What Is The Conference About?
The premise of The Conference in 326 words, with nothing given away. The full story and the ending follow below.
In a remote resort tucked away in a quiet village, a group of municipal employees gathers for a team‑building conference that is meant to smooth over the tensions surrounding a controversial new development. The retreat’s purpose is to foster cooperation among the staff while they prepare to push forward a retail‑mall project that has already sown unease among the local farming community. The isolated setting, with its pine‑scented air and dimly lit halls, immediately feels like a pressure cooker, primed for the small doubts and big ambitions of the participants to collide.
The core of the gathering revolves around a few key figures. Ingela, the confident manager, delivers the rallying speech that frames the project as a bright future for the municipality. Jonas, the project lead, exudes a charismatic determination that both inspires and unsettles his colleagues. New hire Nadja brings fresh eyes to the paperwork, while Amir offers quiet support to those around him. At the center of the group is Lina, a recently returned employee whose sense of justice and personal integrity make her the moral compass of the retreat. Her past advocacy for fair compensation puts her at odds with the murkier side of the scheme, hinting that she may soon be forced to choose between loyalty and conscience.
As the conference unfolds, rumors of corruption begin to ripple through the corridors, turning casual conversation into whispered speculation. The atmosphere shifts from awkward camaraderie to a tense undercurrent of suspicion, as each participant silently questions the motives of the others. Beneath the polished presentations and team‑building exercises, an unsettling feeling grows—something dark and relentless seems to be watching, amplifying every paranoia.
The retreat, intended as a hopeful step toward unity, now teeters on the edge of chaos. With relationships strained and the remote location cutting off easy escape, the staff must navigate a landscape where trust is fragile and every interaction could tip the balance between ordinary conflict and something far more troubling.
What Happens in The Conference?
The complete story of The Conference, from the first scene to the last, in 759 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 9 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
A group of municipal employees sets off to a secluded resort in a quaint rural village with the aim of participating in a team-building retreat, all in preparation for a controversial project: the construction of a retail mall within the local farming community. However, they face fierce opposition from the residents who are deeply uneasy about the plans. The group’s manager, Ingela, provides a rousing endorsement of the project, expressing her congratulations to the project lead, Jonas. Among the retreat attendees are Jonas’s loyal ally Kaj, the lazy duo Eva and Torbjörn, the environmentally conscious Anette, the new hire Nadja, the recently returned from absence Lina, and her supportive coworker Amir.
The retreat kicks off poorly when Nadja unveils inconsistencies in the expense report, an event that shocks and distresses Lina as she realizes her signature has been used on a document that denies compensation to a farmer whose land was unjustly bulldozed. This revelation strikes at the core of her principles, given her previous fervor for fair compensation. Regrettably, both Ingela and Jonas react with dismissal, concluding the meeting abruptly. In a rather menacing private chat, Jonas threatens Lina to keep quiet about the matter. As the tension unfolds, a masked assailant begins to target the resort staff, ruthlessly murdering them and sabotaging the group’s cell phones and internet connection, heightening the horror of their retreat.
During a zip-lining activity, Jonas and Kaj cruelly ridicule Lina for her hesitation, further exacerbating her feelings of vulnerability. Later, Amir informs Lina of the tragic news that the farmer, after losing his land, succumbed to despair and took his own life. This revelation lights a fire in Lina’s resolve to dig deeper into the truth. She stealthily enters Jonas’s cabin and copies files from his laptop onto a flash drive, arming herself with valuable evidence. With the backing of Nadja and Amir, Lina charges at Jonas, revealing that the construction project is a deceitful scheme. Jonas had never secured partnerships for stocking the mall and harbored secret intentions to sell the land back to a corporation for a lucrative position. He had manipulated Lina, working her to the bone to distract her while forging her signature during her medical leave. When Jonas fails to bribe her silence, Lina uncompromisingly demands the cancellation of the project or else exposure.
