Directed by
Owen Egerton
Made by
Netflix
As a young girl, Marina Hess and her friend Rebecca Cline tragically stabbed a classmate, convinced that a ghost named Mercy Black would cure Marina’s ill mother. Now, after fifteen years in a psychiatric facility, Marina is released to her sister, Alice Hess. To Marina’s horror, the tale of Mercy Black has transcended into a widespread urban legend on the internet. This dangerous fascination soon grips Alice’s son, Bryce Hess, who becomes deeply obsessed with the ghostly figure.
Determined to confront her traumatic past and protect Bryce from a similar fate, Marina begins to unravel the mystery, questioning if Mercy Black is merely a figment of her imagination. A visit to Rebecca reveals a devastating reality: her former friend is now in a catatonic state after a failed suicide attempt. As Marina combs through Rebecca’s belongings, she discovers an old map and is suddenly attacked.
Life takes a dark turn when Bryce is caught acting out in the library, claiming, > “she told me to do it.” Unraveling the truth, Marina follows the map into the woods, where she stumbles upon cryptic clues leading to an eerie nuclear fallout shelter. Inside, she uncovers “the book you cannot read” and grapples with the reality that they were the creators of Mercy Black. While she comes to believe in Mercy’s nonexistence, Bryce spirals further into his obsession.
After a harrowing encounter with the ghost in their home, Alice suffers a terrible fall. Upon Marina’s return, she finds herself face-to-face with Mercy, who attacks her. In a shocking twist, Bryce escapes but runs straight into the arms of Lily Bellows, the very girl Marina and Rebecca once intended to sacrifice.
Lily, furious for having survived, highlights Marina’s failure to fulfill her dark promise. In a chilling confrontation, she stabs Marina and threatens Bryce’s life, but in the chaos, Marina tackles her, only to hesitate in the moment. Bryce, overcome by a sense of vengeance, ultimately confronts Lily, delivering a fatal blow to her eye while proclaiming, > “I made a promise,” just as Mercy Black looms ominously behind him.
The Stabbing Incident
In a misguided attempt to save Marina's ill mother, Marina Hess and her friend Rebecca Cline stab a classmate. This shocking event marks the beginning of their descent into darkness as they believe the ghost, Mercy Black, will grant them a miracle.
Years in Psychiatric Facility
After the traumatic event, Marina spends fifteen years in a psychiatric facility, struggling with her past and the urban legends that have developed around her story. Meanwhile, the legend of Mercy Black transforms into a widely circulated myth on the internet.
Release and Return Home
Marina is finally released from the psychiatric facility and returns home to her sister Alice. This homecoming is filled with tension as she grapples with the lingering effects of her past and the stories that now haunt her family.
Bryce's Obsession
Marina discovers that her nephew Bryce has become obsessed with the ghostly figure of Mercy Black. This obsession mirrors the past events and raises concerns for Marina, who fears Bryce may follow in her troubled footsteps.
Visit to Rebecca
Determined to confront her past, Marina visits Rebecca, only to find out that her former friend is now in a catatonic state. This devastating revelation increases Marina's urgency to understand the nexus between their past actions and Mercy Black.
Discovery of the Map
While sifting through Rebecca's belongings, Marina uncovers an old map that seems to hold dark significance. This map sets into motion a series of events as it leads her deeper into the mystery of Mercy Black.
Bryce's Disturbing Behavior
Bryce exhibits alarming behavior in the library, claiming that 'she told me to do it.' This incident solidifies Marina's fears that the ghost of Mercy Black has a grip on her nephew and that history may be repeating itself.
Exploration of the Woods
Marina follows the map into the woods, where she discovers cryptic clues leading to a hidden nuclear fallout shelter. This eerie location tests her resolve as she confronts the reality of her and Rebecca's past creation of the ghostly legend.
Confronting the Truth
Inside the fallout shelter, Marina finds 'the book you cannot read' and begins to piece together the grim truth behind her past actions. While she attempts to dismiss the reality of Mercy Black, her nephew's obsession intensifies.
Alice's Fall
After a chilling encounter with the ghost in their home, Alice suffers a terrible fall. This accident heightens the tension in the household and further complicates Marina's attempts to protect her family.
Marina's Final Confrontation
In a shocking encounter, Marina finally faces Mercy Black, who attacks her in a surreal battle of wills. This moment forces Marina to confront not only her fears but the reality of her past mistakes.
Lily's Revenge
Bryce finds himself in a perilous situation when he encounters Lily Bellows, the intended sacrifice from their past. In a fit of rage, she attacks Marina, forcing the family to confront the consequences of their actions.
Bryce's Act of Vengeance
In a climactic moment, Bryce confronts Lily and delivers a fatal blow, declaring, 'I made a promise.' This act not only changes the course of the night but symbolizes the haunting legacy of their childhood trauma.
Resolution of the Nightmare
The confrontation culminates in a chaotic blend of past and present, awakening the terrifying legacy of Mercy Black. As the narrative resolves, the family is left to grapple with the lasting impacts of their choices and the shadows of their past.
Marina Hess (Daniella Pineda)
Marina is a complex character marked by her traumatic past and her struggle for redemption. After fifteen years in a psychiatric facility, she returns to a world consumed by her childhood horror, displaying resilience as she seeks to protect her nephew from the fate she faced. Her journey involves facing her fears and unraveling the truth behind Mercy Black.
Bryce Hess (Miles Emmons)
Bryce is a young boy caught in the web of obsession with the ghost of Mercy Black, naively drawn into the same darkness that once engulfed Marina. His character represents the danger of allowing fear to dictate actions, especially as he grapples with the secrets of his family's past. Bryce's transformation illustrates the impact of unresolved trauma on the next generation.
Alice Hess (Elle LaMont)
Alice, Marina's sister, embodies the protective role but is also pulled into the chaos surrounding Mercy Black. Her character struggles with the legacy of the past while trying to manage her son's dangerous obsession. Alice's own traumatic experiences shape her actions, making her a sympathetic figure in the film.
Lily Bellows (Lee Eddy)
Lily represents the survivor's perspective, haunted by the events of her past and seeking vengeance against those who wronged her. Her fierce determination to confront Marina adds layers to the narrative, illustrating the complexities of survival and the burdens it carries. Lily's character challenges the viewer's understanding of guilt and forgiveness.
Time period
Present Day
Set in contemporary times, the movie explores the blend of urban legend and mental health, reflecting societal issues around trauma and obsession. The story intersects with modern technology as the legend of Mercy Black gains traction on the internet, influencing a new generation.
Location
Woods, Nuclear Fallout Shelter
The woods serve as a haunting backdrop for Marina's journey, filled with cryptic clues that lead her to confront her traumatic past. Hidden within these trees is a nuclear fallout shelter, a relic of fear and secrecy, where devastating truths about the origins of Mercy Black unfold.
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Obsession
Obsession permeates the narrative, particularly as Bryce becomes infatuated with the ghost of Mercy Black. This theme illustrates how dark childhood experiences can lead to fixation in adulthood, impacting not just the individual but their loved ones. The recursive nature of obsession is showcased through the characters' interaction with their shared past.
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Trauma
The characters grapple with the consequences of trauma from their youth, particularly Marina's struggle to confront the guilt of her past actions. The film delves into how unresolved trauma can manifest in various ways, influencing relationships and mental health. It emphasizes the importance of confronting one's history to break the cycle of pain.
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Urban Legend
The concept of urban legends is central to the plot, transforming Mercy Black from a childhood tale into a prevalent horror myth. As the story unfolds, it highlights the power of storytelling and how myths can influence real-life events and perceptions, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
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