Discover the intricate plot of Nightworld (2017). 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.
Now residing in Bulgaria, former LAPD officer Brett Anderson struggles with the haunting memories of his wife Ana’s tragic death. In a bid to help him find solace, his friend Alex offers him a job as a security guard at an old apartment complex in Sofia. As Brett settles into his new role, he is introduced to the building manager Martin Baker and his colleague Goran, who provide him with an unsettling tour of the premises. During this tour, Martin hands Brett a phone number to call if anything strange occurs, particularly regarding a mysterious door located in the basement.
Moving in, Brett soon crosses paths with Zara, a local coffee shop barista, sparking a mutual attraction between them. However, when Brett spots a shadowy figure on the security feed, he decides to call the mysterious number. This leads to the arrival of the blind consultant Jacob Keaton, who once held Brett’s position but lost his sight. After an odd conversation, which involves Jacob listening at the eerie door adorned with peculiar carvings, he departs, leaving Brett even more intrigued.
Curiosity gets the better of Brett, and he questions Zara about the building’s dark history. She recounts the tragic tale of twin sisters who were murdered by their father—who believed their mother was responsible—before he ended his own life while in police custody. That night, Brett is plagued by nightmares featuring the twins and unsettling memories of his past.
The next day, Brett finds Martin in the process of copying security files, and once again, Martin emphasizes Jacob’s warning against investigating the door. Later, Brett invites Zara over, where he opens up about his career, including the incident that forced him to retire after killing a teenage gang member. They share a night together, but Brett continues to suffer from disturbing dreams.
Things take a darker turn when Martin, Goran, and Jacob return to review the security footage. Upon discovering mysterious footprints, Martin and Goran decide to check behind the ominous door, but quickly flee in fear after confirming what they find. Jacob ominously advises Brett never to venture into the hangar alone.
Zara returns but is perplexed when Brett admits he ignored her calls. Their intimacy takes a twisted turn when Brett envisions Zara transforming into Ana, her throat slit. Disturbed, Brett shares his suspicions about the building and the secrets his employers are concealing.
Jacob reappears, prompting Brett to demand answers about the empty building and the scare Martin and Goran experienced. Jacob reveals the existence of Zachariye, an ancient architect kept alive by medical means, who once sealed the gate to the afterlife in the very building Brett guards. He explains that Zachariye is one of the guardians tasked with protecting the gate, and with his life dwindling, he fears the dead may breach the barrier and flood into the realm of the living. Jacob warns Brett that they must act swiftly to prevent disaster.
Unexpectedly, Alex arrives, alarmed that he has not heard from Brett for several days. It dawns on Brett that time in the building has somehow disintegrated. When Brett, Jacob, Zara, and Alex head to the hangar, Brett learns about the sinister past of the murdered twins—Jacob reveals that the father believed the building had the means to resurrect the dead.
Suddenly, they are besieged by phantoms in the darkness. Alex and Jacob are pulled away, leaving Zara injured but able to escape. Amidst the chaos, Brett encounters the vision of Ana, prompting a tumultuous confrontation where Zara steps in to protect Brett from Ana, now revealed as a malevolent spirit. With resolve, Brett gathers his strength and shoots Ana to protect Zara.
They flee into the elevator, pursued by the undead. Tragically, Zara succumbs to her injuries in Brett’s arms, leaving him heartbroken. As Brett looks back at the building, he sees a spectral vision of Zara desperately banging on a window, only to be resurrected as a zombie, poised to shoot him. Just as tension peaks, a man in black—Isaac Pritchard—intervenes and kills the resurrected Zara.
Finally, Brett comes face-to-face with Isaac Pritchard, who assures him that everything will be alright, and his men will whisk him away to safety. However, the unsettling connection with Jacob and the haunted remnants of his past linger ominously in his mind as flashbacks of Ana, Zara, and the twins surface, intertwining the lines between life and death.
Track the key events of Nightworld (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Brett's New Life in Bulgaria
Former LAPD officer Brett Anderson relocates to Bulgaria in a bid to escape the haunting memories of his wife Ana's tragic death. Struggling with his grief, he hopes for a fresh start away from the painful reminders of his past.
A New Job Opportunity
Brett's friend Alex offers him a job as a security guard at an old apartment complex in Sofia. Accepting the role, Brett seeks to find solace in the routine of work amid his emotional turmoil.
Meeting the Colleagues
Upon starting his new job, Brett meets the building manager Martin Baker and his colleague Goran. They give him a disconcerting tour of the facility, emphasizing the importance of a mysterious phone number for emergencies.
An Eerie Discovery
As Brett adjusts to his role, he becomes intrigued by a shadowy figure he spots on the security feed. Sensing something strange, he decides to call the mysterious number provided by Martin.
Jacob Keaton Arrives
Blind consultant Jacob Keaton, who once held Brett's position, arrives following the phone call. Their conversation reveals the eerie secrets of the building, especially concerning a peculiar door in the basement.
