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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Abandoned (2022). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


Suffering from the effects of postpartum depression, former preschool teacher Sara Davis and her veterinarian husband Alex decide to relocate to a serene countryside farmhouse with their fussy newborn son, Liam. Their plans for tranquility take a dark turn when their realtor, Cindy, reveals the chilling history of the house: forty years ago, Anna Solomon tragically murdered her infant and her abusive father, Robert, before taking her own life within the same walls.

Intrigued by this haunting past, Sara discovers a striking resemblance between herself and Anna, leading her down a path of unsettling experiences. She begins donning belongings that belonged to Anna, which trigger eerie visions of Anna and Robert that ignite fears simmering within her. Strange sounds echo through the house, and everyday items mysteriously vanish. Meanwhile, Alex is preoccupied with understanding why local farmer Harrington is dealing with a sickly litter of pigs.

As the couple navigates their unsettling new life, they encounter their peculiar neighbor, Chris Renner. Over time, Sara uncovers that Renner is actually Anna’s undisclosed brother, who shares a tragic story about their mother dying during childbirth, leading to Robert’s horrifying abuse. Renner confides that Anna had two other children, yet he remains tight-lipped about their fates and warns Sara against drawing further from the childlike voices that whisper from the hidden corners of the house.

Concerned for Sara’s well-being and its potential impact on their son, Alex insists that she see psychiatrist Dr. Carver. Although Carver prescribes anti-psychotic medication, Sara resists, fearing it might compromise the deep bond she fosters with Liam through breastfeeding. The situation intensifies when Robert Solomon’s ghost seems to attack Sara during bath time with Liam, leading to a harrowing moment when the baby suddenly vanishes.

After recovering from a near-drowning, Sara instinctively follows Liam’s cries to the attic. There, she discovers a collection of the missing items laid before an impenetrable slab. In a shocking twist, two feral boys, representing Anna’s other children, appear, asserting that Liam belongs to them due to Anna’s inability to care for him. The encounter grows threatening as one boy raises a hand ax, poised to swing it down onto Sara.

In a startling cut, the scene shifts to find Sara safely holding Liam in the now empty attic, her face alight with joy as she proclaims, > “He’s mine.” As Alex returns home, Sara confidently reassures him, “It’s over.” The couple embarks on a hopeful journey of family life, raising Liam together. However, a shadow of uncertainty crosses Sara’s face once more as she grapples with the reality of impending motherhood, expecting for a second time.

Timeline

Track the key events of Abandoned (2022) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Moving to the Countryside

Sara and Alex decide to leave their old life behind and relocate to a quiet farmhouse in the countryside. They hope this change will help Sara cope with her postpartum depression and offer a serene environment for their newborn, Liam.

Countryside Farmhouse

The Chilling History Revealed

Upon arriving, their realtor, Cindy, shares the unsettling backstory of their new home. Sara learns that, forty years prior, Anna Solomon murdered her infant and abusive father before taking her own life within the very walls they now inhabit.

Forty years ago Countryside Farmhouse

Eerily Similar

Intrigued by Anna's tale, Sara starts experiencing visions that evoke a deep sense of connection to the deceased mother. She notices a disturbing resemblance between herself and Anna, leading to a growing obsession with the past.

Haunting Experiences Begin

Sara begins to wear Anna’s old belongings, which trigger frightening visions of both Anna and her father, Robert. The occurrences become more unsettling as strange noises resonate through the house and household items mysteriously disappear.

Countryside Farmhouse

Concern Over Local Farmer

While Sara struggles with her mental state, Alex becomes consumed with the mysterious illness affecting farmer Harrington's pigs. This subplot hints at deeper issues within the community surrounding the farmhouse.

Local Farm

Meeting Chris Renner

Sara encounters Chris Renner, an unusual neighbor, who unexpectedly reveals himself to be Anna’s brother. He shares a tragic story about their mother’s death at childbirth, providing insight into the family’s dark history.

Secrets of Anna's Past

Renner's silence regarding the fate of Anna's other children unnerves Sara. He warns her against listening to the mysterious childlike voices that echo throughout the house, further deepening the mystery surrounding Anna's family.

Countryside Farmhouse

Seeking Help from Dr. Carver

Fearing for Sara’s mental health and its impact on their family, Alex insists she consult psychiatrist Dr. Carver. Although he prescribes anti-psychotic medication, Sara hesitates, fearing it may hinder her bond with Liam.

