The Gallows Act II

The Gallows Act II 2019

Directed by

Chris Lofing

Chris Lofing

Made by

Lionsgate

Lionsgate

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Plot Summary


Teenage friends Victor, Lex, Scott, Nick, and Marcus decide to film a variation of ‘The Charlie Charlie Challenge.’ During this video, Victor reads a passage from ‘The Gallows,’ a play rumored to be cursed and responsible for the death of high school actor Charlie Grimille. Following their video, strange paranormal occurrences begin to torment them in the basement. Tragically, Victor discovers Marcus hanging from the swing set chains outside. Soon after, he himself falls victim to the supposedly supernatural serial killer known as The Hangman, who strangles him using yet another chain.

Meanwhile, aspiring actress Auna Rue relocates to live with her sister Lisa, a prop and dressmaker, so she can attend the esteemed Fellbrook High School, renowned for its drama program. On her debut day, Auna faces humiliation while performing a monologue from ‘Return to Thayolund’ in Mr. Schlake’s class, which has been her childhood obsession. However, she manages to regain some confidence when schoolmate Cade Parker shows romantic interest in her.

On her underwhelming YouTube channel, Auna receives a message from an anonymous user named almostfamous99, who connects her to Victor’s viral video, alleging supernatural events triggered by readings from ‘The Gallows.’ Hoping to increase her subscriber count after witnessing Victor’s staggering 16 million views, Auna checks out the play from the school library, leading to an intense obsession. She later uploads her own reading of the piece, which surprisingly captivates audiences.

Impressing her class during a performance of ‘The Gallows,’ Auna soon finds herself soaring in popularity when viewers notice a table moving behind her as she reads. In a subsequent video, a mysterious object flies across her bedroom, further increasing her notoriety. A romantic ice cream date with Cade deepens their bond, during which he introduces her to his parents, famed actors Craig and Kate Parker.

Auna experiences a terrifying incident at a gas station when she glimpses a reflection of a hanging man in her rearview mirror. At this point, two young girls, enamored fans of her YouTube channel, approach her for a selfie, inadvertently revealing that a figure loomed ominously behind her during her recent video. Additional messages from almostfamous99 lead Auna to an online Charlie Challenge fan page, where she discovers more chilling details about Charlie Grimille and the hanging incidents linked to him.

Subsequent eerie happenings, including a closet door slamming on Auna’s hand and the sighting of The Hangman stalking her, begin to unravel her mind. During a party, Auna and Cade sneak away to a treehouse, where an unexpected vision reveals The Hangman killing Cade. Startled, Auna’s grip tightens around Cade’s neck amid their kiss, resulting in a demand to return home.

Disturbingly, ‘Return to Thayolund’ plays on Lisa’s TV, while The Hangman’s presence continues to haunt them. In distress, Auna confides in Mr. Schlake about her reluctance to read from ‘The Gallows’ anymore. Surprisingly, she recites a passage from the play, even convinced she was rehearsing for ‘Return to Thayolund.’ Auna ultimately blocks almostfamous99 as his messages turn menacing. The situation worsens as Auna watches distressing videos of Lex, who shares her disfiguring neck mark, contemplating suicide during a livestream likely to involve The Hangman.

Tensions escalate when Lisa discovers their dog hanged outside; in a fit of rage, she rips up Auna’s copy of ‘The Gallows,’ insisting it inflicts pain upon them. In a desperate attempt to save Lex during her live stream, Auna’s intervention proves too late when Lex succumbs to The Hangman’s threat. Auna’s copy of the cursed play mysteriously returns to her possession, leading to a pivotal audition for a full scholarship with Scott Lamont. Although he is impressed, Auna envisions a noose around him during the reading.

As Lisa prepares to leave for her show, her suitcase eerily vanishes, leaving them both shaken as paranormal disturbances wreak havoc inside their home. The Hangman ensnares Lisa, leaving Auna distraught. Uncovering a chilling connection, Cade researches the tragic history at Beatrice High School, discovering that invoking the name of Charlie Grimille can summon the ghostly figure of The Hangman, which connects to the deaths of Pfeifer Ross and her mother.

