Discover the intricate plot of Darlin' (2019). 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.
Dirty and wild, Darlin’, a 16-year-old girl, finds herself taken to St. Thaddeus Hospital after an ambulance accident. Within the hospital’s walls, Tony, a compassionate nurse, develops a bond with her, which clashes with the stern approach of the hospital’s doctor regarding Darlin’s peculiar condition. Outside, The Woman, lurking with a sinister intent, is determined to connect with Darlin at any cost.
In a shocking twist, The Woman brutally kills a homeless man named Charlie, slicing off a piece of flesh from his body to tempt Darlin with food through her hospital window. Disturbed and rejecting her surrogate mother, Darlin shuts her blinds on The Woman. Meanwhile, the ambitious Bishop, aiming to save St. Philomena’s Catholic school from closure, devises a plan to use Darlin to create a publicity boost for the school, going so far as to blackmail Sister Jennifer into manipulating Darlin’s behavior.
At St. Philomena’s, Darlin encounters a group of other orphaned girls, including the quirky Billy and the hostile Bug. The Bishop and Sister Jennifer resort to extreme measures, locking Darlin in an animal pen while filming the ordeal to document her supposed “rehabilitation.” Following this encounter, Darlin reminisces about a fleeting moment with a boy she once kissed.
As chaos unfolds, The Woman stalks the hospital corridors, clearly searching for Darlin, eventually discovering her empty bed. In the chaos, The Woman bites a police officer who makes the mistake of treating her as a mere vagrant and steals his gun. She later penetrates the hospital’s defenses, leading to a bloody confrontation that results in several deaths, including that of Darlin’s doctor.
Through a series of events, Darlin begins to connect with Billy, who bravely helps her navigate the woods surrounding the school. However, trouble brews as Tony, now caught between the two women, finds himself at the mercy of The Woman, whose rage leads to a car crash during a police chase. Meanwhile, The Woman takes refuge in a camp of homeless women led by the intriguing Mona.
As Darlin adjusts to life at St. Philomena’s, Sister Jennifer starts finding ways to reach her, introducing simple joys such as blowing bubbles and gifting her a doll-shaped cookie, which brings a glimmer of happiness to Darlin’s troubled life. Yet, the shadows of her past linger—her connection to The Woman grows more potent.
Revelations about Darlin’s pregnancy shake the school to its core, leading to divine rituals and a baptism orchestrated by the Bishop. As tensions rise and Darlin’s psychological turmoil grows, she finds herself in a nightmare painted by her traumatic experiences, particularly questioning the dark figure that seems to lurk within her.
In a gripping climax, the Bishop’s dark motives are exposed publicly, triggering a chaotic confrontation as The Woman storms St. Philomena’s with a vengeful force, intent on reclaiming Darlin. Amidst the chaos, Darlin goes into labor, forcing the two women to confront their bond amidst bloodshed and chaos.
In the end, Darlin’s pleas for escape from her painful lessons lead to a heartbreaking decision. As The Woman departs with Darlin’s newborn, Darlin is left behind in her tumultuous world, comforted by her new friends, with sirens blaring in the distance, heralding a new chapter fraught with uncertainty.
Track the key events of Darlin' (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Ambulance Accident
Darlin', a troubled 16-year-old girl, finds herself in an ambulance after a dramatic accident. This incident marks the beginning of her journey into the chaotic world of St. Thaddeus Hospital, where her life would change dramatically.
Arrival at St. Thaddeus Hospital
Upon arriving at St. Thaddeus Hospital, Darlin encounters Tony, a compassionate nurse who attempts to connect with her. His nurturing nature stands in stark contrast to the strict and clinical approach of the hospital's doctor, highlighting the tensions at play.
The Woman's Sinister Intent
Meanwhile, outside the hospital, The Woman is revealed to be lurking with a sinister purpose. Her obsession with Darlin soon establishes a foreboding shadow over the girl's new life, underscoring a growing threat.
Murder of Charlie
In a shocking event, The Woman brutally kills a homeless man named Charlie, severing a piece of flesh to tempt Darlin. This grotesque act reveals her dark intentions and deepens Darlin's disturbance as she rejects the twisted offer.
Bishop's Plan
As Darlin struggles with her new circumstances, the Bishop hatches a plan to exploit her situation to save St. Philomena's Catholic school. Corrupt and self-serving, he blackmails Sister Jennifer into manipulating Darlin's behavior for publicity.
Lockdown at St. Philomena's
At the school, Darlin faces extreme measures as she is locked in an animal pen while the Bishop and Sister Jennifer film her supposed 'rehabilitation.' This humiliation targets her vulnerability and marks a critical point in her traumatic experience.
Connection with Billy
In the midst of her turmoil, Darlin forms a meaningful bond with Billy, another orphaned girl. Together they navigate the challenges of their surroundings, revealing moments of resilience amidst the chaos.
