What Is Dark August About?
The premise of Dark August in 355 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the quiet, wood‑stitched valleys of Stowe, Vermont, Sal Devito, a visual artist fleeing the relentless pulse of New York City, tries to reshape his life with paint, plaster and the promise of a fresh start. He settles into a modest farmhouse with his supportive girlfriend Jackie, hoping the slower rhythm of country living will finally soothe the restless edge that has chased him from gallery openings to sleepless nights. Their tentative peace shatters the moment a careless slip on a remote road ends in tragedy, leaving a young girl dead and the town whispering about the cost of a single mistake.
The grief of the victim’s family does not remain contained in quiet condolences. Ned McDermott, the girl’s grandfather, is a figure rooted in the region’s older traditions, someone who quietly reveres the ancient, unseen forces that have long been woven into the New England woods. In his anguish, he invokes a death‑curse that begins to loom over Sal, turning ordinary shadows into something far more oppressive. As the curse’s presence becomes an unsettling undercurrent to his everyday routine, Sal feels the weight of an unseen watcher and an inexplicable dread that seeps into his once‑bright studio.
In this stoic community, superstition lingers just beneath the surface of polite conversation. Adrianna Putnam, a local psychic known by some as a witch, stands at the edge of that divide, offering a bridge between the tangible world and the intangible forces now tangled with Sal’s fate. When the artist’s anxiety turns to desperation, he turns to her, seeking a way to untangle the malevolent thread that threatens to bind his future. Their interactions unfold against a backdrop of mist‑cloaked woods, creaking barns, and a town that feels simultaneously familiar and haunted.
The film cultivates an atmosphere thick with foreboding, where the ordinary—farm chores, small‑town gatherings, quiet evenings—are constantly tinged with a spectral unease. Sal’s struggle becomes less about escaping legal repercussions and more about confronting a deep, ancestral dread that blurs the line between guilt and supernatural retribution, inviting the audience to wonder how far one will go when the past reaches out with invisible fingers.
What Happens in Dark August?
The complete story of Dark August, from the first scene to the last, in 606 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 7 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Sal Devito J.J. Barry, a visual artist from New York City, has spent a year trying to adjust to country life after moving to rural Stowe, Vermont, with his girlfriend Jackie Carolyne Barry. The quiet of the small town is shattered by a car accident Sal was involved in just after arriving, which claimed the life of a young girl. Although Sal is cleared of any wrongdoing, the girl’s grandfather, Ned McDermott William Robertson, seems to be watching and following him, casting a shadow over the newly settled life. Unsettling physical symptoms begin to plague Sal, growing more painful and persistent as days pass, and at one moment he nearly collapses in a grocery store, fueling his growing fear that McDermott may have laid a curse upon him.
As Sal focuses on building his art studio with his friend Paul Richard Allan Fay, a hooded figure appears in the woods, distracting Sal enough to cause Paul to injure his leg. The two set out to drive Paul to the hospital, but another sighting of the hooded figure on a covered bridge leads to a car crash instead. By the time they reach the hospital, Sal is visibly shaken, and the sense that something otherworldly is at work lingers over him.
Later, Sal and Jackie share a meal with their friends Theo Frank Bongiorno and Lesley Kate McKeown. Lesley, a clairvoyant, offers Sal a tarot reading that foreshadows danger but also suggests that a woman unknown to him will come to his aid. Meanwhile, Jackie confides that Adrianna Putnam, Kim Hunter, a local psychic who many townspeople dismiss as a witch, might be able to help Sal. Sal finds himself wandering back to the woods where the hooded figure first appeared, following it across a creek into the trees, but the figure remains silent and unmoving despite his calls.
With mounting fear, Sal, Jackie, Theo, and Lesley decide to seek Adrianna’s guidance. Adrianna confirms Sal’s suspicion that McDermott has placed a curse on him and advises a drastic ritual: Sal should burn his unfinished studio—the first place where he encountered the ominous figure—because the place feels demonic. Sal follows the advice and sets the studio alight, but the local fire department intervenes to extinguish the blaze, and Sal later finds himself arrested when he tries to resist the responders.
In a desperate bid to lift the curse, Jackie goes to Ned McDermott to plead for mercy. Inside his home she uncovers tools and items pointing to witchcraft, and McDermott assaults her; she escapes and seeks Adrianna’s aid once more. Adrianna instructs Jackie to bring Sal back to her house, along with Theo and Lesley, so they can participate in a ritual designed to transform the negative energy attached to Sal into something positive. The four drink from a goblet and begin an incantation, with Adrianna leading the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer. But the ritual is cut short when McDermott arrives and shoots Adrianna, killing her in the heart of the ritual.
Even with Adrianna slain, the ritual scene continues, and the demonic force that had possessed Sal now turns on McDermott, signaling a supernatural shift in the town’s uneasy dynamic. Sometime later, Sal again spots the hooded figure at the woods behind his home. Resolve drives him to confront the figure with a shotgun, yet danger looms closer as his dog senses trouble and lunges at him. In a doomed moment of self-preservation, Sal shoots his dog to protect himself, collapses, and stays by his dying companion as he comforts the animal in his arms, the weight of the ordeal lingering in the air around him.
