Directed by
Albert Shin
Made by
IFC Midnight
As Abby returns to Niagara Falls, her journey becomes a poignant reflection of childhood memories interwoven with the stark realities of her troubled adulthood. Having lived with the burden of being a compulsive liar, she grapples with the deep-rooted pain stemming from a tragic childhood incident where she witnessed the abduction of a young boy, which has forever altered her psyche. This haunting event ignites Abby’s obsession to bring the truth about the “one-eyed boy” to light.
Her homecoming to the Rainbow Motel, a place she inherited from her mother, acts as a pivotal point in her quest for justice. Abby feels a surge of protective instincts as Laure expresses her desire to sell the motel to the affluent Lake family. The thought of letting go of the cozy refuge where her mother once found comfort fills Abby with unease.
Diving deeper into the enigma surrounding Alex Moulin, Abby becomes entangled in a web of conspiracy theories and ambiguous clues. Her pursuit leads her to Walter Bell, a local podcaster who firmly believes that Alex’s death was not a suicide. The Lake family’s sinister history looms over the community, casting shadows of secrecy and suspense.
Driven by her resolve to unveil the truth, Abby manages to sneak into Charlie Lake’s office, where she stumbles upon a photograph of the Magnificent Moulins alongside their animal trainer, Beverly Mole. The menacing threats issued by Charlie spur Abby to retreat to the safety of the Rainbow Motel.
In her next bold move, Abby schemes to ensnare Beverly by appealing to her interests in casinos and providing complimentary lodgings. Gerry, Beverly’s husband, tags along, but as Abby attempts to probe for information, a quarrel at the casino results in Beverly storming off in frustration, leaving Abby disheartened.
Undeterred by her earlier setbacks, Abby daringly travels to America using her sister’s passport, hoping to attend the Magnificent Moulins’ magic show. What she encounters is deeply surreal, propelling her toward a cascade of events leading to her own unravelling. After returning home, a sudden arrest by Canadian authorities forces Abby to confront the repercussions of her relentless pursuit.
Yet, with her spirit unbroken, Abby decides to face the truth directly as she secretly infiltrates Beverly’s home. What she discovers is nothing short of shocking—Gerry, shackled and vulnerable, lies before her. Reluctantly, he reveals the sinister plot orchestrated by him and his wife to kidnap Alex, aiming to blackmail the Moulins for profit. This revelation sparks a swift response from the authorities, who capture Beverly and rescue Gerry, uncovering a trove of damning evidence in the process.
As the narrative unfolds, the case captures media attention, with Gerry’s disclosures sending tremors through the town. Despite being faced with overwhelming evidence, Charlie Lake maintains his innocence regarding Alex’s murder. Meanwhile, the Moulins exploit the media frenzy to portray themselves as innocent victims, while subtly threatening legal actions against potential libel.
Gradually, the town begins to reclaim its normal rhythm, and Abby moves on from her tumultuous experience at the motel. She embarks on a new chapter at a more prestigious venue, but fate brings her face to face with a mysterious guest sporting an eye patch. Though he bears a striking resemblance to Abby, he appears younger, yet his penetrating gaze reveals an unusual depth of insight. When he notices a newspaper featuring Charlie Lake, he cryptically asserts, > “Lake is telling the truth,” before vanishing into his room, leaving Abby to grapple with the implications of his enigmatic words in a stunned silence.
Abby's Return to Niagara Falls
Abby returns to Niagara Falls, a place rich with childhood memories that she has long reflected upon. This homecoming stirs a mix of nostalgia and tumultuous feelings as she confronts the stark realities of her troubled adulthood.
Haunting Childhood Memory
Abby is haunted by a tragic childhood incident where she witnessed the abduction of a young boy, a traumatic event that shapes her as a person. This incident fuels her compulsive lying and results in a deep-rooted obsession to uncover the truth about the 'one-eyed boy'.
Inheriting the Rainbow Motel
Upon her return, Abby finds herself at the Rainbow Motel, a family property gifted to her by her mother. This motel becomes a central location in her journey, evoking memories of comfort and the lingering pain associated with her past.
Threat to Sell the Motel
As Abby grapples with her feelings about the motel, Laure expresses her intention to sell it to the rich Lake family. The thought of losing the iconic refuge where her mother once found solace sends Abby into a protective state, prompting her to act.
Investigation into Alex Moulin
Abby begins to untangle the mystery surrounding Alex Moulin's death, believing it to be entangled in a web of conspiracy. Her inquiries lead her to Walter Bell, a local podcaster, who shares his conviction that Alex did not take his own life.