The sinister killer escalates his spree, brutally slaying Kaj in front of Anette, who narrowly manages to escape. The killer’s next victim is Ingela, met with a horrific fate as she is hung from a flagpole, plunging the group into chaos. As panic ensues, Lina and Jonas run deep into the woods, only for Jonas to be ensnared by a hidden booby-trapped wire. They eventually reach a lake and attempt to escape on a raft previously used during a team-building exercise. However, in a shocking twist, Jonas betrays Lina, demanding the flash drive and cruelly pushing her into the water before making his escape alone.
Lina eventually manages to reach the lodge, finding the surviving employees— minus Anette and Jonas— regrouping in a desperate attempt to survive. It becomes apparent that the killer is the son of the deceased farmer, seeking revenge on those involved in the treacherous construction project. The group decides to use the zip-line to cross the lake, but chaos erupts when Eva succumbs to panic and flees, prompting Torbjörn to chase her down. In a moment of harrowing bravery, Nadja fights off the killer, who ensnares her in a bear trap, but she eventually breaks free. The circumstances worsen when Anette is mercilessly killed after Jonas saves himself in a cowardly act of betrayal.
In a nail-biting twist, Lina and Amir use the zip-line to escape, but the killer has rigged the landing pad with deadly spikes. In a selfless act, Amir sacrifices himself for Lina’s survival. On the shore, Lina discovers the stolen cell phones and manages to call for help. Meanwhile, Torbjörn and Eva hide in the lodge, confronted by the relentless killer. Just in time, Nadja returns and heroically decapitates him with the ceremonial shovel meant for the project’s groundbreaking.
As Lina makes her way back to the resort, she faces a deranged and enraged Jonas, who blames her for the downfall of his ill-conceived plan. In a fierce battle, Lina defends herself, ultimately overpowering Jonas by reopening his head wound in a brutal act of self-defense. Emergency services finally arrive, and Lina receives medical treatment for her injuries, signaling the end of a nightmarish ordeal that pushes the boundaries of survival, betrayal, and moral integrity.
The Conference Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Team-Building Retreat Begins” to “Emergency Services Arrive”. 15 events name a place, across 9 locations.
- 1
Team-Building Retreat Begins
A group of municipal employees arrives at a remote resort in a rural village for a team-building retreat. They are preparing for an upcoming project to construct a retail mall that aims to benefit the local farming community, but they are unaware of the tensions brewing with local residents.
Where:Rural village resort
- 2
Expense Report Discrepancies
During the first meeting, new employee Nadja points out discrepancies in the expense report, causing tension among the group. Lina is particularly shocked to discover her signature on a document denying compensation to a local farmer, leading her to question the ethics of the project.
Where:Resort meeting room
- 3
Jonas's Threat to Lina
Following the meeting, Jonas privately confronts Lina, threatening her to keep quiet about the issues raised. This interaction reveals the toxic dynamics within the team and sets the stage for the conflict to come.
Where:Jonas's cabin
- 4
First Murder at the Resort
As tensions rise, a masked killer starts targeting the staff, creating chaos at the resort. The murder of one of the employees sends shockwaves through the group, increasing their paranoia and fear.
Where:Resort
- 5
Lina Learns of the Farmer's Suicide
Lina learns from Amir that the farmer, whose land was taken for the project, has committed suicide due to the distress caused by losing his home. This revelation deeply affects Lina and spurs her determination to uncover the truth behind the project.
Where:Resort
- 6
Lina Discovers the Truth
Determined to reveal the shady dealings behind the project, Lina sneaks into Jonas's cabin to copy files related to the project. She finds evidence that Jonas has been manipulating the project for personal gain and forging her signature.
Where:Jonas's cabin
- 7
Confrontation with Jonas
Lina gathers the courage to confront Jonas with her findings, revealing the truth about the project being a scam. Jonas's aggressive reaction and failed bribe attempt emphasizes his desperation to keep the project and its secrets under wraps.