With almostfamous99’s relentless harassment looming over them, Cade leads Auna to Pfeifer’s asylum in hopes of uncovering a way to break The Hangman’s curse. Pfeifer cryptically warns that the only method of appeasing The Hangman involves offering a willing sacrifice. Subsequently, Cade and Auna find themselves unexpectedly abducted and hung on gallows in a desolate forest, facing the terrifying ultimatum of deciding who shall be the sacrifice.

Before Auna can intervene, Cade volunteers, resulting in a trapdoor beneath him. In a desperate bid for survival, Auna pleas for her life in exchange for Cade’s, but tragically, she becomes the one to hang. Following Auna’s tragic death, several additional hangmen appear from the shadows, revealing themselves as Victor, Lex, Cade’s family, and her adorning fans—unmasking a larger conspiracy orchestrated to drive Auna into insanity. As the last revelation hits, Cade admits his role as almostfamous99, addressing the camera, proclaiming the success of their nefarious Charlie Challenge experiment.

Timeline


Victor's Idea

Teenage friends Victor, Lex, Scott, Nick, and Marcus decide to film a variation of 'The Charlie Charlie Challenge.' They gather in the basement to explore supernatural themes, unaware of the peril that awaits them as they proceed with their plans.

Basement

Reading 'The Gallows'

During the video, Victor reads a passage from 'The Gallows,' a play linked to the untimely death of actor Charlie Grimille. This action unknowingly unleashes a series of terrifying paranormal occurrences that begin haunting the group.

Basement

Marcus's Tragic Death

After the initial paranormal experiences, Victor discovers Marcus hanging from swing set chains outside. The shocking sight plunges Victor and the group into fear and confusion as they realize the dangers they've invited through their actions.

Swing Set

The Hangman's Stranglehold

Victor falls victim to The Hangman, a supernatural serial killer who strangles him using a chain. This event marks a significant escalation in the horror experienced by the group, confirming that they have awakened a deadly force.

Outside

Auna's Move

Aspiring actress Auna Rue relocates to live with her sister Lisa, a prop and dressmaker, to attend the renowned Fellbrook High School. She hopes to pursue her passion for drama, setting the stage for her own entanglement with dark forces.

Fellbrook High School

Auna's Performance

On her debut day, Auna faces humiliation during a monologue in Mr. Schlake’s class. Despite the embarrassment, she quickly rebounds when she catches the romantic attention of her classmate Cade Parker.

School Classroom

Almostfamous99’s Message

Auna receives a message from an anonymous user, almostfamous99, linking her to Victor's viral video. Intrigued by the supernatural claims, she checks out 'The Gallows' from the school library, igniting a haunting obsession.

School Library

Auna Goes Viral

When Auna uploads her own reading of 'The Gallows,' the performance captivates audiences, rapidly boosting her YouTube subscriber count. Her newfound popularity triggers even more eerie coincidences during her readings.

Auna's YouTube Channel

Gas Station Terror

Auna experiences a frightening incident at a gas station where she sees a reflection of a hanging man in her rearview mirror. This moment underscores the growing terror surrounding her as she begins to realize she's being stalked.

Gas Station

Revelations from Fans

Two young fans approach Auna for a selfie, revealing that they have seen a figure lurking behind her during her recent videos. This encounter intensifies Auna's fear as she begins to uncover deeper connections to the haunting.

Strange Incidents Escalate

As eerie happenings unfold, including a closet door slamming on her hand, Auna witnesses The Hangman stalking her. Her mind starts to unravel under the pressure of the supernatural events surrounding her.

Auna's Home

The Hangman's Appearance

During a party, Auna and Cade sneak away to a treehouse, where Auna has a vision of The Hangman killing Cade. Deeply disturbed, she accidentally tightens her grip around Cade's neck, hinting at a sinister connection.

Treehouse

Mr. Schlake's Advice

In distress, Auna confides in Mr. Schlake about her fears related to reading 'The Gallows.' Surprisingly, he encourages her, which leads her to recite a passage from the play, despite her apprehensions.

School Classroom

Lex's Livestream

Auna witnesses Lex's shocking livestream where she shares her struggle with a disfiguring neck mark and contemplates suicide. Auna realizes the immense danger they face, driven to desperate measures to save her friend.

