What Is We Are Still Here About?
The premise of We Are Still Here in 314 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the quiet stillness of a rural New England village, a grieving couple seeks a fresh start after a tragic loss. Paul and Anne Sacchetti leave behind the painful echo of their son’s memory, hoping that a slow‑moving town and a charming historic home will offer the solace they can no longer find in the city. The house, a former 19th‑century funeral home, exudes the creak of old wood and the faint scent of incense, hinting at a past that refuses to stay buried. Its weathered façade and sprawling grounds set the stage for a slow‑burning gothic atmosphere that feels both inviting and unsettling.
A mysterious neighbor, Cat McCabe, watches the newcomers with a wary eye, subtly warning them that the house may hold more than just memories. The locals whisper of a dark legacy tied to the property—a family once tied to the land whose restless presence seems to linger in the shadows. When May and Jacob, close friends with an interest in the unseen, arrive to help Anne connect with what she believes is still her son, the air grows thick with unspoken questions. The village itself feels caught between timeless tradition and an undercurrent of dread, a place where the ordinary and the supernatural glide together like mist over the fields.
As the Sacchettis settle into their new life, grief and curiosity become twin forces pulling them deeper into the house’s secretive heart. The couple must confront an unsettling reality: the walls seem to pulse with a hunger that could consume their very hope, and the lingering spirit of their lost child might be drawn into an endless loop of torment. The film balances tender moments of mourning with a slow, foreboding tension, inviting viewers to wonder whether the past can ever truly be laid to rest—or if some homes are doomed to echo the sorrow of those who dwell within.
What Happens in We Are Still Here?
The complete story of We Are Still Here, from the first scene to the last, in 542 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 6 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In 1979, a grieving couple, Anne (Barbara Crampton) and Paul Sacchetti (Andrew Sensenig), decides to relocate to a serene abode in rural New England after the devastating loss of their son, Bobby, in a car accident. The move is intended as a form of therapy for Anne, who has plunged into deep despair following the tragedy. However, upon their arrival, Anne begins to insist that Bobby is still present in their new home. Their enigmatic neighbor, Cat McCabe (Connie Neer), urges them to abandon the house, hinting at its dark past.
The residence, a former funeral home constructed in the 1800s by the Dagmar family, holds a sinister reputation; the family was allegedly expelled from the village after locals uncovered their malevolent scheme of selling corpses and interring empty coffins. Despite the ominous warnings, Anne invites her friends, May (Lisa Marie) and Jacob Lewis (Larry Fessenden), both spiritualists, in hopes that they could aid in connecting with Bobby and unraveling the strange events that have begun to unfold within the house.
Shortly after the Lewises arrive, they decide to dine out. At this time, their son Harry (Michael Patrick) makes an unexpected entrance with his girlfriend, Daniella (Kelsea Dakota). Tragedy strikes when Harry is violently slain by a malevolent apparition on the basement stairs, leaving Daniella in shock as she witnesses the horrific event. In a panic, she escapes the house only to meet her own demise a short distance away.
As the evening progresses, tension escalates when Cat’s husband, Dave (Monte Markham), arrives at the restaurant, committing murder before discussing the haunted Dagmar home with the bartender. It is revealed that the house must consume fresh souls every 30 years; if it fails to do so, the underlying evil threatens to unleash destruction upon the town.
Encouraged by the unfolding chaos, Jacob persuades a hesitant Paul to participate in a séance. This spiritual encounter leads to Jacob becoming possessed by the vengeful spirit of Lassander Dagmar (Guy Gane III), who reveals the horrifying truth: the Dagmars were not banished but instead met a sacrificial end at the hands of the villagers to appease the malevolence lurking beneath their home. In a fit of rage, Jacob, under possession, takes his own life. As May attempts to flee, she is intercepted and killed by Dave, who has rallied the townsmen with the intention of appeasing the dark force that demands sacrifice.
Amidst the turmoil, the Sacchettis hear their son Bobby’s voice compelling them to flee. They make a desperate dash upstairs as the townsmen begin to storm the house. The spirits of the Dagmar family are unleashed, enacting savage vengeance upon the intruding townspeople. The bloodshed continues until only Dave, Paul, and Anne remain.
