Directed by
Crispian Mills
Made by
Sony Pictures Releasing
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Slaughterhouse Rulez (2019). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Don Wallace (Finn Cole), a teenager hailing from a working-class background, reluctantly finds himself enrolled at the prestigious Slaughterhouse boarding school, compelled by his mother, Babs Wallace. Slaughterhouse, with its peculiar name, is an exclusive public school where Don grapples with feeling out of place among his affluent peers. His mother assures him that attending this school will afford him the chance to connect with future leaders, actors, and pop stars. The transition is particularly difficult for him, especially since he arrives mid-semester.
At Slaughterhouse, he meets his housemaster, Mr. Meredith Houseman, along with his new roommate, Willoughby Blake. An air of mystery surrounds Blake’s former roommate, Viscount Seymour, as both Houseman and Blake sidestep questions about him, leaving Don curious and concerned. The school features various houses, including the girls’ house Andromeda, the nerdy Xenephobes, the athletic Olympus, and the underachieving Sparta/Farta.
The historic castle, once a noble palace surrounded by dense woods and a small lake, forbids swimming and exploring the forest. Among Don’s classmates, Clegg, a snobbish prefect, and Caspar De Brunose, the head boy, dominate the social scene. Meanwhile, Houseman harbors feelings for Audrey (Margot Robbie), a former school nurse now engaged in humanitarian work in war-torn regions, who he communicates with regularly through video chats. His longing for Audrey highlights Houseman’s internal conflict over his past decisions.
Adding to the school’s tension, a tragedy looms overhead; the suicide of Seymour last semester haunts the corridors. The principal, The Bat, announces a controversial fracking project on school grounds, promising financial gains from the shale gas beneath the estate, which will fund luxurious amenities for the students. However, this venture soon leads to the emergence of a perilous sinkhole filled with gas, drawing attention to the folklore of a knight who once vanquished a beast in exchange for the land on which the school stands.
As Don develops feelings for Clemsie Lawrence, he faces hostility from Clegg, who seems to resent Don’s interest in her. With Blake’s guidance, Don learns about Clemsie’s status as the most desirable girl in school and his own lack of social leverage. A fateful breakfast run turns chaotic when Blake and Don take a shortcut through the woods, leading them to the ominous sinkhole. Nearby, they encounter Woody Chapman, who is spearheading protests against the fracking operations and warns them about the lurking horrors within the sinkhole.
A dramatic twist occurs when Don catches Clemsie in a compromising situation with another student, pushing him deeper into a spiral of conflict with Clegg. The atmosphere becomes increasingly foreboding with whispers of Seymour’s tragic fate and the aggressive anticipation of a vengeful force from the sinkhole. As tensions heighten, Clemsie, Don, and Blake come face-to-face with bizarre rat-like creatures that lead to chaos, further endangering their lives when a massive earthquake rattles the school.
In a desperate attempt for survival, the group seeks refuge from the rampaging rats, encountering betrayal and deadly confrontations. Houseman takes charge, realizing they need to fight back. The story races toward a gripping climax as alliances are tested, loyalties are discovered, and ultimately, the school’s longstanding traditions collide with an unexpected evil. Fleeing into the underground tunnels, they engage in a frantic battle for survival, with heartbreak and bravery flashing against the backdrop of chaos, culminating in an explosive finale that leaves the future of Slaughterhouse hanging in the balance.
As devastation unfolds, specters of the school’s past loom large, and the students are forced to confront the ghosts that haunt their hallowed halls, ultimately leading to profound transformations in their lives and relationships. Don and Clemsie’s bond strengthens amid the turmoil, and as they share a kiss, they realize they’ve fought not just for survival, but for their futures as well.
Follow the complete movie timeline of Slaughterhouse Rulez (2019) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Don Enrolled at Slaughterhouse
Don Wallace is forced by his mother, Babs, to attend the exclusive public school Slaughterhouse after moving schools. Initially resistant to the change, he learns that the school is home to future leaders and stars, but he finds the name quite peculiar.
Meeting New Roommates
Upon arrival, Don meets his new housemaster, Mr. Houseman, and his roommate, Willoughby Blake. Both are hesitant to discuss Willoughby's previous roommate, Viscount Seymour, which piques Don's curiosity.
Discovering School Traditions
As Don navigates school life, he learns about the various houses such as Andromeda for girls and Olympus for jocks. Notably, he hears about the tragic suicide of Viscount Seymour, which looms over the school's history.
The Fracking Controversy
A new fracking site opens on the school grounds, approved by the principal, The Bat. This decision leads to environmental concerns and the formation of a sinkhole, igniting tension among students and staff.
Forest Exploration
During a morning jog, Don and Blake veer off the track and stumble upon the fracking tower and the newly formed sinkhole. They discover foul odors and Blake collects a gas sample, realizing it is flammable.
Encountering Protest
Don and Blake meet Woody, who warns them about the dangers of the fracking site. He blames the school's authorities for greed and predicts horrifying consequences from the fracking operation.
