What Is Monolith About?
The premise of Monolith in 330 words, with nothing given away. The full story and the ending follow below.
In a world where the line between headline and hallucination has grown perilously thin, a once‑prominent journalist finds herself clutching at the remnants of a career that slipped through the cracks of a scandal. Now the voice behind a low‑key podcast that hums in the ears of a restless night‑shift audience, she is driven by a stubborn need to prove herself again. The series’ quiet, investigative cadence masks an undercurrent of dread, as every listener’s call and every half‑remembered rumor feels like a puzzle piece tossed into a darkening pool.
The podcaster—a woman whose own credibility was shattered by a single misstep—has turned that very vulnerability into a compass, steering each episode toward whispers of a conspiracy that refuses to be neatly catalogued. The tone of her quest is as much internal as external: the familiar click of a recorder becomes a metronome for her own doubts, while the sterile glow of studio lights contrasts with the shadowy corners of the stories she chases. She balances the weight of her past misjudgments with a fierce curiosity that refuses to let ordinary explanations suffice.
The landscape she navigates is a patchwork of fragmented testimonies, cryptic emails, and strange symbols that seem to belong to no known language. Each new lead pulls her deeper into an environment where facts feel mutable, and the ordinary world slips into something almost surreal. Allies appear in the form of a brilliant friend from an elite research institute, whose analytical mind offers both solace and unsettling possibilities, hinting that the mystery may be tied to forces far beyond any single newsroom.
As the investigation widens, the atmosphere tightens around her like the static before a storm. The stakes are personal—her reputation, her sense of self, the quiet truths hidden in her own history—yet they echo through a larger, unnamed tapestry of intrigue. In this tension‑laden setting, the audience is left waiting, aware that every revelation could reshape the very fabric of what she—and we— consider real.
What Happens in Monolith?
The complete story of Monolith, from the first scene to the last, in 740 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 2 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
A man recounts a chilling narrative about a distressing experience involving his mother during his childhood. This troubling tale unfolds when someone begins photographing his family from a distance, a stalker whose actions lead the family to involve the police. However, when pressed for details, the man reveals that the police found no record of the stalker and ultimately lost the camera, leaving the podcaster skeptical of his account. Undeterred, he reminds her of a previous incident where her journalistic integrity faltered.
In a subsequent scene, the podcaster—an ex-journalist who now hosts a podcast called Beyond Believable—issues a public apology for her past mistakes in reporting. As she reviews a barrage of voicemails and emails from listeners, one voicemail stands out: someone claims they’ve “put their neck on the line” to help her regain her credibility. Amidst the criticisms she receives, an anonymous email catches her attention, containing the intriguing word “Bricks” and a cryptic message hinting that the truth will soon be revealed.
Curious, she contacts the sender, Ms. King, played by Ling Cooper Tang. Upon revealing her podcasting profession and the mystery surrounding the brick, she persuades Ms. King to share her story. Floramae recounts her years working for a family where their furniture was mysteriously damaged, leading to her dismissal. Even after her daughter Paula denied involvement, Floramae found herself doubting Paula’s innocence. After her firing, she was presented with a black brick, described as powerful and enigmatic.
The family’s need to recoup losses from the damaged furniture resulted in the brick’s sale to a German art collector, Lang. Intrigued by this connection, the podcaster reaches out to Lang, who recalls purchasing a series of similar black bricks from an Australian seller. He describes experiencing strange visions associated with his brick, revealing how it began speaking to him after a personal tragedy—the death of his brother—an event he found oddly untroubling. Following this revelation, the podcaster decides to air the episode, attracting a larger audience that leads to more people coming forward about their own encounters with the bricks.
Among these individuals is Laura, played by Kate Box, who shares her struggles with visions linked to the brick and conflicts about whether to destroy it. Another caller warns her of the dire implications surrounding the podcast, citing a family legacy tied to the brick that includes disturbing occurrences. The podcaster’s investigation takes a deeper turn when she stumbles upon an old article written by journalist Shiloh Lowden, detailing governmental research that bears similarities to the phenomena surrounding the bricks. As she collaborates with her friend from MIT, who examines symbols found in Lang’s scans, he reveals they are from no known language.
Things take a sinister turn when she receives a shocking package containing a USB drive. On it, she discovers a clip of herself as a child, chillingly mentioning receiving a black brick on her birthday. This revelation drives her to seek answers from her father, while she begins to experience unnerving symptoms. Piecing together shredded paper from the package leads her to see a symbol connected to the scans. Confronting Lang about the authenticity of the bricks leads to a disruptive moment in their conversation, as Lang starts losing his grip on reality, his brother’s ghost haunting him in the midst of their discussion.
