Directed by
Bruce La Bruce
Made by
Apolitical
Discover the intricate plot of The Visitor (2024). 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.
Robert and his wife, Maia, have just inherited her father’s massive estate, and they are thrilled about moving in. Shortly after their arrival, Maia uncovers a secret compartment in the floor that houses an eerie doll. Seeking normalcy, they visit a local bar where they meet Judy, the bartender. The townsfolk are overjoyed to welcome Maia back, showering the couple with drinks. However, Robert overindulges and soon finds himself passed out drunk.
In the dead of night, Robert is stirred by the sound of crying from the attic. Confronted by a very old blind woman who cryptically states, “You’re home,” before unleashing a menacing roar, he realizes it’s just a nightmare. The couple soon discusses their shared grief over losing their baby to a miscarriage, with Maia feeling that Robert unjustly holds her responsible.
As Robert explores the attic further, he discovers a painting that bears an uncanny resemblance to him. Though Maia insists it isn’t a true likeness, the artwork is titled “The Visitor Accepts,” leaving her puzzled about its origin. They learn of Robert’s past battles with anxiety and his reliance on medication, suggesting a man haunted by his own mind.
Visiting a hardware store, Robert is approached by the clerk who insists, “We need to talk, Robert.” However, their conversation is cut short when another customer arrives, prompting her to hurriedly pass him a note that reads: “Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth.” This note leads them to Delacroix Art & Antiques—an establishment that might hold the key to their discovery.
During her father’s memorial service, the pastor delivers an emotional speech about his absence, further intensifying Robert’s discomfort. Meanwhile, the townspeople exhibit an overwhelming friendliness towards Robert, which feels disconcerting. Robert later visits the antique shop the hardware clerk mentioned, where he encounters another painting that features his likeness. Titled “The Visitor Watches it Burn,” the shopkeeper claims it was on display when she purchased the store. She dissuades him from seeking answers, suggesting he return to London “as fast as your legs can carry you!”
Later, upon returning home, Maia humorously hangs the first painting in their living room, believing it to be a light-hearted joke. Robert begins to speculate that the stress is affecting his judgment. In a startling turn of events, the antique shop owner is visited by an uncanny swarm of locusts, resulting in her demise.
The next morning unveils even more shocking news: Maia informs Robert of her pregnancy. Months fly by, and a conversation with the pastor reveals the dichotomy of Robert’s beliefs. The pastor predicts, “You will be… when you see for yourself, you won’t be able to deny it.” He possesses a painting titled “The Visitor Stakes His Claim,” featuring Alistair Edgar, the historic savior of their town. However, the couple faces a bizarre situation when they return home to find their living room teeming with frogs.
Suddenly, Robert receives a disquieting phone call from Maxwell Braun, another art dealer who has been investigating the series of Visitor paintings and photographs. He possesses artworks featuring historical figures like Hitler and Saddam Hussein, revealing how Robert—or the Visitor—has appeared in countless moments throughout history, particularly ones we wish to forget. Maxwell warns Robert that the decision to remain could mean a dark transformation as the Visitor.
Determined not to remain in the town, Robert shares his plan to return to London with Maia, who reacts violently to this news. Afterward, Robert receives a chilling call from Maxwell to meet him in the woods, where he discovers Maxwell’s lifeless body bound to a tree. When he returns home, he finds yet another portrait of himself that Maia reveals is of her father—digging deeper into a shocking family secret: Robert was actually kidnapped as a baby, and his life in London was engineered to break a sinister cycle.
In a dramatic revelation, Maia confesses to Robert that he is the one committing murders under the influence of a greater, dark power. This pattern has been occurring since Alistair’s pact with the devil in the 1700s. She explains that even their miscarriage had a purpose; Maia is destined to bear a boy to ensure the continuation of the “Robert” lineage. As the intense weight of the truth overwhelms Robert, he loses consciousness, prompting Maia to declare that this is his chance to finally fulfill his predestined role.
Flashing back to their initial meeting in London juxtaposed with Maia giving birth, the atmosphere turns ominous. Townsfolk clad in robes and masks encircle them as the baby is born. Robert, now transformed back into the Visitor, ultimately takes his rightful place on the throne. In the aftermath, Maia fades into blindness, mirroring her mother, and Robert drives triumphantly through the town, celebrating his resurgence with the townspeople.
Track the key events of The Visitor (2024) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Inheritance of the Estate
Robert and Maia inherit a vast estate from Maia's father, bringing them excitement and hope for a fresh start. Their arrival marks the beginning of their new life in a town filled with memories and secrets.
Discovery of the Doll
Upon settling in, Maia discovers a hidden compartment containing a mysterious and eerie doll. This unsettling find signifies the beginning of their encounter with disturbing secrets surrounding the estate.
