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See No Evil (2006) Plot Summary & Timeline

See No Evil (2006) movie poster

See No Evil is a 2006 action and mystery film directed by Gregory Dark, running 1 hour 24 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 614 words (about 3 minutes to read) and covers 14 key events in order, 3 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for See No Evil.

to read the plot summary
3 min
key events in the timeline
14
characters profiled
3
themes explained
3
See No Evil (2006) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 24m
Director
Gregory Dark
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is See No Evil About?

The premise of See No Evil in 315 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the shadow of a crumbling mountain range, the Blackwell Hotel sits isolated from the world, its faded corridors echoing with the weight of forgotten histories. Its lone occupant, Jacob Goodnight, is a man burdened by a painful past that has driven him deep into reclusion. The hotel’s stark, decaying elegance becomes a character in its own right, a silent witness to the fragile line between solitude and madness, and the unsettling feeling that something far darker lingers behind its walls.

When a contingent of offenders and a police escort are ordered to perform community service within the hotel’s abandoned spaces, the fragile balance begins to fray. Among them is Amy, a morgue employee yearning to leave behind the bleak routine of her job, and Seth, a young man whose quiet demeanor masks his own hidden anxieties. Their supervisor, Holden, oversees the uneasy arrangement, while Tamara, Kayla, Carter and Will—each with their own distinct personalities—join the reluctant group, forming a volatile mix of camaraderie and underlying tension.

The ensemble’s dynamics crackle with unspoken doubts and strained alliances. Amy’s pragmatic outlook clashes with Seth’s tentative optimism, while Tamara’s morbid curiosity and Kayla’s guarded vulnerability hint at deeper motives. Carter and Will provide an edge of bravado that both fuels and tempers the group’s collective unease. As they navigate the hotel’s oppressive atmosphere, the line between service and intrusion blurs, and the very act of entering Jacob’s domain feels like a silent provocation.

The film’s tone is a tightrope of dread and restrained horror, where the oppressive silence of the Blackwell Hotel amplifies every breath and footstep. Jacob’s enigmatic presence hovers like a specter, suggesting that any disturbance of his solitude will exact a steep, unforgiving price. The stage is set for a terrifying confrontation that promises to test the limits of each character’s resolve, drawing the audience into a world where isolation can quickly become lethal.

Full plot

What Happens in See No Evil?

The complete story of See No Evil, from the first scene to the last, in 614 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.

Spoilers ahead

As Amy (Danielle Harris) gets ready to say goodbye to her job at the city morgue, Seth (Kaj-Erik Eriksen) and their supervisor Holden (Michael Eklund) are already deep into a long night’s work. Little does Amy know, her plans for a birthday bash with friends Tamara (Katharine Isabelle), Kayla (Chelan Simmons), Carter (Lee Majdoub), and Will (Greyston Holt) are on the verge of taking a dark turn. News spreads about a chilling mass murder perpetrated by Jacob Goodnight at the Blackwell Hotel, with countless bodies heading to the morgue for processing. Caught off guard, Amy opts to cancel her celebration and assist her colleagues, only to discover that Holden has given the green light for the party to continue right in the same morgue they are working in.

As the party progresses, Will warns Seth to stay away from Amy, believing she deserves much better than to be with someone like him. Feeling let down and betrayed by this moment, Amy storms out of the festivity, which prompts Seth to reflect on Will’s advice and leave as well. Meanwhile, Tamara’s morbid curiosity about death and serial killers leads her to sneak off with Carter to view Jacob’s lifeless body. Their encounter becomes intensely charged, but just as they lose themselves in passion, Jacob rises unexpectedly, claiming Carter’s life while Tamara barely manages to escape.

Chaos ensues when the remaining guests try to track down Tamara, only to find Holden brutally attacked and fatally injured by the vengeful Jacob. As Amy, Will, Kayla, and Tamara try to find a way out, they soon realize that every exit is barred by Jacob. Seth’s arrival with the key to the crucial emergency stairwell is short-lived; Jacob is right behind him, sending the group into a panic. In a desperate bid for safety, Kayla seeks refuge in a bathroom, where Jacob meets her with his deadly embrace.

As she takes her last breaths, Kayla whispers a final prayer, compelling Jacob to relive his haunted past, marred by a mother’s abuse and fundamentalism. With a glazed expression, he questions why God would bother intervening for her sake. With Kayla’s light dimming, Jacob continues his hunt for the rest, determined to extinguish their lives one by one.

As his sinister plan unfolds, Jacob mercilessly slaughters Tamara and captures Will, using his innocence as bait to lure Amy and Seth. In a cruel twist, he executes Will in a trap that shakes the siblings’ very core. Amidst the chaos, Seth is caught by an electric knife, and in a moment of desperate urgency, Amy tends to his wounds, echoing her own painful past of leaving medical school behind due to her fears of mortality. As Amy gazes at Seth, they share a brief kiss, a moment of connection before she attempts an escape. However, Jacob lies in wait, striking her down as she runs for her life.

