Test your knowledge of The Mist with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of The Mist (2007). 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.


A fierce thunderstorm lashes Bridgton, Maine, bringing chaos as a tree collapses on the lakeside home of artist David Drayton, his wife Stephanie, and their eight-year-old son Billy. The following morning, as they assess the damage, an ominous mist rolls over the lake. Determined to gather supplies, David and Billy set off with their neighbor Brent Norton.

Upon entering the supermarket, they witness police cars racing down the street, prompting panic when a frightened local named Dan Miller rushes in, warning the shoppers of an unseen menace lurking within the mist. As a civil alert siren blares ominously, store managers Ollie Weeks and Bud Brown take charge, sealing off the supermarket just as the mist envelopes the building. In a desperate attempt to return home to her children, a woman bravely ventures outside.

Despite David’s protests, bagger Norm recklessly attempts to fix the store’s emergency generator, only to be seized by a grotesque tentacled creature, leaving everyone in shock. Amidst the mounting tension, David and Ollie lead the customers to fortify the storefront windows. Meanwhile, Mrs. Carmody, a fanatical preacher, starts to expound on her apocalyptic beliefs, claiming that the mist heralds the end times. Skeptical of the situation, Brent assembles a small group, defying David’s warnings, to seek help outside, but they are swiftly attacked and presumably meet a grim fate.

Inside the store, David fosters alliances with several patrons, notably Amanda Dunfrey and Irene Reppler, teachers who clash with Carmody over her fervent rhetoric. Armed with a revolver from Amanda, Ollie, a former regional shooting champion, prepares for the growing threats. Night falls, and as enormous flying insects swarm toward the lights, terrifying pterodactyl-like creatures crash through the windows, unleashing havoc. The ensuing chaos results in multiple casualties as people scramble to escape. Notably, Carmody remains untouched by the chaos, further emboldening her as she gathers followers through her dire interpretations of their plight.

In a courageous but ill-fated venture, a small group led by David sets out to a nearby pharmacy seeking medical supplies, only to be met by deadly giant spiders that kill two members, reinforcing Carmody’s influence as she offers divine protection. The following day, revelations emerge that local military personnel had inadvertently opened a portal to the creatures’ realm due to a top-secret government project. Indignant, Carmody’s supporters sacrifice a soldier, Jessup, banishing him from their ranks. Outside, he faces imminent doom, devoured by a colossal praying mantis-like being.

While preparing to leave the supermarket the next morning, Carmody intercepts David’s group, declaring that Billy has been chosen as the next sacrifice to placate the creatures. In a moment of desperation, Ollie shoots and kills Carmody, leading the traumatized survivors to make their escape. However, as they navigate the parking lot, Ollie falls victim to the voracious praying-mantis creature, while others are also claimed by the spider-like monsters. Meanwhile, Bud dashes back to the store, seeking refuge with the other patrons.

As David, Billy, Dan, Amanda, and Irene reach David’s car, they attempt to flee. Upon driving through the foreboding mist, David is heartbroken to discover his home in ruins and Stephanie lying dead. Overwhelmed by despair, he flees the town, encountering a massive six-legged beast before eventually running out of gas. Faced with hopelessness, the adults opt for a tragic end; David takes the gut-wrenching decision to shoot Billy and the remaining survivors with his last four bullets, before resigning himself to the creatures outside.

In a shocking turn, the mist suddenly dissipates, revealing a team of U.S. Army soldiers, who are engaged in eradicating the creatures and restoring order. It dawns on David that his son and the others he has sacrificed were on the brink of rescue. He drops to his knees in anguished disbelief, crying out in despair for the irreversible tragedy that has unfolded.

Timeline

Track the key events of The Mist (2007) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Storm Hits Bridgton

A fierce thunderstorm descends upon Bridgton, Maine, resulting in chaos. A large tree collapses on the lakeside home of artist David Drayton, his wife Stephanie, and their eight-year-old son, Billy, causing significant damage.

Bridgton, Maine

The Ominous Mist

The following morning, as David and Billy assess the destruction caused by the storm, a thick mist rolls in over the lake. This mist signals the beginning of a terrifying series of events that will test the group's survival skills.

Next morning Lakeside

Entering the Supermarket

David and Billy head to a local supermarket with their neighbor Brent Norton to gather supplies. Upon entering, they witness the frantic rush of police cars, hinting at an unseen danger lurking nearby.

Supermarket

Warning from Dan Miller

Inside the supermarket, a terrified local named Dan Miller bursts in, warning everyone about a lurking menace within the mist. His panic triggers a wave of fear among the shoppers as a civil alert siren begins to blare.

Supermarket

Sealing Off the Supermarket

Store managers Ollie Weeks and Bud Brown quickly take control of the situation and seal the supermarket from the outside. Just as they secure the building, the mist envelops it, trapping everyone inside.