Meeting the Locals
Robert and Maia visit a local bar to escape the eerie feeling from the estate. They meet Judy, the bartender, and receive a warm welcome from the townsfolk, which quickly turns sour as Robert drinks excessively.
Robert's Nightmare
In the dead of night, Robert is disturbed by the haunting sound of crying coming from the attic. He encounters an old blind woman in a chilling nightmare, leaving him to question his grip on reality.
Discussion of Loss
Robert and Maia take time to discuss their grief over the loss of their baby due to miscarriage. This moment reveals the strain that their tragedy has placed on their relationship, particularly with Robert's unexpected blame towards Maia.
The Enigmatic Painting
While exploring the attic further, Robert finds a painting that eerily resembles him. Although Maia denies its likeness, the artwork titled 'The Visitor Accepts' raises unsettling questions about their past.
The Warning Note
In a hardware store, Robert meets a clerk who cryptically insists they must talk. Their conversation is interrupted, and she hurriedly hands him a note stating, 'Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth,' hinting at deeper mysteries.
Memorial Service Turmoil
During the emotional memorial service for Maia's father, Robert feels out of place amidst the townsfolk's ardent friendliness. The pastor's speech about loss exacerbates Robert's discomfort in the community.
Another Disturbing Painting
Robert visits the antique shop suggested by the hardware clerk, where he encounters a second painting featuring his likeness. The shopkeeper's parting remark, urging him to leave town quickly, further deepens the mystery.
The Swarm of Locusts
Later that day, an eerie swarm of locusts descends upon the antique shop, leading to the shopkeeper's tragic demise. This uncanny event emphasizes the mounting supernatural forces at play.
Pregnancy News
In a shocking revelation, Maia tells Robert that she is pregnant, bringing a mix of excitement and anxiety to their tumultuous lives. This news adds another layer of complexity to their unstable relationship.
The Pastor's Prophecy
Robert speaks with the pastor, who ominously predicts that he will ultimately see a truth he cannot deny. This foreboding statement ties into the mysterious history surrounding Robert and the town.
Robert's Dark Revelation
Robert receives a chilling call from Maxwell, revealing that he may be tied to historical atrocities through the Visitor paintings. This shocking discovery forces Robert to ponder the dark implications of his existence.
Descent into Madness
In a clash of wills, Robert expresses his desire to escape the town, but Maia reacts violently. Their confrontation brings forth the dark forces that have long been manipulating their lives.
The Truth Revealed
In a heart-wrenching revelation, Maia confesses to Robert that he has been committing murders under a sinister influence. As the dark legacy of Alistair's pact with the devil unfolds, Robert faces the truth of his existence.
Meet the characters that bring The Visitor (2024) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
The Visitor (Robert)
Robert is a complex character grappling with inner demons and a haunting past. His struggle with anxiety and dependence on medication reveals a man teetering on the brink of sanity as he uncovers unsettling truths about his lineage and destiny. The narrative propels him from a state of confusion to a troubling acceptance of his role as the Visitor.
Maia
Maia is portrayed as a supportive yet increasingly conflicted partner who seeks to find normalcy amidst chaos. Her strength shines through her attempts to connect with Robert while dealing with her grief over their miscarriage. Ultimately, her shocking revelations about Robert's past and their intertwined destinies reveal her as both a victim and an architect of their fate.
Uncover the settings of The Visitor (2024), 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
Present Day, 1700s (flashback)
The main narrative unfolds in present day, marked by contemporary settings and themes of personal loss and hidden histories. It also features a critical flashback to the 1700s, revealing a dark pact made by historical figures that influences the events of the present, adding layers to the story's mythology.
Location
London, Local Town, Delacroix Art & Antiques
The film takes place primarily in a local town where Robert and Maia have inherited an estate. The town boasts a tight-knit community that showcases an eerie friendliness towards newcomers. Notable locations include the Delacroix Art & Antiques, which becomes pivotal in uncovering the mysterious connection to Robert's past.
Explore the core themes of The Visitor (2024). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
🔍
Mystery
The film layers a deep sense of mystery through Robert's unsettling experiences within the town. His encounters with the townsfolk, strange artworks, and eerie events lead him on a journey to uncover the truth about his past and the dark legacy that haunts him.
👻
Supernatural
Supernatural elements permeate the film, portrayed through the unsettling occurrences surrounding Robert and Maia, including prophetic paintings and the influence of unseen entities. These elements tease at the existence of a greater, perhaps malevolent force at play in shaping their destinies.
💔
Grief
The theme of grief is heavily explored as Robert and Maia grapple with the loss of their child. This emotional burden serves as a catalyst for their actions and decisions, ultimately tying into the larger narrative of cycles of loss and the pursuit of understanding one's lineage.
🖼️
Identity
The quest for identity surfaces as Robert confronts the mysteries of his past, including the realization that he was kidnapped as a baby. This discovery challenges his understanding of self and what it means to belong to a lineage intertwined with dark history.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.