In a fierce showdown, Seth ultimately defeats Jacob, impaling him with an embalming nozzle and flooding his body with chemicals — or so it seems, as death proves to be elusive for Jacob. Seth manages to break free through a shattered window and races to safety in his car, but horror strikes when he realizes that Jacob has been lurking in plain sight, riding with him. With chilling ferocity, Jacob blinds Seth by gouging out his eyes, sealing his fate.

The film concludes with a haunting montage of each character’s downfall, their tragic tales eternally enshrined in sorrow. As the credits roll, the camera fixates on Jacob’s grotesque face, his sinister voice dripping with malevolence as he chillingly states, > “I see it now,” proclaiming a twisted victory amid the moral chaos he has caused.

Timeline

See No Evil Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

14 key events in the order they happen, from “Amy Prepares for Goodbye” to “Final Moments”. 13 events name a place, across 4 locations.

  1. 1

    Amy Prepares for Goodbye

    As Amy gets ready to leave her job at the city morgue, she is unaware of the horrors unfolding that night. Her colleagues, Seth and Holden, are already working through a busy night, dealing with the aftermath of a grisly mass murder.

    Where:City Morgue

  2. 2

    Birthday Bash Plans

    Amy had planned a fun birthday celebration with her friends, including Tamara, Kayla, Carter, and Will. However, as news of the mass murder sets in, she makes the tough decision to cancel the party and assist her coworkers at the morgue instead.

    Where:City Morgue

  3. 3

    Party in the Morgue

    Despite the grim circumstances, Holden allows the party to continue in the morgue while bodies are processed. This unsettling choice leads to tension among the partygoers as they try to enjoy themselves amidst the dark reality surrounding them.

    Where:City Morgue

  4. 4

    Will's Warning

    During the party, Will warns Seth to stay away from Amy, suggesting she deserves better. Feeling betrayed by this comment, Amy leaves the celebration, prompting Seth to contemplate Will's advice and follow her out.

    Where:City Morgue

  5. 5

    Tamara and Carter's Dark Encounter

    Tamara, driven by her curiosity, sneaks away with Carter to view Jacob's corpse. However, the situation turns deadly when Jacob rises unexpectedly, resulting in Carter's instant demise while Tamara narrowly escapes.

    Where:Morgue Viewing Room

  6. 6

    Holden's Fate

    Chaos erupts as the remaining partygoers search for Tamara, only to find Holden brutally attacked by Jacob. His fatally injured body serves as a grim reminder of the danger lurking within the morgue.

    Where:City Morgue

  7. 7

    Desperate Escape Attempts

    As panic sets in, Amy, Will, Kayla, and Tamara try to find a way to escape. With every exit barred by Jacob, their desperation grows, leading to a harrowing fight for survival within the confines of the morgue.

    Where:City Morgue

  8. 8

    Kayla Meets Her End

    In her frantic attempt to hide, Kayla takes refuge in a bathroom, only to face Jacob who delivers a fatal blow. Her last words, a whispered prayer, trigger memories of Jacob's traumatic past, complicating his sinister motives.

    Where:Bathroom

  9. 9

    Jacob's Ruthless Pursuit

    Jacob continues his rampage by brutally slaughtering Tamara and capturing Will. Using Will's innocence as bait, Jacob seeks to draw Amy and Seth into his deadly game, escalating the tension.

    Where:City Morgue

  10. 10

    Seth's Injury

    During the chaos, Seth finds himself caught in a dangerous situation leading to a severe injury from an electric knife. In a moment of vulnerability, Amy tends to his wounds, providing a flicker of hope amid the turmoil.

    Where:City Morgue

Show the other 4 events of See No Evil
  1. 11

    Amy's Attempt to Escape

    As the situation spirals out of control, Amy makes a desperate run for freedom. Unfortunately, her efforts are thwarted when Jacob lies in wait, ultimately striking her down just as she believes she can finally escape.

    Where:City Morgue

  2. 12

    The Showdown

    In a climactic confrontation, Seth seeks to defeat Jacob, managing to impale him with an embalming nozzle. However, their battle is far from over as Jacob defies death, indicating his sinister resilience.

    Where:City Morgue

  3. 13

    Seth's Realization

    After seemingly overcoming Jacob, Seth escapes in his car, only to have horror strike as he realizes Jacob is with him. This shocking twist secures Seth's tragic fate and heightens the film's tension as they drive away.

