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The Black Prince

The Black Prince 2017

Directed by

Kavi Raz

Kavi Raz

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The Black Prince Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Black Prince (2017). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


In Denver, Colorado, during the year 1978, families gather for a thrilling little league baseball game, where Finney Blake (Mason Thames) takes the pitcher’s mound, supported by his spirited sister, Gwen (Madeleine McGraw). While Finney impressively achieves two strikes, a powerful blow from his rival, Bruce Yamada (Tristan Pravong), results in a home run victory for Bruce’s team. Despite the competition, Bruce admires Finney’s talent, offering him a moment of encouragement.

After the game, we witness Finney cruising through town on his bike, casually waving to schoolmates, when suddenly a black van lurks ominously nearby. This chilling moment foreshadows the darker elements of their lives—Finney and Gwen are subjected to the harsh realities of life with their father, an abusive alcoholic still grieving the tragic loss of their mother who took her own life.

As the siblings make their way to school, they stumble upon a tense confrontation where Moose (J Gaven Wilde), the local bully, finds himself on the receiving end of a brutal beating from Robin Arellano (Miguel Cazarez Mora). Shockingly, Robin proves to be an adept fighter, nullifying Moose’s threats in a display of unexpected violence. During this chaos, Gwen brings up the unsettling rumors about a kidnapper known as “The Grabber” (Ethan Hawke), a reminder of the recent disappearance of Bruce.

At school, Finney faces his own tormentors, bullied by a trio of classmates, but his spirits are buoyed when Robin intervenes, warning the bullies to back off. Robin also offers sage advice, urging Finney to stand up for himself—a message that resonates deeply. Later, two detectives (E Roger Mitchell and Troy Rudeseal) arrive at the school to question Gwen about her dreams that seem eerily linked to the missing boys, including Bruce. Gwen shares her struggle to comprehend these visions, yearning to help those in need.

The following morning takes a dark turn as Finney awakes to hear his father vehemently assaulting Gwen—his frustration driven by the investigators’ recent inquiries about her dreams and their possible connection to Bruce’s case. In a desperate act of defiance, Gwen shatters her father’s liquor bottle, amplifying his rage and leading to more violence. He forces her to deny the authenticity of her premonitions, the very same dreams that haunted their mother.

As the plot thickens, Robin finds himself confronted by The Grabber, drawing a direct line between the boys’ tragic fates and this malevolent figure, who has been preying on the area’s youth. With the alarm of Robin’s disappearance sent out to the neighborhood, the schoolyard bullies renew their assaults on Finney. But, fueled by love for her brother, Gwen valiantly steps in to defend him, her bravery is met with retaliation as she earns an injury in the process.

Later, during a science class, Finney is excited to be partnered with his crush, Donna (Rebecca Clarke), who empathizes with his struggles following the physical attacks. However, after parting ways with Gwen, Finney’s world spirals further into chaos as he crosses paths with The Grabber’s sinister vehicle, which masquerades as an ordinary presence in the community. The vibrant childhood innocence abruptly exits as The Grabber ensnares Finney, incapacitating him before transporting him to a hidden basement—a dark, inescapable prison.

The chilling confines of The Grabber’s lair reveal not just the despair of captivity but also a twisted sense of reassurance as The Grabber attempts to convince Finney of his “specialness.” He presents Finney with a seemingly innocuous disconnected black phone, claiming it has mysteriously rung before. It isn’t long before this phone becomes a haunting lifeline—connecting Finney to the ghosts of other victims, including Bruce, whose shared experiences and pivotal advice light the faintest of hopes in Finney’s heart.

Alongside these supernatural exchanges, Gwen’s dreams illuminate a flashback of Bruce’s cherished memories of baseball, interweaving their fates even more tightly. Through the guidance of his spectral companions—each tragically cut short by The Grabber—Finney learns survival tactics and the importance of self-empowerment.

As the investigation unfolds, detectives battle against time while Max (James Ransone), exposed as The Grabber’s brother, uncovers the chilling truth within the walls of his own home. Simultaneously, Gwen, determined and resolute, finds herself collecting vital information from her dreams, which ultimately lead her to the very location that has ensnared her brother.

In a climactic turn of events, a decisive confrontation occurs when Finney utilizes all he has learned from the spectral children to outsmart The Grabber, inviting catharsis and empowerment. When the dust settles, Finney emerges victorious from the terrifying depths of despair, leading to a heartwarming reunion with Gwen, who throws her arms around him, celebrating his return. The siblings find solace in the sun’s warmth, having navigated their darkest days together.

Finney’s newfound confidence blooms as he returns to school with a legacy that reshapes his identity—no longer the bullied but rather a hero to those who once tormented him. The ghostly whispers of the past empower him to face the schoolyard with strength, and as he becomes recognized as a living legend for his bravery, he reestablishes his connection with Donna, now asking her to call him Finn. In this act of reclaiming his narrative, Finney moves forward, determined never to be overshadowed by fear again.

The Black Prince Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of The Black Prince (2017) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


Little League Game

In Denver, Colorado, 1978, a neighborhood gathers for a little league baseball game. Finney Blake pitches while his sister Gwen cheers him on. Despite a strong effort, they lose the game when a player named Bruce hits a home run.

1978 Denver, CO

Bruce's Encounter

After the game, Bruce is seen riding his bike and greeting friends. His journey is abruptly halted when a mysterious black van pulls up, frightening Bruce and marking the beginning of a dark turn in the tale.

Finney and Gwen's Home Life

Finney and Gwen live with their father, who is an abusive alcoholic. He struggles to cope with the loss of his wife, their mother, who committed suicide, creating a toxic home environment.

