Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Plot summary

She Will (2022) Plot Summary & Timeline

She Will (2022) movie poster

She Will is a 2022 drama and thriller film directed by Charlotte Colbert, running 1 hour 35 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 579 words (about 3 minutes to read) and covers 15 key events in order, 5 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 She Will.

to read the plot summary
3 min
key events in the timeline
15
characters profiled
5
themes explained
3
She Will (2022) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 35m
Genres
Drama, Thriller, Horror
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is She Will About?

The premise of She Will in 283 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the mist‑shrouded reaches of the Scottish Highlands, a secluded retreat offers the promise of quiet recovery far from the clamor of the world. The landscape itself feels alive—ancient stones, wind‑bent pines, and a relentless storm that cuts off any hope of contact with the outside. This isolated setting becomes a character in its own right, whispering of forgotten legends and unseen forces that linger just beneath the surface of the loch‑kissed moors.

At the heart of the story is Veronica Ghent, a once‑celebrated actress who has recently endured a life‑changing operation. Stripped of the glitz that defined her career, she arrives with a fragile hope of healing, accompanied by her devoted personal nurse, Desi Hatoum. Their relationship balances professional care with a deeper, almost sisterly bond, as both women navigate the uneasy quiet of the retreat. As Veronica settles into the cabin, memories of a troubled past begin to surface, their edges blurring with the eerie atmosphere around them. The line between recollection and hallucination thins, hinting at a lingering psychic echo that refuses to stay buried.

The film settles into a slow‑burning, atmospheric horror that fuses psychological unease with the suggestion of something older and more elemental stirring beneath the loam. An ancient power, hinted at through local folklore, seems to draw Veronica into a cycle where past trauma and present danger mirror each other. The tone is both haunting and introspective, inviting the audience to feel the weight of isolation, the tension of unspoken dread, and the fragile resilience of two women confronting both inner and outer specters. The story promises a journey where the true menace may be as much internal as it is the shadowed hills surrounding them.

Full plot

What Happens in She Will?

The complete story of She Will, from the first scene to the last, in 579 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 6 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

Accompanied by her personal nurse Desi Hatoum, the aging actress Veronica Ghent embarks on a journey to a remote retreat nestled in the Scottish Highlands to recover from her recent double mastectomy. Upon arrival, Veronica is disheartened to find that the retreat is a group facility filled with various staff and other patients. Complicated by a raging storm and a complete lack of cellular service, Veronica finds herself unable to leave.

Deciding to stay in a secluded woodland cabin, Veronica’s experience quickly takes a dark turn as she starts to encounter haunting visions of past trauma. Memories from when she was just 13 years old, while working on the infamous film “Navajo Frontier” directed by the notorious Eric Hathbourne, begin to resurface. Adding to her plight, Veronica experiences unsettling dreams featuring women gathered around a flaming pyre in the forest. In these dreams, she observes sentient mud gathering ominously at her feet. The next morning, Desi is taken aback to discover mud mounds inside their cabin.

During an outdoor painting session led by Tirador, an art instructor, Veronica learns that the soil in the area holds reputed therapeutic properties, attributed to the high levels of human ashes from women once accused of witchcraft. Intrigued by this mystical mud, Veronica is inspired by a vision of a tormented witch, igniting her creativity as she produces a peculiar piece of art.

As Veronica’s nightly visions intensify, she discovers a supernatural talent for remote viewing. She psychically projects her being into a TV studio, where Eric Hathbourne is promoting his upcoming “Navajo Frontier” sequel and a knighthood on a late-night talk show hosted by Podrick Lochran. In this surreal encounter, she compels Podrick to probe Eric about their controversial past, particularly when she was underage, leading to Eric’s embarrassing public moment before he chokes on tainted water. The following day, Veronica finds herself in a state of distress, once again covered in dirt from her night’s escapades.

As Desi immerses herself in a historical book detailing the area’s spooky witch lore, Tirador leads a critique session for the paintings produced earlier. Fueled by her supernatural abilities, Veronica makes a man’s hand ignite spontaneously when he dismisses the term “patriarchy,” asserting it as mere rhetoric used by “hysterical women.”

After sharing a heartfelt conversation with Veronica, Desi ventures to a local pub to meet Owen, a retreat employee who had shown romantic interest in her. Tragically, Owen takes advantage and drugs Desi, leading to a harrowing assault in the woods. In a profound act of protection, Veronica uses her dream-walking powers to send mud engulfing Owen, pulling him into the ground like quicksand.

The next day, Desi awakens in a fog of confusion to find Veronica sprawled on the ground outside their cabin. Following her recovery, Veronica gifts Desi a necklace before urging her to leave and never return. Tearfully, Desi complies.

In another dream-walking session, Veronica confronts a drunken Eric regarding the abuse and deep-seated trauma he has caused her. With Eric in a state of denial, she unleashes a supernatural flurry of ash upon him, leading to his fatal fall from a banister. His death is later ruled a suicide.

