Directed by
Simon Barrett
Made by
RLJE Films
Discover the intricate plot of Seance (2021). 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.
One fateful night at the Edelvine Academy for Girls, a group of girls led by the ruthless Alice decide to play a cruel prank on their classmate Kerrie, pretending to summon the Edelvine Ghost, a haunting tale of a student who tragically took her own life. Devastated by the deception, Kerrie retreats to her dorm room, where she experiences a chilling moment as she spots a shadowy figure lurking. When her classmates rush to her aid after hearing her screams, they are horrified to find that Kerrie has fallen to her death from the window.
Entering into this twisted world is Camille Meadows, who takes Kerrie’s place at the academy. Upon arrival, she meets the stern headmistress, Mrs. Landry, and her son Trevor, who also serves as a handyman. The fellow student Helina shows Camille to her new room—Kerrie’s former space—where Camille begins to notice eerie supernatural phenomena. Her encounter with Alice and her entourage of friends—Bethany, Yvonne, Rosalind, and Lenora—marks the beginning of relentless harassment. A subsequent fight leads to the girls being sentenced to detention in the library.
As tensions rise, Alice persuades Camille and Helina to join her group in a séance intended to communicate with Kerrie. While initially skeptical, the group is shocked when they genuinely make contact with a spirit that ominously warns them of impending murder. This harrowing message raises questions: was it Kerrie herself or is it the malevolent Edelvine Ghost? The next evening, chaos ensues when Lenora is brutally attacked and killed by an unseen assailant.
In the aftermath, Mrs. Landry questions the girls about Lenora’s mysterious disappearance, suspecting she might have run away. The students, with Trevor’s aid, search Lenora’s room only to uncover a blood-stained cross ominously drawn on her bed, a sign linked to Alicia Kane, the ghostly figure said to haunt the academy. Later that night, Rosalind meets a grisly fate in the shower, her lifeless body discovered by Camille. This death is swept under the rug as an accident, but it only heightens Camille’s concerns.
Amidst growing dread, Bethany witnesses a masked figure in her room, which vanishes when she cries for help. Despite her claims, Mrs. Landry dismisses this as a mere nightmare, while Camille remains unconvinced. In a desperate effort to uncover the truth, Camille, Helina, and the others hold another séance to reach out to Rosalind, who chillingly reveals she was murdered and points a finger at Camille as the responsible party.
As the bodies continue to pile up, each incident escalates the tension among the girls. Yvonne is soon murdered while rehearsing for a dance recital, and Camille finds herself living with Helina, seeking comfort in each other amidst the chaos. Alice receives a message from Yvonne, leading her to the shed where Lenora’s remains lie before she is knocked unconscious by the masked killer. Camille tries to act but is also overwhelmed.
When she regains consciousness, Camille finds herself restrained in the library beside an unconscious Alice. The sinister duo of Bethany and Trevor reveals their dark secret: they have been the killers all along, having plotted to eliminate their peers to keep their secrets safe. The twist unfolds as Bethany admits she concocted the paranormal happenings during the séances while Trevor had murdered Alicia Kane to cover up their crimes. With blood on her hands and a plan to hang the blame on Camille, Bethany’s true colors come to light.
Just as chaos unfolds, Camille reveals she isn’t who she claims to be; she’s adopted Kerrie’s identity to exact revenge. However, the power flickers, creating an opportunity for Helina to intervene. As the three attempt to flee, a final confrontation with Bethany ensues, leading to a dramatic and bloody climax where Camille kills her intended adversary. With Trevor also dispatched, Camille collects mementos of her fallen friend before facing Helina, revealing her true self and their chance encounter. With a kiss and a promise of remembrance, Camille departs from the academy, leaving behind the shadows of her past and the indelible mark of Kerrie’s spirit.
Track the key events of Seance (2021) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
The Prank
A group of girls led by Alice plays a cruel prank on their classmate Kerrie, pretending to summon the Edelvine Ghost. This malicious act devastates Kerrie, putting her in a heightened emotional state which leads to tragic consequences.
The Chilling Encounter
After the prank, Kerrie retreats to her dorm room, where she encounters a shadowy figure. This terrifying moment escalates when Kerrie screams for help, prompting her classmates to rush to her aid.
Kerrie's Death
Horrified, Kerrie's classmates find that she has fallen to her death from the window. The event shocks the school and profoundly impacts the dynamics among the girls at the academy.
Camille Takes Kerrie's Place
Camille Meadows arrives at Edelvine Academy to take Kerrie's place following her tragic death. She is introduced to the stern headmistress Mrs. Landry and becomes aware of the eeriness surrounding her new environment.
Encountering Alice and Friends
Camille is met by Alice and her friends, who begin to harass her, marking the beginning of a tormenting experience. This bullying leads to a detention for the girls in the library after a fight breaks out.
The Séance
Alice entices Camille and Helina to participate in a séance to connect with Kerrie's spirit. Surprisingly, the séance seems to succeed, as they receive a haunting message warning them of impending murder.
