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Plot summary

Cursed (2005) Plot Summary & Timeline

Cursed (2005) movie poster

Cursed is a 2005 thriller and fantasy film directed by Wes Craven, running 1 hour 37 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 542 words (about 2 minutes to read) and covers 15 key events in order, 4 characters, where and when it is set and 2 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Cursed.

to read the plot summary
2 min
key events in the timeline
15
characters profiled
4
themes explained
2
Cursed (2005) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 37m
Director
Wes Craven
Original language
Hebrew
No spoilers

What Is Cursed About?

The premise of Cursed in 341 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the restless sprawl of Los Angeles, a city that never sleeps but now shivers under an unseen menace, the ordinary rhythm of night life is suddenly fractured by whispers of a prowling predator. The film casts a dim, neon‑lit haze over familiar streets, turning cafés and boardwalks into uneasy frontiers where every shadow could conceal something far more primal than the usual urban grind. A tone of uneasy dread mixes with a gritty, youthful energy, setting the stage for a modern horror‑thriller that feels both familiar and unsettlingly fresh.

When Jenny Tate and Becky Morton decide to tempt fate at a seaside fortune‑telling booth, they encounter Zela, a mystic whose vague warning hangs in the air like static before it is dismissed with a laugh. Their carefree outing soon collides with a far darker reality, pulling them—and soon Jimmy and his sister Ellie—into a night that promises more than a simple scare. Alongside the skeptical Bo, these young adults discover that a sudden, vicious attack has left them with a chilling dilemma: they are now marked by the very creature that prowls the city’s alleys.

The stakes rise as the trio realizes that their own bodies may betray them, forcing a reluctant pact to hunt the source of the terror before any further change can take hold. Their bond—shaped by sibling loyalty, reluctant friendship, and the thin line between curiosity and survival—drives them deeper into a world where myth and flesh collide. As they grapple with the possibility of becoming what they hunt, the film sustains a pulse‑quickening tension, balancing moments of dark humor with a relentless sense of urgency.

Against this backdrop, hints of deeper secrets linger. Jake and Joanie hover on the periphery, their connections to the central mystery promising hidden motives, while Brooke offers a glimpse of normalcy that the characters might cling to if they can outlast the night. The mood remains a tightrope of suspense and raw emotion, inviting viewers to wonder how far these unlikely allies will go before the darkness claims them all.

Full plot

What Happens in Cursed?

The complete story of Cursed, from the first scene to the last, in 542 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout.

Spoilers ahead

The film kicks off with Jenny Tate and Becky Morton, who are enjoying a leisurely day at the pier when they decide to consult a fortune teller named Zela. Zela’s ominous prediction hints at a terrible fate awaiting them, but the pair dismiss her warnings with laughter and walk away. Their carefree attitude quickly changes when Becky realizes that Jenny has vanished, sending her into a frantic search on the pier where she drives.

Later, we find Jimmy and his sister Ellie having a fateful night drive, where they accidentally hit an animal, followed by a collision with another car. In a horrifying turn of events, they attempt to rescue the driver, only to witness Becky being suddenly dragged away and devoured by an unseen creature. Both siblings suffer slashing attacks from this monstrous entity, and Jimmy grows increasingly convinced that they are dealing with a werewolf, despite being met with skepticism from those around him.

As events unfold, Jimmy and Ellie begin to experience bizarre wolf-like behaviors, such as craving raw meat and exhibiting heightened instincts - though Ellie maintains her denial, seemingly proving her point through a touch of a silver picture frame without consequence. Yet, Jimmy’s transformation becomes evident as he gains remarkable strength, easily overcoming bullies like Bo, who attempts to compel him to join the wrestling team.

Tragedy strikes when Jenny is brutally murdered in a parking garage, confirming Zela’s grim prediction. As the situation spirals out of control, Ellie starts to accept the notion of a werewolf, a realization that hits home when Jimmy suffers a burn from a silver cake server, revealing his fear holds justification. The siblings, along with Bo, race to confront the looming danger as Ellie discovers her boyfriend, Jake, harbors his own werewolf secret.

Conflict arises when a new werewolf emerges, revealed to be Joanie, a vindictive publicist connected to Jake’s past who seeks revenge on all his romantic interests. She clashes with Ellie and Jimmy, leading to a fierce battle when Joanie transforms into her monstrous form. Despite her ferocity, law enforcement intervenes, resulting in fatal shots aimed at Joanie. For a werewolf to be truly vanquished, it must be decapitated; as she rises once more, a cop takes the decisive shot, finally ending her threat.

