The Hand 1981

Marital Tensions

Jonathan 'Jon' Lansdale and his wife, Anne, find their marriage strained as Anne expresses her desire to return to studying in New York. Jon realizes that she is seeking a way out of their troubled relationship, leading to an emotional confrontation while driving on a village road.

The Car Accident

During a heated argument, Anne attempts to overtake a van, which results in a catastrophic car accident. Jon loses his right hand in the crash, drastically altering his life and career as a comic illustrator.

Hospital Recovery

Jon is taken to the hospital where a doctor prepares a prosthetic hand for him, delivering the unsettling news that he likely will not be able to work as a comic artist again. Jon's mental state becomes fragile as he struggles to accept his new reality.

Life Returns to Normal

As time passes, the Lansdales attempt to return to a semblance of normalcy. However, Anne remains intent on pursuing her dreams in New York, leaving Jon feeling abandoned and isolated as he struggles with his art.

The Search for the Missing Hand

Jon returns to the site of the accident, hoping to find his severed hand, but instead discovers his long-lost university ring. This symbolic moment rekindles memories of his past and amplifies his psychological turmoil.

Rising Jealousy

Anne begins attending yoga classes, where she meets the attractive Bill Richman, which ignites Jon's jealousy. As he grapples with his emotions, he becomes increasingly detached from reality.

Struggles with the Comic

Jon's editor urges him to shift focus from drawing to writing, as a new artist is brought in to take over the illustrations of his comic character Mandro. Jon's emotional connection to Mandro leads him to reject these changes vehemently.

The Start of the New Job

Jon accepts a new role as a professor at the university, seeking a fresh start away from his troubled marriage. However, he still battles with overwhelming feelings of guilt and insecurity regarding his past.

Unexplained Drawings

While teaching, Jon becomes alarmed after discovering a disturbing drawing of a sexual nature that he cannot remember creating. His subconscious seems to be manifesting violent and troubling imagery, heightening his psychological distress.

Tragic Events Unfold

Jon's mental stability deteriorates further as he imagines a horrific fate befalling Stella, a student he has grown close to. He struggles with visions of his prosthetic hand committing violent acts, underscoring his unravelling psyche.

Anne's Return

Jon picks up Anne and Lizzie from the airport, only to learn that Anne still intends to move to New York. Tensions escalate as Jon's emotional state worsens, leading him to confront Anne aggressively about her plans.

Escalating Violence

Jon imagines horrific scenarios involving his hand attacking Anne, which reveals his deep-seated fears and psychological instability. The line between reality and his vivid imagination begins to blur alarmingly.

Night of Chaos

A stormy night brings hysteria as Jon's hand attacks Anne, leaving her in a comatose state. While Lizzie frantically calls for help, Jon goes outside in a desperate attempt to regain control over his increasingly chaotic life.

The Unraveling

After a series of tragic events, Jon is confronted by law enforcement, revealing the dead bodies of his victims. He realizes the extent of his mental break and the horrific acts he has committed while under the influence of his hand.