The Vigil

The Vigil

Year: 2021

Runtime: 90 min

Language: English

Director: Keith Thomas

MysteryThrillerHorror

In Brooklyn’s Hasidic Borough Park, a man named Yakov undertakes the traditional role of shomer, keeping vigil over a deceased member of the community. While watching over the body, he finds himself confronting unsettling and terrifying events within the old, dilapidated house where the deceased once lived. As the night progresses, Yakov uncovers a sinister presence and must confront the escalating horrors surrounding him.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Vigil yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – The Vigil (2021)

Trace every key event in The Vigil (2021) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

A Harrowing Start

The film opens with a chilling scene where a young boy is compelled by a man in a black Nazi uniform to shoot a young woman. This dark moment sets a sinister tone for the narrative, leaving viewers in suspense about the boy's fate and the identity of the figure watching from the shadows.

Secluded forest
2

Introducing Yakov Ronen

The story shifts focus to Yakov Ronen, a former Jew dealing with a haunting past and experiencing severe financial difficulties. Struggling to find work, Ronen embodies the challenges faced by those grappling with trauma and loss.

3

A Call from the Past

Reb Shulem, a member of Ronen's old Orthodox Jewish community, approaches him for help. He requests Ronen to act as a Shomer for Rubin Litvak, a Holocaust survivor who has recently died, highlighting the intertwining of the characters' histories.

4

The Reluctant Vigil

After some negotiation for a higher fee, Ronen agrees to take up the vigil over Litvak's body. This decision marks the beginning of an unsettling night steeped in the past traumas of both Ronen and Litvak.

5

Encountering Mrs. Litvak

Ronen meets Mrs. Litvak, who is struggling with Alzheimer's disease. Initially hesitant, she eventually allows Ronen to proceed with the vigil, unaware of the paranormal events that await.

6

Eerie Noises and Shadows

As Ronen begins the vigil, he hears strange noises and sees a shadowy figure, which heightens the tension in the house. The discovery of a family photograph of Litvak reveals a familiar shadow looming behind them, deepening the enigma.

Dining room
7

Nightmare and Disturbance

After dozing off, Ronen is haunted by a nightmarish vision of his younger brother being tormented. This dream hints at Ronen's unresolved guilt and trauma from his past, showcasing the psychological burden he carries.

8

Mysterious Video and Revelations

Upon waking, Ronen receives an inexplicable video on his phone featuring Mrs. Litvak approaching him while he sleeps. The mysterious disappearance of this video adds to the eerie atmosphere and heightens his sense of dread.

9

Confronting Loss

During a conversation with Mrs. Litvak, she reveals her heartache over losing her children. This moment of vulnerability connects Ronen to her past suffering, as he begins to understand the emotional weight of his surroundings.

10

The Haunting Truth

Ronen discovers a recording in the basement where Litvak describes being tormented by a Mazzik, a malevolent spirit. This revelation reveals the supernatural elements tied to their shared history and foreshadows the confrontation ahead.

Basement
11

A Terrifying Encounter

Suddenly, the Mazzik manifests before Ronen, prompting a frantic escape from the basement. This moment catalyzes Ronen's internal struggle, forcing him to confront both the supernatural and his own fears.

12

Desperate Calls

Ronen receives distressing phone calls from both his physician and his deceased brother, asking him why he let him die. These messages symbolize Ronen's deep-seated remorse and illustrate the haunting nature of his past.

13

Confronting the Mazzik

With Mrs. Litvak's help, Ronen confronts the Mazzik, which has taken on his own appearance in a twisted reflection of his fears. In a moment of courage, he ignites the spirit's true face, believing that this act will free him from its grip.

14

A Revealing Flashback

A pivotal flashback reveals that Litvak was the boy forced to shoot a young woman, a traumatic act that bonded the Mazzik to him. This revelation unveils the tragic connections between the characters and their shared histories of violence and guilt.

15

An Uncertain Future

As dawn arrives, the mortuary men come to take Litvak's body away, marking the end of one chapter. Ronen declines Shulem's invitation for morning prayers, leaving with an ominous sense that his ordeal is not yet over, as a dark figure follows him down the street.

Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 20:43

Unlock the Full Story of The Vigil

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Vigil 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 Vigil is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Vigil Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Vigil, 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 Vigil Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Vigil

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Vigil. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Vigil

More About The Vigil

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Vigil: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Vigil

Similar Movies to The Vigil

Discover movies like The Vigil that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.