What Is The Unholy About?
The premise of The Unholy in 296 words, with nothing given away. The full story and the ending follow below.
In a secluded New England town where mist‑cloaked hills guard centuries‑old secrets, a quiet miracle begins to ripple through daily life. A young girl, Alice Pagett, discovers an uncanny ability to hear the unspoken and to heal those around her, turning the modest community into a place where hope and unease coexist. As word of her gifts spreads, the townsfolk oscillate between reverent awe and nervous suspicion, their faith tested by phenomena that feel both blessed and bewildering.
Enter Gerry Fenn, a once‑renowned journalist whose career has been tarnished by a reputation for chasing the strange. Sent to cover the oddities of the town, he quickly becomes the skeptical lens through which the unfolding events are examined. His investigative instincts clash with the palpable sense of wonder, prompting him to dig beneath the surface of the reported miracles. The town’s quiet streets, the old church, and the surrounding woods provide a moody backdrop where every whispered confession feels like a clue to something larger.
Local guardians of faith—Father William Hagan, a priest with personal ties to the girl, and Monsignor Delgarde, a stern emissary from the Catholic hierarchy—add layers of institutional curiosity and caution. Their presence underscores a tension between doctrine and the inexplicable, hinting that the community’s newfound fervor may be more fragile than it appears. The atmosphere swells with a mix of atmospheric dread and solemn beauty, as candlelit chapels and wind‑swept trees become symbols of both sanctuary and potential peril.
As Gerry probes deeper, the line between divine intervention and something far darker begins to blur. The story balances a reverent reverie with a creeping sense of foreboding, inviting the audience to wonder whether the miracles are a conduit for salvation—or the first steps toward a catastrophe that could reshape the town’s soul.
What Happens in The Unholy?
The complete story of The Unholy, from the first scene to the last, in 760 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
It is strongly suggested through the sounds of distress that a woman is undergoing a brutal beating and execution, ultimately revealed to be Mary Elnor, accused of witchcraft in 1845 in Banfield, Massachusetts. This tragic figure meets her end by being hanged from a tree and subsequently set ablaze. However, before her tragic fate is sealed, her spirit becomes tethered to a doll.
Fast forward many years, and we meet Gerry Fenn, portrayed by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, a disgraced journalist who specializes in reporting on the bizarre and unusual. His latest assignment takes him to Boston, where what initially seems to be a series of paranormal events is unveiled as nothing more than a teenage prank. Just as Gerry prepares to leave, he stumbles upon the doll and, in a moment of recklessness, crushes it, inadvertently liberating Mary’s spirit. Shortly thereafter, he encounters a young girl named Alice Pagett, played by Cricket Brown, who dashes across the road, prompting Gerry to follow her to the haunting tree that serves as the prologue’s location, where he once discovered the doll. It is there that he hears her speak before collapsing. When Gerry brings her to a church, he learns that Alice is deaf and couldn’t have uttered any words. This revelation drives him to remain in Banfield, driven by the belief that there is more to the story than mere antics.
The next day, to the amazement of the community, Alice claims to have been cured by the Virgin Mary. This proclamation ignites a media frenzy, fueled further by reports of additional miraculous healings. Among these occurrences, a statue of the Virgin Mary located in the church sheds tears of blood, prompting the Catholic Church to dispatch Monsignor Delgarde, embellished by Diogo Morgado and Bishop Gyles, played by Cary Elwes, to investigate these burgeoning claims. As Gerry becomes closer to Alice, he learns that she believes she has been communicating with an entity named Mary, mistakenly assuming that she is referring to the Virgin Mary. However, his unease mounts when he experiences horrific visions of “Mary.”
In an intriguing twist, he unites with Father William Hagan, portrayed by William Sadler, who happens to be Alice’s maternal uncle. Fr. Hagan, who himself was healed by Alice, grows wary of the true nature of the supposed miracles. Discovering a book discussing Mary Elnor, who allegedly performed miracles for Satan, he attempts to raise the alarm. Tragically, before he gets the chance, he is attacked by Mary, and his body is later found hanging in the church. Despite the alarming nature of Hagan’s death, Bishop Gyles persuades Gerry to keep the alleged suicide under wraps, fearing it could tarnish the ongoing divine occurrences.
