What Lies Below

What Lies Below

Year: 2020

Runtime: 87 min

Language: English

Director: Braden R. Duemmler

Sci-FiMysteryThrillerHorror

In this chilling sci-fi thriller, shy 16-year-old Liberty's summer away from home only makes way for a shocking return - her mother's engagement to John Smith, a captivating figure whose flawless facade hides an unsettling truth.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – What Lies Below (2020)
Explore the full timeline and setting of What Lies Below (2020). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The story unfolds in contemporary times, where themes of family dynamics, modern relationships, and personal awakening play a significant role. This period reflects current societal challenges, particularly around notions of privacy and trust.

Location

Lakeside Home, Kitchen, Basement

The movie is primarily set in a serene lakeside home, which offers a picturesque yet eerie backdrop for the unfolding events. The kitchen serves as a central point for family interactions, where unsettling events begin to transpire. The basement, shrouded in mystery, hosts disturbing revelations that challenge the characters' relationships.

🏡 Lakeside 🍽️ Kitchen 🏠 Basement

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:59

Main Characters – What Lies Below (2020)
Meet the key characters of What Lies Below (2020), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Liberty Wells (Libby)

Liberty, often called Libby, is a sixteen-year-old who grapples with familial tensions and unsettling changes in her life. She's curious yet cautious, showcasing bravery as she confronts the bizarre and terrifying realities around her. Libby's journey is a poignant exploration of adolescence intertwined with horror.

🧒 Teen 🔍 Curious 😟 Fearful

Michelle Wells

Michelle is a romance author and Libby's mother who struggles with feelings of unworthiness and the complexities of motherhood. She is portrayed as a loving yet flawed character, whose decisions set off a chain of chilling events. Her relationship with Libby reflects the challenges of communication and understanding in family dynamics.

👩‍👧 Mother 📖 Author 😔 Vulnerable

John Smith

John Smith is introduced as Michelle's new partner, an aquatic geneticist whose strange behaviors raise alarming red flags. He embodies the theme of secrecy and manipulation while exhibiting both charm and a menacing nature. His obsession with the grotesque ultimately reveals his true, disturbing intentions.

🔬 Scientist 😨 Manipulative 🦠 Eerie

Marley

Marley is Libby's friend, who represents a tether to normalcy amidst the chaos. She offers Libby support during her distressing experiences and becomes a crucial ally when confronting John's sinister behavior. Her character highlights the importance of friendship and trust.

👧 Friend 💗 Supportive 👀 Observant

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:59

Major Themes – What Lies Below (2020)
Explore the central themes of What Lies Below (2020), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🦠 Body Horror

The film delves into body horror, highlighting the terrifying aspects of physical transformation and invasion. It explores themes of autonomy and the violation of personal boundaries, particularly as Libby grapples with John's invasive behavior and the horrors lurking in the basement.

🔍 Secrets and Lies

Secrets and lies permeate the narrative, with Libby uncovering disturbing truths about John's intentions and her mother's circumstances. The theme examines the consequences of hiding the truth and the impact it has on familial relationships.

🌊 Coming of Age

As Libby navigates her turbulent adolescence, the film portrays her coming-of-age journey marred by confusion and terror. This theme is central to her development as she confronts her fears and the disturbing realities surrounding her identity and family.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:59

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