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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Emelie (2016). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


In the opening sequence, we meet a young girl named Anna, who is tasked with babysitting, but her plans are abruptly interrupted when she is attacked by the dangerous duo known as Emelie and Skinny Man before she can even reach her destination. Taking advantage of the situation, Emelie assumes Anna’s identity and gains access to the home where the kids she intends to babysit reside. These children include the playful 4-year-old Christopher, the imaginative 9-year-old Sally, and the eldest sibling, 11-year-old Jacob.

At first, Emelie puts on a facade of sweetness and charm, behaving as any caring babysitter would until their parents leave for a night out. Once they are gone, her unsettling behavior begins to surface, revealing her true nature. For instance, she discourages Sally from smiling during a costume photoshoot, casting a shadow over what should be a fun moment. During a seemingly innocent game of hide-and-seek, Emelie engages in more sinister activities – she disables the internet, removes the shoelaces from the kids’ sneakers, and even breaks into the parents’ safe.

Emelie’s manipulation escalates when she calls Jacob into the bathroom under the pretense of needing a new tampon, flustering the young boy when he innocently asks what it is. To his horror, he witnesses Emelie unwrapping it and using it right in front of him, flushing away the remnants with grotesque nonchalance. Meanwhile, Dan, the father, and Joyce, the mother, enjoy dinner where Dan hints at discussing “the talk” with Jacob, alluding to his journey into adolescence and viewing adult content.

As Emelie continues her reign of chaos, she allows the children to indulge recklessly, munching on cookies and drawing all over the walls. She goes as far as feeding Sally’s pet hamster to Jacob’s python, forcing Sally to watch in despair. In a shocking turn, Emelie even shows the children their parents’ intimate moments captured on video, leaving them traumatized. As Jacob rummages through Emelie’s belongings, he uncovers the unsettling truth that she is not who she claims to be, igniting a fear as he realizes the depths of her depravity.

At bedtime, Emelie spins a twisted tale to comfort Christopher and Sally, narrating the story of a mama bear who lost her cub and eventually encountered Skinny Hyena, a character analogous to Skinny Man. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Emelie relates to the mama bear; a tragic incident led to the suffocation of her baby, leaving her unable to have more children. Now, she is seen at a nearby playground, stalking potential new victims, revealing her intentions through a message she sends to Skinny Man that indicates she has found her “cub.”

In a dramatic confrontation, Jacob brandishes his father’s gun, facing Emelie, who dares him to pull the trigger. However, he falters and drops the weapon. Their moment of tension is interrupted by the doorbell, revealing Maggie, the kids’ regular babysitter, who has come looking for Anna after not hearing from her. In a tragic twist, Emelie subdues Maggie, knocking her out and further entrenching her control over the children as she forces them to drink a sedative.

As the children succumb to sleep, Emelie attempts to suffocate Jacob, who has managed to vomit up the syrup meant to keep him quiet. Just then, Maggie regains consciousness and fights to protect the children, but tragically, Emelie kills her. Emelie’s plan becomes clear as she aims to abduct Christopher to fill the void in her life, but Jacob maneuvers to keep him hidden. Frantically, Emelie communicates with Skinny Man, indicating that time is running out for her sinister plans.

As Dan and Joyce drive home, they become victims of a crash orchestrated by Skinny Man, who sacrifices himself to further Emelie’s dream of adopting a new child. The police later reveal to the distraught parents that the body of Anna has been found in the trunk of his vehicle, igniting their desperate rush home. Meanwhile, Jacob heroically loads his brother and sister into his dad’s car and, in a bold move, collides with Emelie just as she is aiming a gun at him.

In the climactic finale, the police arrive just in time for a reunion of the children with their parents, amidst the chaos surrounding Emelie, who, in her desperation, limps away from the scene, leaving behind the destruction she caused. The chilling events of that night reveal not only the horrors of her actions but also the resilience of the children who fought to survive.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Emelie (2016) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


Anna's Babysitting Job Begins

In the opening scene, Anna, a young girl, is about to start babysitting a home. However, before she can arrive, she is attacked by Emelie and Skinny Man, setting a dark tone for the night.

Emelie Takes Anna's Place

Emelie successfully poses as Anna and enters the home of the children she is supposed to babysit. The parents, unaware of Emelie's deception, leave for the evening, entrusting their three children to her care.

Disturbing Behavior Begins

After the parents leave, Emelie begins to reveal her unsettling nature. She instructs Sally not to smile while taking photos, hinting at her manipulative tendencies.

Game of Hide-and-Seek

During a game of hide-and-seek, things take a dark turn. Emelie turns off the internet, removes the shoelaces from the kids' shoes, and starts breaking into the parents' safe.

Inappropriate Request

Emelie plays a cruel trick by calling Jacob into the bathroom to ask for a tampon. This shocking incident reveals her disturbing behavior as she makes him witness something so inappropriate and uncomfortable.

