Dead Tone

Dead Tone 2009

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Plot Summary


The film begins on a playful note, as a group of children come together for a slumber party filled with laughter and joy while they engage in a game called Seventy Five. The objective is light-hearted: prank call unsuspecting strangers and keep them on the line for a thrilling 75 seconds, spinning outlandish tales as they go. However, when the night wraps up and the children retire to their beds, they remain oblivious to the fact that one of their recent victims is lurking nearby, fueled by feelings of betrayal. This dark figure, emerging from the closet, makes a brutal attempt to murder one of the kids, only to be interrupted by a parent. Tragically, the killer has already left a trail of absolute horror behind, taking multiple lives and causing unparalleled panic.

Fast forward ten years later, we meet Chuck, portrayed by Josh Hammond, who takes a tragic turn as he meets his end in his own home. Detectives Anne Hastings (Gwendoline Yeo) and John Criton (Rutger Hauer) are brought on to investigate. They quickly discover Chuck was one of the few survivors of the infamous Waley murders a decade earlier. As they dig deeper into the case, they realize a disturbing pattern is emerging: other survivors from that fateful night are also being hunted down.

Meanwhile, Brandon, played by Jonathan Chase, is preparing for a gathering at his family’s isolated estate, hoping to reignite a romance with his ex-girlfriend, Karina (Judy Taylor). However, she brings her friends along—Marcus (Brian Hooks), Roxy (Cherie Johnson), Shawn ([Germán Legarreta]), Kareem ([Antwon Tanner]), Scott ([Wil Horneff]), and Jody ([Aimee Garcia])—unaware they are stepping into a nightmare. The clock is ticking as one by one, they encounter chilling moments that seem straight out of their darkest fears.

As tension mounts and the party continues, Brandon and his friend Cal (Austin Basis) decide to give their guests a tour of the grand estate. They highlight its intriguing background as a former reality TV show location, pointing out hidden cameras monitoring the festivities, thus introducing an unexpected layer of voyeurism to their gathering. Meanwhile, the detectives continue to pursue their leads in the Waley case, discovering Melissa’s lifeless body along with another gruesome finding—a male victim in a different part of the house. Oblivious to the horrifying events, the partygoers indulge in their celebrations.

As the night unfolds, Marcus suggests reviving their childhood game of Seventy Five, eagerly embraced by the group. But as they dive into the game, one call spirals downhill, erupting in screams and chaos. A sudden dread fills the air; no one dares answer the phone or confront the dark reality they are hurtling towards.

As the celebration winds down, Karina and Brandon share a poignant moment, trying to reconnect amidst the chaos. Just as some guests decide to remain, tragedy strikes once more as Becky ([Ellen Woglom]) meets her end, followed by brutal murders that claim both the boys and Julie ([Soraya Kelley]).

Just as panic begins to grip the gathering, Kareem stumbles upon a horrifying scene, driving him to rally Roxy, Marcus, and Anna ([Denyce Lawton]) for a frantic escape. The group frantically splits up to disseminate warnings, yet Marcus and Anna inadvertently encounter Jody and Cal, only to find themselves face-to-face with the lurking killer, who quickly claims Anna as another victim.

As survivors scramble for safety, they cluster into Brandon and Karina’s room, locking themselves in as the horrors outside escalate. Tensions rise while accusations fly between friends, particularly when Brandon blames Marcus for their plight, igniting a fierce confrontation.

In an attempt to retrieve car keys, Brandon and Karina leave the safety of their room, only for the darkness to claim Brandon, who is ruthlessly attacked from behind. In the midst of the chaos, Karina is nearly thrown off the balcony but barely manages to evade slaughter by hiding in the monitoring room. Meanwhile, Marcus and Kareem find out that Scott is bleeding over Roxy’s lifeless body, pushing them all to face a desperate fight for survival.

As mayhem engulfs the estate, Marcus and Kareem wrestle the killer under control, but in a shocking turn, Kareem pleads with Scott to deliver the final blow only to face a tragedy of his own—victimized at Scott’s hand instead. Marcus runs to the monitor room alongside Karina, where they witness the shocking demise of Jody and Shawn, helpless as horror unfolds before their very eyes.

It becomes painfully clear that the past is not just a haunting reminiscence; it’s a living reality hellbent on destruction. Meanwhile, Scott appears in the monitoring room alongside a figure previously unknown—Kyle Turley (actor name), emerging as a former inmate who escaped a mental institution. He reveals himself to be William, Scott’s twin brother. This revelation triggers a cascade of unravelling truths about family tragedy and betrayal that had long been buried.

In a whirlwind of rage, William turns against his accomplice, stabbing him before shifting his focus to Karina and Marcus. What began as a struggle for survival morphs into a chaotic confrontation, leading to Karina’s tragic end at William’s hands. With the axe still gripped tightly, Marcus stands ready to annihilate William, but in a cruel twist of fate, Detectives Hastings and Criton storm in, mistakenly believing Marcus to be the assailant. Just when it seems the truth will finally come to light, a dire threat arises—the accomplice rises again, wielding an axe, ready to strike at the detectives in a calamitous climax of fear and suspense.

Timeline


Slumber Party Fun

A group of children comes together for a lively slumber party filled with laughter and camaraderie. They engage in a game called Seventy Five, making prank calls to strangers for exactly 75 seconds, fully immersing themselves in childish fun.

The Lurking Threat

Unbeknownst to the children, one of their prank call victims is lurking nearby, harboring dark thoughts of revenge. This figure emerges from the closet, attempting to murder one of the kids but is thwarted by a parent entering the scene.

A Decade Later

Ten years later, the narrative shifts to Chuck, a survivor of the earlier murders, who meets a tragic end in his own home. Detectives Anne Hastings and John Criton are called to investigate his death, uncovering connections to the Waley murders.

