Plot Summary
A mysterious red object crashes into a forest, where a deer is suddenly ensnared by a tentacle. In the heart of their six-year relationship, Ruth (Maika Monroe) and Harry (Jake Lacy), an unmarried couple, embark on a camping adventure. Their trek leads them to a picturesque overlook adorned with shimmering water, where Harry seizes the moment to propose marriage. However, Ruth, plagued by anxiety, panics and declines, citing their earlier discussions about avoiding marriage. This disagreement injects a strain into their relationship, creating an awkward tension that lingers.
The following day, as they meander through the woods, they stumble upon a deer enveloped in a strange black substance, which Harry assumes is due to some illness. Ruth’s curiosity drives her into a cave where she discovers a blue puddle. Emerging from the cave, she reveals to Harry that she has had a change of heart and wants him to propose once more. Yet, when they reach the scenic overlook again, the atmosphere takes a dark turn as Ruth unexpectedly pushes him off the cliff, leading him to a fatal fall onto the rocks below.
In her wandering through the forest afterward, Ruth encounters another couple who try to help her understand the disconnect she feels. Soon, a disguised alien version of Harry emerges, killing the couple. It’s unveiled that the blue puddle led Ruth to witness Harry’s dead body encased in a cocoon, making her realize he has been replaced by a malignant impostor. The alien, burdened by the love Harry had for Ruth, struggles with this unfamiliar emotion and finds itself unable to harm her.
Taking Ruth to a beach, the alien shows her its spacecraft, urging her to escape the impending Earth invasion by joining it on another planet. In a desperate attempt for freedom, Ruth stabs the alien and lures it into the water, attracting a shark that allows her to escape. However, the alien manages to slay the shark and pursues her, eventually overpowering and cocooning her as well. It then absorbs her personality, mimicking her appearance but finding itself troubled by her anxieties.
As the authentic Ruth breaks free from the cocoon, she confronts the creature, shattering its head with a rock. In her flight, the alien’s head begins to regenerate, indicating it’s far from finished. Ruth navigates her way back to her vehicle, and as she drives away, the alien ominously communicates with her through the car radio, while red objects begin to rain down from the sky, heralding the larger alien invasion that is yet to come.
Timeline
Mysterious Crash
A mysterious red object crashes into a forest, signaling the start of unusual events. A deer in the vicinity is suddenly ensnared by a tentacle, hinting at the alien presence in the area.
Camping Adventure
Ruth and Harry, an unmarried couple in a six-year relationship, decide to embark on a camping adventure. Their trip showcases a blend of love and tension as they explore the beauty of nature.
Marriage Proposal
Harry proposes to Ruth at a picturesque overlook, hoping to solidify their bond. However, Ruth, overwhelmed with anxiety and memories of their discussions about avoiding marriage, panics and declines the proposal.
Strained Relationship
The rejection creates an awkward tension between Ruth and Harry, casting a shadow over their camping trip. The strain from the proposal looms as they continue their hike through the woods.
Mysterious Deer Encounter
As they stroll through the woods, Ruth and Harry come across a deer engulfed in a strange black substance. Harry speculates that the deer is suffering from some ailment, but Ruth's curiosity drives her deeper into the woods.
Change of Heart
Driven by newfound hope, Ruth ventures into a nearby cave and discovers a blue puddle, which inspires her to change her mind. She reveals her desire for Harry to propose again, seeking to mend their troubled relationship.
Tragic Push
Returning to the scenic overlook, Ruth's emotions take a dark turn as she unexpectedly pushes Harry off the cliff. This impulsive act leads to his fatal fall onto the rocks below, altering the course of her life forever.
Confrontation with a Couple
In her confusion and grief, Ruth encounters another couple who attempt to help her grapple with her feelings. Their kindness is short-lived, as a disguised alien version of Harry emerges, resulting in their shocking murder.
Realization of the Impostor
Ruth learns that the blue puddle allowed her to witness Harry's dead body, revealing the truth that he has been replaced by a malignant impostor. This realization deepens her horror as she navigates her emotional turmoil.
An Alien's Offer
The alien version of Harry takes Ruth to a beach, showing her its spacecraft and urging her to escape Earth's impending invasion. The offer puts Ruth in a morally complex situation as she considers this otherworldly escape.
Desperate Escape
In a moment of desperation, Ruth stabs the alien and lures it into the water where a shark awaits. The ensuing chaos allows her a brief chance to escape, making a daring bid for freedom.
Alien Pursuit
Though Ruth initially escapes, the alien manages to kill the shark and pursues her relentlessly. It captures her and cocoons her, absorbing her personality and mimicking her appearance, compounding her struggles.
Ruth's Defiance
Ruth breaks free from the cocoon and confronts the alien, leading to a tense confrontation. In a fierce struggle, she shatters the alien's head with a rock, attempting to reclaim her freedom.
The Threat Lingers
Despite Ruth's victory, the alien's head begins to regenerate, indicating that it is not finished yet. Ruth flees, knowing the threat is still looming as she navigates her way back.
Alien Invasion Begins
As Ruth drives away in her vehicle, the alien ominously communicates with her through the car radio. The skies darken with red objects falling, signifying the larger alien invasion that is yet to unfold.
Characters
Ruth
Ruth is depicted as a conflicted character grappling with her fears regarding commitment and love. Initially panicking at the thought of engagement, her emotional turmoil leads to tragic consequences. As her character evolves, she faces both external threats and her internal struggles with anxiety, ultimately transforming into a more resilient figure.
Harry
Harry is portrayed as a hopeful romantic eager to take their relationship to the next level. His proposal attempt underlines his deep affection for Ruth, but he is also caught off-guard by her emotional upheaval. After his tragic fall, his alien counterpart introduces a twist, challenging the notion of his character and love.
Setting
Time period
The story unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting modern relationship dynamics and the anxieties of commitment. As the characters navigate their personal dilemmas, the backdrop of an impending alien invasion intensifies the narrative, blending themes of romance with science fiction elements.
Location
Forest, Scenic Overlook, Beach
The movie takes place primarily in a dense forest, a setting that symbolizes both beauty and danger. The scenic overlook, with its shimmering waters, serves as a pivotal location where significant decisions are made, altering the couple's relationship. A beach becomes the backdrop for the alien's revelation and subsequent pursuit, adding an element of isolation amidst natural beauty.
Themes
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Betrayal
Betrayal is a central theme, as Ruth grapples with her emotions and ultimately betrays Harry in a moment of panic and fear. This act sets off a chain of events, underscoring the fragility of trust in relationships. The presence of an alien version of Harry compounds this theme, raising questions about identity and authenticity.
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Transformation
Transformation, both literal and emotional, is explored as Ruth encounters the alien and the ramifications of her choices. The change from a loving partner to a participant in violent acts highlights her internal conflict. Additionally, the alien's ability to mimic Ruth represents the complexities of self-identity and the influence of external forces.
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Escape
The desire to escape is prevalent throughout the film. Ruth's yearning for freedom leads her to make desperate choices as she confronts the alien. The quest for liberation from both her relationship and the external threat of an alien invasion emphasizes the struggle to reclaim one’s own agency amid chaos.
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