Directed by
Liam Gavin
Made by
IFC Films
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for A Dark Song (2017). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
A heartbroken Sophia Howard rents a secluded house in the serene countryside of Wales, hoping to persuade the irritable occultist Joseph Solomon to guide her through a rigorous, months-long ritual from The Book of Abramelin. This is her desperate quest to summon her guardian angel, who she means to ask about her deceased seven-year-old son. Solomon warns her that abandoning the ritual midway could spell disaster and emphasizes that she must withstand a series of arduous tasks involving real demons and angels. With unwavering determination, she agrees, enduring a multitude of grueling exercises but stands firm against the forgivable ceremony. In return for her refusal, Solomon insists she must consume his blood and partake in a sexual act as part of the ritual. After coercing her into stripping, he uses the moment for his own satisfaction, claiming it’s not tied to the ritual. Infuriated by his manipulation, Sophia retaliates by urinating in his breakfast the following morning.
As the days turn into weeks, their begrudging camaraderie begins to form. Yet, after several months of torment, a frustrated Sophia voices her annoyance at the slow progress, leading to an accusation from Solomon that she is hindering the ritual due to her dishonesty. Eventually, she confesses that her true intent in approaching the angel is to seek vengeance on those who abducted and murdered her son. That night, Solomon awakens her with a dire proclamation: her dishonesty has tainted her spirit, necessitating a disturbing rebirthing ritual in the bathtub. However, in a terrifying twist, he drowns her, recites an incantation, and revives her through CPR. Infuriated by his actions, she shoves him, causing him to tumble onto a sharp kitchen knife, suffering a grievous injury. As she bandages his wound with scarce supplies, he reveals that this occurrence signifies the ritual is becoming effective and promises her that her vengeance will come to fruition. Solomon expresses his wish to the angel—an invisible existence, away from the chaos of humanity, as he longs for peace before facing the inevitable chaos of life.
As Solomon pushes through his injury, Sophia begins to experience haunting visions and the eerie sounds of her son’s voice echoing within the house. When Solomon’s wound takes a turn for the worse, he succumbs to an infected fate, passing away quietly in his sleep. Desperate for guidance, Sophia returns to his texts, only to find them rendered illegible and heavily crossed out. Attempting to escape beyond the boundaries of the house, her car fails to start. After wandering down an empty road, she is horrified to find herself back at the very mansion she sought to leave.
Upon re-entering, she faces nightmarish demons that torment her and inflict pain, severing one of her fingers as she pleads for forgiveness. Just as despair grips her, a brilliant white light engulfs the house. In this radiant moment, she encounters a magnificent, armored angel, to whom she poses a profound request for the power to forgive. After a gentle smile from the angel, she finds hope. Subsequently, she holds a water burial for Solomon, finally releasing her burdens before driving away toward an uncertain future.
Follow the complete movie timeline of A Dark Song (2017) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Sophia rents a secluded house
Heartbroken and seeking solace, Sophia Howard moves into a tranquil house in the countryside of Wales. This serene setting is chosen in hopes of undergoing a rigorous occult ritual to reconnect with her deceased son.
Meeting with occultist Solomon
Sophia seeks the guidance of the irritable occultist Joseph Solomon, who holds knowledge of the Book of Abramelin. She wishes to summon her guardian angel to inquire about her late son, establishing a tense yet necessary partnership.
Warning about the ritual
Solomon warns Sophia of the severe consequences should she abandon the ritual midway. He emphasizes the arduous tasks ahead involving real demons and angels, underscoring the gravity of her undertaking.
Enduring the grueling exercises
With determination, Sophia engages in various torturous exercises designed to prepare her for the ritual. Although the tasks test her limits, she remains committed to her goal, battling through the strain of the ceremony.
Manipulation and retaliation
After coercion from Solomon, who insists on a disturbing ritual act, Sophia retaliates by desecrating his breakfast. This act of defiance signifies her growing resolve against his manipulative actions during the ritual.
