What Is No Such Thing About?
The premise of No Such Thing in 302 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a world where the boundaries between television and everyday life are fraying, Beatrice is thrust into a mystery that begins with a cryptic message from her missing fiancé, Jim. The note, sent from the stark, icy reaches of Iceland, hints at a hidden force that pulls her away from the safety of her corporate existence into an unsettling wilderness. Driven by love and desperation, she convinces her powerful employer to grant her the leave she needs, setting the stage for a journey that blurs the line between personal grief and a larger, inexplicable threat.
Upon arriving in a remote settlement, Beatrice encounters Dr. Anna, a compassionate physician whose quiet resolve becomes a vital anchor in an environment steeped in ancient rites and superstitions. Together, they navigate a community that feels half‑remembered, where traditional rituals intersect with an unsettling modern curiosity. The tone is one of cold, atmospheric tension, punctuated by moments of stark beauty and an underlying sense that something far larger watches from the shadows.
A creature known only as the Monster looms over the narrative, a feral presence that embodies both terror and an unexpected, uneasy alliance. Its grim reputation spreads through whispered legends, yet it also becomes a focal point for the competing forces that seek to understand or exploit its mysterious resilience. The film paints a picture of a society fascinated by spectacle, as media and government entities circle the creature, eager to dissect its enigma while the very act of observation threatens to reshape it.
Through Beatrice’s eyes, the audience is invited into a world where personal loss meets a sprawling, cryptic conspiracy, and where the pursuit of truth becomes a fragile dance between vulnerability and the raw, often hostile, curiosity of those who would pry open secrets that perhaps were never meant to be uncovered.
What Happens in No Such Thing?
The complete story of No Such Thing, from the first scene to the last, in 690 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In a reality where the line between television and the real world has become increasingly tenuous, Beatrice (Sarah Polley), a resilient young woman, stumbles into a web of mystery following a cryptic message from her fiancé, Jim. This eerie dispatch, originating from the remote wilderness of Iceland, hints at a mysterious force hiding beneath the surface. Driven by an urgent need to rescue her beloved, Beatrice persuades her formidable boss to allow her the opportunity to journey to the icy wilderness. However, circumstances take a dark turn when her plane crashes, leaving her as the sole survivor of the catastrophic event.
As she endures a grueling recovery process to regain her mobility, Beatrice forms a surprising alliance with Dr. Anna (Julie Christie), a kind-hearted doctor who plays a pivotal role in her harrowing expedition into the depths of a chilling mystery. Together, they venture into an isolated village enveloped in age-old customs and superstitions.
Upon her arrival in this primitive settlement, Beatrice finds herself at the mercy of a strange ritual where she is metaphorically stripped bare and left as an offering for the terrifying Monster (Robert John Burke), a grizzled and fierce creature with a foul mouth. Despite the impending doom, Beatrice’s bravery stands firm, and her unwavering resolve pushes her closer to the truth about Jim’s vanishing.
Confronting the Monster, Beatrice uncovers the chilling fact that he has previously claimed numerous victims, including her beloved fiancé and his crew. In a bold move to break this cycle of despair, Beatrice proposes an unusual partnership: she will assist the Monster in locating Dr. Artaud, the only person who holds the key to understanding the creature’s vulnerability. The stipulation? She insists that the Monster travel back to New York with her, pledging not to unleash chaos upon the city during their visit.
As New York becomes engulfed in the mysterious allure of the Monster, he is thrust into the public eye, becoming a media sensation that swirls with intrigue and chaos, captivating onlookers from all walks of life. Amid this storm of attention, Beatrice immerses herself in her newfound fame, yet the Monster lurks in shadows, increasingly losing himself to the numbing effects of alcohol.
In this uneasy alliance, the Boss crafts a sinister partnership with a government scientist, trading whispers and secrets for insights into the Monster’s unbreakable physique. This collaboration leads to a series of gruesome experiments aimed at unraveling the enigma of his toughness, each probing deeper into his psyche with surgical precision. Nevertheless, the scientists remain baffled by the Monster’s seeming inability to absorb new information, as if he were shielded from knowledge itself.
In this grim tableau, the Monster suffers through humiliating trials, including a particularly distressing experiment where he is publicly mocked and beaten. Yet, amidst the devastation around him, his loyalty to Beatrice remains unshaken, as he resists succumbing to the base instincts that could easily consume him.