Where:Resort
- 8
Escalating Violence
The masked killer escalates his violence by murdering Kaj in front of Anette, creating an atmosphere of terror. Shortly after, he hangs Ingela from a flagpole, which sends the surviving group members into a panic as they grapple with the reality of their situation.
Where:Resort
- 9
Fleeing into the Woods
In the ensuing chaos, Lina and Jonas flee into the woods, but Jonas is injured by a booby-trapped wire. Their flight leads them to a lake, where they attempt to escape on a raft from a previous team-building activity.
Where:Woods and lake
- 10
Jonas Turns on Lina
In a shocking betrayal, as they reach the raft, Jonas demands the flash drive with incriminating evidence, pushing Lina into the water before escaping alone. This act of treachery heightens the stakes and leads Lina to a desperate fight for her survival.
Where:Lake
Show the other 5 events of The Conference Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Survivors Regroup
Lina finally reaches the lodge, where the surviving employees have regrouped in an attempt to figure out how to deal with the killer. They realize that the killer is the son of the farmer whose land was taken, seeking vengeance for his father's death.
Where:Resort lodge
- 12
Confrontation with the Killer
The group decides to use the zip-line to escape the resort, but chaos ensues when Eva panics and runs, inadvertently putting everyone in danger. Torbjörn chases after her, while Nadja struggles to fend off the killer.
Where:Lake and zip-line
- 13
Amir's Sacrifice
As Lina uses the zip-line, the killer has rigged the landing pad with deadly spikes. In a heroic act, Amir sacrifices himself to ensure that Lina can escape, showcasing the theme of bravery in the face of terror.
Where:Zip-line landing area
- 14
Final Confrontation with Jonas
Upon returning to the resort, Lina encounters Jonas, who has devolved into madness and blames her for his failures. Their confrontation culminates in a struggle where Lina fights back and ultimately kills Jonas, freeing herself from his manipulation.
Where:Resort lodge
- 15
Emergency Services Arrive
As the nightmare comes to an end, emergency services finally arrive at the resort to attend to the surviving employees. Lina is treated for her injuries, and the tragic events of the retreat are brought to light, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
Where:Resort
Who Are the Main Characters in The Conference?
5 characters, among them Lina (Katia Winter), Jonas (Adam Lundgren) and Kaj (Christoffer Nordenrot): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- L(
Lina (Katia Winter)
Played by Katia Winter
Lina is a complex character who undergoes significant development throughout the film. Initially returning from a burnout leave, she is portrayed as vulnerable yet determined. Her journey unfolds as she battles her colleagues' manipulation and works to expose the corrupt project plans while showcasing her resilience in the face of danger.
- 👩💼 Protagonist
- 🔍 Investigator
- 💪 Resilient
- J(
Jonas (Adam Lundgren)
Played by Adam Lundgren
Jonas is the ambitious project lead driven by a desire for success at any cost. As the antagonist, his manipulative nature is revealed through his deception and threats towards Lina. His character illustrates the dark side of ambition and the catastrophic consequences of prioritizing self-interest over ethical responsibilities.
- 💼 Antagonist
- 🔒 Manipulative
- 💔 Betrayer
- K(
Kaj (Christoffer Nordenrot)
Played by Christoffer Nordenrot
Kaj is portrayed as a loyal supporter of Jonas, contributing to the isolation of Lina during the retreat. His character represents the blind allegiance that can occur within group dynamics, often leading to dire consequences. His fate underscores the risks associated with complicity in corruption.
- 👥 Sidekick
- 🛡️ Loyal
- ⚠️ Complicit
- N(
Nadja (Bahar Pars)
Played by Bahar Pars
Nadja is a newer addition to the team, known for her keen insights and principled stance on ethics. Throughout the film, she supports Lina's endeavors to reveal the truth behind Jonas's plans. Her character embodies the hope for change and the importance of standing up against wrongdoing.