Schoolyard Incident

As Finney and Gwen walk to school, they witness the school bully Moose getting beaten up by a new kid named Robin. This incident hints at the escalating violence and danger surrounding their community.

Schoolyard

Gwen's Dreams

In school, Gwen talks to detectives about her dreams relating to local kidnappings. She describes a mysterious figure known as 'The Grabber,' indicating her deep awareness of the ongoing danger in their town.

School

Gwen's Father's Abuse

Finney's father becomes enraged after detectives question him about Gwen's dreams, resulting in a violent confrontation. Gwen tries to stand up for herself but ends up facing her father's wrath directly.

The Grabber's Attack

While walking home from school, Finney encounters The Grabber's van. After posing as a friendly figure, he is attacked, drugged, and abducted, plunging him into a terrifying ordeal.

Captivity

Finney wakes up in The Grabber's basement, where he is held captive. He learns the only escape route is blocked and begins to discover the secrets of the black phone on the wall, hinting at his supernatural connection to former victims.

The Grabber's Basement

Communicating with the Dead

Finney answers the disconnected phone and hears the voice of Bruce, who provides critical information about an escape route. This connection to the dead gives Finney hope in his desperate situation.

Gwen's Investigations

Meanwhile, Gwen intensifies her efforts to find Finney, utilizing her dreams for clues. Her commitment to uncovering the truth illustrates her strong bond with her brother and determination to rescue him.

The Unlocking Attempt

Finney attempts to unlock the door using a combination suggested by Griffin's ghost. Despite his efforts, he is caught by The Grabber, leading to a tense chase that showcases his growing desperation.

The Grabber's Basement

Confronting The Grabber

Max, the detective, discovers Finney's existence but is quickly killed by The Grabber. With the help of guidance from the spirits of previous victims, Finney prepares for a final confrontation.

The Grabber's Basement

Finney's Escape

Finney uses all the knowledge imparted by the ghosts to set a trap for The Grabber. Successfully deceiving him, Finney fights back, showcasing his growth from victim to survivor.

The Grabber's Basement

Rescue and Reunion

After Finney defeats The Grabber, he finds freedom as the detectives investigate further. He reunites with Gwen, marking a poignant moment of relief and the end of their harrowing ordeal.

Return to Normalcy

Finney returns to school, more confident and respected by peers who now see him as a hero. He reconnects with Donna, marking a step towards healing and returning to a life that had been disrupted by trauma.

School

The Black Prince Characters

Explore all characters from The Black Prince (2017). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Finney Blake (Mason Thames)

Finney Blake is a quiet and timid boy who faces bullying at school and abuse at home. His character evolves throughout the film as he grapples with his fears while trying to escape from The Grabber. Despite his vulnerability, Finney showcases immense courage as he learns to harness his inner strength.

👦 Boy 💪 Courageous 😢 Vulnerable

Gwen Blake (Madeleine McGraw)

Gwen Blake is Finney's supportive sister, who possesses a unique ability to dream about the missing children. Her character is fiercely protective and resilient, fighting against their father's abusive behavior and actively searching for her brother. Gwen's intuition and courage play a crucial role in the story.

👧 Sister 🛡️ Protective 🔍 Intuitive

The Grabber (Ethan Hawke)

The Grabber is a menacing and enigmatic figure who abducts children and keeps them captive. His character embodies evil and unpredictability, posing a significant threat to Finney. The psychological games he plays with his victims add to his terrifying aura, making him a formidable antagonist.

👻 Villain 🚨 Menacing 😈 Evil

Robin Arellano (Miguel Cazarez Mora)

Robin Arellano is a brave and confident boy who stands up to bullies and befriends Finney. His fighting skills and encouraging nature play a pivotal role in helping Finney find strength during his captivity. Robin's character symbolizes friendship and loyalty in the face of adversity.

🤜 Fighter 🤝 Friend 💪 Brave

The Black Prince Settings

Learn where and when The Black Prince (2017) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

1978

The movie is set in 1978, a time characterized by increasing awareness of social issues, including crime and family dynamics. This era saw shifts in parenting styles and social interactions, particularly among children. The backdrop of this time also highlights the impact of family trauma and the innocent yet tumultuous life of youth.

Location

Denver, CO

Denver, Colorado is known for its vibrant urban life surrounded by stunning natural beauty. It offers a mix of city charm and outdoor activities, making it a popular place for families and children. The neighborhood serves as a backdrop for the story, highlighting issues of crime and the dynamics of childhood challenges.

🏙️ City 🏞️ Neighborhood

The Black Prince Themes

Discover the main themes in The Black Prince (2017). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


🕵️‍♂️

Suspense

The film encapsulates a deep sense of suspense as it unfolds the mysterious abduction of children and the ensuing investigation. The eerie presence of 'The Grabber' amplifies the tension, keeping viewers on edge as Finney navigates his nightmarish reality. This theme explores the lengths one will go to for survival and the persistence of hope amidst despair.

👪

Family Trauma

Family trauma is a central theme, depicting the deteriorating relationship between Finney, Gwen, and their abusive father. The mental scars from their mother's suicide loom large, showcasing how unresolved grief manifests in destructive parenting. The siblings' bond becomes a refuge against their harsh realities and fuels their fight for survival.

💪

Courage

Courage is a pivotal theme, as Finney must summon his inner strength to confront his fears and outsmart his captor. With the encouragement of ghosts from the past, he learns to stand up for himself, transforming from a bullied child into a figure of legendary resilience. The film emphasizes the importance of bravery, even in the darkest of times.

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