Welcome Home 2018
Directed by
George Ratliff
Made by
Vertical Entertainment
Plot Summary
Bryan and Cassie, a couple in crisis, choose to retreat to a secluded house in Umbria in hopes of mending their fractured relationship after Cassie was caught in a compromising situation with a co-worker. Following this incident, Bryan struggles with impotence. While out for a run, Cassie sustains an ankle injury and flags down a passing truck. The driver, a handsome Italian named Federico Scamarcio, comes to her aid. He offers them a ride to town the following day, during which tensions rise when Bryan accuses Cassie of not noticing Federico’s flirtatious gaze. Frustrated, Cassie returns to their house, leaving Bryan to drown his sorrows at a nearby bar where Federico joins him.
As the evening unfolds, Federico discreetly drugs Bryan’s drink, leading him to engage in reckless behavior with two women, leaving him with no memory of the events. Unbeknownst to them, Federico is a predatory figure, secretly monitoring their lives through hidden cameras scattered around their home. He starts robbing their privacy and appears more frequently when Bryan is away, ultimately revealing that he is not the neighbor he claimed to be. When Bryan confronts Federico, the tension escalates, with both men threatening to divulge damaging secrets to Cassie.
Things take a turn when Federico prepares a seemingly harmless meal of rabbit stew and shares unnerving stories about his hunting exploits. As Bryan and Cassie begin to reconcile, Federico attempts to sabotage them by trapping Bryan in a cellar and compelling Cassie to wear a blindfold, under the impression that the note is from Bryan. His sinister intentions come to fruition when he films himself assaulting Cassie. Simultaneously, he plants evidence of Bryan’s infidelity - a video of his encounter with the two women - leading to a volatile confrontation between the couple.
In a twist of fate, Cassie’s realization that they are being spied on ignites panic. Their horror escalates when Federico arrives, threatening them with a knife, and a violent struggle ensues. With Cassie’s fierce intervention, she kills Federico, but the aftermath leaves them grappling with the repercussions of their actions. They are soon faced with Eduardo, the owner of the house, whom Bryan had earlier contacted about the strange occurrences involving Federico. Unbeknownst to them, Eduardo is complicit in Federico’s schemes.
In a gripping standoff, when Eduardo discovers the truth, Cassie’s swift response leads to a chaotic confrontation resulting in multiple fatalities. With bodies to bury and evidence to destroy, Bryan and Cassie form a pact of silence about their misdeeds. As they go through the harrowing task of covering their crimes, unknown to them, their dark secret is already being captured by the very cameras they tried to dismantle. Their relationship is forever changed, marked by the haunting decision to protect each other at all costs as they finally attempt to reconnect, while the world outside remains oblivious to the horror they have endured.
Timeline
Tension in the Relationship
Bryan and Cassie, a couple already in crisis, retreat to a secluded house in Umbria to mend their fractured relationship. This decision comes after Cassie is caught in a compromising situation with a co-worker, causing significant strain between them.
Cassie's Injury
While out for a run, Cassie sustains an ankle injury, prompting her to flag down a passing truck for help. The driver is a handsome local named Federico, who offers her a ride, further complicating the dynamics between her and Bryan.
Rising Tensions
During a ride to town offered by Federico, tensions escalate when Bryan accuses Cassie of being oblivious to Federico's flirtatious advances. Frustrated and feeling under attack, Cassie decides to leave Bryan and returns to their house.
Bryan's Downward Spiral
After Cassie leaves, Bryan drowns his sorrows at a local bar, only to have Federico join him. This encounter leads to Bryan becoming increasingly vulnerable, setting the stage for Federico's sinister plan.
Frederico's Deception
Federico secretly drugs Bryan’s drink, leading him to act recklessly with two women, resulting in a night he cannot remember. This act marks the beginning of Federico's manipulation and predatory behavior toward both Bryan and Cassie.
Invasion of Privacy
Unbeknownst to Bryan and Cassie, Federico is monitoring their lives through hidden cameras placed around their home. His invasive behavior escalates, revealing that he is not just a neighbor but a predatory figure with sinister intentions.