    Where:Car

  4. 14

    Final Moments

    The film concludes with a haunting montage showcasing the downfalls of each character, emphasizing the tragedy of their fates. Jacob's grotesque visage is the last image left on screen, highlighting his twisted victory.

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in See No Evil?

3 characters, among them Amy, Jacob Goodnight and Will: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 1 of them link to the actor’s page.

  • A

    Amy

    Amy is a dedicated worker at the morgue whose plans for a birthday celebration take a dark turn. Her character embodies strength amid turmoil, reflected in her determination to support her colleagues and face her fears. Amy's experiences with mortality drive her actions and her connection with Seth.

    • 👩‍⚕️ Mortuary Worker
    • 🎂 Birthday
    • 💔 Resilience
  • JG

    Jacob Goodnight

    Played by Glenn Jacobs

    Jacob is a relentless and terrifying figure, whose brutal past fuels his vengeful actions. His character represents the darkness of human nature, as he embodies the horror of unresolved trauma. Jacob's terrifying presence and motivations leave a permanent scar on the surviving characters.

    • 🔪 Serial Killer
    • 👁️ Revenge
    • 🥀 Tragedy
  • W

    Will

    Will is portrayed as a protective character, struggling with feelings of inadequacy and rivalry. His belief that Amy deserves better prompts conflict and ultimately leads him into Jacob's trap. Will's innocence is tragically exploited, revealing the peril that overshadows their party atmosphere.

    • 👦 Protector
    • 💔 Conflict
    • 📉 Tragic Hero
Setting

Where and When Is See No Evil Set?

See No Evil is set in City Morgue and Blackwell Hotel. Here is why the place matters to the story.

When

The film takes place in the contemporary setting of a city, evident from the urban environment and modern facilities like the morgue. The narrative unfolds over a single night, heightening the sense of urgency and danger as the characters confront their fates.

Where

City Morgue, Blackwell Hotel

The City Morgue serves as a grim setting where the lives of the characters intersect with death. Known for processing the victims of violence, it encapsulates the eerie atmosphere as chaos unfolds amidst what is supposed to be a celebration. The Blackwell Hotel, a site of a tragic mass murder, stands as a haunting backdrop that intensifies the horror experienced by the characters.

  • 🏨 Hotel
  • 💀 Morgue
  • 🏙️ City
Themes

What Are the Themes of See No Evil?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Betrayal, Survival and Haunted Past.

  1. 01

    Betrayal

    Betrayal is a central theme as characters navigate complex relationships and mixed emotions. For instance, Amy feels betrayed by Will's warning against Seth, leading to conflict and separation. This theme underscores the tension between survival instincts and personal connections in the face of horror.

  2. 02

    Survival

    Survival is a constant struggle for characters trapped in a deadly game orchestrated by Jacob. Each character's fight for life reflects their desperation and instinct to escape, showcasing the lengths they are willing to go to evade death. The theme drives the narrative forward, culminating in intense confrontations.

  3. 03

    Haunted Past

    Jacob's actions are deeply rooted in his traumatic past, marked by abuse and a twisted moral compass. This theme explores how past experiences shape characters and their actions in the present. The echoes of Jacob's history resonate throughout the film, adding complexity to his character as he perpetuates a cycle of violence.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is See No Evil?

Dark in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Dark
Pacing
Fast
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
High
Ending
Bleak

A relentlessly brutal and claustrophobic slasher film that delivers a fast-paced, terror-filled experience as a group is systematically hunted by a monstrous killer, culminating in a bleak and hopeless ending.

  • brutal
  • claustrophobic
  • anxious
  • oppressive
  • grotesque
  • terrifying
  • slasher horror
  • survival
  • psychopathic killer
  • haunted past

Content notes: graphic murder, torture, gouging, psychopathic behavior, childhood abuse, religious trauma.

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Where to watch

Where to Watch See No Evil

Stream it on Amazon MX Player and Amazon Prime Video, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

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FAQ

See No Evil Plot Questions

5 quick answers about See No Evil, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is See No Evil about?

In the shadow of a crumbling mountain range, the Blackwell Hotel sits isolated from the world, its faded corridors echoing with the weight of forgotten histories. Its lone occupant, Jacob Goodnight, is a man burdened by a painful past that has driven him deep into reclusion.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does See No Evil take place?

See No Evil is set in City Morgue and Blackwell Hotel. The film takes place in the contemporary setting of a city, evident from the urban environment and modern facilities like the morgue.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in See No Evil?

The story follows Amy, Jacob Goodnight (played by Glenn Jacobs) and Will.

All the characters

What are the main themes of See No Evil?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Betrayal, Survival and Haunted Past.

The themes explained

Who directed See No Evil?

See No Evil (2006) was directed by Gregory Dark and runs 1 hour 24 minutes.

Gregory Dark’s films

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