Gerry eventually befriends Natalie Gates, the town’s physician, who learns of his past when he admitted to fabricating stories. They jointly uncover the chilling truth regarding Mary, who sold her soul to Satan for power, enabling her and her descendants—one of whom is Alice—to execute “miracles” in exchange for souls. In a terrifying showdown, Mary attempts to eliminate Gerry, only for Msgr. Delgarde to fend her off with prayer and his crucifix.
As the narrative escalates, Alice, seemingly oblivious to Mary’s true nature, expresses her desire to hold a church service by the tree to broadcast it widely. Msgr. Delgarde warns that the more individuals pledge themselves to Mary Elnor, the stronger she becomes, condemning their souls to Hell. Together with Gerry and Natalie, he tries to perform a ritual aimed at halting this dreadful event, but Mary violently interrupts by crushing him with a burning cross.
Once the service commences, Alice urges attendees to pledge their allegiance to Mary Elnor three times. Gerry, desperate, intervenes, asserting that the so-called miracles were merely figments of his fabrication and a consequence of the placebo effect. Meanwhile, Natalie employs sign language to communicate with Alice, imploring her to cease the service. As Mary threatens Alice, urging her to continue or face permanent silence, Alice realizes the true essence of the miracles she witnessed was not divine. The tree then ignites in flames, causing chaos as an enraged Mary emerges, igniting Bishop Gyles in a wave of fury before targeting Gerry. In a twist of fate, Alice sacrifices herself to save Gerry, causing Mary’s connection to the living realm to sever. In an emotional plea, Gerry begs God to restore Alice’s life; miraculously, she revives but finds herself deaf once more. The people Alice had previously healed revert to their former states, and the film culminates with a dire warning drawn from Matthew 7:15.
The Unholy Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Mary Elnor's Execution” to “Miraculous Revival”. 7 events name a place, across 5 locations.
- 1
Mary Elnor's Execution
In 1845, Mary Elnor stands accused of witchcraft in Banfield, Massachusetts. Amidst the sounds of distress, she faces a brutal beating before being hanged from a tree and set ablaze, sealing her tragic fate.
When:1845 Where:Banfield, Massachusetts
- 2
Mary's Spirit Tethered
Before Mary Elnor's execution is complete, her spirit becomes inexplicably tethered to a doll. This connection to the doll marks the beginning of her haunting legacy long after her death.
- 3
Gerry Fenn's Investigation
Years later, Gerry Fenn, a disgraced journalist, is assigned to report on bizarre events in Boston. What begins as mere paranormal occurrences soon leads him to uncover peculiarities in Banfield.
Where:Boston
- 4
Discovery of the Doll
While investigating, Gerry stumbles upon the doll, a relic of Mary Elnor's tortured past. In a reckless moment, he crushes it, unwittingly releasing Mary's vengeful spirit.
- 5
Encounter with Alice Pagett
Gerry meets a young girl named Alice Pagett who unexpectedly appears in front of him. As he follows her to the tree where he found the doll, he hears her speak before collapsing from shock.
Where:Haunting Tree
- 6
Alice's Miracle Claim
The next day, Alice shocks the town by claiming she has been cured by the Virgin Mary. Her proclamation ignites a media frenzy and leads to reports of multiple miraculous healings throughout the community.
Where:Banfield
- 7
Investigation by the Catholic Church
In response to the miracles, the Catholic Church sends Monsignor Delgarde and Bishop Gyles to investigate the events surrounding Alice's claim. Their arrival spurs further scrutiny of the astonishing occurrences.
Where:Banfield
- 8
The Truth about Mary
As Gerry grows closer to Alice, he learns about her belief that she is communicating with an entity named Mary. However, he experiences haunting visions of Mary Elnor that signify a deeper, more sinister connection.
