Test your knowledge of Lou with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Lou (2022). 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.


Lou lives a solitary life with her dog, Jax, amidst preparations that hint at a troubling past. She’s seen burning official-looking papers, sharpening her knife, and cleaning her guns, alluding to a tense anticipation of something grim. The film opens with Lou making an unsuccessful deer shot, displaying her inner turmoil and physical struggles from arthritis.

As a fierce storm approaches, the townspeople are busy fortifying their homes. Meanwhile, a mother named Hannah (Jurnee Smollett) is enjoying a game of hide-and-seek with her young daughter Vee (Ridley Asha Bateman). Lou, the hard-nosed landlady, drops by to collect rent, refusing Hannah’s plea for an extension — a move that sparks tension as Hannah feels frustrated by Lou’s curt demeanor.

In addition, Chris (Greyston Holt), Hannah’s friend, attempts to help by bringing supplies, but ends up being a victim of a sinister hitchhiker. This man, a hidden threat, plunges Hannah into chaos as he kidnaps Vee after cutting the power to their home, while Hannah discovers Chris dead in his van.

Desperate for answers, Hannah rushes to Lou, interrupting her suicide attempt; a revelation that hints at Lou’s deep connection with Hannah and her daughter. Here, the story takes a dark twist as it becomes evident that Hannah suspects Philip (Logan Marshall-Green), Vee’s father, to be behind the abduction.

As the storm rages, Lou’s truck is blown up by the hitchhiker, propelling both women into a perilous night trek to rescue Vee. With no means of escape by air or sea due to the storm, the duo tracks down Philip, whose identity holds heavy implications — he is not just a criminal but Lou’s estranged son, driven to despair by their fraught history.

Unwinding secrets surface; Lou, a former CIA agent, must confront her past and protect Hannah and Vee. In an explosive confrontation at Eagle Bay, tension builds as they grapple with family ties, betrayal, and redemption. Ultimately, the past proves as treacherous as the storm surrounding them, leading to a dramatic showdown that leaves both Lou and Philip entangled in a web of choices that will resonate long after their final clash.

In the aftermath, Hannah and Vee find themselves ready to depart from Lou’s home, their futures uncertain yet intertwined. A chilling final scene leaves viewers contemplating the remnants of Lou’s past as she watches from afar, an enigmatic figure with her own scars, still poised in their shadowy narrative.

Timeline

Track the key events of Lou (2022) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Lou's Solitary Life

The film introduces **Lou**, who lives a solitary existence accompanied only by her dog, **Jax**. Her actions, such as burning official papers and sharpening knives, suggest a background steeped in turmoil and a tense anticipation of impending danger.

Preparation for a Storm

As a fierce storm approaches, the local townspeople scramble to fortify their homes against the ominous weather. **Lou's** practical yet stoic demeanor contrasts sharply with the frantic energy surrounding her.

Game of Hide-and-Seek

Meanwhile, **Hannah** enjoys a precious moment of joy, playing hide-and-seek with her young daughter **Vee**. This idyllic scene is tinged with a sense of foreboding, marking the calm before the storm.

Lou Collects Rent

**Lou** makes an unannounced visit to collect rent, exemplifying her hard-nosed attitude. When **Hannah** asks for an extension, **Lou's** refusal adds tension, highlighting the struggles **Hannah** faces.

Tragic Encounter

In a bid to support **Hannah**, her friend **Chris** brings supplies but meets a tragic end at the hands of a sinister hitchhiker. This event marks the beginning of the chaos that will engulf **Hannah** and **Vee**.

Kidnapping of Vee

The hitchhiker, after cutting off power to **Hannah's** home, kidnaps **Vee**, plunging **Hannah** into despair. She discovers the lifeless body of **Chris** in his van, intensifying her panic and urgency.

Lou's Suicide Attempt

In a moment of desperation, **Hannah** interrupts **Lou**'s suicide attempt, indicating a profound connection between the two. This encounter reveals deep-seated emotions and the weight of **Lou's** troubled past.

