Desolation

Desolation 2018

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Plot Summary


In the city of Los Angeles, a troubled actress named Monica Leskova tragically succumbs to her madness, ending her life by self-immolation. Meanwhile, in Elmira, New York, Katie Connor, a resilient rape survivor, learns from her friend Debbie that the Hollywood actor Jay Cutter is staying at their hotel for a film shoot. As Katie and Jay’s connection deepens, they gradually explore the contours of a romantic relationship.

Katie finds herself reluctant to open up about her traumatic experiences, including her rape and the subsequent abortion, during her sessions with a distracted therapist whose tablet has malfunctioned. In an impulsive decision, Katie agrees to join Jay in Los Angeles, moving into his apartment located in The Providence—an eerie old building with a grim legacy of suicides and murders. Soon after moving in, she encounters Father Bill O’Shea, Jay’s mysterious upstairs neighbor.

After treating her to a new wardrobe, Jay invites Katie to a lively party where she meets his callous friends. However, things take a dark turn when Katie overhears them discussing the tragic death of Jay’s former girlfriend, Monica. The situation worsens when Katie realizes she has run out of her medication. Returning to her new home, she experiences a strange episode in the dark stairwell, where she believes she sees a ghostly figure—a little girl named Grace.

Throughout their time together, Katie and Jay share intimate stories of their respective suicide attempts. The apartment is filled with eccentric neighbors, including an overweight woman who works as an online camgirl. Katie encounters Grace once more and becomes increasingly paranoid when she feels like a window washer is voyeuristically observing her from outside.

When Jay leaves for a three-day film shoot, Katie finds herself alone. She meets a bewildered resident named Angela Marcus and inquires about Grace from Father Bill, who insists that no children live in their building. As her paranoia escalates, Katie starts taking pills found in Jay’s medicine cabinet and begins to explore a bizarre server room, where she sees Grace again.

A chilling message appears on the ceiling instructing her to count to seven in the kitchen. Following these instructions leads her to a phone call where a man requests to speak to Grace. The call takes a sinister turn when another caller claims to be her rapist, Charlie. After a series of distressing events, including an encounter with aggressive men in the apartment, Katie is left traumatized and begins to unravel the web of deception around her.

Katie’s escalating panic culminates in a confrontation with Bill, who shockingly reveals that her fears are manifestations of guilt over having aborted Grace. The depths of Katie’s nightmare deepen as she discovers she has been unknowingly participating in a twisted reality show called LifeBet, where her suicidal journey is exploited for profit.

In a fit of rage, Katie attacks the actress who portrayed a police officer in the show and is blindsided when Debbie arrives, only to meet a gruesome end at Bill’s hands. Desperate and filled with anguish, Katie holds Jay hostage and forces him to the roof where a horrifying confrontation with Bill ensues. Betrayed, Katie witnesses Bill purposely shoot Jay and manipulates her into considering suicide.

Ultimately, Katie takes a leap off the rooftop but miraculously survives the fall. As authorities arrive to assist her, Bill coldly orders the obliteration of all evidence related to their sordid venture and discusses relocating the LifeBet operation to Bulgaria while planning their next victim. The chilling events trap Katie in a seemingly inescapable cycle of horror, betrayal, and exploitation.

Timeline


Monica's Tragic Demise

In the city of Los Angeles, troubled actress Monica Leskova succumbs to her overwhelming madness. In a devastating act, she ends her life by self-immolation, marking a tragic start to the narrative.

Los Angeles

Katie Learns Jay is Nearby

In Elmira, New York, Katie Connor, a resilient rape survivor, hears from her friend Debbie that Hollywood actor Jay Cutter is staying at their hotel for a film shoot. Intrigued, Katie begins to form a connection with Jay, which leads to the exploration of a potential romantic relationship.

Elmira, New York

Katie's Reluctance

During therapy sessions, Katie grapples with her past traumas, including her rape and subsequent abortion. She finds it difficult to open up to her distracted therapist, complicating her healing process.

Move to Los Angeles

Impulsively, Katie decides to join Jay in Los Angeles, moving into his apartment in The Providence. This old building carries a grim legacy filled with suicides and murders, creating a foreboding atmosphere for the couple.

Los Angeles

Encounter with Father Bill

Upon settling into their new home, Katie meets Father Bill O'Shea, Jay's mysterious upstairs neighbor. His presence adds an additional layer of intrigue and unease to Katie's life as she navigates this new relationship.

The Providence

The Party and Dark Revelations

Jay hosts a party to introduce Katie to his friends, although their callous behavior makes her uncomfortable. Things take a dark turn when she overhears discussions about Monica's tragic death, adding to her unease about Jay's past.

The Providence

Strange Encounters

After running out of her medication, Katie experiences a haunting episode, believing she sees a ghostly figure of a little girl named Grace in the dark stairwell of their building. This encounter marks the start of Katie's growing paranoia.