- 9
Father Hagan's Warning
Father William Hagan, Alice's uncle, discovers a book detailing Mary's dark history and her connections to Satan. As he tries to warn others, he becomes a target of Mary's wrath and is found dead shortly after.
Where:Church
- 10
The Manipulation of Souls
Gerry and Dr. Natalie Gates uncover the truth about Mary Elnor's curse, realizing she sold her soul for power, which she now seeks to reclaim through Alice. Their revelations cast a shadow on the supposed miracles.
Show the other 5 events of The Unholy Hide the last 5 events
- 11
The Ritual to Stop Mary
In a desperate bid to stop Mary's influence, Gerry, Natalie, and Monsignor Delgarde attempt a ritual. Their plan is violently disrupted when Mary retaliates, crushing Delgarde with a burning cross.
- 12
Alice's Church Service
Despite the warnings, Alice organizes a church service by the tree to gather support for Mary. As attendees pledge their allegiance, Gerry desperately tries to reveal the truth about the manipulated miracles.
Where:Haunting Tree
- 13
The Chaos Unleashed
As the service escalates, the tree catches fire, and chaos ensues. Mary, filled with rage, begins targeting attendees, including Bishop Gyles and Gerry, who find themselves in a life-threatening situation.
- 14
Alice's Sacrifice
In an act of bravery, Alice sacrifices herself to sever Mary's connection to the living realm, allowing Gerry to escape. This selfless act serves as both a finale to their struggle and a testament of her courage.
- 15
Miraculous Revival
In a desperate plea, Gerry asks God to restore Alice's life, resulting in her miraculous revival. However, she finds herself deaf once more, and the healed townsfolk revert to their previous ailments, signaling the end of Mary's influence.
Who Are the Main Characters in The Unholy?
5 characters, among them Gerry Fenn, Alice Pagett and Mary Elnor: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 4 of them link to the actor’s page.
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Gerry Fenn
Played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan
A disgraced journalist with a specialization in the bizarre, Gerry serves as the film's central character. His journey begins with skepticism but transforms into a desperate quest for redemption as he grapples with the supernatural occurrences in Banfield. His relationship with Alice adds depth to his character, showcasing his determination to protect her amidst chaos.
- 📰 Journalist
- 🔍 Investigator
- AP
Alice Pagett
Played by Cricket Brown
Alice is a young girl who initially appears as a miraculous figure after claiming to have been healed by the Virgin Mary. However, as the story unfolds, her innocent beliefs lead to dire consequences. Her character embodies the theme of faith and the tragic consequences that can stem from misunderstanding the nature of miracles.
- 👧 Innocent
- ✝️ Believer
- ME
Mary Elnor
The tragic figure whose spirit haunts the film, Mary Elnor is crucial to the unfolding mystery. Once accused of witchcraft, her wrath manifests in a horrifying quest for vengeance against those who invoke her name. Her character serves as a haunting reminder of the past and its connection to present-day beliefs.
- 👻 Spirit
- ⚡ Vengeful
-
Father William Hagan
Played by William Sadler
Alice's maternal uncle, Father Hagan serves as a moral compass amidst the unfolding chaos. His skepticism regarding Alice's 'miracles' drives the tension in the film as he seeks to unveil the dark truth behind Mary Elnor. His tragic fate serves as a warning of the dangers inherent in blind faith.
- ⛪ Priest
- ⚖️ Moral
-
Bishop Gyles
Played by Cary Elwes
Bishop Gyles represents the Catholic Church's response to the growing phenomena in Banfield. His concern for the church's reputation often puts him at odds with the truth as he tries to cover up tragedies to protect the narrative of miracles. He plays a vital role in the community's escalating belief in Mary.
- ⛪ Religious
- 🎩 Authority
Where and When Is The Unholy Set?