As Beatrice navigates this perilous landscape filled with emotional turmoil, she unwittingly finds herself involved in a complex labyrinth of plots and treachery. By chance, she encounters Dr. Artaud, whose hidden agendas are as murky as the depths of the labyrinth itself. Joined by Margaret (Annika Peterson), a former colleague steeped in remorse, Beatrice devises a plan to slip away from the stifling clutches of the government and return to the unforgiving expanse of Iceland, bringing the enigmatic Monster along for the ride.
Their daring escape is short-lived, however, as government forces pursue them with relentless determination. Dr. Artaud, always a cunning strategist, sets his sights on a dark new ambition: to create a device that could completely eliminate the Monster. As Beatrice bids an emotional farewell to her unexpected companion, her tears cascade softly onto the parched ground.
Thus, amidst the chaos, the Monster and Beatrice find themselves staring into each other’s eyes for one last moment, their expressions a poignant reflection of their complex and tortured bond. As the lights flicker chaotically, mirroring the Monster’s labored breaths, Beatrice’s presence becomes an ephemeral whisper, lingering in the air until the screen ultimately fades to black, leaving behind resonant echoes of what could have been.
No Such Thing Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Beatrice Receives a Cryptic Message” to “Final Farewell”. 3 events name a place, across 3 locations.
- 1
Beatrice Receives a Cryptic Message
Beatrice, a resilient young woman, stumbles upon a mysterious message from her fiancé, Jim. The message, shrouded in enigma, hints at a dangerous force lurking in the wilderness of Iceland, urging her to take action.
- 2
Journey to Iceland
Determined to uncover the truth and save Jim, Beatrice persuades her formidable boss to grant her permission for the journey. She embarks on a perilous trip to the icy landscapes of Iceland, filled with both hope and trepidation.
Where:Iceland
- 3
Plane Crash
Tragedy strikes as Beatrice's plane crashes, leaving her as the sole survivor of the catastrophic event. The crash marks the beginning of her grueling journey into survival and mystery as she battles against the odds.
- 4
Recovery with Dr. Anna
During her harrowing recovery process, Beatrice forms a crucial alliance with Dr. Anna, a compassionate doctor. Dr. Anna supports Beatrice physically and emotionally, helping her navigate the challenges ahead.
- 5
Arrival at Isolated Village
Beatrice arrives in an isolated village steeped in ancient customs and superstitions. Here, she is caught in a bizarre ritual that leaves her vulnerable as she becomes an unwitting offering to the terrifying Monster.
Where:Isolated Village
- 6
Confrontation with the Monster
Beatrice faces the Monster, a grizzled creature who has taken many lives, including that of her fiancé. In this face-off, she musters the courage to confront her fears and seek the truth behind Jim's disappearance.
- 7
Unusual Partnership Proposal
In a desperate maneuver to break the cycle of loss, Beatrice proposes to the Monster an unusual partnership. She offers to help him find Dr. Artaud, the only one who can unlock the mystery of the Monster's strength.
- 8
Monster in New York
The Monster travels with Beatrice to New York, where his presence creates a media sensation. This unexpected fame brings chaos and intrigue, captivating the public's attention and blurring the lines between reality and entertainment.
Where:New York
- 9
The Boss's Sinister Scheme
Beatrice's boss forges a dark alliance with a government scientist to exploit the Monster's unbreakable physique. Their experiments delve into the Monster's resilience, but they remain baffled by his inability to absorb new information.
- 10
Humiliation and Loyalty
Amidst a series of humiliating trials, the Monster's loyalty to Beatrice never falters. Despite the torment he endures, he clings to the hope of their bond, fighting to resist the base instincts that threaten to overwhelm him.
Show the other 5 events of No Such Thing Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Encounter with Dr. Artaud
Fate intertwines as Beatrice encounters Dr. Artaud, who maneuvers through hidden agendas. This meeting complicates Beatrice's journey as she suddenly finds herself deeper in a world of deceit.
- 12
Plan to Escape
Motivated by a desire for freedom, Beatrice devises a plan to escape the government's stifling grasp. Joined by her former colleague Margaret, she prepares to return to Iceland with the Monster by her side.
- 13
Pursuit by Government Forces
As Beatrice and the Monster attempt their daring escape, they find themselves relentlessly pursued by government forces. The tension mounts as they struggle to evade capture while uncovering truths about their predicament.