Confrontation with Federico
The tension reaches a boiling point when Bryan confronts Federico about his intentions. They engage in a standoff where both men threaten to expose damaging secrets, intensifying the conflict between them.
Macabre Dinner
Federico prepares a meal of rabbit stew and regales Bryan and Cassie with unsettling hunting stories. The seemingly harmless dinner takes a dark turn, as Federico's true motives begin to surface.
Sabotage and Assault
In a cruel twist, Federico traps Bryan in the cellar while making Cassie think a note is from him, compelling her to wear a blindfold. This leads to horrific events when Federico films himself assaulting Cassie.
Discovery of a Dark Secret
Cassie realizes that they are being spied on, igniting a panic that heightens their fear of Federico. As the tension escalates, Federico shows up with a knife, leading to a violent struggle for survival.
Fight for Survival
In a fierce struggle, Cassie fights back against Federico and ultimately kills him. Although victorious, the aftermath leaves both Bryan and Cassie grappling with the enormity of their actions and the danger they are now in.
Confrontation with Eduardo
Soon after Federico's demise, Eduardo, the house owner who Bryan contacted earlier, arrives on the scene. Unbeknownst to them, Eduardo is complicit in Federico's schemes, leading to an even graver situation.
Violent Standoff
When the truth about Eduardo's involvement is revealed, chaos ensues. Cassie's quick thinking and decisive action lead to a confrontation that results in multiple fatalities, deepening the couple's horror.
Pact of Silence
Amid chaos, Bryan and Cassie make a harrowing pact of silence concerning their crimes. They face the grim task of burying bodies and disposing of evidence, solidifying their bond under a veil of secrecy.
Haunting Aftermath
As they attempt to rebuild their relationship, Bryan and Cassy are haunted by their dark secret. Unbeknownst to them, the hidden cameras continue to capture their every move, leaving them forever under surveillance.
Characters
Bryan Palmer (Aaron Paul)
Bryan is a deeply conflicted character who struggles with feelings of inadequacy and betrayal following Cassie's indiscretion. His journey reveals a man fighting to regain his sense of control and worth in a deteriorating relationship. His vulnerabilities make him susceptible to manipulation, ultimately leading to tragic consequences.
Cassie Ryerson (Emily Ratajkowski)
Cassie is portrayed as a woman caught in a web of deceit and emotional turmoil. Her initial desire to mend her relationship with Bryan transforms into a battle for survival against Federico's sinister intentions. Cassie's courage emerges as she faces the complexities of love, betrayal, and the fight for her dignity.
Federico (Riccardo Scamarcio)
Federico is a charming yet dangerous character whose predatory nature drives the plot's tension. He uses manipulation and deceit to exploit Bryan and Cassie's vulnerabilities, revealing the darker sides of human desire and obsession. His actions serve as a catalyst for the chaos that unfolds.
Setting
Time period
The movie unfolds in contemporary times, showcasing modern relationships and the complexities that arise within them. The events are set against a backdrop of current societal issues, particularly around trust and privacy.
Location
Umbria
Umbria is a picturesque region in Italy known for its rolling hills, medieval towns, and rich cultural heritage. It is often referred to as the 'Green Heart of Italy' due to its lush landscapes and vibrant natural beauty. The secluded house where Bryan and Cassie retreat plays a crucial role in their tumultuous journey of love and betrayal.
Themes
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Betrayal
Betrayal is a central theme as the characters navigate trust issues within their relationship. The unique challenges Bryan and Cassie face highlight the frailty of love when undermined by deception and external manipulation. Federico's predatory behavior exacerbates this theme, leading to dire consequences for all involved.
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Surveillance
The theme of surveillance looms large, as Federico monitors Bryan and Cassie's every move through hidden cameras. This invasion of privacy raises questions about control and consent, ultimately culminating in terrifying consequences. The tension underscores the dark side of human behavior when unchecked by moral boundaries.
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Violence
Violence plays a significant role as tensions escalate between the characters, with physical confrontations leading to irreversible changes in their lives. The film explores the impact of violence on relationships, as Bryan and Cassie are forced into a situation where they must face the ramifications of their choices.
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