Boarding School 2018
Directed by
Boaz Yakin
Made by
Momentum Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Boarding School (2018). 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.
Jacob Rathbone, a 12-year-old boy grappling with a profound fear of darkness, lives with his stepfather, Davis and his mother, Isabel. The constant strain of his distressing night terrors leaves Isabel feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. After an incident where Jacob is discovered dancing in his late grandmother’s dress, he faces bullying at school, resulting in suspension. Consequently, he is sent to a boarding school in the wilderness, run by the quirky couple, Dr. Sherman and Mrs. Sherman.
At the school, Jacob encounters a group of classmates, including the twins Lenny and Calvin, alongside outcasts like the disfigured burn survivor Phil, Frederic, who suffers from Tourette’s, and Elwood Ramsay, who is autistic and is often manipulated by Christine Holcomb, the daughter of Mr. Holcomb, whom Jacob met at a previous dinner. The strict environment of the school is punctuated by Bible studies and harsh corporal punishments.
Tragically, the tension escalates when Frederic is found dead in what appears to be a suicide by hanging. Seizing the moment, Christine attempts to escape with Jacob but is soon caught. Dr. Sherman reveals a dark secret: Christine had previously murdered her brother, Timothy, leading to her mother’s suicide. In a chilling confession, she admits to coaxing Frederic into dangerous behavior that resulted in his death. During a tense encounter in her room, she attempts to stab Jacob with scissors but is overpowered, revealing her twisted affection for him.
The situation deteriorates further when Jacob discovers Elwood dead in bed. A heated dispute between Dr. and Mrs. Sherman unveils her true identity as Lynn Adams, and together, they plot to eliminate the children. To Jacob’s horror, he finds the remains of the real Dr. and Mrs. Sherman along with Frederic hidden in the freezer. A conversation hints at a grim arrangement where Mrs. Ramsay had sent Elwood there for what would be his fatal “accident,” a fate planned for all the children.
The horrors unfold as Ms. Adams murders Mrs. Ramsay, prompting Dr. Sherman to retaliate by killing the groundskeeper. He chillingly reveals to Jacob that he has engaged in contract killings since he was Jacob’s age and intends to eliminate everyone in a fire. In a shocking twist, Jacob learns it was Davis who sent him there to rid himself and Isabel of Jacob.
In a desperate fight for survival, Jacob manages to kill Dr. Sherman and ignites a fire to purge the evil haunting the school. He bravely rescues the other children but leaves Christine behind, seeking justice for Frederic’s death. As Jacob reveals his true self to his friends, he embraces his identity, signaling a newfound strength.
The film intersperses flashbacks of Jacob’s grandmother, Feiga, who persevered through the terrors of World War II, and her friend Tsipi, enduring horrific abuse. The narrative culminates with Jacob overcoming his fear of the dark, only to face a new terror as Isabel’s cries echo from the dinner table. Ultimately, Davis meets his end through poisoned wine, a consequence of Jacob’s past experiences, symbolizing his evolution into a warrior against the darkness.
Timeline
Track the key events of Boarding School (2018) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Jacob's Fear of Darkness
Jacob Rathbone, a 12-year-old boy, struggles with an intense fear of darkness that plagues his nightly existence. This fear manifests in profound night terrors, adding strain to his relationship with his mother, Isabel, who feels overwhelmed and frustrated by Jacob's condition.
The Incident with the Dress
An incident occurs at home when Jacob is discovered dancing in his late grandmother's dress, prompting ridicule at school. This embarrassing moment escalates into bullying from his peers, leading to Jacob's suspension.
Sent to Boarding School
As a result of his troubles, Jacob is sent to a remote boarding school run by the eccentric Dr. Sherman and Mrs. Sherman. The school is located in a wilderness setting, designed to help troubled kids but is far from a nurturing environment.
New Classmates
At the boarding school, Jacob meets a diverse group of classmates, including twins Lenny and Calvin and various outcasts like Phil, Frederic, and Elwood. Each student has unique challenges, and the strict school environment often exacerbates their difficulties.
Frederic's Death
Tensions rise at the school when Frederic is discovered dead, apparent victim of suicide by hanging. His death sends shockwaves through the group, particularly impacting Jacob as he learns more about the dark goings-on within the school.
Christine's Escape Attempt
Taking advantage of the chaos, Christine attempts to escape with Jacob. However, their plan is thwarted, leading to Christine's revelation of a dark past that includes her involvement in Frederic's demise.
Christine's Dark Confession
In a chilling encounter, Christine confesses to Jacob that she had previously murdered her brother, Timothy, and that she coerced Frederic into dangerous situations that led to his death. This shocking admission heightens the tension and danger surrounding Jacob.
