Things Heard & Seen 2021
Directed by
Robert Pulcini
Made by
Netflix
Plot Summary
In 1980, art restorer Catherine Claire finds herself navigating life’s challenges in Manhattan alongside her husband, George Claire, and their daughter, Franny. When George secures a teaching position in art history at a college, the family relocates to an expansive farmhouse in upstate New York. Struggling with her battle against bulimia, Catherine feels increasingly isolated in their new surroundings.
It’s there that she discovers an old Bible containing a detailed family tree of the previous owners, the Smits, with several names ominously tagged as “Damned.” Haunted by the feeling that a spirit resides in the house, she sees peculiar lights guiding her to a vintage ring that she decides to wear. Franny, sensing unusual presences, experiences visions of a female spirit and asks to sleep with her parents for comfort.
To ease the household demands, Catherine hires brothers Eddie and Cole Vayle as handyman and babysitter, inadvertently allowing Justine Sokolov, a colleague of George, into her life. Meanwhile, George begins a flirtation with Eddie’s cousin, Willis.
During a visit from Floyd DeBeers, the head of the art history department, he recognizes a spirit’s presence but reassures Catherine of its benign nature, suggesting they hold a séance. At a party they host, shocking revelations about the farmhouse emerge—specifically that the previous inhabitants met a tragic end in a murder-suicide and that Catherine’s antique ring is tied to their mother, Ella.
Tensions rise when Catherine confronts George with the unsettling history of the house. When George leaves for a trip to see his parents, Catherine and Floyd conduct a séance that brings Ella’s ghost into their midst. The situation escalates as Floyd warns Catherine of another, potentially dangerous spiritual presence in the house just as she uncovers George’s infidelity with Willis.
On a school outing, Justine overhears troubling conversations casting doubt on George’s qualifications for his teaching role. Further betrayal comes to light when Catherine learns that the artwork George had claimed as his own was the work of his deceased cousin, eroding her trust. In retaliation, Catherine starts an affair with Eddie, spiraling her into deeper conflicts.
Things take a dark turn when George, desperate to cover up the escalating chaos, murders Catherine in cold blood, presenting it as a sudden tragedy when Cole comes by to babysit Franny. Although the police suspect foul play in George’s demeanor, they lack sufficient evidence to arrest him.
As Catherine’s spirit joins forces with Ella’s, they awaken Justine, compelling her to reveal the horrific truth of George’s actions to the authorities. Trying to escape arrest, George embarks on a frantic flight on his cousin’s boat, but as a fierce storm rises, his vessel meets a fiery demise—mirroring a foreboding painting that had been projected in his class. The cross depicted in the artwork is notably inverted, suggesting George’s ultimate damnation for his heinous deeds.
Timeline
Catherine's Struggles Begin
In 1980, Catherine Claire is faced with numerous challenges in Manhattan as she navigates life with her husband, George, and their daughter, Franny. Her battle with bulimia contributes to her feelings of isolation, creating tension within the family.
The Move to Upstate New York
George secures a position teaching art history at a college, prompting the family to relocate to a spacious farmhouse in upstate New York. This significant transition marks a new chapter in their lives, but it also deepens Catherine's sense of loneliness.
Discovery of the Bible
In the farmhouse, Catherine stumbles upon an old Bible that holds a detailed family tree of the previous owners, the Smits. The discovery reveals several names that are ominously marked as 'Damned,' leaving Catherine intrigued and unsettled by the implications.
Haunting Lights and the Vintage Ring
Catherine begins to notice unusual lights in the farmhouse, which she believes are guiding her to a vintage ring. The ring soon becomes a significant artifact for her, symbolizing a growing connection to the haunting presence she feels permeating their new home.
Franny's Visions
Franny experiences strange visions of a female spirit, deepening the family's connection to the supernatural elements of the farmhouse. This leads her to seek comfort from her parents, revealing the unsettling atmosphere surrounding their new living situation.
Hiring Help
To help manage her household duties, Catherine hires Eddie and Cole Vayle as a handyman and babysitter. This decision inadvertently brings Justine Sokolov, George's colleague, into their lives, complicating Catherine's emotional landscape further.
