How far would you go to protect your family? A teen must resort to extreme measures to protect her family from a supernatural entity.
Get a spoiler-free look at Totem (2017) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the wake of a sudden loss, a family is forced to rebuild its fragile routine amid lingering grief. Kellie—a determined seventeen‑year‑old—finds herself caught between the memory of her mother and the uneasy presence of her father’s new partner, Robin. Together with her younger sister Abby and her father James, they navigate a house that feels both familiar and subtly altered, as everyday objects begin to hint at something unseen.
Kellie’s curiosity sharpens when she discovers a lingering artifact from her mother’s past, a trinket that seems to pulse with an inexplicable energy. The subtle disturbances it creates stir a mixture of skepticism and dread among the household, especially as the teenage sister tries to protect the fragile balance of her family. Meanwhile, Bernard, a visiting relative with his own quiet burdens, provides a link to the family’s history, adding another layer of unease to the already charged atmosphere.
The film sways between the quiet intensity of a grieving household and the growing sense that an unseen force watches from the shadows. Its tone is a blend of psychological tension and understated horror, where the ordinary—family meals, teenage arguments, and the hum of daily life—becomes a backdrop for something far more unsettling. The cinematography leans into muted lighting and tight framing, amplifying the feeling that every creak and flicker could be a clue to the lingering presence.
As the teenage sister confronts the strange phenomena, she is driven to consider measures far beyond ordinary coping. The story teeters on the edge of desperation, hinting that the lengths she will go to shield her loved ones may lead her down a dark and uncharted path, leaving the audience to wonder just how far a protective instinct can be stretched when the ordinary world collides with the supernatural.
Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 16:52
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.
Stories where intense mourning opens a doorway to paranormal terror.If you liked Totem, you might enjoy these movies where intense grief and mourning summon or become intertwined with a supernatural entity. These films combine heavy emotional weight with paranormal horror, exploring how personal tragedy can open a doorway to terror.
The narrative typically begins with a recent, traumatic loss that leaves a character or family emotionally vulnerable. This vulnerability attracts or creates a supernatural presence that escalates in tandem with the characters' deteriorating mental state, forcing them to confront both their grief and the external threat simultaneously.
These films are grouped together because they share a core premise: using supernatural horror as a metaphor for processing immense grief. The experience is characterized by a heavy emotional weight, a dark tone, and a steady pacing that allows the dread to build from both internal and external sources.
Horror stories where the home becomes a prison of escalating familial tension.Find more movies like Totem that trap characters in an oppressive home environment where family relationships fray under supernatural or psychological pressure. These stories focus on the horror that arises from within the family unit, creating a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere.
The story unfolds in a domestic setting that becomes increasingly confined and threatening. Family dynamics—such as jealousy, secrets, or unresolved conflicts—are the catalyst for the horror. The threat escalates steadily, trapping the characters together and forcing confrontations that reveal dark truths about the family itself.
These movies share a specific atmospheric blend: a claustrophobic setting, an oppressive mood, and a focus on the breakdown of family relationships under extreme duress. The similarity lies in the feeling of being trapped with loved ones who are becoming strangers or threats, amplified by a steady, tense pacing.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Totem 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 Totem is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Totem, 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.
Track the full timeline of Totem with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Totem. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Totem: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
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