- 🌱 Ethical
- 🤝 Supportive
- 💭 Insightful
- I(
Ingela (Maria Sid)
Played by Maria Sid
Ingela, the manager, initially appears to champion the project but ultimately becomes a victim of the chaos she helped create. Her character's trajectory exemplifies the dangers of ignoring community voices in favor of corporate ambition, leading to tragic consequences.
- 👩💼 Manager
- 📉 Failed Leader
- 🚧 Corporate
Where and When Is The Conference Set?
The Conference is set in remote resort and rural village. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The specific time period of the movie is not detailed, but it reflects contemporary themes relevant to modern societal issues like environmentalism and corporate ethics. The setting suggests a present-day context where municipal projects impact local traditions and livelihoods.
Where
remote resort, rural village
The movie is set in a remote resort located in a rural village, characterized by its serene landscapes and natural beauty. The village is primarily a farming community, known for its close-knit population that values tradition and sustainability. The resort serves as a backdrop for the municipal employees' retreat, representing both opportunity and conflict.
- 🏞️ Nature
- 🏡 Community
What Are the Themes of The Conference?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Justice, Betrayal and Survival.
-
01
Justice
The theme of justice is central to the narrative, as the characters grapple with the consequences of their actions on the local community. Lina's journey portrays the struggle for truth and accountability against corporate greed and betrayal. The ultimate confrontation highlights the quest for retribution and redemption.
-
02
Betrayal
Betrayal is a significant theme, illustrated through Lina's experiences with her colleagues and the corrupt project lead. The personal relationships among the team members are tested, revealing hidden agendas and the lengths individuals will go to protect their interests from one another.
-
03
Survival
Survival emerges as a gripping theme as the characters face life and death situations amid the chaos of the masked killer. The struggle for survival not only represents physical escape but also the emotional and ethical battles that each character must confront as they decide who to trust and how to respond to the mounting terror.
How Does The Conference End?
The last act of The Conference and what it means, in 240 words. The ending lands as bittersweet. Big spoilers: read the plot summary first if you have not seen it.
The final act, in full
The ending of The Conference reveals that the serial killer is actually Palsson’s son, driven by revenge for his father’s suicide. Palsson, a farmer whose land was being seized by the municipality to build a shopping mall and luxurious housing, had been deeply affected by the loss of his family’s land and his subsequent death. When the son found his father dead in their barn, he was overwhelmed by guilt and anger, vowing to retaliate against the municipal workers responsible. Throughout the film, it’s clear that the killer’s violent rampage is motivated by this personal vendetta, targeting the very people involved in the land-grabbing project. Despite the chaos and brutal murders, the survivors—Nadja, Eva, and Torbjorn—manage to escape, leaving behind the corrupt Jonas, who had manipulated and forged documents to serve corporate interests. Lina, having uncovered Jonas’ corruption and his forged signatures, ultimately gets the upper hand in a final confrontation with him, killing him in self-defense. The film concludes with Lina contacting the police, while the other colleagues, who survived the bloodshed, hope for the project’s cancellation. The killer’s identity as the son of the landowner reaffirms the story’s theme of revenge against exploitation and greed, illustrating how deep-seated grievances can erupt into violence when pushed to the limit. The survivors’ escape signifies a glimmer of justice amid the chaos, ending the story on a note that emphasizes the destructive consequences of corrupt motives rooted in betrayal and loss.
What Kind of Film Is The Conference?
Tense in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A tense and gruesome slasher-comedy that rapidly descends from awkward corporate satire into a chaotic fight for survival, fueled by paranoia, betrayal, and graphic violence.
- tense
- claustrophobic
- anxious
- paranoid
- chaotic
- gruesome
- survival horror
- revenge
- corporate corruption
- betrayal
Content notes: graphic violence, suicide, betrayal, stalking.
Quiz
How well do you remember The Conference? Test yourself on the story.