In a jarring twist, a dog bites Jimmy, setting off a chain reaction of chaos in their already-destroyed home, revealing that now their pet has become a werewolf. Amidst the turmoil, Jake reappears, disclosing that he is responsible for biting both Jimmy and Ellie, wishing for Ellie to join him in eternal life after dispatching her brother. The ensuing confrontation reveals that while Ellie struggles with her werewolf nature, Jake has mastered his, granting him the upper hand.

However, chaos breaks loose when Jimmy leaps into action, biting Jake to deliver a crucial distraction, allowing Ellie to inflict a severe wound with the silver cake server. In a climactic duel, Ellie ultimately decapitates Jake with a shovel, liberating herself, Jimmy, and their dog from the werewolf curse. The aftermath finds Brooke, a girl Jimmy likes, and Bo visiting, marking new beginnings and friendships as they all embrace the next chapter in their lives, leaving Ellie to ponder the wreckage of their once safe home.

Timeline

Cursed Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

15 key events in the order they happen, from “Consulting the Fortune Teller” to “Reflecting on the Chaos”. 4 events name a place, across 3 locations.

  1. 1

    Consulting the Fortune Teller

    Jenny Tate and Becky Morton are enjoying a leisurely day at the pier when they decide to consult a fortune teller named Zela. Unbeknownst to them, Zela's ominous prediction hints at a terrible fate awaiting them, though the friends dismiss the warnings with laughter.

    Where:Pier

  2. 2

    Becky's Frantic Search

    After leaving the fortune teller, Becky suddenly realizes that Jenny has vanished. Panic sets in as Becky drives frantically around the pier, searching for her friend in a state of growing distress.

    Where:Pier

  3. 3

    Jimmy and Ellie's Night Drive

    Meanwhile, Jimmy and his sister Ellie are out for a night drive, which takes a horrific turn when they accidentally hit an animal, followed by a serious collision with another vehicle. This incident changes their night in ways they could never anticipate.

  4. 4

    The Horrifying Discovery

    After the accident, in an attempt to rescue the driver involved, Jimmy and Ellie become witnesses to a shocking event. Becky is suddenly dragged away by an unseen creature, marking the start of their nightmare's escalation.

    Where:Crash Site

  5. 5

    Strange Transformations Begin

    In the aftermath of their encounter, both siblings begin experiencing bizarre wolf-like behaviors. They crave raw meat and their instincts heighten, but Ellie remains in denial about what is happening to them, despite the clear signs.

  6. 6

    Jenny's Brutal Murder

    Tragedy strikes when Jenny is brutally murdered in a parking garage, tragically fulfilling Zela's grim prediction. This violent act shakes the remaining friends to their core and escalates the urgency to confront the danger they face.

    Where:Parking Garage

  7. 7

    Embracing the Reality of Werewolves

    As the situation spirals out of control, Ellie starts to confront the harsh reality of a werewolf threat. This acceptance intensifies when Jimmy suffers a burn from a silver cake server, helping to validate his fears.

  8. 8

    The Revelation of Joanie

    Conflict arises when a new werewolf is revealed to be Joanie, a vindictive publicist with ties to Jake. Her quest for vengeance leads to an intense confrontation with Ellie and Jimmy, escalating the dire circumstances they already find themselves in.

  9. 9

    The Final Showdown

    The climax erupts as law enforcement intervenes during a fierce battle with Joanie. Despite her impressive ferocity, a cop delivers a decisive shot that ultimately ends Joanie's reign of terror, but the danger among them still looms.

  10. 10

    Jimmy's New Transformation

    In a shocking twist, Jimmy is bitten by a dog, resulting in further chaos as their pet reveals its new identity as a werewolf. This shocking revelation adds another layer of urgency and complexity to their already precarious situation.

Show the other 5 events of Cursed
  1. 11

    Jake's True Identity Revealed

    Jake reappears, revealing his role as the one responsible for transforming both Jimmy and Ellie into werewolves. He wishes for Ellie to join him in eternal life, complicating their already fraught dynamic further.

  2. 12

    The Climactic Duel

    As the final confrontation unfolds, Jimmy takes action by biting Jake, creating a crucial distraction. With the opportunity presented, Ellie uses the silver cake server to inflict a severe wound on Jake, turning the tide in their favor.

  3. 13

    Ellie's Liberation

    In a dramatic conclusion, Ellie decapitates Jake with a shovel, breaking free from the curse that has haunted them. This pivotal moment grants freedom to her, Jimmy, and their dog from the grips of lycanthropy.

