Ad Blocker Detected

We use ads to keep this site running, so please consider disabling your ad blocker. Thank you!

Do not know how to disable ad blocker? Check out this article: How to disable ad blocker?

Test your knowledge of The Reaping with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of The Reaping (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.


Father Costigan discovers that his collection of photographs is mysteriously burning in a selective manner. As he examines the remnants, he realizes they form a disturbing pattern resembling an upside-down sickle, marked with a cross. This unusual symbol is recognized as the inverse of the astrological emblem for Ceres, traditionally representing maternal affection; however, its inversion in this story is perceived by some as a Satanic emblem.

Meanwhile, in Concepción, Chile, Katherine Winter (Hilary Swank) and her colleague Ben (Idris Elba) delve into reports of a supposed miracle. Their investigation uncovers a hidden stash of hazardous waste in a leaking underground oil well, poisoning the local population and causing the bizarre effects attributed to the “miracle.”

Upon returning to Louisiana, Katherine receives a dire warning from Father Costigan, revealing that it was her visage aflame in his photos—a sign from God. Dismissing the forewarning, Katherine becomes embroiled in the plight of Doug (David Morrissey), a science teacher from Haven, who seeks her help in deciphering the mystery of the local river turning a vivid red (the first plague). The townsfolk suspect that a twelve-year-old girl, who witnessed her brother’s tragic death, is the cause behind this plague. Doug informs Katherine that this girl resides in an area deserted by many after a string of hurricanes devastated the town.

Eager to seek answers, Katherine, alongside Ben, investigates the river and submits water samples for analysis. During their time in the town, Katherine meets Loren McConnell (AnnaSophia Robb) and they witness the peculiar phenomenon of dead frogs cascading from the trees (the second plague). That evening, their meals are plagued by an invasion of flies (the fourth plague), and a contagion (the fifth plague) decimates the livestock of Jim Wakeman (David Jensen).

With no local accommodations, Doug kindly invites them to spend the night at his home. While there, the power unexpectedly fails, leading Katherine to find Doug at his wife’s grave. They share personal stories, where Doug encourages Katherine to partake of the local spirits. Katherine recounts her painful past as an ordained minister; she embarked on a humanitarian mission to Sudan with her husband and daughter, but after a year-long drought, locals made a tragic sacrifice of her family to entice rain, shattering Katherine’s faith.

In a moment of emotional vulnerability, Katherine and Doug succumb to their mutual attraction and share an intimate encounter. As passion ignites, visions of Loren and Katherine’s own haunting memories plague her mind.

The following day, Katherine ventures alone to the McConnells’ home, where she stumbles upon cult symbols carved into the walls. A chilling encounter unfolds with Loren’s mother, who begs Katherine to end her daughter’s life and is subsequently attacked by Loren, urging Katherine to leave. Meanwhile, Ben and Doug uncover the existence of the cult. Shortly thereafter, the water sample results reveal that the river is tainted with human blood. The townspeople, escalating into a frenzy, begin shaving their children’s heads due to a lice outbreak (the third plague). Katherine steadfastly insists on a scientific rationale behind these events, attempting to quell the townsfolk’s thirst for violence against Loren.

Ben and Doug plead with the mayor to evacuate, but their efforts are thwarted when the mayor and his aides suffer from boils (the sixth plague). In a moment of desperation, Katherine reaches out to Father Costigan, who expresses that the symbol he observed signifies a Satanic cult that conducts sacrifices of every second-born child in pursuit of a “perfect child” imbued with power. He warns Katherine that Loren is this “perfect child” and that she is the angel destined to eliminate the cult. Just as he reveals this, supernatural flames engulf his room, claiming his life.

Unwilling to abandon her search for logic, Katherine returns to the McConnell household alone, uncovering the sacrificial chamber and the cult’s symbols in the basement. Loren’s mother reveals the dark truth—that “he controls her [Loren] now”—before taking her own life. Loren confronts Katherine, but their exchange is interrupted by the townsfolk’s arrival.

As the sheriff and enraged residents of the town prepare to enact vengeance on Loren, a swarm of locusts descends upon them (the eighth plague), seemingly under Loren’s sway, wreaking havoc. The unbearable signs lead Katherine to contemplate the supernatural origins of the plagues and her obligation to protect Loren rather than harm her. With the townsfolk encroaching, Doug pressures Katherine into an impossible decision: kill Loren or face doom. Katherine remains resolute, believing this is God’s will for her and Loren.

The townsfolk, having long forsaken their faith after hardship befell them, had sought Katherine’s assistance, leaving her in a precarious position. As fire rains from above (the tenth plague), Doug reveals his true colors, seeking to end Loren’s life by using Katherine as a shield. In a moment of divine intervention, Loren manipulates the flames to obliterate Doug, while preserving Katherine.

As the film concludes, Katherine and Loren embark on a new journey together. Katherine expresses her desire to create a family just the two of them, but Loren foresightfully reveals they will soon be three, as she is carrying a child—Katherine’s unborn son conceived through Doug. This revelation not only haunts Katherine but also reignites her memories of the traumatic event, leaving her fearful that her child may be the foretold demonic offspring.

Timeline

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


Mysterious Burns

Father Costigan discovers that his collection of photographs is burning in a selective manner. Upon further investigation, he realizes that the remnants of the photos form a disturbing pattern resembling an upside-down sickle, marked with a cross, hinting at a deeper, sinister meaning.