The Tragic Tale of the Twins
Curiosity drives Brett to question Zara, a local barista, about the complex's dark history. She recounts the chilling tale of twin sisters who were murdered by their father, deepening Brett's unease about the building.
Nightmares and Haunted Memories
Brett finds himself haunted by nightmares featuring the ghostly twins along with painful memories of Ana. These disturbances begin to interfere with his fledgling connection to Zara.
Security Footage Revelations
The following day, Brett discovers Martin copying security files, further hinting at the building's secrets. When mysterious footprints are found in the footage, Martin and Goran decide to check the ominous door, only to flee in terror.
A Disturbing Transformation
As Brett's relationship with Zara deepens, he experiences a horrifying vision where Zara transforms into Ana, who appears to be a malevolent spirit. This incident leaves Brett shaken and more suspicious of the building's mysteries.
Jacob's Warning
Jacob reappears and reveals the existence of Zachariye, an ancient architect linked to the building's dark past. He warns Brett of the imminent danger that if not addressed, could lead to a catastrophic breach between worlds.
The Encounter with Phantoms
Unexpectedly, Brett, Jacob, Zara, and Alex are attacked by phantoms in the building. Chaos ensues, resulting in Zara being injured while desperately trying to escape the dangerous presence.
A Fatal Confrontation
In a frantic moment, Brett confronts the vision of Ana, who becomes a threat to Zara. In a desperate act of protection, Brett shoots Ana, grappling with the pain of his actions amidst the turmoil.
Heartbreaking Loss
As they attempt to escape in the elevator, Brett holds Zara in his arms as she succumbs to her injuries. The tragic loss leaves him heartbroken, amplifying his feelings of isolation and despair.
The Return of Zara
Just when Brett thinks all hope is lost, he encounters a spectral vision of Zara banging on a window. This horrifying moment culminates in Zara rising as a zombie, leading to a shocking intervention.
Confrontation with Isaac Pritchard
In a final twist, Brett meets Isaac Pritchard, who promises to ensure his safety amidst the chaos. However, Brett is left reflecting on the haunting ties to his past and the tormenting ghosts that linger in the building.
Meet the characters that bring Nightworld (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Brett Anderson
A former LAPD officer, Brett is deeply affected by the tragic loss of his wife, driving him to find solace in his new role as a security guard. His character grapples with guilt, memories, and a haunting past, which leads to his psychological unraveling as the story unfolds.
Ana
Brett’s deceased wife, Ana’s presence looms large in Brett's emotional landscape, representing unresolved grief and the haunting memory of love lost. Her spirit becomes a significant adversary, reflecting the torment associated with Brett's inability to move on.
Zara
A local coffee shop barista who forms a bond with Brett, she represents a potential new direction in his life. However, her character becomes embroiled in the supernatural turmoil of the building, culminating in a tragic fate, which highlights the peril of past traumas haunting present relationships.
Jacob Keaton
A blind consultant who holds cryptic knowledge of the building’s secrets and serves as a warning to Brett. His character symbolizes the intersection of foresight and despair, underscoring the weight of knowledge that comes with a haunting past.
Martin Baker
The building manager who is complicit in the mysteries surrounding the apartment complex. His actions reveal a deeper connection to the building’s dark history, adding layers of intrigue and foreshadowing to the overall narrative.
Alex
Brett's friend who offers him a job at the haunted apartment complex. He exhibits concern for Brett’s well-being and serves as a catalyst that ignites Brett's investigation into the building’s sinister secrets.
Uncover the settings of Nightworld (2017), 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 narrative unfolds in a contemporary setting, where Brett grapples with his traumatic past while adjusting to his new life. The story's events reflect a modern exploration of grief and the supernatural, with an undertone of time distortion within the haunted building.
Location
Sofia, Bulgaria
The movie takes place in Sofia, Bulgaria, known for its rich history and beautiful architecture. The old apartment complex in which Brett works serves as the central setting, contributing an eerie atmosphere that reflects its dark past and haunted reputation. This backdrop plays a significant role in the unfolding supernatural events.
Explore the core themes of Nightworld (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
🌌
Supernatural
The film delves into the supernatural, blending elements of horror with the exploration of grief. It examines how the past can haunt individuals, as Brett encounters ghosts and memories that challenge his perception of reality. The specters not only represent torment but also unresolved emotions tied to the loss of loved ones.
💔
Grief
Grief is a central theme, highlighted by Brett's struggle to cope with the death of his wife, Ana. His journey embodies the pain of loss, and his interactions with Zara evoke both love and guilt. The film powerfully portrays how unresolved grief can manifest into psychological turmoil and supernatural consequences.
🪦
Death
Death permeates the narrative, not only through Brett's memories but also through the building's tragic history. The fates of the twin sisters and the concept of resurrecting the dead intertwine men's lives with legacies beyond the grave, creating an atmosphere thick with existential dread.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.