While She Was Out

On Christmas Eve, Della Myers finds herself in a heated argument with her abusive husband Kenneth. The confrontation escalates dramatically as Kenneth berates her for her housekeeping skills and takes his anger out by punching a hole in the wall beside her head, leaving Della feeling intimidated and vulnerable.

After putting her two young children to bed, Della decides to head to the mall for last-minute Christmas shopping. She is determined to find some wrapping paper, oblivious to the turmoil that is about to unfold.

Upon arriving at the mall, Della faces a frustrating challenge in securing a parking spot. After several attempts, she finally finds an open space but discovers that another driver is occupying two spaces, leading her to leave a note criticizing their inconsiderate behavior.

As Della returns to her car, she is confronted by a gang of four young men. An argument ensues, and a taunt about Chuckie’s name sparks a confrontation that escalates quickly, resulting in the accidental shooting of a mall security guard by the gang.

After the tragic incident, Della realizes the danger she is in and manages to escape in her vehicle. However, the gang pursues her in an attempt to silence the only witness to their crime, intensifying the urgency of her situation.

The chase takes Della to a new subdivision under construction, where she crashes her truck. Unharmed, she seizes a red toolbox that she believes may aid in her survival and hides, preparing for the gang's approach.

As the gang approaches, Della cleverly pretends that her toolbox contains valuable items. Fueled by her love for her children, she is driven to survive this deadly game while the gang begins their search for her.

In a moment of chaos, one of the gang members, Huey, stumbles and fatally injures himself. This incident highlights the perilous situation the gang has found themselves in while intensifying Della’s sense of hope for survival.

Della seizes an opportunity to ambush Tomás, one of the gang members, using a cross-wrench to overpower him. This victory boosts her confidence and determination to escape from the remaining gang members who are still hunting her.

In the dark woods, Della engages in a fierce struggle with Vingh. After a tense confrontation, she emerges victorious, further proving her resilience as she fights for her survival against overwhelming odds.

After defeating Vingh, Della is confronted by Chuckie, who tries to manipulate her by talking about her children. He attempts to exploit her vulnerabilities, but Della remains resolute and focused on survival.

In a moment of unexpected bravery, Della kisses Chuckie to distract him, creating a brief opening for her to act. She uses this chance to blind him with her flare and retrieves his gun, turning the tables on her pursuer.

In a desperate act of self-defense, Della shoots Chuckie dead. This climactic moment marks a turning point in her fight for survival, showcasing her transformation from victim to survivor.

Exhausted but determined, Della finally returns home, only to be confronted by Kenneth. Despite the trauma she has endured, she chooses to keep her horrific experience to herself.

When Kenneth drunkenly questions her about the night, Della stands defiantly with his gun in hand. Her chilling response, 'Nothing,' signifies not only her survival but also her newfound strength and refusal to be controlled any longer.