The Unholy is set in Banfield, Massachusetts and Boston (1845). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1845
The film oscillates between two time periods, with a significant focus on the year 1845 when Mary Elnor was accused of witchcraft and met a brutal execution. This time reflects an era of superstition and fear regarding the occult, setting the stage for the haunting legacy that extends into contemporary times where Jerry Fenn confronts the repercussions of the past.
Where
Banfield, Massachusetts, Boston
Banfield, Massachusetts, serves as the central setting for the movie, intertwining with the themes of horror and the supernatural. Initially, it appears as a quaint town overshadowed by its dark history, particularly concerning witchcraft and the tragic figure of Mary Elnor. Boston, on the other hand, represents the modern world where Gerry Fenn begins his investigation, contrasting the eerie occurrences back in Banfield.
- 🏙️ City
- 🌳 Nature
- ⛪ Religion
What Are the Themes of The Unholy?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Supernatural, Faith and Investigation.
-
01
Supernatural
The supernatural plays a pivotal role in 'The Unholy,' where the spirit of Mary Elnor is tied to a doll, leading to a series of alarming events. Her presence serves to manipulate the perceptions of the living, blurring the lines between faith and malevolence. The themes of deception and belief challenge the characters, particularly Gerry, as they navigate miraculous claims and the inherent dangers tied to them.
-
02
Faith
Faith is a recurring theme throughout the narrative as characters struggle with their beliefs in the face of miraculous claims and horrifying revelations. Alice's initial belief in her healing powers speaks to a child's innocence, while Gerry's skepticism evolves into a desperate quest for truth. The film explores how faith can be both a source of comfort and a tool for manipulation.
-
03
Investigation
An investigation of supernatural events forms the backbone of the plot as Gerry Fenn delves into the mysteries surrounding Alice's supposed miracles. His journalistic background drives the narrative forward, pushing him to uncover the truth about Mary Elnor and the dark legacy of the town. This theme highlights the clash between rationality and the inexplicable.
How Does The Unholy End?
The last act of The Unholy and what it means, in 280 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 Unholy” reveals that the evil spirit possessing Alice and causing havoc in Banfield is actually Mary Elnor, a woman who was burned alive in 1945 after being accused of witchcraft. Mary had sold her soul to Satan, which granted her and her descendants supernatural powers, including the ability to perform miracles. Alice, as a descendant of Mary Elnor, became a vessel for her spirit. Throughout the film, the townspeople believe Alice’s supposed miracles are divine and miraculous, but in reality, they are the work of Mary Elnor trying to claim everyone’s souls and spread her influence.
Gerry Fenn, a discredited journalist seeking redemption, uncovers the truth about Mary Elnor’s dark past and realizes that the only way to stop her is to create doubt among the townspeople about her miracles. When Gerry exposes the hoax and convinces the crowd that the miracles are false, Mary’s spirit is temporarily forced out of Alice. In a desperate attempt to keep her alive, Mary Elnor tries to kill Gerry, but Alice intervenes and is fatally injured. As Alice dies in Gerry’s arms, it seems hope is lost.
However, in a miraculous turn of events, Alice’s death triggers a renewal of faith and belief, and she is brought back to life through the power of the townspeople’s faith and Gerry’s prayer. This resurrection is depicted as a divine intervention, restoring hope and innocence. The film concludes with Alice alive again, symbolizing that faith and truth can overcome evil, and reminding viewers that even in darkness, hope can be reborn. The story underscores the importance of skepticism and belief, showing that truth and faith have the power to triumph over malevolence.
What Kind of Film Is The Unholy?
Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A steadily-paced supernatural horror film that generates intense dread and suspense as a skeptical journalist uncovers a demonic entity masquerading as a holy miracle, leading to a climactic confrontation with a bittersweet cost.
- suspenseful
- sinister
- dreadful
- anxious
- demonic
- unsettling
- supernatural horror
- religious corruption
- journalism and truth
- miracles and deception
Content notes: witchcraft execution, hanging, burning alive, demonic possession, psychological manipulation, child endangerment.
Quiz
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