Inheritance 2020

Drama

Mystery

Thriller

Box Office

$305K

Runtime

111 min

Language

English

Directed by

Vaughn Stein

Made by

Vertical Entertainment

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Inheritance (2020). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

Archer Monroe, the influential patriarch of a prominent political dynasty in New York City, meets his end, leaving behind a vast fortune and a complex family dynamic. His estate is subsequently divided among his grieving relatives: his devoted wife, Catherine Monroe; his ambitious son, William Monroe, who is entrenched in a heated re-election campaign; and his daughter, Lauren Monroe, a determined 30-year-old Manhattan District Attorney. As the family navigates their loss, the family attorney, Harold Thewlis, presents Lauren with a startling posthumous video message from her father. In this unsettling recording, he implores her to keep a grave secret, leading her to a concealed underground bunker situated on the family’s estate.

Upon entering the bunker, Lauren’s world is shaken as she discovers a man named Morgan Warner, who has been incarcerated for three long decades. Morgan claims that he was once Archer’s close friend and business associate until a fateful night when their reckless behavior while driving drunk resulted in a tragic accident—a fatal hit-and-run. To protect himself, Archer manipulated events, imprisoning Morgan to keep his secret safe, despite confessing numerous family secrets during his captivity. As proof of his claims, Morgan directs Lauren to the site where the victim’s remains were concealed.

In her quest for the truth, Lauren unravels a web of deception, leading her to discover Archer’s clandestine affair that produced a secret child as well as uncovering evidence of bribery that facilitated his children’s rise to power. As the layers of her father’s past are peeled back, Lauren grapples with the moral implications of her family’s legacy and is eventually compelled to free Morgan. Firmly believing in his wrongful incarceration, she instructs Harold to arrange a discreet escape for Morgan, involving offshore accounts and a private jet.

However, things take a dark turn when Lauren, seeking to verify Morgan’s identity, acquires his fingerprints for comparison. The results lead her to an unsettling truth that sends chills down her spine when Catherine identifies Morgan as “Carson,” an evil man from her past. The tension escalates when Lauren discovers that Morgan’s departure never took place, and a horrific incident unfolds when Harold is found murdered.

Desperate and determined, Lauren rushes back to the Monroe residence, only to find that Carson has abducted her mother, taking her back to the bunker. In a shocking revelation, Carson confesses to having drugged and assaulted Catherine thirty years prior. The circumstances surrounding the night of the accident are illuminated, revealing that Archer had initially planned to kill Carson after the crime but ultimately chose to keep him alive. In a twist of fate, the tables turn as Carson manages to murder Archer, using the poison meant for him.

In an intense confrontation, Lauren fights against Carson’s sinister intentions. In the heat of their struggle, Carson claims a heart-wrenching truth—that he is actually Lauren’s biological father. Just when it seems all hope is lost, Catherine seizes control of the situation, gaining access to Carson’s weapon and ending the threat by shooting him dead. United by their harrowing ordeal, mother and daughter take the final step to obliterate the evidence of their family’s darkest secrets, pouring gasoline throughout the bunker before igniting a fire that consumes not only the place of captivity but also the haunting past of the Monroe family.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Inheritance (2020) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Archer Monroe's Death

The story begins with the death of Archer Monroe, a powerful political figure in New York City. His passing creates a ripple effect, prompting a family struggle over his vast estate and complex legacy.

At the outset New York City

Distribution of the Estate

Following Archer's death, his estate is divided among his grieving relatives, including his dedicated wife, Catherine, ambitious son William, and determined daughter Lauren. This division sets the stage for familial tensions and conflicts as each member has their own ambitions and desires.

The Posthumous Video

Family attorney Harold Thewlis presents Lauren with a shocking video message from her father. In the video, Archer reveals a grave secret that leads Lauren to investigate deeper into her father's past and the family's hidden truths.

Monroe estate

Discovery of the Bunker

Lauren uncovers a concealed underground bunker on her family's estate, where she finds Morgan Warner, a man imprisoned for three decades. This discovery unravels a web of family secrets and past betrayals that Lauren must now confront.

Monroe estate

The Truth About Morgan

Morgan reveals his history with Archer, claiming they were once close friends until a fatal drunk-driving accident led to a life-altering betrayal. Archer had used his influence to ensure Morgan remained imprisoned to keep the accident a secret.