Dark August Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Relocation to Vermont and the accident” to “Final encounter with the hooded figure”. 12 events name a place, across 11 locations.
- 1
Relocation to Vermont and the accident
Sal Devito moves from NYC to rural Stowe, Vermont with his girlfriend Jackie, hoping for a fresh start. He struggles to adapt to country life, and soon a car accident claims the life of a young girl, though he is later cleared of responsibility. The girl's grandfather, Ned McDermott, begins stalking him.
When:Shortly after relocating Where:Stowe, Vermont
- 2
Hooded figure disrupts studio construction
While Sal and his friend Paul work on building Sal's art studio, a hooded figure appears in the woods nearby, drawing Sal's attention away from the work. The distraction leads Paul to injure his leg in the ensuing mishap. The fear grows as the figure seems to watch from a distance.
When:During construction Where:Near Sal's property, Stowe
- 3
Bridge encounter and car crash
Sal, trying to drive Paul to the hospital after the incident, spots the hooded figure again on a covered bridge and swerves in panic. The car crashes, leaving both men shaken and wary of what is stalking them. They eventually reach the hospital, where Sal's terror becomes more palpable.
When:Soon after the earlier incident Where:Covered bridge (en route to hospital)
- 4
Grocery store collapse and illness
Sal experiences a near-collapse in a grocery store due to mysterious, painful symptoms. He struggles to stand and is supported by others, deepening his sense that something malevolent is targeting him. The episode adds to the fear that the curse may be real.
When:While in town Where:Grocery store
- 5
Tarot reading hints at danger
During a dinner with Theo and Lesley, Lesley the clairvoyant performs a tarot reading that warns Sal he is in danger and that a mysterious woman will come to his aid. The reading casts a shadow over Sal's life, suggesting forces beyond his control are at work. The conversation sows seeds for seeking Adrianna's help.
When:Evening Where:Theo and Lesley's home
- 6
Adrianna introduced as potential aid
Jackie mentions Adrianna Putnam, a local psychic accused of witchcraft by townspeople, as someone who might be able to help Sal. Sal remains skeptical but desperate for a solution. This sets the stage for their planned visit.
When:Soon after dinner Where:Town/Adrianna's vicinity
- 7
Hooded figure appears at forest edge again
Back home, Sal witnesses the hooded figure at the forest edge along his property, and follows it into the woods. The figure does not respond to his calls, deepening the sense of a malevolent presence. The encounter heightens Sal's paranoia.
When:Daytime Where:Forest edge behind Sal's house
- 8
Curse confirmed and a burning plan
Sal, Jackie, and Lesley visit Adrianna, who confirms that Ned McDermott has cast a curse on Sal. She advises burning the unfinished studio—the first place he encountered the hooded figure—believing the demonic presence resides there. The plan is to cleanse through fire.
When:After the visit to Adrianna Where:Adrianna's home
- 9
Studio fire and arrest
Sal follows Adrianna's advice and sets the studio on fire, but the local fire department puts out the blaze before the threat can be eliminated. In the struggle to stop the firefighters, Sal is arrested, compounding his fear and confusion. The event amplifies the town's suspicions about him.
When:During the attempt to burn the studio Where:Studio
- 10
Jackie confronts McDermott and seeks ritual help
Jackie goes to McDermott's house in a bid to undo the curse, where she discovers his occult paraphernalia and is attacked by him. She escapes and seeks Adrianna's help, signaling the plan to protect Sal with a ritual. This marks a turning point toward a confrontation with the malevolent force.
When:After the studio incident Where:McDermott's home; Adrianna's home
- 11
Ritual intended to protect; Adrianna killed
Adrianna gathers Sal, Jackie, Theo, and Lesley for a ritual designed to transform negative energy into protection. She performs an incantation and drinks with the others, invoking a safeguarding energy. McDermott arrives and shoots Adrianna, halting the ritual, but the demonic force turns against him.
When:During the ritual Where:Adrianna's home
- 12
Final encounter with the hooded figure
A later sighting of the hooded figure prompts Sal to confront it with a shotgun. His dog senses danger and attacks him, forcing Sal to shoot the dog to protect himself. He collapses beside his dying companion, the weight of the curse looming over him.
When:Some time after the ritual Where:Woods behind Sal's house
Who Are the Main Characters in Dark August?
7 characters, among them Sal Devito (J.J. Barry), Adrianna Putnam (Kim Hunter) and Ned McDermott (The Grandfather): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- SD
Sal Devito (J.J. Barry)
Played by J.J. Barry
A New York City-born visual artist who relocates to rural Stowe and struggles to fit in. He is intelligent and sensitive, yet increasingly paranoid after a car accident that results in a girl's death. Sal experiences inexplicable physical pain and a growing sense that he is being haunted by a hooded figure. His attempts to understand and resist the supernatural drive him toward drastic actions, including seeking help from Adrianna.
