Communion 1989

Whitley Strieber's life in Manhattan

Whitley Strieber, a New York–based author, lives with his wife Anne and their son Andrew in Manhattan. He seems successful on the outside, but is repeatedly woken by paranoid dreams that someone else is in the room.

Paranoid dreams begin

The nightmares begin to intrude on his waking life, with Strieber convinced there is an unseen intruder in his home. The dreams grow more vivid and persistent, unsettling both his work and family.

Cabin night intrusion

On a trip to the family cabin in the woods, the intruder alarm is triggered and Strieber sees a face watching him from the doorway. Bright light fills the cabin windows and wakes Andrew and two friends, Alex and Sarah, while Anne remains asleep. The unsettling event marks the first time the group encounters something otherworldly.

Return to New York; uneasy normalcy

Disturbed by the incident, the group returns to New York and tries to resume normal life, but Strieber finds that his work and personal life are affected by recurring nightmares and visions.

Alien visions intensify

The visions broaden from nightmares to encounters with alien beings, including greys, blue doctors, and bugs, driving a wedge between Strieber and his wife as well as Andrew.

Gun incident at the cabin

During another visit to the cabin he becomes convinced aliens are inside the home, and he pulls his gun in a tense moment that nearly harms Anne. The fear also pushes him to worry that Andrew is beginning to have the same visions. The event marks a turning point toward seeking help.

Therapist encounter

He is convinced to see psychiatrist Dr. Janet Duffy, who specializes in hypnotic regression therapy. The therapy aims to uncover repressed experiences and possible abduction memories.

Hypnotic regression and group therapy

The therapy suggests that Strieber has possibly been abducted and experimented on, though he remains skeptical. He reluctantly attends a group therapy session with other abductees.

Confronting the visions at the cabin

Realizing he must face his visions, Strieber returns to the cabin, where he interacts with the alien beings and begins to accept that they may have been part of his life all along.

Revelation of lineage

He learns that contact with the alien visitors has been a lifelong thread passed down from his father Karl, and that he will eventually pass it on to Andrew.

Reconciliation with family

Making up with his family, Strieber comes to terms with the alien presence as part of his life, rather than a threat. He begins to integrate the visitors into his daily existence.