Determined to rescue Veronica, Desi returns just in time. As Veronica attempts to venture deeper into the forest to become one with the coven, Desi manages to bring her back to the real world. In gratitude, Veronica thanks Desi for her unwavering support, and together they ultimately leave the retreat behind.

Timeline

She Will Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

15 key events in the order they happen, from “Veronica's Arrival” to “Final Farewell”. 15 events name a place, across 8 locations.

  1. 1

    Veronica's Arrival

    Accompanied by her personal nurse Desi, aging actress Veronica Ghent arrives at a remote retreat in the Scottish Highlands. She hopes to recover from her recent double mastectomy, but is disheartened to find the facility filled with other patients and staff.

    Where:Scottish Highlands

  2. 2

    Isolation at the Retreat

    Due to a raging storm and a lack of cellular service, Veronica feels trapped at the retreat and decides to stay in a secluded woodland cabin. This isolation leads her to confront haunting visions and memories of her traumatic past.

    Where:Woodland Cabin

  3. 3

    Haunting Visions Begin

    As Veronica attempts to recover, she begins to have unsettling visions related to her time filming 'Navajo Frontier' when she was just 13 years old. These memories are accompanied by dreams of women around a flaming pyre and sentient mud lurking at her feet.

    Where:Woodland Cabin

  4. 4

    The Mysterious Mud

    In an outdoor painting session led by Tirador, Veronica learns that the soil in the area is believed to hold therapeutic properties due to human ashes from accused witches. Intrigued, she feels inspired to embrace her eerie new surroundings.

    Where:Scottish Highlands

  5. 5

    Awakening Supernatural Abilities

    Veronica discovers her newfound ability for remote viewing, enabling her to project her consciousness into a TV studio. There, she confronts Eric Hathbourne during a live interview, exposing the dark past they share.

    Where:TV Studio

  6. 6

    A Stirring Confrontation

    In her remote viewing, Veronica causes a scene on air by compelling the host Podrick to question Eric about their controversial history. This leads to Eric's embarrassing moment when he chokes on water, deepening their fraught connection.

    Where:TV Studio

  7. 7

    Strange Accidents

    The next day, Veronica finds herself disoriented and covered in dirt yet again after her nighttime escapades. This marks the beginning of her descent into the deeper supernatural elements at play within her psyche.

    Where:Woodland Cabin

  8. 8

    Historical Exploration

    Desi immerses herself in a historical book about witch lore, while Veronica attends a critique session of paintings. In a surprising turn, Veronica manifests her abilities, igniting a dismissive man's hand during the critique.

    Where:Retreat

  9. 9

    Desi's Tragic Encounter

    Desi's budding romance with Owen leads her to a local pub, where tragedy strikes. Owen drugs Desi, leading to a harrowing assault in the woods, presenting a dark turn in their narrative.

    Where:Local Pub

  10. 10

    Veronica's Protective Power

    In a moment of urgency, Veronica uses her dream-walking abilities to protect Desi from Owen by engulfing him in mud, akin to quicksand. This marks a significant use of her supernatural powers intended for defense.

    Where:Woods

Show the other 5 events of She Will
  1. 11

    Desi Awakens Confused

    Desi awakens in a fog of confusion, discovering Veronica sprawled outside their cabin, unconscious. This leads to a critical moment in their relationship as they navigate the aftermath of recent traumatic events.

    Where:Woodland Cabin

  2. 12

    Confrontation with Eric

    In a dramatic dream-walking session, Veronica confronts Eric about the deep-seated trauma he has caused her. When he denies responsibility, she retaliates by unleashing ash, resulting in his fatal fall from a banister.

    Where:Dream World

  3. 13

    Eric's Fatal Fall

    After the confrontation, Eric's death is ruled a suicide, leaving a grim mark on the narrative and Veronica's past. His demise encapsulates the haunting presence he held over her life.

    Where:Retreat

  4. 14

    Desi's Return

    Determined to save her friend, Desi returns to the retreat just in time. She finds Veronica on the path to becoming one with a coven in the forest, but manages to bring her back to reality and safety.

    Where:Forest

  5. 15

    Final Farewell

    Before they leave the retreat forever, Veronica gifts Desi a necklace as a token of gratitude for her unwavering support. Despite the pain they've endured, they share a tearful farewell, marking a new chapter in their lives.

    Where:Retreat

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in She Will?

5 characters, among them Veronica Ghent, Desi Hatoum and Eric Hathbourne: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.

  • Alice Krige as Veronica Ghent in She Will

    Veronica Ghent

    Played by Alice Krige

    An aging actress grappling with her traumatic past while recovering from a double mastectomy. As she encounters supernatural elements, Veronica transforms her journey of healing into a powerful exploration of art and revenge, confronting her abuser in dream-like sequences.