- 🎨 Creative
- 😨 Anxious
- 🧠 Burdened
- AP
Adrianna Putnam (Kim Hunter)
Played by Kim Hunter
A local psychic branded as a witch by the townspeople, Adrianna acts as Sal's ally and the catalyst for uncovering the curse. She provides guidance on breaking the malevolent hold and leads the group through a ritual designed to transform negative energy. Her knowledge of occult practices makes her both trusted and dangerous within the town's beliefs. Her sudden death during the ritual intensifies the conflict with the forces at play.
- 🔮 Psychic
- 🧭 Mysterious
- 🕯️ Ritualist
- NM
Ned McDermott (The Grandfather)
Played by William Robertson
The grieving grandfather of the young girl who died in the car accident. He appears to stalk Sal, driven by fear, guilt, and a belief that Sal is connected to his granddaughter's death. His presence fuels suspicion and fear around the curse, and his occult practices become a point of tension in the town. Ned's hostility injects a human antagonist into the supernatural conflict.
- 💔 Grief
- 🕵️ Suspicion
- 🏚️ Rumors
- J(
Jackie (Sal's Girlfriend)
Played by Carolyne Barry
Sal's partner who relocates with him and remains a source of support despite the mounting danger. She seeks Adrianna's help and organizes the group to participate in the protective ritual. Her fear and loyalty drive her to confront Ned and advocate for Sal's safety, highlighting the personal stakes at the heart of the mystery.
- 💖 Loyal
- 🤝 Supportive
- P(
Paul (Friend)
Played by Richard Allan Fay
Sal's friend who helps build the art studio and becomes entangled in the supernatural events after the hooded figure appears. His injury while assisting Sal adds to the sense of peril, and his presence reinforces the theme of friendship under strain when confronting unknown forces.
- 🧰 Builder
- 🤝 Loyal
- T
Theo
Played by Frank Bongiorno
Sal and Jackie's friend who attends the dinner and shares in the group's attempt to address the curse. Theo's role helps ground the human social circle around Sal, illustrating how the town's collective life intersects with the supernatural occurrences.
- 🎭 Social
- 🗺️ Observant
- L
Lesley
Played by Kate McKeown
A clairvoyant friend who senses danger around Sal and participates in the ritual with Adrianna and Jackie. Her readings align with the tarot insights that foreshadow danger and guide the group's actions, adding a spiritual dimension to the investigation.
- 🔮 Clairvoyance
- 🧠 Insightful
Where and When Is Dark August Set?
Dark August is set in Stowe, Vermont and New York City (Present day). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Present day
The events take place in the contemporary era, with everyday modernities like a grocery store, hospital, and fire department anchoring the horror in a recognizable reality. The slow, ordinary rhythm of small-town life collides with sudden, inexplicable occurrences, amplifying the sense that something ancient yet near is at work. The timeframe grounds the paranormal in a believable world, making the supernatural feel personal and immediate.
Where
Stowe, Vermont, New York City
The story unfolds in rural Stowe, Vermont, a forested small town that creates a quiet, isolating backdrop for supernatural tension. Sal's move from bustling New York City into this quiet landscape exposes him to unfamiliar customs and a community with secretive rumors. The natural surroundings—woods, creeks, and a covered bridge—mirror Sal's mounting unease and become active elements in the mystery. The town atmosphere blends close-knit scrutiny with a lingering sense of dread.
- 🏞️ Rural Vermont
- 🗽 NYC origins
What Are the Themes of Dark August?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Curse, Isolation and Ritual.
-
01
Curse
A malevolent force attaches to Sal after the car accident, driving the central mystery of the film. The curse is tied to Ned McDermott's suspicions and Adrianna's occult world, creating a sense of inescapable fate. Sal's experience of pain, visions, and near-collapses underscores the personal cost of disturbing hidden powers. The narrative builds toward a ritual attempt that tests whether the curse can be broken or if it will consume him.
-
02
Isolation
The forested, small-town setting amplifies Sal's sense of being cut off from his old life and support network. Gossip, suspicion, and fear circulate within the close-knit community, turning strangers into potential threats. The physical distance between Sal and his former urban world mirrors the emotional distance growing between him and those who might help. This isolation heightens the tension and makes every creak in the woods feel menacing.
-
03
Ritual
Adrianna's ritual to transform negative energy into protective power becomes the pivotal moment of the film. The ceremony gathers Sal, Jackie, Theo, and Lesley to confront the curse, only to be interrupted by a violent act that reshapes the supernatural dynamics. The ritual's intention is to heal, yet the cost is high, exposing the perils of meddling with dark forces. In the end, the ritual outcome catalyzes a confrontation with the demonic presence.
What Kind of Film Is Dark August?
Tense in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bleak
A steadily escalating horror film steeped in paranoia and rural dread, where a man's life unravels under a supernatural curse, leading to desperate rituals and a devastatingly bleak conclusion.
- paranoid
- dreadful
- desperate
- isolated
- sinister
- anxious
- supernatural curse
- grief and revenge
- paranormal investigation
- psychological torment
Content notes: animal death, assault, ritualistic violence, supernatural torment.
Quiz
How well do you remember Dark August? Test yourself on the story.
