What Is The Remaining About?
The premise of The Remaining in 289 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
The film opens on a joyous wedding celebration that quickly spirals into an unsettling, other‑worldly crisis. As the newlyweds exchange vows, a sudden, inexplicable phenomenon crashes over the festivities, turning bright lights into a foreboding, storm‑laden sky. The atmosphere shifts from celebration to dread, hinting at a biblical apocalypse where unseen forces begin to rewrite reality. The tone is intimate yet increasingly claustrophobic, blending the warmth of a romantic day with the cold, relentless pressure of a looming supernatural threat.
At the heart of the story are Skylar and Dan, a couple whose love is tested by forces beyond their control. Tommy, a friend who has been documenting the ceremony, provides a grounded, skeptical viewpoint, while Jack arrives as a loyal companion willing to confront the unknown. Their interactions highlight a clash of belief and logic: Skylar clings to faith and scriptural prophecy, interpreting the chaos as a possible Rapture, whereas Tommy searches for a scientific explanation. The presence of Pastor Shay introduces a spiritual sanctuary, offering a place where hope and desperation intersect. Together, these characters navigate a world where the familiar is ripped apart, forcing them to question everything they thought they understood about destiny, mortality, and the divine.
The movie’s style is moody and atmospheric, using stark visual contrasts—bright wedding décor against dark, storm‑filled skies—to underscore the intrusion of the extraordinary into everyday life. A constant, low‑rumble of ominous thunder and the distant echo of a trumpet-like sound create an ever‑present sense of unease. As the survivors move through a landscape reshaped by an unseen biblical wrath, the story focuses on their struggle to stay together, to find safety, and to reconcile their differing worldviews while the world around them collapses into an uncanny, apocalyptic haze.
What Happens in The Remaining?
The complete story of The Remaining, from the first scene to the last, in 733 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
The film opens with a heartfelt montage showcasing the tender moments shared by Skylar “Sky” (Alexa PenaVega) and Dan. Their wedding celebration serves as the backdrop, captured through the lens of Tommy Covington (Shaun Sipos), who is documenting the day as a favor to Dan. However, the joyful occasion turns nightmarish when Skylar’s Christian parents experience an inexplicable fate during an elevator ride, their eyes turning milky white in an unsettling moment that signals the chaos to come.
The atmosphere shifts dramatically into apocalyptic pandemonium, with the main floor transforming into a scene of mass hysteria as others are afflicted by the same mysterious condition. Tommy and Jack (Bryan Dechart) spring into action, desperately seeking answers amidst a city plunged into turmoil, where planes fall from the sky and explode upon impact. They are jolted by a piercing noise reminiscent of a trumpet, while ominous thunder and lightning herald the encroaching disaster.
As the group reconvenes outside, Skylar theorizes that they are traversing the Biblical Rapture—a moment where believers are lifted to heaven while non-believers are left behind. Despite Tommy’s skepticism, preferring a scientific rationale, Skylar insists on finding a safe refuge, convinced that the catastrophes will escalate.
The intense weather worsens, unleashing monstrous hailstones that terrorize the town. In a bid for safety, Tommy encounters Sam while Skylar seeks comfort in the Bible. She shares a significant passage regarding the Rapture, discussing The First Trumpet with Dan and Jack.
Their quest leads them toward a nearby church, but just as they approach, a sinister force pulls Skylar from Dan’s grasp, injuring her as they fight to reach the sanctuary. Inside, they are welcomed by Pastor Shay, who offers a refuge from the chaos unfolding outside. Here, Jack has a deeply emotional reunion with Allison as Dan comforts Skylar, who is in dire need of healing. Shay sheds light on their grim reality: they live in a world ravaged by the Rapture, where the gates of the church creak open to allow more survivors, including a woman on the verge of childbirth. The birth carries a tragic note as the child is stillborn, symbolizing the devastation of their existence.
When Tommy questions the absurd fate that befell the unborn, Shay explains that God has taken the spirits of the believers, leaving their bodies behind—a stark reminder of the contrast between faith and mortality. As the existential crisis deepens, they face a grave threat at the church’s doors when a demonic entity brutally dispatches an intruder. Sam captures a heartfelt moment as Tommy delivers a message to Allison, driven by love and devotion.
Outside, the world reels from the Rapture’s impact, as reports circulate about the instantaneous disappearance of children and Christians, leading scientists to label it as “Instant Death Syndrome.” The weather patterns spiral into the surreal, heightening the tension. Tommy and the others grapple with their new reality, as he presents a haunting video of Skylar’s kidnapping by a supernatural force, with Shay clarifying that the Fifth Trumpet has sounded, revealing the face of a Fallen Angel.