As her investigation progresses, Shiloh reaches out, alluding to a connection worth exploring further. The podcaster begins to piece together the threads of her findings, leading her to confront Floramae about her family’s history. During this conversation, Paula, Floramae’s daughter, accuses the podcaster of resentfulness towards her, claiming her life has been ruined due to the podcast’s revelations. Amidst snippets of their dialogue, her father asserts that Paula’s violent behavior forced their family into difficult decisions and that the police were involved, culminating in the brick’s discovery on their property, which they unknowingly considered to be artistic rather than valuable.
Faced with mounting emotional turmoil, the podcaster ultimately decides to erase her recordings. However, the situation takes a darker turn when she retrieves a black brick from her mouth after suffering intense nausea. Consumed by anger, she destroys the brick, only for it to mysteriously recreate itself in her likeness. An intense confrontation ensues between her and her duplicated self, culminating in one losing their life while the other manages to record a final message, hinting at a secret they are poised to share—one that promises to shift everything they know.
Monolith Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Childhood Memories” to “The Fateful Encounter”.
- 1
Childhood Memories
A man begins narrating a story about his childhood experiences with his mother. He recalls a troubling event where someone began taking pictures of his family without their consent, leading them to feel threatened and fearful.
- 2
Stalker Incident
The family's sense of security is shattered when they discover that the person taking pictures is a stalker. In response, they contact the police to report the incident, but unfortunately, the cops have no records of the stalker, and critical evidence is lost.
- 3
The Podcaster's Apology
In a reflective moment, the ex-journalist turned podcaster publicly apologizes for her previous mistakes in journalism. She expresses regret for failing to verify her sources before publishing a previous article, showcasing her commitment to accurately reporting the truth in her new venture.
- 4
Launch of 'Beyond Believable'
The podcaster introduces her new podcast titled 'Beyond Believable,' aiming to explore mysterious stories and truths. She begins listening to an influx of messages from her audience, some supportive, while others express disdain for her work.
- 5
The Mysterious Email
Amidst the hate messages, the podcaster discovers an anonymous email containing the word 'Bricks,' along with an intriguing number. This sparks her curiosity, pushing her to follow the lead and uncover the truth behind this mysterious connection.
- 6
Conversation with Ms. King
The podcaster contacts a woman named Ms. King to discuss the anonymous email. Ms. King reluctantly shares her experience of being blamed for scratches on the owner's furniture, revealing a connection to a black brick that was linked to her daughter, Paula.
- 7
The Black Brick's Legacy
Ms. King narrates the history of the black brick, which was sold to a German art collector after being deemed a form of payment for the furniture damage. The intrigue around the brick deepens as she describes its powerful aura and the ominous mystery it seems to carry.
- 8
The German Collector's Revelation
The podcaster connects with a German art collector named Lang, who reveals that he owns multiple black bricks. He recounts personal experiences with his own brick, including strange visions and a profound connection that he believes transcends normal perception.
- 9
More Voices of the Bricks
As the podcaster releases her first episode, she receives a surge of calls from others claiming to have received their own bricks. One caller, Laura, shares her struggles with visions and the unsettling feeling that the brick is trying to communicate important messages.
- 10
Mapping the Mystery
The podcaster begins to chart locations reported by individuals who have encountered the bricks, piecing together a network of experiences. She hears a cautionary tale from a man whose grandfather faced similar visions and the ensuing dangers.
Show the other 5 events of Monolith Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Historical Connection Revealed
While investigating, the podcaster uncovers an article from journalist Shiloh Lowden that details government research on similar phenomena. The parallels with the black bricks ignite her determination to delve deeper into the narrative's origins.
- 12
The Video Revelation
A package arrives, delivering a USB containing a video of the podcaster from her childhood. In a shocking twist, she sees herself mentioning a black brick as a birthday gift, causing her to panic and seek answers from her father about its significance.
- 13
Confrontation with Lang
The podcaster confronts Lang about the true nature of the bricks, questioning if he is toying with her. Their conversation takes a dark turn as strange occurrences lead to a chilling revelation about the bricks' influence on their lives.
- 14
Dialogue with Floramae
After engaging with Paula, the daughter of Ms. King, the podcaster learns about the repercussions of her journalism on their family. Paula accuses her of ruining lives over the past events involving the brick and the subsequent fallout.
- 15
The Fateful Encounter
In a climactic final scene, a dark twist emerges as the podcaster confronts a duplicate of herself formed from one of the black bricks. A struggle ensues, leading to a deadly confrontation that raises questions about identity, truth, and the power of the bricks.