Camaraderie and frustrations
As weeks pass, Sophia and Solomon develop a begrudging camaraderie. However, frustrations mount as Sophia feels the progress stagnates, prompting accusations of dishonesty from Solomon, which lead to a tense confrontation.
Confession of vengeance
During their confrontation, Sophia reveals her true intentions for seeking the angel's guidance—to enact revenge for her son’s death. This revelation shifts the focus of their ritual and heightens the stakes for both characters.
The rebirthing ritual
That night, after her confession, Solomon performs a disturbing rebirthing ritual in the bathtub. In a terrifying turn, he drowns her only to revive her afterward using CPR, leaving Sophia enraged and conflicted about his methods.
Accidental injury
In a fit of rage, Sophia shoves Solomon, causing him to fall onto a sharp kitchen knife. As she tends to his injury, he cryptically hints that this incident signifies the ritual's effectiveness towards her desired vengeance.
Haunting visions and symptoms
As Solomon's health deteriorates, Sophia starts to experience haunting visions of her son, as well as eerie auditory hallucinations. These manifestations signal a deepening connection to the supernatural as Solomon fights against his own infection.
Solomon's demise
Tragically, Solomon succumbs to his infection, dying quietly in his sleep. This sudden loss leaves Sophia bereft of guidance, forcing her to grapple with the outcomes of the ritual alone amidst her grief.
The texts become illegible
In desperation, Sophia seeks answers in Solomon's texts, only to find them illegible and heavily crossed out. This frustrating discovery further isolates her as her means of understanding the ritual fades away.
Escaping the house
Feeling trapped, Sophia attempts to leave the house, but her car fails to start. Wandering down a deserted road only leads her back to the very mansion she tried to escape, underscoring her entrapment.
Facing nightmarish demons
Upon returning to the house, Sophia encounters terrifying demons that torment her, even inflicting physical harm. In a desperate plea for forgiveness, she faces the horrific realization of her compromised spirit.
Encounter with the angel
In a moment of despair, Sophia is enveloped by brilliant light, leading her to meet a magnificent armored angel. She makes a profound request for the power to forgive, finding a glimmer of hope and a path forward as she prepares to hold a water burial for Solomon.
Explore all characters from A Dark Song (2017). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Sophia Howard
Sophia is a deeply tormented mother, haunted by the loss of her seven-year-old son. Her character embodies resilience as she undertakes a challenging ritual to seek both understanding and vengeance, showcasing a transformation fueled by love, grief, and desperation.
Joseph Solomon
Joseph is portrayed as an irritable and enigmatic occultist, torn between his own desires and the responsibilities of his role in the ritual. His complexities surface through his manipulative actions and hidden motivations, revealing a character poised between chaos and a longing for peace.
Learn where and when A Dark Song (2017) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
The narrative unfolds over several months, indicating a prolonged and arduous ritual process. This timeline reflects Sophia's emotional decay and evolution as she navigates the complexities of grief and vengeance, allowing time to accentuate the intensity of her experiences.
Location
Wales
Wales is known for its stunning natural landscapes and tranquil countryside, providing a perfect backdrop for introspection and rituals. The serene environment contrasts with the turbulent emotional journey of the characters, showcasing isolation while dealing with profound grief and mystical experiences.
Discover the main themes in A Dark Song (2017). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Vengeance
Vengeance is a driving force for Sophia throughout her journey. Her quest to summon her guardian angel stems from the desire to confront those responsible for her son's death, showcasing the destructive nature of grief and its potential to blur moral lines.
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Supernatural
The film delves deep into the supernatural, blending elements of occult rituals and angelic encounters. These experiences blur the lines between reality and the ethereal, highlighting humans' complex relationship with the unknown and the spiritual quest for closure.
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Grief
Grief is the underpinning emotion that drives Sophia’s actions. The film portrays her heart-wrenching journey as she navigates her pain, revealing how loss can lead individuals to desperate and unconventional choices in a bid for healing and resolution.
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