Test your knowledge of Followed with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Followed (2020). 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.


The story unfolds entirely through a screencast recorded by an unidentified individual, immersing the viewer in a sequence of vlogs presented by the controversial vlogger, DropTheMike, who mysteriously vanished shortly after his visit to the Lennox Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Throughout these vlogs, DropTheMike grapples with a growing number of messages from friends who wish to reach out to him, yet most go ignored.

Upon receiving a lucrative sponsorship offer of $250,000 that hinges on gaining 50,000 new subscribers, Mike decides to spend the Halloween weekend at the infamous Lennox Hotel—a place heavily shadowed by a dark history of numerous suicides and murders that have occurred since its establishment. Chillingly, the recent discovery of the burned corpse of Korean tourist Meghan Kim reveals the hotel’s haunted past, with security footage showing her in a disturbing state of agitation in the elevator prior to her tragic demise.

During his exploration, Mike interviews Wallace Fleischer, a knowledgeable author who shares unsettling stories about David Olmos, a notorious serial killer and Satanist who terrorized the Lennox Hotel in the 1980s. The following day, Mike, along with his team—Nic (his editor), Chris (the religious director of photography), and Dani (sound and camera operator and Chris’ friend with unreciprocated feelings)—checks into the hotel. They find themselves staying on the top floor in the very room where Olmos committed his heinous acts.

On their second day, the crew attempts to venture into the basement, aiming to reach the boiler room, but they lose their drone when it is sent through the chained doors. Fortunately, a security guard named Tony catches them, but instead of turning them in, he reveals his admiration for Mike and offers them the key to the basement.

As the crew delves deeper into the hotel’s secrets, Mike begins to research the “Elevator Game,” a ritual believed to transport individuals to another dimension. He speculates that Meghan Kim may have attempted this eerie ritual, provoking him to try it himself. What follows is a chilling encounter with the ghost of Kim, which Mike hastily dismisses as mere coincidence. Shortly after, he receives an emotional Skype call from Jess, his fiancée, announcing her pregnancy—a moment of joy overshadowed by the tension unfolding around him.

The horror escalates when Chris discovers Nic in a deeply troubled state, leading to confrontations that blur the lines between reality and the supernatural. As ghostly noises echo through the halls and Mike chases a spectral child, he and Dani unearth a satanic altar adorned with a grotesque offering. The sinister atmosphere thickens further when they discover more about the past tragedies tied to Room 440, a significant location in the hotel’s harrowing history.

The story takes a drastic turn as Chris finds himself under attack from the spectral figure of Olmos, triggering a chaotic series of events that force the characters to confront not only the malevolent spirits haunting the hotel but also their own personal demons. Moments of terror lead to harrowing revelations, including Mike’s connection to the dark history of the hotel and its gruesome past.

As tensions peak, every character faces choices that will impact their very souls. Mike’s journey culminates in a chaotic discovery of a laptop showcasing his broadcasts and accompanying notes filled with occult signs. Amid the terror, he is pursued by various spirits, culminating in a frantic escape from the hotel, only to confront a new nightmare back home.

The story concludes with DropTheMike’s intention to take a hiatus from his channel, signaling a shift towards documenting the homeless crisis in Los Angeles. Yet, as an ominous presence lurks around him, the reflection of his blurred face in the laptop’s camera leaves the audience both disturbed and curious about his fate, as the chilling narrative continues through the lens of another young vlogger, TerribleTyler. The cycle of horror seems far from over as the final comment left under Mike’s account hints at an unsettling return: “Can’t wait to meet you, Tyler :)”

Timeline

Track the key events of Followed (2020) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Introduction to DropTheMike

The story begins with an introduction to DropTheMike, a controversial vlogger known for his extreme content. He mysteriously vanished after visiting the infamous Lennox Hotel, leading to speculations and intrigue surrounding his disappearance.

The Sponsorship Offer

DropTheMike receives a lucrative sponsorship offer worth $250,000, which requires him to gain 50,000 new subscribers. This motivated him to spend the Halloween weekend at the Lennox Hotel, notorious for its dark past.

Halloween weekend Lennox Hotel, Los Angeles

The Haunting History

As DropTheMike prepares for his stay, he learns of the hotel's grim history, marked by numerous suicides and murders. The recent discovery of a burned corpse highlights the dangers and supernatural elements tied to the location.

Lennox Hotel, Los Angeles

Interview with Wallace Fleischer

During his exploration, Mike interviews Wallace Fleischer, an author familiar with the hotel's dark history. Fleischer shares unsettling stories of David Olmos, a serial killer who terrorized the hotel in the 1980s, further increasing Mike's apprehension.

Lennox Hotel, Los Angeles

Team Check-In

Mike checks into the hotel with his team: Nic, Chris, and Dani. They take residence in Room 440, the same room where David Olmos committed horrific acts, which adds to the tension and fear surrounding their stay.

Room 440, Lennox Hotel, Los Angeles

Exploring the Basement

On their second day, the team attempts to explore the basement to uncover the hotel's secrets. They lose their drone while trying to navigate through chained doors, but are rescued by a security guard who grants them access instead of turning them in.

Lennox Hotel, Los Angeles

The Elevator Game

Mike becomes intrigued by the 'Elevator Game,' a ritual believed to transport individuals to another dimension. He suspects that Meghan Kim, the tourist who died, may have attempted the game, prompting him to try it himself.