Romantic Tensions
Don develops feelings for Clemsie Lawrence but faces competition from Clegg, who shows hostility towards him. Their relationship deepens when they share a smoke, and she reveals dark secrets about Seymour's past.
The Earthquake and the Scream
A massive earthquake shakes Slaughterhouse one night, coinciding with a monstrous scream emanating from the sinkhole. The group investigates and encounters small, vicious rat creatures that attack them.
The Bat’s Demise
After capturing a rat creature, Don and his friends bring it to The Bat, who refuses to alert any authorities. As new threats emerge, The Bat ultimately falls victim to the chaos, leaving the students to fend for themselves.
Rescuing Smudger
Clemsie reveals that Smudger is her brother, prompting the group to return to the school to rescue him. They are determined to protect him from the rat attacks that have now spread to a frat party.
Preparing for Battle
Houseman leads the group to the school armory for weapons to repel the rat attack. However, they encounter Clegg, who shoots Houseman, leading to chaos as Clegg is taken by the very creatures they fear.
Trapped in the Tunnels
Taking refuge in the school tunnels, the group discovers Woody, who unfortunately meets a grim fate at the hands of the rats. Blake and Don then set fire to the tunnels to eliminate the remaining creatures.
A Bond Deepens
In the chaos, Clemsie and Don share a heartfelt kiss as they combat the horrors surrounding them. Their connection strengthens amidst the terrifying events they are navigating together.
The Aftermath
In the wake of destruction and chaos, The Bat and Houseman witness the ruin of Slaughterhouse School. The repercussions of the fracking and the ensuing disaster lead to a new chapter for the school.
Explore all characters from Slaughterhouse Rulez (2019). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Don Wallace
Don is a teenage boy from a working-class family who struggles to fit into the elitist environment of Slaughterhouse School. He is portrayed as sensitive and somewhat insecure, yet he seeks to find his place among peers. His experiences at school force him to navigate challenges of friendship, self-identity, and the complexities of young love.
Mr. Meredith Houseman
Houseman is the housemaster of Slaughterhouse School, characterized by his affable yet somewhat absent-minded demeanor. His unresolved feelings for his past crush, Audrey, reflect a wistfulness and longing that complicate his role as an authority figure. He cares for his students yet finds himself caught in a chaotic situation with deadly creatures.
Willoughby Blake
Blake is Don's new roommate and acts as an ally throughout their frightening experiences. He is intelligent and resourceful, providing guidance and friendship to Don as they confront the dark realities of the school. His courage and quick thinking become essential as they face the dangers that emerge from the sinkhole.
Clegg
Clegg is portrayed as a snobbish and antagonistic prefect who often bullies his peers, particularly Don. His privilege and entitlement lead to conflict, showcasing a darker side of school life. Clegg's actions are driven by a need to assert dominance over others, reflecting the pressures of the school's social hierarchy.
Clemsie Lawrence
Clemsie is a popular girl at school and becomes the object of Don's affections. She is confident and ambitious, but faces her own conflicts as she navigates her relationships and family ties. Heroic in nature, she exhibits bravery when confronted with monstrous threats, revealing deeper layers to her character.
The Bat
The principal known as The Bat presents a strict and sometimes ruthless authority in the school. His decisions, particularly around the fracking project, showcase his prioritization of profit over student safety. This character embodies the conflicts between tradition, authority, and the threats posed by modern developments.
Learn where and when Slaughterhouse Rulez (2019) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
21st Century
The movie takes place in contemporary times, amidst modern concerns such as fracking and environmentalism. This period reflects the clash between traditional values and the greed of capitalism, as the characters grapple with school life while confronting serious issues that affect their environment and existence.
Location
Slaughterhouse School, Woods, Lake
Slaughterhouse School is an exclusive boarding school housed in an old palace, surrounded by dense woods and featuring a central lake. The name 'Slaughterhouse' adds an eerie charm to the institution, which is known for its elite student body and its storied past. The mysterious and secluded location creates an atmosphere rife with secrets and legends.
Discover the main themes in Slaughterhouse Rulez (2019). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Coming of Age
The narrative follows Don Wallace's journey as he navigates the challenges of adolescence in a prestigious yet cutthroat school environment. Themes of identity, peer pressure, and the quest for acceptance are central to Don's experiences as he learns to assert himself amidst the social hierarchy. Ultimately, the story explores the complexities of growing up in a world filled with expectation and danger.
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Survival
As the characters face monstrous rat creatures emerging from the sinkhole, the theme of survival emerges prominently. The struggle to protect themselves and their peers from impending danger fosters camaraderie among the students. The characters must confront not only the physical threats but also the moral dilemmas posed by their loyalty and responsibilities.
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Loss
The film grapples with themes of loss, as Don and others deal with the tragic past of Viscount Seymour, which touches on issues of bullying and suicide. This theme resonates as characters seek closure and understanding in the face of their peers’ suffering. The impact of past tragedies echoes throughout, compelling the characters to confront their own vulnerabilities.
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