The Woman's Hospital Encounter
The Woman infiltrates the hospital, tracing Darlin's whereabouts with an increased intensity. A confrontation escalates as she attacks a police officer, showcasing her violent nature and dedication to reconnecting with Darlin.
Darlin's Struggles with Pregnancy
As Darlin settles into life at St. Philomena's, revelations about her unexpected pregnancy send shockwaves through the institution. This discovery ignites a series of desperate attempts to control her situation through spiritual rituals.
Confrontation and Chaos.
With tensions at an all-time high, The Woman's wrath explodes as she confronts the Bishop amidst a chaotic scene at the school. This dramatic collision forces both women to face the deep ties they share, culminating in a moment of bloody confrontation.
Darlin Goes into Labor
In a heart-pounding moment, Darlin goes into labor, intensifying the urgent chaos surrounding her. This pivotal event compels both The Woman and Darlin to confront their stormy past and the nature of their bond under extreme circumstances.
The Woman Takes the Newborn
As chaos reigns, The Woman departs with Darlin’s newborn, leaving a trail of turmoil in her wake. This shocking decision underscores the heartbreaking nature of their relationship and Darlin’s feelings of abandonment.
Darlin's Future Uncertain
In the aftermath, Darlin is left alone and traumatized, comforted by her friends in a time of distress. With sirens blaring in the distance, her future remains shrouded in uncertainty, echoing her turbulent journey.
Meet the characters that bring Darlin' (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Darlin'
Darlin' is a 16-year-old girl struggling to find her identity amidst chaos and trauma. Her journey is marked by intense emotional challenges, as she navigates the conflicting influences of those around her, including the nurturing Tony and the sinister 'The Woman.' Despite her circumstances, she displays resilience and a yearning for connection and escape.
Tony
Tony is a compassionate nurse who becomes a source of stability and support for Darlin' within the chaotic environment of St. Thaddeus Hospital. His caring nature contrasts sharply with the stern doctor and the manipulative Bishop, reflecting the struggle between kindness and authority. He is caught in the conflict between helping Darlin and dealing with the threats posed by 'The Woman.'
The Woman
'The Woman' embodies a dark, twisted sense of motherhood whose obsession with Darlin' drives her to extreme measures, including violence. Her actions highlight the terrifying aspects of possessive love and the lengths a parent might go to reclaim their child. Her role adds depth to the narrative, displaying the potential for both nurture and monstrous behavior.
The Bishop
The Bishop is an ambitious and morally ambiguous character whose primary concern is saving the reputation of St. Philomena's Catholic school. He resorts to manipulation and exploitation, using Darlin' as a pawn in his scheme. His dark motives and willingness to sacrifice others for personal gain reveal the corrupting nature of power within institutions.
Sister Jennifer
Sister Jennifer is a nun at St. Philomena's who attempts to reach out to Darlin' with kindness amidst the chaos. Her nurturing gestures, like introducing simple pleasures, reveal her genuine desire to help despite the oppressive atmosphere fostered by the Bishop. She represents the potential for redemption and healing within institutional walls.
Mona
Mona is a leader among a group of homeless women who provides 'The Woman' with a sense of belonging. Her character adds complexity to the narrative, as she navigates the dynamics of motherhood in a society that shuns those like her. Mona embodies strength and resilience, providing a contrasting view of community amidst adversity.
Uncover the settings of Darlin' (2019), 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 movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting current societal issues related to mental health, the care of orphans, and the complexities of motherhood. It showcases the often harsh realities faced by vulnerable individuals in modern institutions.
Location
St. Thaddeus Hospital, St. Philomena's Catholic School, Woods
St. Thaddeus Hospital is a medical facility where intense emotional and psychological battles unfold, especially for a young girl in distress. St. Philomena's Catholic School represents an institution with dark secrets, aiming for rehabilitation but resorting to extreme measures. The surrounding woods add a layer of mystery and danger, acting as a refuge and a place of trepidation for characters trying to escape their circumstances.
Explore the core themes of Darlin' (2019). 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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Survival
Survival is a predominant theme, as Darlin' navigates a world fraught with danger from 'The Woman' and the oppressive environment of the school. The fight for survival stems not only from physical threats but also from emotional and psychological struggles. Each character's actions reflect their desire to escape their past and achieve a sense of belonging.
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Motherhood
The theme of motherhood deeply permeates the narrative, highlighting the contrasting maternal figures in Darlin's life. 'The Woman' represents a dark, possessive form of motherhood, while characters like Sister Jennifer and Tony strive to provide care and compassion. Darlin's journey explores the complexities of maternal ties, whether healthy or toxic, and the impact they have on her identity.
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Exploitation
Exploitation is a critical theme, particularly illustrated through the Bishop's manipulation of Darlin for publicity gain. The characters' vulnerabilities are preyed upon for personal agendas, revealing the moral decay within institutions meant to provide care. The film critiques the commodification of trauma and the lengths to which individuals will go to exploit the weak.
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