As Dave attempts to fulfill his deadly intent, he is thwarted by Lassander’s spirit, which brings about his demise. In the aftermath of the chaos and carnage, Paul and Anne are left to contemplate the mess around them. With the Dagmar spirits feeling a sense of closure, they depart the premises. Yet, Anne, still under the belief that her son lingers within the house’s walls, is drawn into the cellar. Paul, trailing her, peers into the shadowy depths, manages a slight smile, and utters the poignant words, > “Hey Bobby.”
We Are Still Here Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Tragic Loss” to “Final Moments”. 15 events name a place, across 5 locations.
- 1
Tragic Loss
In 1979, Anne and Paul Sacchetti experience the devastating loss of their son, Bobby, in a car accident. This tragedy plunges Anne into deep despair, prompting the couple to seek solace in a new home.
When:1979 Where:Unknown
- 2
Relocation to New England
In hopes of healing, Anne and Paul relocate to a serene abode in rural New England. They believe that a fresh start in a peaceful environment will help Anne cope with her grief.
Where:Rural New England
- 3
Mysterious Neighbor
Upon their arrival at the house, the enigmatic neighbor, Cat McCabe, warns them about the dark past of their new home. She expresses her concerns and urges the couple to leave, hinting at unsettling truths about the residence.
Where:Dagmar house
- 4
The House's Dark History
The farmhouse is revealed to be a former funeral home built in the 1800s by the Dagmar family, who had a sinister reputation for selling corpses. This unsettling history begins to cast a shadow over Anne and Paul's new beginning.
When:1800s Where:Dagmar house
- 5
Inviting Friends for Help
Seeking connection with their son, Anne invites her friends, spiritualists May and Jacob Lewis, to the home. Their arrival coincides with strange and eerie occurrences, intensifying Anne's belief that Bobby is still present.
Where:Dagmar house
- 6
A Terrible Incident
During a dinner outing, the couple's son, Harry, unexpectedly returns with his girlfriend, Daniella. Tragedy strikes when Harry is viciously attacked by a malevolent apparition in the basement, leaving Daniella in shock.
Where:Dagmar house
- 7
Daniella's Fate
In a panic from witnessing the horrific event, Daniella flees the house but meets a tragic end shortly thereafter. This shocking incident heightens the sense of dread in the already ominous atmosphere.
Where:Nearby
- 8
Murder at the Restaurant
Later that evening, Cat's husband, Dave, arrives at the restaurant and commits a murder. He discusses the haunted Dagmar home with the bartender, revealing that the house demands fresh souls every 30 years.
Where:Restaurant
- 9
Unearthly Séance
Encouraged by the unfolding chaos, Jacob convinces Paul to participate in a séance to communicate with spirits. This spiritual encounter leads to Jacob becoming possessed by Lassander Dagmar's vengeful spirit.
Where:Dagmar house
- 10
Revelation of the Past
Under possession, Jacob reveals the horrifying truth about the Dagmar family's fate: they were not banished but sacrificed by the villagers to appease the malevolence within the home. This revelation shocks everyone.
Where:Dagmar house
Show the other 5 events of We Are Still Here Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Jacob's Tragic End
In a fit of rage while possessed, Jacob takes his own life. His demise deepens the terror within the house and escalates the series of horrifying events occurring around them.
Where:Dagmar house
- 12
Town's Reckoning
As tensions rise, the Sacchettis hear Bobby's voice urging them to flee. They make a frantic escape upstairs, only to be confronted by the townsmen storming the house, led by Dave.
Where:Dagmar house
- 13
Dark Spirits Unleashed
As the townspeople invade, the long-dormant spirits of the Dagmar family seek vengeance. A bloody confrontation ensues, leaving chaos and devastation in its wake.
Where:Dagmar house
- 14
Dave's Downfall
As Dave attempts to fulfill his deadly intentions, he is ultimately thwarted by Lassander's spirit, which leads to his own demise. This climax marks the end of the immediate threat in the house.