Clues About the Victim

In her pursuit of the truth, Lauren is led by Morgan to the site where the remains of the accident's victim were hidden. This revelation compels her to delve deeper into her father's unflattering legacy and the ethics surrounding his actions.

Familial Deception Unveiled

Lauren uncovers shocking evidence of Archer's extramarital affair and a secret child, further complicating her family's narrative. The moral implications of her family's actions weigh heavily on her as she pieces together the past.

Planning Morgan's Escape

Convinced of Morgan’s wrongful imprisonment, Lauren schemes to arrange his escape from the bunker. She enlists Harold's help to facilitate this escape using offshore accounts and a private jet, risking everything for the truth.

Unearthed Truths

Lauren's verification process for Morgan's identity leads her to a chilling correlation. She learns from Catherine that Morgan is actually known as 'Carson,' an evil figure from her past, raising alarms about trust and safety.

Harold's Murder

Tensions escalate dramatically when Harold is found murdered, revealing the danger surrounding their investigation. The shocking turn of events leaves Lauren and Catherine in a race against time to uncover the truth.

Catherine's Abduction

In a desperate move, Carson abducts Catherine, pulling her back into the nightmarish bunker. This shocking development propels Lauren into action, forcing her to confront both her family's history and present dangers head-on.

Monroe estate

Dark Revelations

In a tense confrontation, Carson admits to a brutal past with Catherine, revealing the events of the fateful night that ties them all together. This revelation complicates the family's narrative and deepens Lauren's moral dilemma.

Bunker

The Fatal Confrontation

During a fierce struggle, Carson reveals a heartbreaking truth: he is Lauren's biological father. This shocking claim reshapes their conflict as loyalties and truths collide in an intense showdown.

Bunker

Catherine Takes Control

In a pivotal moment, Catherine seizes control of the situation, utilizing Carson's weapon to protect herself and Lauren. She shoots Carson, taking a stand against the horrors of their family's past.

Erasing the Past

Determined to obliterate the secrets of their family's history, Lauren and Catherine set the bunker ablaze with gasoline. This symbolic act not only destroys the place of captivity but also signifies their resolve to move forward from their haunting legacy.

Monroe estate

Characters

Explore all characters from Inheritance (2020). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Morgan Warner

Morgan Warner is revealed to be a tragic figure, having been a victim of his former friend's betrayal. After being held captive for 30 years, his complex relationship with the Monroe family unfolds, showcasing his struggle for survival and his desire for revenge. His painful past is intertwined with the family's darkest secrets.

👤 Victim 🔒 Captive 💔 Betrayal

Lauren Monroe

Lauren Monroe, portrayed as a determined District Attorney, embodies the conflict between her family's legacy and her pursuit of justice. As the story progresses, she evolves from a dutiful daughter to a woman who confronts powerful truths about her family. Her character is defined by her resilience and moral inquiry.

⚖️ Justice 🕵️‍♀️ Investigation 💪 Strength

Catherine Monroe

Catherine Monroe is a layered character whose past intertwines with loss and betrayal. As Archer's wife, she grapples with her husband's secrets that affect her family's future. Her struggle culminates in actions driven by a fierce protectiveness of her children, showcasing her complexity.

👩‍👧 Family 😟 Fear ⚔️ Conflict

Setting

Learn where and when Inheritance (2020) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

The events take place in contemporary times, reflecting the current complexities of family dynamics within a wealthy political context. The narrative touches on themes of power, privilege, and the consequences of dark secrets held within a powerful family.

Location

New York City

New York City is a bustling metropolis known for its rich history, diverse culture, and significant political influence. It is the backdrop for the story of the powerful Monroe family, who navigate betrayal, wealth, and deep-seated family secrets. The city's blend of opulence and underlying darkness serves as a perfect stage for the tense events that unfold.

🏙️ City 🏢 Wealth 🔒 Secrets

Themes

Discover the main themes in Inheritance (2020). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🔑

Secrets

The theme of secrets is central to the story, as the revelation of hidden truths dismantles the Monroe family's facade. The father's posthumous message leads to the discovery of a dark past, highlighting the destructive nature of secrets. The resolution of these hidden affairs ultimately forces the characters to confront their moral boundaries.

⚖️

Justice

Justice plays a significant role as Lauren, driven by her position as a District Attorney, seeks to right the wrongs committed by her family. The narrative poses questions about moral justice versus legal justice, especially as she navigates the consequences of her father's actions. The characters grapple with accountability and the impact of their choices on others.

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