The Unseen

The Unseen

Year: 2017

Runtime: 96 mins

Language: Spanish

Director: Nicolás Puenzo

ThrillerWesternDrama

Set in a post-apocalyptic future where water is scarce, the film follows a young couple as they attempt to escape a refugee camp in Bolivia. Driven by the hope of a better life, they embark on a perilous journey westward, toward the Pacific Ocean, amidst a devastating war that has engulfed Latin America.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Unseen (2017)

Trace every key event in The Unseen (2017) 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

Curse discovered and abandonment

Bob Langmore learns he is turning invisible due to a family curse and chooses to abandon his wife Darlene and daughter Eva to spare them from suffering. He has lived in isolation as a logger for eight years, medicating with illegal drugs and teetering on suicide as his body erases itself.

Past eight years Home / woods
2

Darlene's warning about Eva

Darlene warns Bob that Eva is increasingly disobedient and plans to travel with friends rather than attend college. This warning underscores the mounting strain in their family as Bob grapples with his condition.

Early present timeline Home
3

Quits job and crash

Unable to go through with suicide, Bob quits his job and leaves town. While driving, he experiences a bodily breakdown that ends with a devastating truck crash.

After warning On the road outside town
4

Black market deal to fix the truck

An arrangement mediated by his drug dealer Nelson with Crisby would fix the truck in exchange for Bob delivering a black bear organ and couriering back a package from Milton and Bishop. He accepts, hoping the deal will give him a chance to visit Eva and Darlene.

After crash Road / Milton & Bishop
5

Stay with Darlene and Eva's questions

Darlene lets Bob stay on her couch while she starts a new relationship with Molly. Bob's awkward interactions with Eva reveal her curiosity about her grandfather's history with mental illness.

During stay Darlene's apartment
6

Handoff to Milton/Bishop; package for Crisby

Bob delivers the organ to Milton and Bishop and is given a package to bring back to Crisby. Crisby pressures him to return, but Bob dismisses the demand, planning to come back on his own time.

After delivery Milton & Bishop's location
7

Mountainview dare and Eva's turning

Eva and her friends sneak into the abandoned wing of Mountainview mental hospital on a dare. Eva begins showing signs of turning invisible, and the teens are chased by a security guard until an unseen force attacks the guard.

Night of the dare Mountainview
8

Eva captured; frantic search

A Chinese doctor becomes fascinated with Eva's condition and she is captured. Bob and Darlene launch a frantic search through Mountainview to find their daughter.

After capture Mountainview
9

Detainment and family truth

Bob's aggressive behavior at Mountainview results in his detainment. Dr. Amherst reveals that Bob's father did not commit suicide but burned himself intentionally to keep his condition hidden, and may still be alive somewhere. Bob is urged to stay for treatment, but Bob escapes during the night.

During detention Mountainview facility
10

Rescue and return plan

Bob learns Eva is also turning invisible and tracks her to a Chinese grocery where she is held in a cage. He rescues her and they plan to return home, with Eva driving because Bob is too debilitated.

After rescue Chinese grocery / home
11

Package misdelivery

On the way back, Bob hands Milton's package to Nelson to deliver to Crisby. Crisby opens it and finds only a bag of metal bolts, foreshadowing further trouble.

Return trip On the road
12

Climax and discovery

Crisby arrives at Bob's house with a shotgun. Now completely invisible, Bob returns and beats Crisby to death, then dumps his body for a bear to devour. Eva decides to go to college, and the two realize the invisible presence that rescued Eva was her grandfather, who is still alive, prompting them to head toward Morningview to find Bob's father.

Climax / Ending Bob's house / Morningview

Last Updated: December 13, 2025 at 08:21

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Dystopian survival journey movies like The Unseen

Families risk everything for a faint hope in a broken world.If you liked the desperate westward journey in The Unseen, you'll find similar movies here. These stories feature families and groups navigating perilous, broken landscapes in search of safety or a better life, often with a heavy emotional toll and a bittersweet outcome.

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They are grouped for their shared setting of a collapsed society, the central motif of a dangerous journey, and the heavy emotional weight of survival against overwhelming odds. The pacing is typically steady, building tension through a series of escalating challenges.

Supernatural family curse movies like The Unseen

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Narrative Summary

The plot often revolves around a protagonist grappling with a dark family secret or a hereditary condition they fear passing on. This internal conflict is externalized through a high-stakes crisis, frequently involving the safety of a child. The narrative builds to a climax where the character must confront their legacy, often through a sacrifice or a dangerous mission.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a dark tone, high emotional intensity, and a central theme of a destructive family legacy. They blend realistic family drama with supernatural or psychological horror elements, creating a uniquely oppressive and tense atmosphere focused on sacrifice and desperation.

Unlock the Full Story of The Unseen

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

The Unseen Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Unseen, 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 Unseen Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Unseen

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Unseen

The Unseen Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Unseen Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Unseen

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