You Are Not My Mother

In a sweltering summer, Rita Delaney recalls tender memories of her granddaughter Charlotte during a flashback. She gently cradles Char while her mother Angela protests during a fraught trek through the woods, illustrating the warmth of their relationship.

As Rita's flashback continues, it evolves into a heart-wrenching scene marked by fire and despair. Rita's watchful gaze conveys urgency, indicating that the flames threaten Charlotte, illustrating the depth of her maternal instincts.

Fast-forward to the present, Char struggles through her adolescence in a fractured household. The burden of Angela's depression falls on both Rita and Char, as they navigate their transformed family dynamic amidst dwindling resources.

Despite her remarkable academic talents, Charlotte feels isolated at her all-girls Catholic high school, where bullying prevails. This oppressive atmosphere exacerbates her feelings of being an outcast among her peers.

One fateful morning, Angela's despair culminates in a shocking declaration: 'She can't do this anymore.' This startling proclamation leads to Angela's sudden disappearance, leaving Rita, Char, and their community reeling from the aftermath.

Angela returns after a few days but is drastically transformed, exhibiting an unnerving cheerfulness that frightens both Rita and Char. Her change raises suspicions about her true identity and the nature of her mental state.

As Angela displays increasingly bizarre behavior and a fixation on death, Char and Aaron grow increasingly apprehensive. The once strong mother-daughter bond between Angela and Char begins to wither under this dark influence.

Amid the turmoil, Charlotte unexpectedly connects with her former bully, Suzanne. They bond over their shared experiences of loss, allowing Char to confide in Suzanne about Angela's unsettling transformation.

Rita shares a long-held family secret with Char, unraveling the mysterious aspects of their legacy. This revelation profoundly affects Char, compelling her to confront the hidden darkness intertwined in her family's narratives.

Rita believes the transformed Angela is an imposter and insists that they must reactivate their family's fire ritual to reclaim her. Initially agreeing with Rita, Char's resolve falters upon discovering the bound 'Angela,' leading to a tragic decision.

Despite her grandmother's warnings, Charlotte releases the bound 'Angela,' only to realize too late that this is indeed an impostor. The changeling unleashes chaos, forcing Char to flee as she confronts familiar bullies, who push her toward danger.

The arrival of the changeling Angela instills fear in Char's tormentors, causing them to flee. The impostor, however, charges at Char, igniting a confrontation that tests Char's courage.

In a moment of empowerment, Charlotte seizes the opportunity to set the structure ablaze to ensure the changeling's demise. This act marks a turning point in her journey, showcasing her growth amidst tragic circumstances.

As chaos ensues, Suzanne bravely comes to Charlotte's rescue from the flames, allowing her to emerge unscathed. This act of friendship symbolizes the bond they forged amidst their struggles.

With the true Angela returning and a renewed connection with Char, the mother-daughter duo embarks on a new chapter. Char crafts a token of good luck from twigs, mirroring Rita's earlier protective efforts and solidifying their regained bond.