Chuck's home

Detectives Uncover the Pattern

As Hastings and Criton delve deeper into the case, they reveal that Chuck was one of the few survivors of a massacre that took place a decade ago. Their investigation leads them to realize that other survivors are being hunted down one by one.

Brandon's Isolated Gathering

Meanwhile, Brandon prepares for a reunion at his family's remote estate, where he intends to rekindle a romance with his ex-girlfriend, Karina. Unfortunately, she arrives with a group of friends, unknowingly bringing them into a perilous situation.

Brandon's family estate

The Party Begins

The party unfolds with laughter and excitement as guests gather in the grand estate, previously known as a reality TV show location. This strange backdrop adds an element of voyeurism, as hidden cameras monitor their every move.

Brandon's family estate

Tragic Discoveries

As the detectives continue their probe, they make a gruesome discovery: Melissa's lifeless body along with another male victim found in a separate area of the house. The partygoers remain oblivious to the horror unfolding right around them.

Reviving Childhood Fears

Amidst the party’s merriment, Marcus suggests they play their childhood game, Seventy Five, igniting enthusiasm among the group. However, as they engage, one of the calls spirals out of control, ushering in an atmosphere of dread and chaos.

Facing the Darkness

As the celebration nears its end, tragic events unfold as guests begin to meet their fates. Becky and other party attendees fall victim to a swift and brutal rampage, plunging the ambiance into fear.

Brandon's family estate

Desperate Measures

Panic ensues as Kareem discovers a horrifying scene, prompting him to seek refuge and assistance from friends. The group splinters in a frantic attempt to warn each other, only for some to encounter the killer firsthand.

Brandon's family estate

Confrontation and Confinement

As survivors retreat to Brandon and Karina’s room, fear takes hold. Accusations fly between friends, leading to a fierce argument while the outside horrors escalate, heightening the tension within their confined space.

Brandon and Karina's room

Attack from the Shadows

Brandon and Karina attempt to retrieve car keys, leading them outside their temporary safety. Brandon is viciously attacked from behind, forcing Karina to evade death by seeking refuge in a room filled with monitoring systems.

Brandon's family estate

A Turn of Events

Amid the chaos, Marcus and Kareem confront the killer, but betrayal strikes when Kareem is fatally injured by Scott, their friend. The situation spirals into chaos as they fight for survival amidst the growing panic.

Revelations and Betrayal

Unfolding in the monitoring room, shocking truths come to light as Kyle Turley reveals himself to be William, Scott's twin brother. This revelation sets off a chain reaction of chaos and intrigue as the horrifying backstory surfaces.

Monitoring room

Climactic Showdown

In a desperate and chaotic confrontation, William turns on Scott, resulting in his death. Karina meets a tragic fate at William's hands, and just as the truth appears imminent, the detectives arrive, mistaking Marcus for the assailant.

Characters


Chuck

Once a survivor of the Waley murders, Chuck's life comes to a tragic end when he is ruthlessly killed in his home. His backstory adds gravity to the unfolding events, symbolizing the trauma endured by those who lived through the original horrors. Chuck's demise sets the tone for the ensuing investigation and the resurgence of fear among other survivors.

🕵️‍♂️ Survivor 🚨 Victim

Detective Anne Hastings

Driven and dedicated, Detective Hastings is determined to unravel the mysteries behind the killings. Her investigation emphasizes the weight of the past and its implications in the present. As the narrative unfolds, her character showcases a blend of strength and vulnerability amidst relentless horror.

👮‍♀️ Investigator 💼 Professional

Brandon

Brandon hosts a gathering at his isolated estate, hoping to rekindle a romance with his ex-girlfriend. His character embodies youthful naivety, caught off guard by the unfolding terror. As the night escalates into chaos, Brandon's actions drive several pivotal moments that impact the dynamic among the group.

👨‍🎤 Host ❤️ Romantic

Karina

Karina is a focal point of tension as she navigates her complicated relationship with Brandon during the terror. She showcases resilience and vulnerability, especially as she confronts the dread of the night. Her character arc highlights the emotional stakes amidst the violent chaos.

💔 Ex-girlfriend 🦸‍♀️ Survivor

Setting


Time period

10 years later

The film is set ten years after the infamous Waley murders, which left a lasting imprint on the survivors. This decade marks a period of haunting memories for those involved, as the past resurfaces with brutal consequences. The timing heightens the tension, leading to a frantic race against a killer from their shared history.

Location

isolated estate

The isolated estate serves as the primary setting for the movie's horrifying events. Once a location for reality TV, this grand mansion is now filled with hidden cameras, creating a voyeuristic atmosphere. It's known for its eerie ambiance, adding a layer of suspense as guests partake in a slumber party that swiftly turns deadly.

🏡 Estate 🎥 Reality TV

Themes


😱

Survival

The theme of survival is central to the movie, as the characters attempt to escape the clutches of a vengeful killer. The fear and desperation of the survivors intensify as they confront their dark past. Each decision amplifies the suspense, showcasing the lengths one will go to survive in a terrifying scenario.

🌀

Betrayal

Betrayal is intricately woven into the narrative, as past relationships and trust dissipate under pressure. The revelation of familial ties brings a chilling twist, highlighting the dangers of relying on those closest. This theme resonates throughout the film, emphasizing the psychological impact of betrayal in a life-and-death struggle.

📞

Fear

Fear permeates the atmosphere, illustrated through the children's innocent game that devolves into chaos. The characters face their deepest anxieties as the killer emerges, turning the playful into deadly. This theme plays a pivotal role, driving the narrative and escalating the tension throughout the film.

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