The Inhabitant

Dreams plague Tara as she experiences nightmares, murderous impulses, and visions of Lizzie Borden urging her to kill. She becomes fearful and withdrawn, convinced the curse tracks their family through generations. Her only solace is redesigning vintage clothing, which her mother Emily sells online.

Several townspeople are found murdered, and the police are quick to suspect Tara. All of the victims had issues with her, and the killer was seen wearing one of Tara's dresses. The pattern convinces Tara that the curse is spreading through her life.

To seek answers, Tara visits her aunt Diane, who is institutionalized for the murder of her infant child. Diane claims that Emily experienced the same curse, implying that Emily may be the killer. These revelations deepen Tara's fear and confusion.

With her boyfriend Carl, Tara visits the Borden House. There she learns that Lizzie Borden was an excellent seamstress, fueling speculation that the dresses could trigger the curse. The visit leaves Tara with more questions than answers.

Tara sends Suzy to fetch some of Tara's dresses from her house. The girl does not return or respond, heightening Tara's fear that the curse is real. Carl stays close as they worry about Suzy's safety.

Tara and Carl travel to Tara's home after Suzy's disappearance and mounting tension. There they learn that Aunt Diane has escaped from the mental institution. They also learn that Tara's mother Emily is the true killer and that Emily had killed Diane's baby, believing it to be the product of incest between Diane and their father.

Emily sympathizes with Lizzie Borden, convinced Lizzie killed her parents because of her mother's suspected infidelity. This mindset strengthens her commitment to the haunting family myth.

In a psychotic rage, Emily turns on Tara. Tara's brother Caleb calls for help, setting in motion the police response.

The police arrive and shoot Emily before she can finish Tara. The immediate danger subsides, but the sense of a lingering curse remains.

Caleb had already alerted authorities, signaling that the curse's reach extends beyond Tara. The film closes with one of Tara's brothers speaking to the spirit of Lizzie Borden, implying the curse will claim more victims.

Tara learns that Lizzie Borden was a master seamstress, a detail that reinforces the theory that the dresses act as psychic triggers for murderous impulses.

The backstory links the mother's alleged infidelity and the father's role to a chain of violence, deepening the sense that Lizzie's legend lives on through Emily and the family curse.