Polaroid 2019
Directed by
Lars Klevberg
Made by
Dimension Films
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Polaroid (2019). 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.
Sarah, portrayed by Madelaine Petsch, and her friend discover an old Polaroid camera among her late mother’s belongings. After her friend receives a “like” from her crush, Sarah, feeling bold, snaps a photo of herself in lingerie using the camera. However, when she looks at the photo, she becomes uneasy as a chilling shadow looms in the background. After her friend departs, Sarah is left alone at home, where she investigates strange noises from the attic. In a moment of horror, she finds herself dangling upside down before being pulled up by a mysterious entity, ultimately leading to her offscreen demise.
The story progresses with a shy high school student, Bird, played by Kathryn Prescott, who receives the same Polaroid camera from her co-worker Tyler. This camera, bearing the initials “RJS,” quickly becomes a source of terror. After taking pictures at a costume party, including a shot of her crush Connor (Tyler Young), Bird begins to notice a disturbing shadow appearing in the photos. Tragedy strikes when Tyler is murdered by the entity, sending shockwaves through Bird’s life. She later learns that the ominous shadow has shifted to Avery’s photo, only for Avery to meet an even grimmer fate.
As Bird desperately attempts to protect her friends, she discovers a sinister pattern tied to the camera’s history. The entity, manifesting the horrors of its past, is linked to a photography teacher named Roland Joseph Sable, who had a dark reputation involving the tragic fate of several students. Amidst the chaos, Bird and her friends fight against the entity, which has its own rules concerning photographs and heat sensitivity.
As events escalate tragically, including the death of Bird’s friend Mina, the group gathers information about Roland’s family’s role in the camera’s curse. They meet Lena Sable, Roland’s wife, who reveals the heartbreaking story of their daughter, Rebecca, the original owner of the camera. Driven to madness by her bullying and the gruesome fate of her classmates, Roland’s vengeful spirit now hunts those connected to his trauma.
With danger closing in, Bird and her allies confront the entity, learning about its ties to Sheriff Pembroke and the violent past that endangers their lives. Utilizing their newfound knowledge, Bird devises a plan to trap the entity and finally put it to rest. In a climactic showdown, she takes a daring risk to lead the entity into a spot where it can “fully develop.” Through quick thinking and bravery, she confronts the monster, resulting in a fierce battle that claims the entity’s existence. Ultimately, she unites with her friends and disposes of the cursed camera, ensuring that its dark legacy is buried forever.
Timeline
Track the key events of Polaroid (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Discovery of the Polaroid Camera
Sarah and her friend stumble upon an old Polaroid camera among Sarah's deceased mother's belongings. The camera bears an ominous aura, hinting at its dark history.
The Bold Photo
Feeling daring after her friend receives a like from a crush, Sarah snaps a photo of herself in lingerie. However, upon reviewing the image, she becomes unsettled by a chilling shadow lurking behind her.
Mysterious Noises
After her friend leaves, Sarah is left alone at home. She hears strange noises coming from the attic, compelling her to investigate the source.
Sarah's Gruesome Fate
In a terrifying encounter, Sarah finds herself hanging upside down before being dragged away by an unknown entity. This shocking event leads to her offscreen demise, leaving viewers in suspense.
Bird Receives the Polaroid
Bird, a reserved high school student, receives the same Polaroid camera from her co-worker Tyler. The camera, linked to dreadful occurrences, brings forth an eerie sense of foreboding in Bird's life.
Costume Party and Shadow
During a costume party, Bird takes pictures with the camera, including one of her crush, Connor. The photographs reveal a disturbing shadow, echoing Sarah's earlier experience.
Tragic Murder of Tyler
In a shocking twist, Bird's co-worker Tyler becomes the next victim of the malevolent entity. This tragic event sends a wave of fear through Bird's life and her remaining friendships.