  4. 14

    New Beginnings

    The aftermath of the conflict sees Brooke and Bo visiting, marking new friendships and fresh starts for the surviving characters. This moment of hopeful renewal allows them to embrace the next chapter of their lives.

  5. 15

    Reflecting on the Chaos

    As the dust settles, Ellie is left to ponder the wreckage of their once safe home. The experience has transformed them in ways they never could have imagined, aligning their future with moments of uncertainty but also newfound friendships.

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Cursed?

4 characters, among them Jenny Tate (Christina Ricci), Becky Morton and Ellie: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 1 of them link to the actor’s page.

  • Christina Ricci as Jenny Tate (Christina Ricci) in Cursed

    Jenny Tate (Christina Ricci)

    Played by Christina Ricci

    Jenny is a lively and carefree young woman, embodying the spirit of youthful exuberance initially. However, her character faces a brutal shift when she becomes a victim of a terrifying fate, serving as a tragic reminder of the dangers that lurk beneath the surface of her seemingly normal life.

    • 🌟 Youthful
    • 💔 Tragic
  • BM

    Becky Morton

    Becky is a loyal friend whose journey takes a dark turn following the ominous events at the pier. Her frantic search for Jenny and subsequent experiences with the supernatural define her character, showcasing her bravery amidst horror and her struggle with loss.

    • 🤝 Friendship
    • 😱 Horror
  • E

    Ellie

    Ellie is depicted as a rational character who initially denies the supernatural events unfolding around her. Her journey towards acceptance of her werewolf nature illustrates her internal conflict and growth as she comes to grips with the reality of her situation.

    • 🌪️ Conflict
    • 🦁 Growth
  • J

    Jimmy

    Jimmy transitions from an ordinary teen to a character grappling with newfound powers and the burden of a dark secret. His experiences with strength and transformation reveal the complexities of adolescence, where external pressures and internal changes collide.

    • 💪 Transformation
    • ⚔️ Conflict
Setting

Where and When Is Cursed Set?

Cursed is set in Pier and Parking Garage. Here is why the place matters to the story.

When

The movie appears to take place in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern fears and social dynamics. This time period is characterized by a blend of light-heartedness and terror, as characters confront both supernatural elements and real-life dangers.

Where

Pier, Parking Garage

The pier serves as a lively backdrop for the initial carefree adventures of Jenny and Becky, symbolizing their youthful innocence. The parking garage is where tragedy strikes, embodying a darker aspect of the story, as it becomes the site of a brutal murder, escalating the horror elements.

  • 🌊 Pier
  • 🚗 Parking Garage
Themes

What Are the Themes of Cursed?

2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Transformation and Survival.

  1. 01

    Transformation

    The theme of transformation is prevalent as characters struggle with their evolving identities and the monstrous nature within them. Jimmy and Ellie’s physical changes reflect deeper internal conflicts, leading them to confront their fears and the darker aspects of themselves. This transformation acts as a metaphor for the journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

  2. 02

    Survival

    Survival is a core theme as the characters battle not only an external threat but also their own inner demons. The physical confrontations with the werewolf highlight the struggle to stay alive while navigating betrayal and trust issues among friends and family. This constant fight for survival drives the narrative forward, forcing characters to make life-altering decisions.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Cursed?

Tense in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Tense
Pacing
Fast
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
High
Ending
Mixed

A fast-paced and tense supernatural horror where young adults grapple with a violent werewolf curse amidst betrayals and attacks, blending creature-feature thrills with themes of hidden identity and survival.

  • anxious
  • monstrous
  • suspenseful
  • chaotic
  • gritty
  • ominous
  • werewolf curse
  • survival
  • coming of age
  • coming out allegory

Content notes: animal death, graphic violence, murder, body horror.

Quiz

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Where to watch

Where to Watch Cursed

Stream it on YouTube Free, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

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FAQ

Cursed Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Cursed, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Cursed about?

In the restless sprawl of Los Angeles, a city that never sleeps but now shivers under an unseen menace, the ordinary rhythm of night life is suddenly fractured by whispers of a prowling predator.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Cursed take place?

Cursed is set in Pier and Parking Garage. The movie appears to take place in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern fears and social dynamics. This time period is characterized by a blend of light-heartedness and terror, as characters confront both…

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Cursed?

The story follows Jenny Tate (Christina Ricci) (played by Christina Ricci), Becky Morton, Ellie and Jimmy.

All the characters

What are the main themes of Cursed?

The summary picks out 2 themes: Transformation and Survival.

The themes explained

Who directed Cursed?

Cursed (2005) was directed by Wes Craven and runs 1 hour 37 minutes.

Wes Craven’s films

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