Wildling

In an isolated woodland home, a man known only as Daddy raises Anna from infancy, keeping her locked in an attic. He instills fear in her by fabricating stories of a creature called the 'wildling' that preys on children, convincing her that the outside world is a dangerous place.

As Anna matures into her teenage years, she inadvertently overhears a crucial conversation between Daddy and Deputy Roger Fowler regarding the existence of wildlings. This revelation prompts Anna to test the locked door she knows she cannot open, leading to a painful discovery that it is electrified.

To maintain control over Anna, Daddy uses a match flame to hypnotize her, filling her mind with lies about their sheltered existence. He continues to convince her that they are the only two humans alive, creating an intense psychological bond.

As Anna reaches puberty, she starts dreaming about the feral wildling, fueling her fear of one day transforming into one herself. In a misguided attempt to prevent this, Daddy administers daily injections that inhibit her physical development, causing her distress and illness.

In a moment of desperation, Daddy contemplates euthanizing Anna due to his fear of losing her. However, he ultimately turns the gun on himself, leaving Anna to awaken in a hospital, disoriented and confused.

Upon waking in the hospital, Anna meets Sheriff Ellen Cooper, the officer who discovered her after receiving reports of gunfire. Ellen tells Anna that Daddy survived the incident but is on life support in another room.

Doctor Rooney suggests transferring Anna to a halfway house for her safety, but Ellen strongly disagrees, fearing the confinement would hurt her. Eventually, Ellen decides to care for Anna in her own home while they wait for DNA results.

At Ellen's home, Anna meets her teenage brother, Ray, who introduces her to the outside world and the realities of life. Their interactions spark a budding attraction between them, providing Anna with a sense of belonging.

As Anna navigates her new life, a mysterious figure known as The Wolf Man appears in the shadows. He shows protective instincts towards Anna, creating a complicated dynamic as she learns to adapt to her surroundings.

Gradually, Ellen reveals important truths to Anna, including the shocking detail that Daddy is not her biological father. This revelation shakes Anna's understanding of her identity and her past, particularly during a serene moment of stargazing with Ray.

Anna's world begins to unravel at a party where an intense moment with Ray triggers a startling transformation. As she grapples with her changing identity, she encounters a violent confrontation with school bully Lawrence Fuller, heightening the stakes.

Realizing she cannot escape the chaos of her new life, Anna flees to her roots by revisiting Daddy's house. Here, she is confronted by the repercussions of her past as she struggles to come to terms with her emotions.

With Daddy scheming against her from the shadows, Anna faces the ultimate test as she embraces her wildling nature. This struggle culminates in a climactic confrontation that challenges her resilience and identity.

In an intense showdown in the deep woods, Anna confronts not only her past but also the figures that have haunted her. This climactic moment serves as a poignant reminder of her transformation and the remnants of her sheltered life.

As Anna finds solace under the Northern Lights, she experiences a rebirth amid her chaotic life. The haunting cry of another wildling nearby signifies that while her journey has been ancient, it is only just beginning.