Discovering Dark Secrets
During her investigation, Abby sneaks into Charlie Lake's office and discovers a photograph connected to the Magnificent Moulins. The ominous nature of Charlie's threats forces Abby to retreat back to the safety of her motel.
Meeting Beverly Mole
To dig deeper into the case, Abby devises a plan to meet Beverly Mole at a casino, enticing her with complimentary stays. However, the encounter unravels into a heated argument, causing Beverly to storm off, leaving Abby disappointed but determined.
Journey to America
In a bold move, Abby uses her sister's passport to travel to America and attend the Magnificent Moulins' magic show. The experience is surreal and leads her further into the complexities of her own unraveling narrative.
Abby's Arrest
Upon returning from America, Abby is unexpectedly arrested by Canadian authorities. This incident forces her to face the consequences of her relentless pursuit of the truth, adding to her already mounting troubles.
Infiltrating Beverly's Home
Determined to uncover the truth, Abby secretly infiltrates Beverly's home and makes a shocking discovery—Gerry is shackled and reveals a horrifying plot. He discloses that he and Beverly had conspired to kidnap Alex for financial gain, revealing the dark underbelly of their motives.
Authorities Take Action
Following Gerry's revelations, the authorities move swiftly to arrest Beverly and rescue Gerry. This operation uncovers critical evidence that shocks the town and reignites interest in the case surrounding Alex's disappearance.
Media Frenzy
As details of the case emerge, media attention escalates, thrusting Abby into the spotlight. The Moulins attempt to manipulate the narrative, casting themselves as victims while denying any wrongdoing, creating an atmosphere of tension in the community.
Town's Return to Normalcy
In time, the town begins to reclaim its sense of normalcy despite the whirlwind of events. Abby makes her own emotional transition, moving on from the turmoil associated with the motel and preparing to start anew.
Encounter with the Mysterious Guest
While at a new and more prestigious venue, Abby meets a mysterious guest with an eye patch who resembles her. His cryptic assertion that 'Lake is telling the truth' leaves Abby perplexed and concerned about the implications of this enigmatic encounter.
Abby (Tuppence Middleton)
Abby is a complex character, battling her past while dealing with the consequences of being a compulsive liar. Her obsessive quest for truth and justice showcases her resilience, but her emotional turmoil reveals the deep scars left by a traumatic childhood event.
Charlie Lake (Eric Johnson)
Charlie Lake is portrayed as a contentious figure with ties to a scandalous family history. His denial of involvement in Alex's murder adds layers to his character, creating an atmosphere of suspicion and tension as Abby seeks answers.
Laure (Hannah Gross)
Laure serves as a friend and ally to Abby, but her intention to sell the Rainbow Motel introduces conflict. Her practicality contrasts with Abby's emotional ties to the place, representing the struggle between moving on and holding onto the past.
Mrs. Moulin (Marie-Josée Croze)
Mrs. Moulin is wrapped in mystery and represents the glamorous yet potentially duplicitous world of the Magnificent Moulins. Her family's involvement in the narrative uncovers layers of deceit and the darker side of fame.
Gerry
Gerry finds himself ensnared in the sinister plot conceived by his wife, Beverly. His reluctant revelation of their kidnapping scheme serves as a turning point in the narrative, shedding light on the moral decay hidden beneath the surface.
Location
Niagara Falls, Rainbow Motel
Niagara Falls is a world-renowned natural wonder located on the border of Canada and the United States, famous for its breathtaking waterfalls and vibrant tourist attractions. The Rainbow Motel, inherited by Abby, stands as a nostalgic reminder of her past, symbolizing comfort amid chaos, where her mother found solace.
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Truth Seeking
The central theme of the movie revolves around Abby's relentless quest for truth, which is rooted in her traumatic childhood experience. As she navigates through personal demons and conspiracy theories, the theme emphasizes the importance of confronting the past to uncover hidden realities and achieve personal redemption.
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Mystery
The film weaves a complex narrative rich in mystery, exploring the dark web of lies surrounding the abduction of Alex Moulin. The unfolding investigative journey reveals how secrets and hidden motives can affect a community, leading to dramatic confrontations and unexpected revelations.
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Trauma
Trauma plays a significant role in Abby's character development, shaping her behavior and decisions throughout the film. The weight of her childhood incident drives her to seek closure, illustrating how unresolved issues can linger into adulthood and influence one's actions and relationships.
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