As the congregation finds itself huddled together in fear, The Fallen launch an assault on the church, forcing the survivors to retreat to the basement for protection. In a selfless act of courage, Shay sacrifices himself to save those he holds dear.
As dawn breaks, Tommy, Jack, Sam, and Dan embark on a mission to seek medical help for Skylar, who is suffering from the effects of a potent demonic venom. However, their efforts prove futile as they arrive at the hospital too late—Skylar succumbs to her injuries. In a passionate outburst of grief and fury, Dan anguishes against God and is suddenly impaled and taken into the sky by an unseen force, mirroring Allison’s fate.
In the devastation that follows, Tommy, Jack, and Sam come across a relief camp, where Sam shares a poignant final message from Allison, echoing her steadfast love just moments before her demise. Jack, seeking solace, opts for baptism, yet his newfound faith is short-lived as he becomes another victim of the unleashed demonic terrors.
As “Amazing Grace” resonates through the camp’s speakers, ominous demons descend upon them, drawn to the fervent devotion of souls like Tommy and Sam. In a tragic culmination, the pair makes their final stand against the shadows, their love for God and each other becoming ultimately ensnared by the very forces they sought to resist.
The Remaining Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “The Wedding Celebration” to “Final Stand Against Evil”. 15 events name a place, across 12 locations.
- 1
The Wedding Celebration
The film begins with a heartwarming montage of tender moments shared between Skylar 'Sky' and Dan during their wedding celebration. This joyful occasion is captured through the lens of Tommy Covington, a friend documenting the special day for Dan.
Where:Wedding Venue
- 2
The Mysterious Fate
During the wedding, Skylar's Christian parents ride an elevator where they suddenly suffer an inexplicable fate. Their eyes turn milky white, unsettling everyone, and signaling the impending chaos that is about to unfold.
Where:Elevator
- 3
Descent into Chaos
Following the mysterious event, the atmosphere changes dramatically, transforming into apocalyptic pandemonium. People around them begin to panic as more individuals are affected, and planes fall from the sky, erupting in fiery explosions.
Where:City Streets
- 4
The Trumpet Sound
Tommy and Jack rush to find answers amidst the chaos, when they hear a piercing noise reminiscent of a trumpet. This sound, coupled with ominous thunder and lightning, heightens the fear as they realize the situation is dire.
Where:City
- 5
The Rapture Theory
The group discusses their predicament, with Skylar theorizing that they are experiencing the Biblical Rapture, a moment of separation between the believers and non-believers. Tommy remains skeptical, preferring to seek scientific explanations instead.
Where:Outside
- 6
Seeking Refuge
As hailstones begin to rain down, threatening their safety, Tommy meets Sam while Skylar finds solace in the Bible. She shares passages discussing the Rapture, particularly focusing on 'The First Trumpet' with Dan and Jack.
Where:Outdoor Shelter
- 7
Struggle at the Church
Guided by desperation, the group approaches a nearby church for refuge. As they near safety, a sinister force violently pulls Skylar away from Dan, resulting in a struggle as they fight to rescue her, highlighting the urgency of their situation.
Where:Church
- 8
Pastor Shay's Comfort
Inside the church, they meet Pastor Shay who offers them sanctuary from the chaos outside. Emotional reunions unfold as Jack sees Allison while Dan comforts an injured Skylar, who is in desperate need of healing.
Where:Church Interior
- 9
The Stillborn Tragedy
Pastor Shay explains their grim reality; the world is in turmoil due to the Rapture. Tragedy strikes when a woman gives birth to a stillborn child inside the church, symbolizing the devastating loss of hope amid the chaos.
Where:Church
- 10
The Fallen Angel Revelation
Tommy records a haunting video capturing Skylar's abduction by a supernatural force. Pastor Shay emphasizes that the Fifth Trumpet has sounded, revealing the ominous presence of a Fallen Angel, further deepening their existential crisis.
Where:Church
Show the other 5 events of The Remaining Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Demons at the Door
As the group finds refuge, they hear ominous noises at the church doors. The Fallen launch an assault on their sanctuary, forcing the terrified survivors to retreat to the basement for protection from the encroaching evil.
Where:Church Basement
- 12
Pastor Shay's Sacrifice
In a courageous act, Pastor Shay sacrifices himself to save those within the church, showcasing immense bravery in the face of overwhelming odds. His selflessness emphasizes the stark reality they all face amidst the ravaged world.
Where:Church
- 13
Skylar's Fate
Tommy, Jack, Dan, and Sam set out to seek medical help for the gravely injured Skylar. Unfortunately, they arrive too late as she succumbs to her injuries, leaving Dan devastated and filled with anguish towards God.
