Directed by
Akihiko Shiota
Discover the intricate plot of Wet Woman in the Wind (2017). 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.
In New York City, child psychologist Dr. Anna Fox (Amy Adams) suffers from agoraphobia and lives alone with her cat Punch. She appears to still talk to her estranged husband Ed (Anthony Mackie) and their daughter Olivia (Mariah Bozeman). Anna is visited weekly by her psychiatrist, Dr. Karl Landy (Tracy Letts), who knows that Anna spies on her neighbors due to boredom, which she gets defensive about. She also takes several types of meds with wine, despite being advised against it.
Across the street, a new family, the Russells, have moved in. Teenage son Ethan (Fred Hechinger) comes over to give Anna a candle from his mother. He enters Anna’s home and talks to her, noting that he can see his dad Alistair (Gary Oldman) from her window. Ethan appears to tear up, and Anna says they can be friends. She lets him borrow some movies before he returns home.
Anna has a tenant, David Winter (Wyatt Russell), who lives downstairs in the basement. He occasionally offers to help with things, like the skylight that is molding and bound to break soon.
On Halloween night, some neighborhood kids pelt Anna’s house with eggs. While she tries to stop them, she is forced to open the front door, but cannot make it out before she passes out. She wakes up to find a woman from across the street (Julianne Moore) having helped her up. Anna assumes she is Jane Russell, Ethan’s mother. They sit and talk over wine, and Jane talks about how much she cares about Ethan. She also leaves Anna with a drawing that she made. Alistair later shows up and asks Anna if any of his family came around that evening, but she denies it.
The next day, Anna finds that David has been helping Alistair with some house work. Later that night, Anna hears a scream coming from the Russell home. She calls the police and then sees what looks like Alistair abusing Ethan. Ethan goes over to Anna’s house for comfort. Anna checks on David, who has a woman crying in his room, but he firmly denies that he heard a scream.
The whole following day, Anna appears to be suffering from delusions. She continues to watch the Russell home until she sees what looks like Jane being stabbed in the stomach. Anna attempts to leave the house to help, but she passes out again and is taken inside by Detectives Little (Brian Tyree Henry) and Norelli (Jeanine Serralles). Anna explains the situation, only to be met by Alistair and another woman who says she is Jane (Jennifer Jason Leigh). Ethan also shows up to deny that Anna has met his mother.
Anna starts to do some digging on the Russells. She learns that Alistair used to work for a firm in Boston, but then left after the mysterious death of his assistant Pamela Nazin. Anna calls the firm anonymously but then hangs up before her cover is blown. Anna then hears something from downstairs and goes to find David’s mail. He finds her and angrily confronts her about it, but then admits that he was in jail for a bar fight and is technically violating his parole since he’s supposed to be in Massachusetts.
Anna continues to watch the Russells, which Jane 2 takes notice of and threatens to call the police on Anna for. When Ethan comes over again, Alistair follows and strikes Ethan in front of Anna. He orders her not to continue meddling in his family’s lives.
Anna later receives an anonymous email with a picture of her sleeping. She believes David may have done it, but after bringing Little and Norelli in again, David says he was away with a woman, who is called and confirms to the detectives. The Russells show up for another confrontation, even after Anna presents the drawing that Jane 1 had left for her. It comes to a head when Anna mentions her family, and Norelli tells Anna that her family is dead, and that she has been hallucinating talking to Ed and Olivia, so she must have done the same in thinking something happened with the Russells.
A flashback shows Anna driving with Ed and Olivia on a snowy night. There is tension because Anna had an affair, and Ed wants to stop pretending like they are okay for Olivia’s sake. The phone rings, and the couple fights for it. Anna reaches to pick it up and takes her eyes off the road, leading her to veer over a hill and crash to the bottom, killing Ed and Olivia. Anna comes to terms with her delusions and apologizes to everyone.
Anna records a “last will and testament” video before planning to commit suicide by pouring pill powder into her wine. She then looks at a photo she took of Punch that shows Jane 1’s reflection in the wine glass. She shows the picture to David, who confirms that her name was Katie Melli and that she really was Ethan’s birth mother. She was a junkie who gave Ethan up at a young age and went to try and get him again even though Alistair tried to get Katie away from Ethan. Anna wants David to confirm this to detectives, but he refuses. David goes outside to answer the door, and a thud and grunt is heard. Ethan enters with a bloody knife, revealing himself as the killer. He admits to having been in her house through the week with her key, hence the photo she was sent. He also admits to killing Katie and Pamela, purely for the feeling. He wants to watch Anna commit suicide, but she tricks him and smashes a wine bottle over his head.
Ethan chases Anna outside. David tries to slow Ethan down and is stabbed to death. Ethan stalks Anna on the roof and manages to stab her in the face with a small rake. They fight until she pushes him through the moldy skylight, which breaks easily and sends Ethan falling to his death.
Anna wakes up in the hospital with Detective Little in her room. He says that Alistair and Jane are in custody, and Jane is telling everything, which proves Anna was right and the detectives are owing her an apology. They have also located Katie’s body. Little also says he saw Anna’s video, but gives her the phone to have time to delete it before it’s collected as evidence.
Nine months later, Anna moves out of her apartment with Punch and says goodbye to Ed and Olivia before finally moving on with her life.
Track the key events of Wet Woman in the Wind (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Anna's Agoraphobia
Dr. Anna Fox, a child psychologist, suffers from agoraphobia and is confined to her New York City home. Living alone with her cat Punch, she struggles with isolation while reflecting on her estranged family.