Avery's Grim Fate
As the mysterious shadow shifts to Avery's photo, Bird realizes that her friends are in grave danger. Avery tragically meets a horrific end, heightening the urgency for Bird.
Uncovering the Camera's History
Desperate to protect her friends, Bird learns that the camera's dark history is linked to a photography teacher named Roland Joseph Sable. His reputation, tarnished by tragic events involving students, casts a long shadow over their lives.
Meeting Lena Sable
Bird and her friends meet Lena Sable, Roland's wife, who recounts the tragic story of their daughter Rebecca, the camera’s original owner. This revelation uncovers the haunting source of the entity's curse.
Mina's Death
The group's fears are realized when Bird's friend Mina is killed by the entity. This loss intensifies the stakes and compels Bird to find a way to stop the horrifying cycle.
Confrontation with the Entity
As danger escalates, Bird and her friends confront the malevolent entity. They discover its connections to Sheriff Pembroke and a violent history, forcing them into a desperate battle for survival.
The Plan to Trap the Entity
Utilizing their newfound knowledge of the entity's past, Bird devises a risky plan to trap it. They hope to confront the monster in a location where it can be ultimately contained.
Climactic Showdown
In a thrilling climax, Bird takes a daring risk to lead the entity into a position where it can 'fully develop.' Her bravery sparks a fierce struggle between her and the vengeful spirit.
Final Victory and Camera Disposal
After an intense battle, Bird successfully confronts the entity, ultimately ensuring its destruction. Together, she and her friends dispose of the cursed camera, erasing its dark legacy.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Polaroid (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Sarah
Portrayed by Madelaine Petsch, Sarah is a bold and impulsive character who finds herself in a terrifying situation after using the Polaroid camera. Her decision to take a photo leads to her encounter with a chilling entity, showcasing the fragility of life and the unforeseen consequences of her actions. Sarah's bravery turns tragic, marking a pivotal moment in the story.
Bird
Kathryn Prescott plays Bird, a shy student thrust into a terrifying situation when she inherits the cursed camera. As the story unfolds, Bird's character evolves from timid to courageous, as she seeks to protect her friends by uncovering the dark history linked to their plight. Her determination and growth stand as a testament to facing fears head-on.
Lena Sable
Grace Zabriskie portrays Lena Sable, a key figure connected to the dark history of the camera. She is deeply affected by the tragedy of her daughter’s story and reveals the sorrow tied to the entity's existence. Lena's emotional turmoil and insights help Bird and her friends understand the deeper implications of their horror.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Polaroid (2019), 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
Present Day
Polaroid is set in the present day, showcasing the dynamics of modern teenage life. It reflects contemporary themes around social media, peer relationships, and the consequences of seemingly innocent actions. This time period allows for relatable technology, like the Polaroid camera, to intertwine with horror elements.
Location
High School, Attic, Costume Party
The film takes place in a typical high school setting where friendships and teenage life unfold. The attic serves as a dark and foreboding space, harboring terrifying secrets. Additionally, the costume party acts as a social hub, where the characters experience joy before the horror unfolds.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Polaroid (2019). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Photography & Consequence
The movie revolves around the theme of photography as a powerful tool that reveals hidden truths yet can also unleash terrifying consequences. The supernatural entity is tied to the camera, depicting how capturing moments can lead to a longing for connection or, conversely, horror. This theme underlines the vulnerabilities of social interactions in an age where images hold significant value.
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Mystery & Investigation
As Bird and her friends delve into the history of the cursed camera, they encounter the theme of mystery. The film explores their quest to uncover the entity's origins and its relationship to its victims. The investigation leads to profound revelations about the tragedy of Roland Joseph Sable and the impact of bullying.
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Supernatural Horror
The supernatural element is central to the film, with a malevolent entity haunting the characters. It signifies unresolved trauma and the horrors of the past that manifest in terrifying ways. The battle between the protagonists and the entity reflects the resilience of youth against destructive forces.
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