    • 🌟 Protagonist
    • 🎨 Artist
  • DH

    Desi Hatoum

    Played by Kota Eberhardt

    Veronica's compassionate personal nurse, who initially aims to support her in recovery. Desi's character evolves as she experiences her own harrowing situation, eventually symbolizing loyalty and resilience amidst the unfolding chaos.

    • 👩‍⚕️ Caregiver
    • 💔 Survivor
  • Malcolm McDowell as Eric Hathbourne in She Will

    Eric Hathbourne

    Played by Malcolm McDowell

    The notorious director linked to Veronica’s traumatic past, representing the male-dominated industry that caused her suffering. His character embodies denial and toxic masculinity, and he becomes the target of Veronica's supernatural vengeance.

    • 🎬 Antagonist
    • 🕵️‍♂️ Manipulative
  • Rupert Everett as Tirador in She Will

    Tirador

    Played by Rupert Everett

    The art instructor who leads a critique session and encourages creativity amongst the retreat attendees. Tirador serves as a catalyst for Veronica's artistic exploration, highlighting the connection between healing and artistic expression.

    • 🎨 Mentor
    • 🚶‍♂️ Encouraging
  • O

    Owen

    Played by Jack Greenlees

    A retreat employee whose interests in Desi become malicious, reflecting the dangers women face in vulnerable situations. His actions initiate a pivotal turn in the story, leading to Veronica's protective intervention.

    • 😈 Villain
    • 🥵 Predatory
Setting

Where and When Is She Will Set?

She Will is set in Scottish Highlands and remote retreat. Here is why the place matters to the story.

When

The movie takes place in a contemporary setting, showcasing modern issues intertwined with themes of trauma and recovery. Despite the modern backdrop, the filming of 'Navajo Frontier' connects the narrative to past societal attitudes regarding women and witchcraft.

Where

Scottish Highlands, remote retreat

The Scottish Highlands are known for their stunning natural beauty, featuring mountains, lochs, and rich greenery. The remote retreat, nestled in this picturesque landscape, serves as a sanctuary for individuals seeking solace and healing, though it reveals dark secrets of its own.

  • 🏞️ Nature
  • 🏴‍☠️ Mystery
Themes

What Are the Themes of She Will?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Supernatural, Empowerment and Trauma.

  1. 01

    Supernatural

    Supernatural elements are central to the narrative, encompassing Veronica's psychic abilities and dream-walking. These powers allow her to confront past traumas and seek justice against her abuser through surreal encounters that blend the real with the mystical.

  2. 02

    Empowerment

    The theme of empowerment is prevalent as Veronica transforms her pain into artistic expression and gains the strength to confront her dark past. Her journey illustrates the reclamation of power through creativity and the support of other women.

  3. 03

    Trauma

    Trauma serves as a driving force in both Veronica's experiences and her visions. The haunting memories from her childhood and the assault on Desi encapsulate the impact of past events on one's present, highlighting the need for healing and resolution.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is She Will?

Dark in tone, with slow pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Dark
Pacing
Slow
Story
Moderate
Intensity
High
Ending
Bittersweet

A slow-burning, atmospheric horror that immerses the viewer in a dreamlike and oppressive atmosphere of supernatural vengeance and psychological trauma, exploring healing through dark feminine power.

  • oppressive
  • dreamlike
  • unsettling
  • melancholic
  • claustrophobic
  • vengeful
  • psychological trauma
  • supernatural revenge
  • feminist empowerment
  • healing from abuse

Content notes: child sexual abuse, sexual assault, pedophilia, trauma.

Quiz

How well do you remember She Will? Test yourself on the story.

Take the quiz
Where to watch

Where to Watch She Will

Stream it on AMC+ and Kanopy, 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

Read next

Movies Like She Will With a Plot Summary

6 films close to She Will in story and themes that have a full plot summary here: You Won't Be Alone (2022) and The Woman (2011) lead. 3 of them come with the ending explained.

All plot summaries

Missing a Movie Plot Summary?

Tell us which film you want explained next: the full story, the timeline, the characters and the ending.

Request a summary
FAQ

She Will Plot Questions

5 quick answers about She Will, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is She Will about?

In the mist‑shrouded reaches of the Scottish Highlands, a secluded retreat offers the promise of quiet recovery far from the clamor of the world. The landscape itself feels alive—ancient stones, wind‑bent pines, and a relentless storm that cuts off any hope of contact with the outside.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does She Will take place?

She Will is set in Scottish Highlands and remote retreat. The movie takes place in a contemporary setting, showcasing modern issues intertwined with themes of trauma and recovery.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in She Will?

The story follows Veronica Ghent (played by Alice Krige), Desi Hatoum (played by Kota Eberhardt), Eric Hathbourne (played by Malcolm McDowell) and Tirador (played by Rupert Everett); the character guide covers 5 characters in all.

All the characters

What are the main themes of She Will?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Supernatural, Empowerment and Trauma.

The themes explained

Who directed She Will?

She Will (2022) was directed by Charlotte Colbert and runs 1 hour 35 minutes.

Charlotte Colbert’s films

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app