Online

Confrontation with The Hangman

Auna and Cade find themselves abducted and hung on gallows in a desolate forest, where they're forced to choose a sacrifice. The horrifying ultimatum leads to Auna's tragic fate as she becomes the one to hang, revealing a larger conspiracy at play.

Desolate Forest

Characters


Auna Rue (Ema Horvath)

Auna is an aspiring actress whose journey to fame spirals into horror after encountering the cursed play, *The Gallows*. Initially motivated by ambition and validation, Auna's character arc transitions into one of desperation and fear as supernatural events unfold around her. Her vulnerability and eventual downfall underscore the film's exploration of obsession and the price of ambition.

🎭 Actress 🌌 Obsession 😱 Victim

Lisa Rue (Brittany Falardeau)

Lisa is Auna's supportive sister, navigating her own challenges while trying to protect Auna from the mounting dangers. Her role as a prop and dressmaker adds a layer of creativity and industry insight to the story. As the horror intensifies, Lisa's protective instincts shine, yet she ultimately becomes a victim of the terrifying curse.

👩‍👧‍👧 Sister 🎨 Creator 😢 Protector

Victor (Jono Cota)

Victor is one of Auna's friends who inadvertently triggers the supernatural events by engaging with the cursed play. His excitement turns to dread as his actions lead to the deaths of his peers. His character illustrates the consequences of recklessness, propelling the horror narrative forward.

👨‍🎤 Friend 😨 Instigator 🥀 Tragic

Cade Parker (Chris Milligan)

Cade is a love interest of Auna who offers her support and affection through her struggles. His charisma and concern for Auna create an emotional anchor amid the horror. However, his involvement in the unfolding events leads to a heart-wrenching climax that tests the boundaries of love and sacrifice.

❤️ Love Interest 😢 Supportive 🎭 Drama

Mr. Schlake (Dennis Hurley)

Mr. Schlake is Auna's teacher, who represents the authoritative figure in her academic life. He pushes Auna to confront her fears, but also becomes an unexpected participant in the unfolding chaos connected to the cursed play. His character serves as a reminder of the pressures faced by aspiring performers in a competitive environment.

👨‍🏫 Teacher 🧐 Authority 🎭 Mentor

Lex (Erika Miranda)

Lex is a supportive friend in Auna's circle who becomes ensnared in the horror of The Hangman. Her character's journey touches on themes of friendship and the toll that obsession with fame can take. Tragically, her demise highlights the dangers that lurk when one engages with dark forces.

👭 Friend 😔 Tragic 🎭 Loyalty

Setting


Time period

The movie takes place in contemporary times, reflecting on the immediate effects of social media on youth culture and mental health. Events unfold in a modern setting where technology and the internet play significant roles in connecting characters to both fame and horror.

Location

Fellbrook High School, Beatrice High School, Treehouse, Gas Station, Asylum, Forest

Fellbrook High School is recognized for its prestigious drama program, attracting aspiring performers like Auna Rue. Beatrice High School has a dark history linked to tragic events surrounding the character Charlie Grimille. The treehouse serves as a secretive escape for Auna and Cade, while the gas station acts as a site of chilling encounters. An asylum becomes pivotal in uncovering the curse of The Hangman, and a desolate forest later becomes the setting for a harrowing ultimatum.

🏫 School 🌲 Nature 🏥 Asylum 🚗 Gas Station 🌳 Forest

Themes


📽️

Fame

The quest for fame drives many characters in the movie, particularly Auna, who seeks validation through her online presence. This desire for popularity is juxtaposed with the terrifying consequences that unfold, illustrating the dark side of internet fame. As Auna's popularity grows due to her connection with *The Gallows*, she becomes increasingly entwined with supernatural forces.

👻

Supernatural Horror

The theme of supernatural horror dominates as characters confront the cursed play and the presence of The Hangman. Their choices in engaging with the paranormal lead to dire consequences, highlighting the dangers of meddling with unknown forces. As they navigate hauntings and threats, the horror escalates, revealing the impact of their actions on their lives.

💔

Sacrifice

The need for sacrifice becomes a fatal ultimatum in the story, raising questions about loyalty and desperation. Auna's ultimate decision highlights the moral complexities of survival. This theme culminates in a chilling moment where characters must confront their darker intentions and the lengths they will go to escape the looming threat of The Hangman.

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