Who Are the Main Characters in Monolith?
3 characters, among them The Interviewer (Podcaster), Floramae and Lang: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
The Interviewer (Podcaster)
Played by Lily Sullivan
The unnamed podcaster is a complex individual grappling with her past and present. Transitioning from a flawed journalist to a determined investigator of the brick phenomenon, she embodies the themes of identity and mystery, as she battles her insecurities and uncovers dark family secrets.
- 🎤 Podcaster
- 📚 Journalist
- F
Floramae
Played by Ling Cooper Tang
Floramae is a poignant character whose experiences with the black brick add depth to the narrative. As a former worker with a troubled past related to her daughter, she exemplifies the theme of family secrets, providing insight into the enigmatic power of the brick.
- 🏚️ Housekeeper
- 🚨 Testimonial
- L
Lang
Played by Terence Crawford
Lang is a German art collector deeply entwined with the mystery of the black bricks. His acquisition of multiple bricks and the strange experiences tied to them position him as a key figure in the narrative, embodying the curiosity and pitfalls of obsession.
- 🎨 Art Collector
- 🇩🇪 German
Where and When Is Monolith Set?
Monolith is set in Australia and Germany. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The events unfold in contemporary times, aligning with advances in technology and current societal dynamics. The narrative reflects modern themes of journalism, investigation, and the impact of rumors in the digital age.
Where
Australia, Germany
The movie takes place primarily in Australia, where the main character investigates a series of mysterious events surrounding a powerful black brick. Germany is also mentioned, as it is home to an art collector who owns several bricks of interest, highlighting the international connections tied to the brick's strange legacy.
- 🗺️ Location
- 🔍 Investigation
What Are the Themes of Monolith?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Mystery, Identity and Communication.
-
01
Mystery
Mystery is a central theme in this film, encapsulating the eerie enigma of the black brick and its effect on those who have encountered it. The narrative weaves a careful exploration of how secrets from the past can ripple through lives, creating intrigue and a sense of foreboding, as the podcaster delves deeper into the unknown.
-
02
Identity
Identity is explored through the podcaster's journey as she unravels not only the mystery of the brick but also her own past connections to it. The creation of a duplicate of the podcaster forces her to confront her identity and the impact of her family's secrets, leading to a significant inner conflict that is felt throughout the narrative.
-
03
Communication
Communication plays a pivotal role, with the podcaster receiving various messages and calls that drive the plot. The exploration of voicemail and digital correspondence highlights how vital connection is in seeking truth, though it can also lead to misunderstandings and deeper conflicts.
How Does Monolith End?
The last act of Monolith and what it means, in 245 words. The ending lands as ambiguous. Big spoilers: read the plot summary first if you have not seen it.
The final act, in full
In the climax of Monolith, the story takes a surreal turn, revealing that the entire narrative was largely an internal struggle within the protagonist, the podcast host. After obsessively pursuing the truth behind the mysterious black brick—believed to be some kind of alien artifact that influences people’s minds—she begins to experience astonishing physical and mental sensations. Ultimately, she pulls a black brick out of her mouth, a symbolic act that represents her finally confronting her guilt and internal conflicts. This act leads to her creating a perfect duplicate of herself, which signifies her attempt to face and perhaps overcome her own shame and unresolved issues. The duplicate is more confident and less troubled, suggesting that the original host has managed to shed her guilt. The confrontation between the two versions of herself is tense, culminating in a physical clash that leaves it ambiguous as to who emerges victorious. However, it’s implied that the original host, having faced her own darkness head-on, has ultimately won. This ending suggests that the black brick, and by extension the monoliths, serve as metaphors for guilt, repressed memories, and the subconscious struggle for redemption. The film leaves viewers questioning whether the external alien influence is real or simply a projection of internal turmoil, ultimately emphasizing that the greatest mysteries we face are within ourselves. The surreal conclusion invites reflection on how our guilt and unresolved conflicts shape our reality, and how confronting them can be a necessary step toward healing.
What Kind of Film Is Monolith?
Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Ambiguous
A steadily escalating and deeply unsettling psychological thriller that traps its protagonist in a paranoid investigation of a supernatural conspiracy, blurring the lines of reality until it culminates in a darkly ambiguous confrontation with her own self.
- paranoid
- claustrophobic
- anxious
- uncanny
- isolating
- unsettling
- conspiracy investigation
- journalism ethics
- psychological unraveling
- supernatural artifact
Content notes: psychological trauma, existential horror, childhood trauma, stalking, mental breakdown.
Quiz
How well do you remember Monolith? Test yourself on the story.