Investigation Begins

In Concepción, Chile, Katherine Winter and her colleague Ben delve into reports of a supposed miracle. Their inquiry uncovers hazardous waste in a leaking underground oil well, which is poisoning the local population and causing bizarre phenomena attributed to this 'miracle'.

Concepción, Chile

Warning from Father Costigan

After returning to Louisiana, Katherine receives a dire warning from Father Costigan about her visage being aflame in his photographs. He interprets it as a sign from God, but Katherine chooses to dismiss this warning, leading her into further complications.

Louisiana

Doug's Plea

Katherine becomes involved with Doug, a science teacher from Haven, who seeks her help regarding the mysterious river turning red. The local townsfolk suspect a twelve-year-old girl to be the root of this strange plague, complicating Katherine's investigation further.

Haven

Bizarre Discoveries

Alongside Ben, Katherine investigates the river and submits water samples for analysis. They witness a series of bizarre events, including dead frogs cascading from trees, marking the second plague affecting the town and adding to the growing sense of dread.

Haven

Intimate Encounter

After they spend the night at Doug’s home, Katherine and Doug share their personal stories, leading to a moment of vulnerability and intimacy. Their connection deepens, but Katherine is haunted by memories, leading to confusion about her feelings and her past.

Doug's home

Cult Symbols Uncovered

Katherine ventures alone to the McConnells’ home, where she discovers cult symbols carved into the walls. A confrontation with Loren's mother reveals the unfathomable truth about the cult, prompting Katherine to act quickly amidst mounting tensions.

McConnell household

Blood in the River

Ben and Doug uncover the existence of the local cult, just as water sample results indicate that the river is tainted with human blood. Panic ensues, and townspeople resort to drastic measures, blaming Loren for the calamities affecting them.

Haven

Father Costigan’s Revelation

Katherine, in a moment of desperation, reaches out to Father Costigan again. He reveals that the symbol he observed signifies a Satanic cult performing sacrifices on every second-born child, warning Katherine that Loren is the 'perfect child' they seek.

Supernatural Events Escalate

As the townsfolk spiral into fury, supernatural occurrences continue, including a swarm of locusts descending upon them. These signs lead Katherine to reconsider the origins of the plagues and her role in protecting Loren instead of harming her.

Haven

A Moment of Truth

With residents prepared to punish Loren, Katherine faces an agonizing decision under Doug's pressure. Torn between her beliefs and the dire situation, Katherine holds firm in her resolve to protect Loren, believing it to be God's will.

Haven

Fire and Betrayal

Fire rains from the sky, intensifying the chaos around them. In a shocking twist, Doug tries to use Katherine as a shield to kill Loren, but Loren conjures flames to protect Katherine, leading to a confrontation that seals Doug's fate.

Haven

A New Beginning

As the film concludes, Katherine and Loren embark on a new journey together, with Katherine expressing her wish to form a family. However, Loren reveals she is pregnant with Katherine's unborn child, a shocking twist that complicates their future.

Characters

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


Katherine Winter (Hilary Swank)

Katherine is a complex character torn between her scientific background and her haunting past as a minister. Her resolve to investigate miracles is tested as she confronts her traumatic history and the implications of her actions regarding Loren. She is determined, desperate for truth but also deeply vulnerable to emotional turmoil.

🧠 Intelligent 🧪 Scientist 💔 Haunted

Doug (David Morrissey)

Doug is a devoted science teacher who embodies the struggle between rational thought and the chaotic fears of his community. His protective nature leads him to form a close bond with Katherine, yet his character evolution reveals darker ambitions as the events unfold, forcing him to make moral compromises.

🏫 Teacher 💔 Torn ⚖️ Moral Dilemma

Loren McConnell (AnnaSophia Robb)

Loren is portrayed as an innocent yet pivotal character caught in a sinister prophecy. Her connection to supernatural occurrences makes her the center of the town’s chaos, and her journey alongside Katherine reflects themes of sacrifice and protection in a world that seeks to harm her. She embodies both vulnerability and hidden strength.

👧 Innocent 🕊️ Symbolic 🌪️ Powerful

Setting

Uncover the settings of The Reaping (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 takes place in a contemporary setting, addressing modern themes such as pollution and supernatural beliefs intertwined with local folklore. The story explores current dilemmas about faith, science, and community among townspeople facing unexplained phenomena.

Location

Concepción, Chile, Louisiana

Concepción, Chile is a coastal city known for its beautiful landscapes and rich culture, but in this story, it becomes the backdrop for a dark miracle investigation. Louisiana, with its swamps and eerie atmosphere, serves as a perfect location for supernatural occurrences, drawing Katherine into a web of mystery and danger as she uncovers disturbing truths about the local community.

🌍 Locations 🏞️ Nature 🏚️ Abandoned

Themes

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


⚔️

Faith vs. Science

The conflict between faith and scientific rationale is central to the movie, as Katherine, a former minister, struggles to reconcile her scientific findings with the community's supernatural beliefs. This tension leads to a crucial moral dilemma, forcing characters to confront their values and beliefs in the face of inexplicable events.

👶

Sacrifice

Sacrifice is a recurring theme, both in the cult’s practice of sacrificing children for power and in Katherine's personal journey. As her past resurfaces, the notion of sacrifice evolves into a critical choice for Katherine regarding her own child and her connection to Loren.

🔥

Supernatural Justice

The supernatural elements in the film question the nature of justice as plagues ravage the town, paralleling the cult's actions. Katherine's journey reflects a struggle to understand whether the plagues are divine retribution or simply the result of human actions, challenging her beliefs and moral compass.

© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.