Where:Hospital
- 14
The Loss of Dan
In a moment of grief-fueled rage, Dan lashes out against God, which leads to a horrific fate as he is suddenly impaled and taken into the sky. This incident resonates as an echo of the events that happened to Allison.
Where:Sky
- 15
Final Stand Against Evil
As ominous melodies play through a relief camp's speakers, Tommy and Sam prepare for their final stand against the demonic forces unleashed upon them. Their love and faith are tested as they face the very shadows that threaten to consume them.
Where:Relief Camp
Who Are the Main Characters in The Remaining?
3 characters, among them Skylar "Sky", Tommy Covington and Jack: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Skylar "Sky"
Played by Alexa PenaVega
Skylar is portrayed as a deeply devoted individual whose strong faith guides her through the unfolding chaos. Her conviction about the Rapture and her emotional ties to Dan highlight her resilience in times of extreme distress. Despite the horrors surrounding her, she remains a source of hope and determination for her friends, even as tragedy strikes.
- 💖 Faithful
- 😢 Resilient
-
Tommy Covington
Played by Shaun Sipos
Tommy serves as the skeptical voice of reason among the group, often caught in a struggle between science and belief. His determination to uncover the truth behind the supernatural events and protect his friends drives his character arc. Despite his skepticism, Tommy's bravery and loyalty shine through as he steps up in dire situations.
- 🧠 Rational
- 🛡️ Protector
- J
Jack
Played by Bryan Dechart
Jack is characterized by his emotional depth and connection to Skylar and the group. Throughout the film, he grapples with intimate loss, leading to moments of heartfelt reflection and decisions that impact their survival. His transition from skepticism to faith highlights the transformative power of love and belief amid crisis.
- ❤️ Love
- 🔄 Transformed
Where and When Is The Remaining Set?
The Remaining is set in Church and City (Present Day). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Present Day
The events of 'The Remaining' unfold in a contemporary setting, yet are marked by extraordinary and catastrophic occurrences that mirror Biblical prophecies. As the characters grapple with the implications of a modern-day Rapture, the film explores themes of faith amidst chaos, blurring the lines between science and spirituality in a time of crisis.
Where
Church, City
The main setting of 'The Remaining' oscillates between a local church and an unnamed city engulfed in chaos. The church serves as a refuge for the characters amidst the apocalyptic fallout, making it a critical haven for survival and spiritual reflection. The city outside reflects a grim reality, with mass hysteria and supernatural occurrences transforming familiar surroundings into a landscape of despair.
- ⛪ Sanctuary
- 🌆 Metropolis
What Are the Themes of The Remaining?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Faith in Crisis, Mortality and Despair and Sacrificial Love.
-
01
Faith in Crisis
The theme of faith is central to 'The Remaining', as characters navigate their beliefs in the face of unimaginable horrors. Skylar's unwavering conviction that they are experiencing the Rapture contrasts sharply with Tommy's scientific skepticism, igniting debates on belief and redemption during calamity. The characters' journeys through despair and hope showcase the complex relationship between faith and personal sacrifice.
-
02
Mortality and Despair
Mortality is a pervasive theme throughout the film, depicted through the tragic fate of characters and the loss experienced during apocalyptic events. The harrowing scenes of death and the emotional fallout from the loss of friends and loved ones emphasize the fragility of life. This theme forces the surviving characters to confront their fears and beliefs about death, purpose, and eternity.
-
03
Sacrificial Love
Sacrifice plays a significant role in 'The Remaining', demonstrated through several selfless acts made by characters facing their doom. Pastor Shay's ultimate sacrifice for the group's survival serves as a poignant reminder of the power of love and loyalty among the survivors. The theme resonates deeply as characters make heart-wrenching decisions driven by affection and devotion.
What Kind of Film Is The Remaining?
Dark in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bleak
A relentless and high-intensity horror film that plunges the viewer into immediate apocalyptic chaos, creating a consistently anxious and oppressive atmosphere as characters face demonic forces and grapple with their faith amid overwhelming devastation.
- anxious
- apocalyptic
- oppressive
- chaotic
- dread-filled
- devastating
- biblical apocalypse
- survival horror
- faith crisis
- demon attack
Content notes: mass death, demonic violence, graphic injury, apocalyptic disaster, child death.
Quiz
How well do you remember The Remaining? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch The Remaining
Stream it on Howdy and The Roku Channel, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Howdy Amazon Channel 
The Roku Channel 
Tubi TV 
YouTube Free 
Streaming availability in the US, powered by 