Doctor's Office

A Ghostly Encounter

The tension escalates as Sara seemingly faces an attack from Robert Solomon's ghost while bathing Liam. In a moment of terror, the baby unexpectedly disappears, heightening Sara's fears and confusion.

Bathroom

Discovery in the Attic

After recovering from a near-drowning scare, Sara hears Liam's cries leading her to the attic. There, she discovers a collection of missing items and encounters two feral boys, claiming they are Anna's other children and that Liam belongs to them.

Attic

Confrontation with the Boys

The encounter with the boys escalates as one of them threatens Sara with an ax, intent on claiming Liam. The tension reaches a peak, forcing Sara to confront the horrifying legacy of Anna's past.

Attic

A Moment of Victory

In a dramatic turn of events, the scene cuts to a joy-filled Sara holding Liam in the attic. She triumphantly declares, 'He’s mine,' signifying her newfound strength and connection to her son.

Attic

Reassurance to Alex

When Alex returns home, Sara confidently reassures him that the ordeal is finally over. This moment marks a shift in their family dynamic as they attempt to move forward together.

Countryside Farmhouse

A New Beginning

The couple embraces a hopeful future, now relieved to be raising Liam together. However, a fleeting shadow of uncertainty crosses Sara's face as she grapples with the reality of potential motherhood once more.

Countryside Farmhouse

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Abandoned (2022) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Sara Davis (Emma Roberts)

Sara is a former preschool teacher struggling with postpartum depression, seeking solace in a countryside farmhouse. Her character is deeply affected by the eerie past of the house, which draws her into a web of unsettling experiences. Sara's journey reflects her battle with inner fears and the nurturing instincts that drive her to protect her son, Liam.

👩‍🏫 Teacher 🍼 New Mother 🌪️ Troubled

Alex (John Gallagher Jr.)

Alex is Sara's husband, a supportive yet concerned partner trying to stabilize their family life. While he navigates the peculiarities of their new home, his worry for Sara's mental health grows as strange occurrences unfold. Alex's character represents a grounded perspective amidst the chaos, balancing his love for Sara with the responsibility of fatherhood.

👨‍❤️‍👨 Husband 🐶 Veterinarian 🤔 Concerned

Chris Renner (Michael Shannon)

Chris is the couple's enigmatic neighbor and Anna Solomon's undisclosed brother. He provides critical insights into the house's tragic history yet remains cryptic about some aspects of Anna's life. Renner's complex character adds depth to the narrative, embodying both a sense of connection to the past and a protectorate role for Sara.

🌪️ Mysterious Neighbor 🕵️‍♂️ Keeper of Secrets

Dr. Carver (Paul Schneider)

Dr. Carver is the psychiatrist who attempts to help Sara with her postpartum struggles. While he prescribes medication to assist, his clinical approach contrasts with Sara's instinctual connection to her child. His character represents the challenges of modern mental health treatment, particularly for new mothers facing overwhelming emotions.

👨‍⚕️ Psychiatrist 💊 Mental Health

Setting

Uncover the settings of Abandoned (2022), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

40 years ago

The film touches upon events from forty years ago, which involve the tragic history of Anna Solomon and her family. This time frame is marked by themes of abuse, loss, and the haunting echoes of past traumas. The story juxtaposes the present challenges of Sara with the historical baggage of the farmhouse's former inhabitants.

Location

countryside farmhouse

The film is primarily set in a serene countryside farmhouse, known for its tranquil surroundings and picturesque landscapes. However, this idyllic setting harbors a dark past tied to tragic events that unfolded decades ago, creating an eerie atmosphere. The farmhouse is a character in itself, with its secrets whispering through the walls, ultimately becoming a pivotal aspect of the story.

🏡 Farmhouse 🌾 Countryside

Themes

Explore the core themes of Abandoned (2022). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🌀

Haunting Legacy

The theme of a haunting legacy is central to the movie, exploring how past traumas influence the present. Sara's connection to Anna Solomon reveals how history can echo through generations, impacting the lives of those who inhabit the same spaces. The struggle between accepting or rejecting these legacies creates tension and drives Sara's character development.

🍼

Motherhood

Motherhood is a significant theme, juxtaposed with the challenges of postpartum depression. Sara's relationship with her newborn Liam embodies the struggles and joys of new motherhood, highlighting the deep bond that can form. However, fear and anxiety about her abilities as a mother emerge due to the supernatural influences of the farmhouse, complicating this theme.

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