Visit from Dr. Landy
Anna is visited weekly by her psychiatrist, Dr. Karl Landy, who is aware of her compulsive behavior of spying on neighbors. Their sessions illustrate her mental struggles and defensive nature regarding her odd habits.
Introduction to the Russells
A new family, the Russells, moves in across the street. Teenage son Ethan introduces himself to Anna while delivering a candle from his mother, revealing an emotional connection and establishing their budding friendship.
Halloween Incident
On Halloween night, Anna's home is targeted by neighborhood kids who egg her house. In an attempt to confront them, she opens her door and faints, only to be aided by Jane, whom she mistakenly assumes is Ethan's mother.
The Mysterious Drawing
After the incident, Anna shares a conversation with Jane, who leaves her a drawing as a token of their new friendship. However, Anna's interaction with Jane and Alistair, Ethan's father, becomes increasingly tense.
The Screams
Anna hears a blood-curdling scream from the Russell household, triggering her protective instincts. She witnesses what she believes to be Ethan being abused by Alistair, complicating her perception of reality.
The Disturbing Vision
Overcome by delusions, Anna believes she sees Jane being murdered. Unable to act due to her agoraphobia, she spirals deeper into her mental health issues, questioning her sanity and safety.
Investigating the Russells
Determined to uncover the truth, Anna investigates the past of Alistair and the mysterious death of his former assistant. Clues from his history raise tensions, but her actions draw unwanted attention from the Russells.
Threats and Confrontation
Anna faces hostility from Alistair and Jane after her digging into their family's affairs. Tensions rise as her paranoia intensifies, leading to confrontations and accusations that leave Anna on edge.
Flashback Revelation
Through a series of troubling flashbacks, Anna recalls a traumatic car accident that claimed the lives of her husband Ed and daughter Olivia. This revelation adds depth to her psychological struggles and sense of guilt.
Turning Point
In a moment of despair, Anna records a video confession before attempting suicide. However, a shocking discovery about a photo reveals connections to the Russells that reignite her will to fight against her fate.
Ethan's True Nature
Ethan confronts Anna in a chilling reveal, admitting to multiple murders and his manipulation of Anna’s perceptions. He gleefully aims to witness her end, turning their friendship into a nightmare.
The Final Confrontation
As Anna fights for her life against Ethan, chaos ensues, resulting in David's tragic death. The struggle culminates in a deadly climax on the roof, where Anna ultimately gains the upper hand.
Aftermath
After defeating Ethan, Anna wakes up in the hospital where she learns the truths about the Russell family and receives an apology from the detectives. She begins to find closure as her reality is now validated.
Moving On
Nine months later, Anna prepares to leave her old life behind. Saying final goodbyes to the memories of Ed and Olivia, she embraces the chance to start anew, reclaiming her agency.
Meet the characters that bring Wet Woman in the Wind (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Anna Fox
Anna Fox is a complex character grappling with severe agoraphobia, forced to confront her past and personal demons. Her isolation and reliance on medication blur her perception of reality. As the protagonist, her journey reflects a struggle not just for survival, but also for redemption and self-acceptance.
Ethan Russell
Ethan Russell presents as a troubled teenager with dark secrets, ultimately revealed to be a vicious killer. His initial appearance as a kind neighbor quickly turns sinister, showcasing traits of manipulation and a haunting backstory. This duality makes him a chilling antagonist in Anna's life.
David Winter
David Winter is a seemingly charming tenant living in the basement who becomes a complex figure in Anna's life. While initially appearing helpful, his connection to the neighborhood's mysteries and his own troubled past make him an ambiguous character with questionable motives.
Alistair Russell
Alistair Russell is portrayed as a protective and domineering father, which complicates the dynamics in the story. His confrontational nature with Anna reveals layers of conflict surrounding family loyalty and the darker aspects of his character.
Jane Russell
Jane Russell appears to be a caring mother but hides much more beneath her surface. The complexity of her character unfolds as the layers of the family's secrets are revealed, highlighting themes of deception and familial ties.
Uncover the settings of Wet Woman in the Wind (2017), 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 seems to take place in contemporary times, with references to modern living and social dynamics. The absence of specific historical events allows viewers to focus on the characters' personal struggles and psychological themes rooted in present-day circumstances.
Location
New York City
New York City serves as the primary backdrop for the events of the film. Known for its vibrant culture and bustling atmosphere, the city often juxtaposes Anna's isolating struggles with agoraphobia. The neighborhood reflects a mix of suburban tranquility and urban tensions, exemplified by the interactions among Anna and her neighbors.
Explore the core themes of Wet Woman in the Wind (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Mental Health
The film deeply explores the theme of mental health, particularly through Anna's experiences with agoraphobia and delusions. Her psychological struggles are intricately tied to her past traumas, demonstrating how underlying issues can lead to a distorted perception of reality. The narrative compels audiences to reflect on the importance of mental well-being.
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Violence
Violence is a critical theme that escalates throughout the film, culminating in both emotional and physical confrontations. The actions of characters like Ethan reveal a darkness beneath the surface of seemingly normal lives, showcasing how violence can manifest from deep-seated issues, ultimately impacting not just the individuals involved but also those around them.
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Observation
Throughout the story, Anna's obsession with observing her neighbors raises questions about privacy and the act of seeing versus understanding. Her surveillance of the Russell family serves as both a coping mechanism and a dangerous intrusion, leading her deeper into chaos. This theme emphasizes the blurred lines between curiosity and invasion.
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