Suspicions Rise

**Hannah** begins to suspect that **Philip**, **Vee's** father, may be behind the kidnapping. The tension between past relationships and current dangers forces both women to confront their realities.

The Truck Explosion

Amidst the turmoil, **Lou's** truck is blown up by the hitchhiker, escalating the perilous situation. With no immediate means of escape, **Lou** and **Hannah** must embark on a treacherous journey to rescue **Vee**.

Confronting the Past

During the stormy night trek, secrets unravel revealing **Lou** as a former CIA agent with a fraught history with **Philip**. The nature of their complicated relationship drives the urgency of their mission to save **Vee**.

Eagle Bay

Explosive Showdown

In a dramatic confrontation at **Eagle Bay**, tensions reach a boiling point as family ties, betrayal, and the need for redemption collide. The violent clash forces both **Lou** and **Philip** to confront their shadows and choices.

Eagle Bay

Aftermath of the Confrontation

After the explosive events, **Hannah** and **Vee** prepare to leave **Lou's** home, their futures clouded with uncertainty. Their connection to **Lou** remains as they reconcile the bruises left by their shared experiences.

Lou's Reflection

In a chilling final scene, **Lou** watches unobserved, embodying an enigmatic presence with her scars from a troubled past. The film leaves viewers to ponder the complexity of **Lou's** narrative and the echoes of her decisions.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Lou (2022) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Lou (Daniel Bernhardt)

Lou is a hardened and solitary woman with a mysterious past, hinting at her former life as a CIA agent. Her tough exterior conceals deep emotional scars, particularly surrounding her estranged relationship with her son. Throughout the film, she exhibits resilience and strength while confronting her haunting past.

👩‍✈️ Former Agent 🐕 Dog Owner

Hannah (Jurnee Smollett)

Hannah is a determined mother, fiercely protective of her daughter, Vee. Her character evolves through the film as she faces overwhelming challenges and complex emotions, especially regarding Lou and her own family dynamics. Her resilience and resourcefulness shine as she navigates danger and betrayal.

👩‍👧 Motherly 💪 Resilient

Philip (Logan Marshall-Green)

Philip is a deeply conflicted character, serving as the film's antagonist while also representing Lou's troubled past. His motivations are entwined with familial ties and unresolved issues with his mother, making him a central figure in the story's tension and emotional weight.

🚨 Antagonist 🔄 Estranged

Setting

Uncover the settings of Lou (2022), 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 film occurs in a contemporary setting where modern life intersects with enduring personal strife. Characters navigate current societal issues, such as family dynamics and crime, while grappling with their own histories. This modern backdrop enhances the urgency of their predicaments.

Location

Eagle Bay

Eagle Bay is a coastal area marked by its rugged beauty and stormy weather. Known for its treacherous waters and dramatic cliffs, it serves as both a refuge and a battleground for the characters in the film. The natural elements mirror the turbulent emotions and conflicts that unfold amidst the storm.

🏞️ Location 🌊 Coastal

Themes

Explore the core themes of Lou (2022). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🌪️

Survival

Survival is a central theme as characters face both external dangers and internal struggles. Lou and Hannah must navigate a hostile environment while confronting their pasts. The storm symbolizes not only the physical challenges they face but also the emotional turbulence within their lives.

💔

Betrayal

Betrayal permeates the storyline, particularly in the strained relationship between Lou and her estranged son, Philip. The revelation of family ties complicates their interactions, leading to emotional confrontations filled with hurt and mistrust. This theme underscores the characters' choices and the consequences of their actions.

🔫

Redemption

Redemption plays a pivotal role, particularly in Lou's journey as a former CIA agent. As she confronts her past and seeks to protect Hannah and Vee, she grapples with her desire to make amends. This theme highlights the possibility of changing one's fate in the face of previous mistakes and lost opportunities.

© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.