Discovery of Elwood's Body
Jacob's horror escalates when he finds Elwood dead in his bed, further unraveling the chilling reality at the school. This discovery leads Jacob to confront the impending threats posed by the Shermans.
The Shermans' True Identity
A dramatic argument reveals Mrs. Sherman's true identity as Lynn Adams, and she and Dr. Sherman begin plotting devastating actions against the children at the school. Jacob learns about their twisted plans to eliminate the students.
The Freezer Revelation
In a horrifying discovery, Jacob uncovers the remains of the real Dr. and Mrs. Sherman hidden in the freezer, along with Frederic's body. This ghastly find confirms the extent of the evil that has enveloped the seemingly innocent school.
Mrs. Ramsay's Murder
As the situation spirals out of control, Ms. Adams murders Mrs. Ramsay, intensifying the stakes for Jacob and the other children. The violent act underscores the urgency of escaping the school's horrific environment.
Dr. Sherman's Retaliation
In retaliation for Mrs. Ramsay's death, Dr. Sherman kills the groundskeeper, revealing his sinister history with contract killings that dates back to Jacob's age. His chilling confession heightens the danger facing Jacob and the rest of the children.
Jacob's Fight for Survival
In a desperate struggle for survival, Jacob confronts Dr. Sherman, ultimately managing to kill him in a fight. With newfound bravery, he ignites a fire in a bid to destroy the malevolent force haunting the school.
Rescue and Justice
Jacob successfully rescues the other children from the burning building but leaves Christine behind in pursuit of justice for Frederic's death. This act signifies Jacob's growth and strength as he embraces his true identity.
Davis's Downfall
In the final turn of events, Jacob learns that his stepfather Davis was behind sending him to the boarding school as a way to rid himself and Isabel of Jacob. This betrayal culminates in Davis's demise through poisoned wine, symbolizing Jacob's transformation into a warrior against darkness.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Boarding School (2018) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Jacob Rathbone
Jacob is a 12-year-old boy haunted by his fear of darkness, which manifests in night terrors. Despite his initial fragility, he evolves into a courageous figure as he confronts both his fears and the horrific reality of his boarding school. His journey is pivotal, showcasing resilience and the growth that comes from facing trauma head-on.
Isabel
Isabel is Jacob's mother, who struggles to cope with her son's distress and bullying. Her feelings of frustration reflect the challenges many parents face when navigating the mental health issues of their children. Isabel's character adds depth to the family dynamics as she grapples with her son's journey and their troubled relationship.
Dr. Sherman
Dr. Sherman, the head of the boarding school, embodies an authority figure with a sinister side. His brutality and dark secrets reveal the depths of manipulation and evil that exist within the adult characters. He plays a crucial role in the unfolding horror that drives Jacob to ultimate confrontation.
Christine Holcomb
Christine is a complex character who initially appears as a manipulative peer but reveals deeper traumas that fuel her actions. Her twisted affection for Jacob showcases the blurred lines between love and obsession. Christine's tragic end highlights the consequences of unresolved psychological issues.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Boarding School (2018), 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
The story unfolds in a contemporary time period. This setting allows for relatable themes of childhood trauma and psychological distress which resonate with modern audiences. The lack of specific historical markers emphasizes the timeless nature of the characters' struggles.
Location
Boarding School, Wilderness
The movie is set primarily in a secluded boarding school located in the wilderness, known for its strict and harsh environment. This isolated setting serves as a backdrop for the psychological struggles of the children, away from the comforts of home. The wilderness itself symbolizes both danger and a place of growth for Jacob as he faces his fears.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Boarding School (2018). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Fear and Darkness
A central theme in the film is Jacob's fear of darkness, which serves as a metaphor for the underlying evils present in his life. As he navigates through his terrors and the brutal realities of his surroundings, the struggle against both literal and metaphorical darkness highlights the importance of confronting one's fears. Jacob's eventual triumph over these fears symbolizes personal growth and resilience.
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Tragedy and Loss
The film delves into tragedy, illustrated by the deaths of several characters, including Frederic and Elwood. These events expose the grim realities faced by the children and amplify the sense of danger at the boarding school. The impact of loss is felt deeply by Jacob, shaping his character and driving him to act against the threats surrounding him.
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Survival
Survival is a crucial theme, as Jacob fights against both the physical threats from the adults and his internal fears. The brutal measures he must take to escape and save his peers underscore the raw instinct of self-preservation. The climax reveals Jacob as a warrior, transcending his childhood fear to confront the dangers head-on.
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