Lennox Hotel, Los Angeles

Pregnancy Announcement

While grappling with the supernatural occurrences around him, Mike receives an emotional Skype call from his fiancée, Jess. She announces that she is pregnant, bringing a moment of joy that stands in stark contrast to the dark events unfolding at the hotel.

Uncovering the Altar

As the crew delves deeper, they stumble upon a satanic altar adorned with grotesque offerings. This discovery intensifies the chilling atmosphere, forcing the characters to confront the malevolent spirits that seem to inhabit the hotel.

Lennox Hotel, Los Angeles

Chris's Encounter

The horror escalates when Chris encounters the spectral figure of David Olmos. His attack triggers a series of chaotic events, leading the characters to confront their fears and the dark history that plagues the Lennox Hotel.

Lennox Hotel, Los Angeles

Mike's Realization

In the heat of terror, Mike begins to uncover his own connections to the hotel’s gruesome past. As moments of horror persist, he must face not only the disruptive spirits but also the dark truths about himself.

Lennox Hotel, Los Angeles

Frantic Escape

As the chaos peaks, Mike discovers a laptop littered with his broadcasts and notes on occult symbols. In a terrifying climax, he narrowly escapes the hotel, only to find himself facing new horrors upon his return home.

Lennox Hotel, Los Angeles

Hiatus Announcement

In the aftermath, DropTheMike announces his intention to take a break from his channel. He expresses a desire to shift towards documenting the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles, hinting at a change in focus influenced by his haunting experiences.

Ominous Reflection

As the narrative concludes, a disturbing presence looms over Mike while he reflects on his ordeal. The final shot of his blurred face in the computer's camera leaves audiences unsettled, suggesting the continuation of his haunted journey.

TerribleTyler's Introduction

The film wraps up with the introduction of another young vlogger, TerribleTyler. A chilling comment left under Mike's account hints at a cycle of horror that is far from over, implying that Tyler may become the next target of supernatural events.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Followed (2020) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


DropTheMike (Mike)

Mike is a controversial vlogger driven by ambition and the desire for fame, willing to face dangers for higher subscriber counts. His journey through the haunted Lennox Hotel showcases his initial skepticism towards the supernatural, which gradually transforms into fear as he is confronted by unsettling experiences. His emotional arc also includes personal revelations about family and relationships.

🎥 Vlogger 🔍 Adventurer

Wallace Fleischer

Wallace is an insightful author who provides critical context about the hotel’s gruesome history. His knowledge of the past, particularly about the serial killer David Olmos, adds depth to the narrative, making him a vital character as Mike seeks to understand the horrors surrounding him. He serves as a connection between the characters' plight and the hotel's dark legacy.

📚 Author 🧠 Knowledgeable

Nic

Nic is Mike's editor, who aids in the filming and production of their vlogs. Throughout the ordeal at the Lennox Hotel, he faces mounting pressure and insecurity as the group's situation unravels. His character serves as a grounding force, highlighting the personal stakes involved in their frightening endeavor.

✍️ Editor 🤝 Supportive

Tony (the Security Guard)

Tony is portrayed as a sympathetic figure who admires Mike and offers assistance in navigating the hotel’s perilous environment. His character serves to bridge the gap between safety and danger, providing critical support during moments of exploration despite the risks posed by the hotel's haunted past.

👮‍♂️ Security Guard 🛡️ Protector

Jess

Jess is Mike's fiancée, who reaches out to him with news of her pregnancy amidst the chaos. Her character represents a slice of normalcy and emotional depth, offering a backdrop to the horror as Mike grapples with the implications of becoming a father while facing supernatural threats.

💍 Fiancée 👶 Expecting Mother

Setting

Uncover the settings of Followed (2020), 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

1980s

The events of the 1980s were marked by societal changes and rising crime rates in urban areas like Los Angeles. During this period, notorious figures like serial killer David Olmos struck fear into the hearts of residents, leaving a lasting impact on the history of places like the Lennox Hotel. This dark backdrop significantly influences the contemporary narrative of the movie.

Location

Lennox Hotel, Los Angeles

The Lennox Hotel in downtown Los Angeles is notorious for its dark history filled with suicides and murders. Known as a hotspot for paranormal activities, it has drawn in thrill-seekers and vloggers alike, including the controversial DropTheMike. The chilling atmosphere is compounded by the hotel's past linked to a series of troubling events and a notorious serial killer.

🏨 Hotel 🌆 City

Themes

Explore the core themes of Followed (2020). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


👻

Supernatural Horror

The film delves into the theme of supernatural horror, exploring the presence of malevolent spirits in the Lennox Hotel. As characters confront their fears and the hotel's haunted past, they face eerie manifestations and ghostly encounters that blur the line between reality and the supernatural. This chilling atmosphere underscores the psychological terror faced by the characters.

💻

Digital Influence

The use of screencasts and vlogs in 'Followed' highlights the significant role of digital media in shaping experiences and perceptions. DropTheMike's journey reflects the obsession with online fame and the lengths individuals will go to achieve it, including confronting the supernatural. This theme resonates with modern society's relationship with technology and its consequences.

😔

Personal Demons

Throughout the film, characters are challenged to confront their personal demons amid external horrors. The psychological tension rises as each character navigates their own fears and unresolved issues, revealing deeper truths about themselves. This theme captures the struggle between confronting one's inner turmoil and the chaos surrounding them.

© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.