Where:Dagmar house
- 15
Final Moments
In the aftermath of the carnage, Paul and Anne reflect on the horror they have just witnessed. Despite the spirits finding closure and departing, Anne remains convinced that Bobby still lingers, drawing her to the cellar.
Where:Dagmar house
Who Are the Main Characters in We Are Still Here?
3 characters, among them Anne Sacchetti (Barbara Crampton), Paul Sacchetti (Andrew Sensenig) and Jacob Lewis (Larry Fessenden): who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- AS
Anne Sacchetti (Barbara Crampton)
A mother deeply consumed by grief after the loss of her son, Anne's character embodies the complexities of mourning. Her insistence that Bobby remains in their new home propels the narrative into supernatural realms. Driven by her desire to connect with her son, she is portrayed as both vulnerable and determined.
- 💔 Grief
- 👩👦 Motherhood
- 🕊️ Spirituality
- PS
Paul Sacchetti (Andrew Sensenig)
Paul serves as the rational counterpoint to Anne's emotional turmoil, attempting to support her while grappling with his own sorrow. His character's journey reveals the struggle between skepticism and belief in the supernatural. As the events escalate, he is forced to confront the chilling reality of their situation.
- 😟 Grief
- 👨👩👦 Family
- 💪 Support
- JL
Jacob Lewis (Larry Fessenden)
As a spiritualist, Jacob brings an air of mystique and a willingness to confront the unknown. His possession by the spirit of Lassander Dagmar adds layers to his character, showcasing the duality of his nature as both a seeker of truth and a victim of dark forces. His fate serves as a critical turning point in the narrative.
- 🔮 Spiritualism
- 👻 Possession
- ⚡ Transformation
Where and When Is We Are Still Here Set?
We Are Still Here is set in New England, Dagmar House and rural New England (1979, 1800s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1979, 1800s
Set primarily in 1979, the film reflects a time of emotional upheaval and societal family dynamics in the face of loss. Flashbacks and the history of the Dagmar house reveal its construction in the 1800s, a time when such establishments were often intertwined with local lore and macabre tales.
Where
New England, Dagmar House, rural New England
The movie takes place in rural New England, characterized by its serene landscapes and tight-knit communities. Central to the story is the Dagmar house, a former funeral home with a dark history that looms over its residents. Known for its sinister reputation, the house was once owned by the Dagmar family, who faced dire consequences for their malevolent actions.
- 🏡 Haunted House
- 🌳 Rural
- 🇺🇸 New England
What Are the Themes of We Are Still Here?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Grief, Supernatural and Sacrifice.
-
01
Grief
At its core, the film navigates the profound grief experienced by Anne and Paul following the tragic death of their son, Bobby. Their relocation serves as a means of coping, yet the haunting presence of Bobby drives Anne deeper into despair. The theme powerfully explores the lengths one might go to maintain a connection with lost loved ones.
-
02
Supernatural
The supernatural elements are intricately woven into the narrative, showcasing the interplay between the living and the dead. The presence of vengeful spirits and hauntings reflects both a literal and metaphorical struggle against past traumas. It raises questions about the nature of evil and the consequences of unresolved sins.
-
03
Sacrifice
The theme of sacrifice is central to the plot, highlighted by the house's insatiable hunger for fresh souls every thirty years. Characters confront moral dilemmas that lead to tragic outcomes, examining the lengths individuals will resort to in appeasing malevolent forces. The culmination of this theme unfolds with devastating consequences for both the townspeople and the Sacchettis.
What Kind of Film Is We Are Still Here?
Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Ambiguous
A relentless and oppressive horror that builds from profound grief into a brutal supernatural confrontation, leaving a haunting and emotionally heavy final impression.
- dreadful
- oppressive
- grieving
- sinister
- brutal
- haunting
- grief and loss
- demonic possession
- haunted house
- supernatural revenge
Content notes: graphic violence, gore, death of a child, suicide, demonic possession, ritual sacrifice.
Quiz
How well do you remember We Are Still Here? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch We Are Still Here
Stream it on Amazon Prime Video and AMC+, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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AMC+ Amazon Channel 
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