Supermarket

Norm's Reckless Move

Despite David's warnings, bagger Norm attempts to fix the store's emergency generator. He is tragically seized by a grotesque tentacled creature, shocking the other customers and raising the stakes considerably.

Supermarket

Carmody's Rhetoric

Mrs. Carmody, a fanatical preacher among the survivors, starts to preach about the mist being a sign of the apocalypse. Her fervent and sinister beliefs resonate with some, creating a divide among the trapped shoppers.

Supermarket

Expedition for Help

Brent forms a group to seek help outside, despite David's concerns. They venture into the mist but are soon attacked, presumably meeting a disastrous end, further escalating the desperation inside.

Outside

Chaos Unleashed

Chaos erupts as luminous flying insects swarm towards the supermarket's lights. Pterodactyl-like creatures crash through windows, causing panic and resulting in multiple casualties as the situation becomes dire.

Nighttime Supermarket

Pharmacy Expedition

In a daring but ultimately tragic mission, David leads a small group to a nearby pharmacy for medical supplies. They encounter deadly giant spiders, leading to the death of two members and bolstering Carmody's influential grip over the remaining survivors.

Pharmacy

Government's Role Revealed

The next day, it is revealed that a top-secret government project had opened a portal to the creatures' realm. This shocking information only heightens the tension and mistrust among the survivors.

Following day

Carmody's Sacrifice Scheme

Convinced that sacrifices are needed to appease the creatures, Carmody declares that Billy is the chosen one. This moment ignites a fierce confrontation, resulting in Ollie shooting Carmody in a desperate act to save the children.

Supermarket

Escape Attempt

As the survivors attempt to escape the supermarket parking lot, Ollie is attacked and killed by a praying-mantis-like monster. The remaining group struggles to evade other monstrous threats while trying to regroup.

Parking lot

Heartbreaking Revelation

After fleeing the supermarket, David discovers his home in ruins and the lifeless body of his wife, Stephanie. Overwhelmed with grief, he grapples with despair as he is confronted by a massive six-legged beast.

David's home

Despair and Tragedy

In a moment of hopelessness, David decides to shoot Billy and the remaining survivors rather than let them fall prey to the monsters. Just then, the mist begins to clear, revealing U.S. Army soldiers, prompting devastating anguish over the sacrifices made.

Outside

Characters

Meet the characters that bring The Mist (2007) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


David Drayton (Thomas Jane)

David is a determined father and artist who is driven by the need to protect his son during the chaos of the mist. As the story unfolds, he evolves from a rational thinker to a desperate survivor, grappling with heart-wrenching decisions that test his moral fiber.

👨‍👦 Fatherhood 🎨 Artist 💔 Desperation

Mrs. Carmody

Mrs. Carmody emerges as a fanatical preacher who preys on the fears of those trapped in the supermarket. Her apocalyptic beliefs and manipulation of the crowd highlight the darker aspects of human nature in times of crisis, fueling hysteria and division.

⛪ Religion 💥 Manipulation 😡 Fanaticism

Ollie Weeks

Ollie is a former shooting champion who takes on a leadership role in the supermarket. His quick thinking and adaptability make him a key ally for David as they confront the unnamed horrors in the mist. Ollie's bravery is tested as the situation escalates.

🎯 Marksman 👮‍♂️ Leadership 🛡️ Bravery

Setting

Uncover the settings of The Mist (2007), 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 movie does not specify a particular historical time period, instead focusing on a contemporary setting marked by an unexpected and supernatural crisis. The modern dynamics of fear, community, and survival are highlighted against a backdrop of chaos.

Location

Bridgton, Maine, Supermarket

Bridgton, Maine is a picturesque lakefront town, known for its natural beauty and idyllic surroundings. The story's events unfold primarily in a local supermarket, which becomes a fortress against the encroaching mist and its horrific inhabitants.

🏞️ Nature 🏬 Supermarket

Themes

Explore the core themes of The Mist (2007). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🌫️

Survival

The theme of survival is at the forefront of the story as characters face an unseen threat in the mist. As societal norms break down, individuals must make harrowing decisions to protect themselves and their loved ones. The struggle for survival pushes characters to their limits, revealing their true natures.

😈

Fear and Paranoia

Fear and paranoia permeate the group dynamics as the mist brings out the worst in people. Characters like Mrs. Carmody exploit fear to manipulate others, leading to chaos and sacrifice. This theme illustrates how fear can distort reality and drive individuals toward drastic actions.

🔪

Sacrifice

Sacrifice plays a central role in the narrative, culminating in David's heartbreaking decisions. The theme explores the extreme lengths individuals will go to protect their loved ones, while also showcasing the tragic consequences of such sacrifices amidst panic and despair.

© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.