal a dark and demonic truth, perfect for fans of religious horror and suspenseful journalism.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a rational protagonist investigating a series of unexplained, often miraculous events within a community. The investigation arc gradually peels back layers of deception, revealing a malevolent supernatural entity manipulating faith or hope for its own evil ends, culminating in a dangerous confrontation.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by the core narrative of a truth-seeker challenging a supernatural deception. They share a steady pacing that builds mystery, a dark tone centered on corrupted faith, and a heavy emotional weight from the exploitation of vulnerable believers.

Slow Burn Supernatural Horror Movies Like The Unholy

A pervasive sense of evil builds steadily in a seemingly ordinary setting.For viewers who appreciated the building dread in The Unholy, this list features similar slow burn horror films. These movies focus on a sinister, demonic presence that methodically escalates a threat, creating a suspenseful and heavy viewing experience with often bittersweet conclusions.

slow burndreadfulsinisterdemonictenseunsettlinganxioussupernatural

Narrative Summary

The emotional journey begins with a subtle, disquieting event that slowly escalates into a full-blown supernatural crisis. The pacing is deliberate, allowing dread to accumulate as the characters and audience realize the true scale of the evil. The climax often involves a significant sacrifice to achieve a somber victory.

Why These Movies?

This thread groups films based on their shared mood of pervasive dread and a steady, methodical pacing that intensifies the supernatural threat. The experience is defined by high tension, a dark tone, and a heavy emotional impact stemming from the corruption of innocence and safety.

Unlock the Full Story of The Unholy

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Unholy in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Unholy is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Unholy Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Unholy, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Unholy Summary

The Unholy Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Unholy with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Unholy Timeline

The Unholy Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of The Unholy? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

The Unholy Ending Explained

The Unholy Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Unholy Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Unholy

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