- 14
Dark Ambition of Dr. Artaud
Dr. Artaud reveals a darker side as he aims to create a weapon to eliminate the Monster. This ambition adds an unnerving layer to the pursuit, further complicating Beatrice's mission and deepening the stakes.
- 15
Final Farewell
In a tearful farewell, Beatrice bids goodbye to the Monster, their eyes locking in a poignant moment. Their connection, filled with complexity and emotional weight, resonates as the screen fades to black, leaving a haunting echo of their journey.
Who Are the Main Characters in No Such Thing?
4 characters, among them Beatrice, The Monster and Dr. Anna: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 2 of them link to the actor’s page.
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Beatrice
Played by Sarah Polley
Beatrice is a resilient and determined young woman, driven by love and a strong sense of purpose. Her character transforms from a mere seeker of truth to a courageous force willing to confront fearsome challenges and foster an unlikely bond with the Monster. She embodies a blend of vulnerability and strength, navigating through emotional and physical trials.
- 🦸♀️ Protagonist
- 💔 Love
- 🌍 Explorer
-
The Monster
Played by Robert John Burke
The Monster is a complex character who oscillates between villain and victim, embodying the struggles of emotional isolation. While he presents a fierce exterior, his loyalty to Beatrice reveals a deeper yearning for connection and understanding. His character explores themes of identity and the impact of societal judgment.
- 👹 Antagonist
- 💔 Loss
- 🤝 Ally
- DA
Dr. Anna
Dr. Anna is a compassionate and pivotal figure in Beatrice's journey, offering both medical care and emotional support. She represents hope and kindness in a grim landscape, aiding Beatrice in her physical recovery and quest for truth. Her nurturing nature sharply contrasts the harsh realities surrounding them.
- 🩺 Healer
- 🤝 Support
- 💖 Kindness
- DA
Dr. Artaud
Dr. Artaud is a cunning strategist whose hidden ambitions complicate the narrative. His pursuit of knowledge about the Monster not only serves scientific interests but hints at deeper, more sinister motivations that put Beatrice and the Monster in peril. His complex nature adds layers to the story's tension.
- 🔍 Scientist
- 🕵️♂️ Ambitious
- 🌌 Mysterious
Where and When Is No Such Thing Set?
No Such Thing is set in Iceland and New York. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The contemporary setting enhances the film's themes, as it juxtaposes the primitive customs of the Icelandic village with the fast-paced life of New York City. The timeless conflicts of survival and the exploration of identity resonate, highlighting the struggles faced within both environments.
Where
Iceland, New York
The movie unfolds primarily in the remote wilderness of Iceland, a land known for its stunning landscapes, rugged terrain, and rich folklore. It also shifts to the bustling urban environment of New York, where the Monster's sensational presence captivates the public. These contrasting settings highlight the tension between nature's raw power and the chaos of modern society.
- 🌄 Wilderness
- 🏙️ Urban
What Are the Themes of No Such Thing?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Courage, Mystery and Loss.
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01
Courage
Courage is a central theme, embodied by Beatrice as she confronts daunting challenges in her quest to rescue her fiancé. Despite facing a terrifying monster, she remains resolute, demonstrating bravery in the face of despair. This theme also extends to the Monster, who, despite his fearsome nature, showcases loyalty and a yearning for connection.
-
02
Mystery
The elements of mystery pervade the narrative as Beatrice unravels the enigma surrounding her fiancé's disappearance and the Monster's tragic history. The film invites viewers to engage with a labyrinth of secrets and hidden agendas, immersing them in a world where every revelation comes with grave implications.
-
03
Loss
Loss significantly shapes the characters' journeys, especially Beatrice, who grapples with the disappearance of her beloved Jim and the emotional turmoil it spawns. The Monster's own experiences with loss further evoke sympathy, highlighting how grief intertwines their lives and influences their choices as they seek redemption.
What Kind of Film Is No Such Thing?
Dark in tone, with variable pacing and a complex story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Variable
- Story
- Complex
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A bleak, darkly comic allegory that follows a determined woman and a monstrous outcast through a grim journey of grief, exploitation, and a deeply melancholic farewell, creating a deeply unsettling viewing experience.
- grim
- melancholic
- anxious
- isolating
- absurdist
- cynical
- grief and loss
- media sensationalism
- isolation
- monster as metaphor
Content notes: airplane crash, surgical experimentation, public humiliation, psychological torment.
Quiz
How well do you remember No Such Thing? Test yourself on the story.