Bathroom

Parents on a Date

Meanwhile, at the restaurant, the children's parents, Dan and Joyce, are enjoying their date. Dan mentions that he needs to have a serious conversation with Jacob about puberty, implying his concerns about his son's behavior.

Restaurant

Chaos Unleashed

Emelie permits the children to indulge in chaos, letting them eat excessive cookies and draw on the walls. She then commits an act of cruelty by feeding Sally's beloved hamster to Jacob's python while forcing Sally to watch.

Inappropriate Viewing

In a shocking escalation, Emelie plays Joyce and Dan's private video for the children to see. Jacob, horrified, discovers that Emelie is not truly Anna and desperately tries to end their nightmare.

The Dark Story of Mama Bear

At bedtime, Emelie tells a sinister story about a mama bear who lost her cub, hinting at her own past. The story eerily parallels Emelie's own life, revealing her tragic and twisted motivations.

Jacob's Desperate Stand

With fear and determination, Jacob takes his father's gun and aims it at Emelie. Despite her provoking him to shoot her, Jacob ultimately decides to drop the weapon, showcasing his internal conflict.

Maggie Arrives

Maggie, the children's usual babysitter, shows up at the house, concerned about Anna's absence. Before she can warn the children, Emelie ambushes her and knocks her unconscious.

The Sinister Plot Unfolds

As the children are forced to consume sleeping syrup, Emelie attempts to suffocate Jacob with a pillow. However, Jacob manages to vomit up the syrup, creating chaos and desperation in the house.

Skinny Man's Sacrifice

In a twist of fate, Skinny Man drives a car into Joyce and Dan's vehicle, sacrificing himself for Emelie's dream of having a new child. His identity is revealed to the police as they search for clues.

Road

Jacob's Final Confrontation

In a tense moment, Jacob uses fireworks to subdue Emelie while securing his siblings. Amidst the ensuing chaos, he manages to escape with Sally and Christopher.

The Dramatic Rescue

In the climax, Jacob uses his father's car to hit Emelie as she threatens him with a gun. With the arrival of the police and their parents, the children are finally reunited, and Emelie is left limping away.

Characters

Explore all characters from Emelie (2016). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Emelie

Emelie is a deeply disturbed individual posing as a babysitter, whose sinister nature gradually reveals itself. She exhibits manipulative traits and a lack of empathy, showing an alarming obsession with 'motherhood' rooted in her past trauma. Her actions towards the children are both shocking and horrifying, reflecting her psychological instability.

🧟‍♀️ Villain 🦙 Manipulation ⚰️ Trauma

Jacob

Jacob serves as the protective older brother, displaying courage and resourcefulness in the face of danger. As he navigates the unsettling atmosphere created by Emelie, he evolves from a carefree child into a heroic figure tasked with safeguarding his siblings. His desperation and bravery during critical moments underscore his maturity amid chaos.

🦸‍♂️ Hero 👦 Sibling Bond 🌪️ Growth

Sally

Sally is the innocent younger sister caught in the disturbing ordeal, representing the vulnerability of childhood. Her emotional reactions to Emelie’s actions provide a poignant contrast to the terror unfolding around her. Despite her young age, she becomes a symbol of the innocent lives affected by adult issues.

👶 Innocence 🎨 Creativity 💔 Vulnerability

Christopher

Christopher, the youngest of the siblings, embodies the fragility of innocence and the need for protection in threatening situations. While he lacks the awareness of the dangers around him, his dependence on Jacob and Sally highlights the theme of sibling unity in adversity. His character illustrates the helplessness of young children in the face of malevolent forces.

👼 Innocence 🌈 Dependence 🔒 Family

Setting

Learn where and when Emelie (2016) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

The film takes place in contemporary times, showcasing modern parenting concerns as well as the challenges and dangers present in today's world. The familial dynamics portrayed reflect issues that many families face today, such as navigating children’s developmental milestones and personal safety.

Location

Family Home, Playground, Restaurant

The primary setting for the movie is a family home where the unsettling events unfold, initially appearing to be a safe environment for the children. A playground serves as a contrasting backdrop where Emelie is seen watching over children, symbolizing her twisted desire for motherhood. The restaurant represents a moment of normalcy for the parents, oblivious to the danger their children face.

🏠 Home 🌳 Playground 🍽️ Restaurant

Themes

Discover the main themes in Emelie (2016). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


🧸

Childhood Trauma

The theme of childhood trauma is prevalent as Emelie embodies the dangers that can lurk beneath seemingly innocent facades. The narrative explores the impact of such trauma on children, particularly through their interactions with a figure that symbolizes danger and betrayal. The psychological manipulation of the children showcases the scars that can result from devastating experiences.

🔪

Survival

Survival becomes a critical theme as Jacob, the oldest child, adopts a protective role for his siblings against the impending threat. The drastic measures he takes to ensure their safety highlight the instincts that arise in desperate situations. The film reflects the lengths one must go to in order to survive emotionally and physically.

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