George's Flirtation
While adjusting to their new environment, George begins to flirt with Willis, Eddie's cousin. This new relationship adds to the tensions in the household and creates a sense of imbalance as Catherine struggles with her own issues.
Encounter with Floyd DeBeers
During a visit from Floyd DeBeers, head of the art history department, he acknowledges a spirit's presence in the house. His reassurance of its benign nature leads to the suggestion of a séance, further entrenching the family's connection to the supernatural.
Haunting Revelations at the Party
At a party hosted by Catherine and George, shocking details about the farmhouse's history come to light. The previous owners met a tragic end in a murder-suicide, and it is revealed that Catherine's antique ring once belonged to Ella, their mother.
Confrontation with George
Catherine confronts George about the unsettling history of their new home, intensifying the existing tensions in their relationship. The confrontation forces them to face not only their troubled marriage but also the dark past of the farmhouse.
The Séance with Floyd
After George departs for a visit to his parents, Catherine and Floyd conduct a séance that brings the spirit of Ella into their midst. The experience escalates when Floyd warns Catherine of a potentially dangerous spirit lurking in the house.
Discovery of George's Infidelity
Amidst the chaos, Catherine uncovers George's infidelity with Willis, shattering her trust completely. This revelation deepens her turmoil and sets the stage for her subsequent actions, pushing her toward reckless choices.
Catherine’s Affair with Eddie
In an act of retaliation against George's betrayal, Catherine begins an affair with Eddie. This decision spirals her deeper into conflict, aligning her with the very spirit world that haunted her and complicating her already fragile state.
Catherine's Tragic Fate
In a desperate attempt to maintain control, George murders Catherine in cold blood, subsequently disguising it as a tragic accident. The shocking turn of events leaves Franny to grapple with the aftermath as suspicions loom over George’s behavior.
George’s Desperate Escape
In a frantic bid to evade arrest, George attempts to flee on his cousin’s boat as a storm arises. The vessel encounters disaster, mirroring the tragic artwork that had been projected in his class, symbolizing George's ultimate fate for his heinous actions.
Characters
Catherine Claire
Catherine is an art restorer battling bulimia, feeling increasingly isolated in her new home. Her journey reveals her resilience as she confronts the haunting legacy of the farmhouse and the betrayal of her husband.
George Claire
George is a seemingly charming professor whose hidden infidelity and dark nature ultimately lead to catastrophic outcomes. His duality represents the facade of a perfect family life hiding deep-seated issues.
Eddie Vayle
Eddie is hired as a handyman, who becomes entangled in the family's drama and Catherine's affair. His character represents the allure of escape from domestic strife and the complexities of desire.
Floyd DeBeers
Floyd is the head of the art history department who becomes a confidant for Catherine as they explore the spiritual realm and the haunted past of the house. His reassurance and guidance play a critical role in the unfolding events.
Setting
Time period
1980
The story unfolds in the 1980s, a decade marked by significant changes in social norms and a burgeoning interest in psychological thrillers in cinema. This period also reflects a growing awareness of mental health issues, like bulimia, which is central to Catherine's struggles in the narrative.
Location
Manhattan, Upstate New York
The film takes place in the bustling urban landscape of Manhattan, known for its vibrant art scene and cultural significance. The family then relocates to an expansive farmhouse in upstate New York, characterized by its serene countryside and haunting history, serving as the backdrop for the unfolding supernatural events.
Themes
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Supernatural
The film delves into supernatural elements as Catherine is haunted by a spirit in her new home. The presence of ghosts serves as a metaphor for unresolved trauma and the darker aspects of domestic life, exploring how the past influences the present.
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Betrayal
Betrayal is a crucial theme, illustrated through George's infidelity and ultimately his violent actions against Catherine. This motif emphasizes the fragility of trust within marriage and the devastating repercussions of deceit.
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Chaos
The story progresses into chaos as family tensions escalate and secrets unravel. This theme highlights how quickly normalcy can deteriorate into violence, reflecting the turmoil within both the household and George's psyche.
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