The Providence

Intimate Conversations

As Katie and Jay grow closer, they share intimate stories about their respective suicide attempts. These confessions deepen their bond but also reveal the dark undercurrents of their psyches amid the strange events surrounding them.

Paranoia Escalates

Katie encounters Grace again, intensifying her paranoia as she feels observed by a window washer outside. The haunting presence of Grace adds to her feelings of being trapped in a web of psychological horror.

The Providence

Confrontation with Father Bill

When Jay leaves for a three-day film shoot, Katie seeks answers about Grace from Father Bill. He insists that no children live in the building, heightening Katie's sense of isolation and confusion about her reality.

The Providence

The Sinister Call

After following strange instructions from an enigmatic message on the ceiling, Katie receives a phone call from a man requesting to speak to Grace. The tension escalates when another caller claims to be her rapist, Charlie, pushing Katie further into despair.

Confrontation with Bill

As her panic peaks, Katie confronts Bill, who reveals her fears are manifestations of guilt over her past abortion of Grace. The horrifying truth begins to unravel, exposing the depths of Katie's internal struggles.

The Providence

Twisted Reality Exposed

Katie discovers that her life has been manipulated as part of a reality show called LifeBet, where her suffering is exploited. This revelation leaves her feeling violated and trapped in a gruesome narrative crafted by unseen hands.

Desperate Actions

In a fit of rage, Katie attacks an actress involved in the twisted show, only to have Debbie arrive and meet a gruesome end at Bill's hands. This shocking turn cements Katie's realization that no one is safe in this horrifying game.

The Providence

Katie's Leap for Survival

Atop the roof, Katie holds Jay hostage during a climactic confrontation with Bill, who shoot Jay to manipulate Katie further. In a moment of despair, Katie leaps off the building but miraculously survives, only to find herself ensnared in an even darker reality.

The Providence Rooftop

Characters


Katie Connor

Katie is a resilient yet deeply troubled rape survivor trying to rebuild her life amidst trauma. Her journey intertwines with that of Jay, as she navigates her feelings and fears. Determined and introspective, she embodies the struggle for recovery while battling her inner demons.

🦋 Resilience 🩹 Healing 🌀 Complexity

Jay Cutter

Jay is a charismatic Hollywood actor whose charm hides a more complicated reality. He attempts to help Katie navigate her trauma while grappling with his own past, including the tragic death of his former girlfriend. His character is a blend of warmth and emotional distance, making him a pivotal figure in Katie's life.

🌟 Actor ❤️ Romantic 🌪️ Complicated

Father Bill O'Shea

Father Bill presents an enigmatic façade that conceals manipulative tendencies. As Jay's upstairs neighbor, he embodies a layered character who spreads psychological terror. His seemingly kind demeanor masks a darker intention, contributing to the film's central conflicts.

⛪ Mystery 😈 Manipulator 💔 Villain

Debbie

Debbie is a supportive friend to Katie, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie in the face of adversity. She provides both an emotional anchor and a connection to the outside world. Her fate serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers lurking around Katie.

🤝 Friendship 🎭 Supportive 🌹 Tragic

Grace

Grace represents the haunting past and emotional turmoil that Katie grapples with. Appearing as a ghostly figure, she symbolizes the unresolved guilt and trauma stemming from Katie's previous experiences. Grace's character serves as a catalyst for Katie to confront her fears.

👻 Ghost 😢 Haunting 🌈 Innocence

Setting


Time period

The movie captures the essence of contemporary society, touching on issues relevant to modern life, such as mental health, trauma, and the consequences of fame. The timeline appears fluid, intertwining the past and present as characters grapple with their histories and harsh realities.

Location

Los Angeles, Elmira, Bulgaria

Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis in California, known for its entertainment industry and vibrant culture. Elmira, New York, presents a stark contrast with its small-town charm and rich history. Bulgaria, mentioned as a future location for the film operation, has a diverse landscape and deep historical roots, adding an intriguing layer to the movie's narrative.

🌇 City 🏙️ Urban 🌍 International

Themes


🖤

Trauma

Trauma is a central theme in the movie as characters navigate the aftermath of harrowing experiences. Katie’s struggle to confront her past, including her rape and the decision to have an abortion, highlights the complexities and long-lasting effects of trauma. The film also delves into the psychological impact of these traumatic events on relationships and personal identity.

🌌

Isolation

Isolation permeates the characters' lives, especially Katie, as she grapples with her mental health. Despite being surrounded by people, she often feels disconnected, fostering paranoia and fear. The eerie setting of The Providence and the peculiar behaviors of its residents amplify her feelings of estrangement.

🔪

Betrayal

Betrayal unfolds in multiple layers, from the manipulation by Father Bill to the ultimate betrayal by Jay. As Katie's trust in those around her erodes, the theme serves as a driving force for her character's descent into chaos. The shocking twists reveal the darker sides of relationships, complicating the notions of love and loyalty.

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