Lenora's Attack
The tension escalates tragically when Lenora is brutally attacked and killed by an unseen force. The girls are left in a state of panic as they begin questioning the reality of the ghostly warnings they received.
Investigation of Lenora's Room
Mrs. Landry interrogates the students about Lenora's disappearance, suspecting she might have run away. With Trevor's help, they explore Lenora's room and discover a blood-stained cross linked to the ghost, escalating their fears.
Rosalind's Fate
In a horrifying turn of events, Rosalind is found dead in the shower by Camille, further heightening the atmosphere of fear and suspicion. The incident is quickly dismissed as an accident, but it leaves Camille increasingly worried for her safety.
Bethany's Nightmare
Bethany witnesses a masked figure in her room, which vanishes before she can get help. When she explains the encounter to Mrs. Landry, her claims are dismissed as nightmares, leaving Camille skeptical about the school's safety.
Rosalind's Séance Revelation
In a desperate attempt to seek the truth, Camille and the others hold another séance to contact Rosalind. Chillingly, Rosalind reveals during the session that she was murdered and hints that Camille is somehow involved.
Yvonne's Murder
Tragedy strikes again as Yvonne is killed while rehearsing for a dance recital. With each murder compounding the fear and paranoia, the remaining girls feel the weight of impending doom weighing heavily on them.
The Hidden Truth Unveiled
After a shocking turn of events, Camille finds herself restrained in the library along with an unconscious Alice. The culprits, Bethany and Trevor, reveal that they have been orchestrating the murders to hide their dark secrets.
Camille's True Identity
In a final twist, Camille reveals that she is not just a new student but has assumed Kerrie's identity to execute her revenge. This revelation leads to a confrontational showdown between her and the remaining killers.
The Confrontation and Escape
In a bloody climax, Camille confronts Bethany in a fierce struggle where she ultimately prevails. As the chaos subsides, Camille departs the academy, leaving behind the pain of her past and embracing her connection to Kerrie’s spirit.
Meet the characters that bring Seance (2021) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Camille Meadows (Suki Waterhouse)
Camille is a determined and fiercely intelligent young woman who assumes Kerrie's identity to uncover the truth behind the strange happenings at Edelvine Academy. Her resilience enables her to navigate the dangerous social landscape, ultimately confronting her fears. As the story progresses, she evolves from a victim to an avenger, showcasing her complex traits and resourcefulness.
Alice (Inanna Sarkis)
Alice is the charismatic yet manipulative leader of her friend group, driving the initial prank that spirals into chaos. Her charm disguises a ruthless nature, leading to a series of treacherous decisions. As tension escalates, her role shifts dramatically, revealing deeper layers of fear and desperation as she confronts the consequences of her actions.
Bethany (Madisen Beaty)
Bethany is a key character whose layering of secrets culminates in her revealing nature as one of the culprits behind the murders. Initially appearing as a secondary character, she emerges with complex motivations tied to survival and loyalty within the group. This character demonstrates the potential for darkness in those who are pushed to their limits.
Trevor Landry (Seamus Patterson)
Trevor, introduced as a handyman at the academy, plays a pivotal role in the unfolding chaos as he connects with both the students and the sinister events. His dual nature complicates the narrative, reflecting a blend of vulnerability and complicity. Trevor's involvement accentuates the murkiness of morality in the face of fear and loyalty.
Uncover the settings of Seance (2021), 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 events unfold in contemporary times where themes of social dynamics, bullying, and psychological horror play out against the backdrop of a modern educational institution. The blend of school life with supernatural elements resonates with the youthful struggle of identity, making it both relatable and terrifying.
Location
Edelvine Academy for Girls
Edelvine Academy for Girls is an all-girls boarding school steeped in tradition and shadowed by dark tales. Known for its strict discipline and haunting history, it becomes the backdrop for a series of chilling events following the death of a student. The eerie atmosphere of the academy, combined with its ghostly legends, contributes to the growing tension and horror experienced by the students.
Explore the core themes of Seance (2021). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
🕯️
Supernatural
The theme of the supernatural permeates the narrative, driving the plot through elements of ghostly encounters and séances. This often blurs the line between reality and the paranormal as the characters grapple with their fears and guilt. The interactions with the Edelvine Ghost evoke both terror and intrigue, deepening the mystery surrounding the academy.
🔪
Betrayal
Betrayal is a central theme as friendships dissolve into mistrust and deceit among the girls. The manipulation and crafted lies lead to lethal consequences, revealing the darker sides of human nature when faced with jealousy and rivalry. Each character's motive becomes more sinister as they struggle for power and survival, showcasing the vulnerabilities within their relationships.
💔
Revenge
Revenge drives Camille as she adopts Kerrie’s identity, seeking justice for her friend's tragic fate. This theme unfolds through conflicts that arise from past grievances and a haunting need for retribution. Camille's transformation and ultimate confrontation highlight how the desire for vengeance can lead to a cycle of violence and tragedy.
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.