What Is We Summon the Darkness About?
The premise of We Summon the Darkness in 267 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the late‑summer heat of 1988 Indiana, three inseparable friends—Alexis, Valerie, and Beverly—are drawn together by a shared love of loud, unapologetic heavy‑metal music. Their night begins with the chaotic energy of a concert that promises an escape from the small‑town monotony, a place where distorted guitars and roaring crowds blur the line between freedom and danger. The trio’s chemistry is a blend of playful banter and unspoken loyalty, each bringing a distinct spark that makes their bond feel both effortless and essential.
After the final encore, a spontaneous invitation leads them to an isolated country house for an after‑party that seems like the perfect extension of the night’s hedonism. The remote setting, bathed in the glow of moonlight and punctuated by the distant hum of crickets, creates a stark contrast to the electric atmosphere of the venue. Here they encounter a group of fellow concert‑goers—Mark, Ivan, and Kovacs—whose easy confidence and casual charm add a layer of tension and intrigue to the evening’s unfolding dynamic.
The film’s tone wavers between the exhilarating pulse of the metal scene and a creeping, atmospheric dread that seeps from the secluded farmhouse’s darkened rooms. Local whispers, embodied by a fervent Pastor John Henry Butler, hint at an undercurrent of fear that has already gripped the community, suggesting that the night’s revelry may be a thin veneer over something far more unsettling. As the friends navigate the unfamiliar terrain of adult relationships and hidden motives, the story hints at a fragile line between celebration and survival, inviting the audience to wonder just how far the party will descend before daylight—and safety—returns.
What Happens in We Summon the Darkness?
The complete story of We Summon the Darkness, from the first scene to the last, in 694 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 8 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In the movie set in Indiana in 1988, three friends—Alexandra Daddario, Maddie Hasson, and Amy Forsyth—embark on a trip to attend a heavy metal concert featuring the band Soldiers of Satan. On their way, they overhear alarming news reports about a recent string of murders, which are suspected to be carried out by a satanic cult. These reports cast a dark shadow over their plans, and it’s suggested that the violent acts may be linked to the type of music the girls are passionate about. During their journey, they encounter hostility when a chocolate milkshake is thrown at their windshield, which intensifies their rivalry with a group of guys in a van. In a moment of retaliation, Keean Johnson, Austin Swift, and Logan Miller introduce themselves as Mark, Ivan, and Kovacs, respectively. Despite the initial hostility, the girls and the guys decide to put their differences aside, sharing drinks while enjoying the concert together.
Later that evening, the group unwinds by a campfire, playing a game of “Never Have I Ever,” which leads to playful confessions. Alexis (played by [Alexandra Daddario]) suddenly admits she drugged the guys, a remark that’s dismissed as a joke until everyone begins to pass out unexpectedly. When they regain consciousness, the girls reveal a terrifying secret: they are part of a sinister cult, involved in a cycle of murders meant to honor some Satanic worship. The situation escalates quickly—Ivan (Logan Miller) calls out their claims, but tempers flare, and Alexis stabs him, killing him instantly.
The tension heightens as the girls decide they want to continue their murderous spree, with Amy Forsyth expressing she wants to be involved in the next kill. Meanwhile, the captured guys manage to free themselves and hide in the cellar, prompting chaos. In the chaos, Alexis wounds Kovacs, but the chaos intensifies when Allison McAtee as Susan, Alexis’s stepmom, arrives unexpectedly. She had called the police after noticing suspicious activity, but her investigation ends in tragedy when she stumbles upon Ivan’s dead body and becomes a victim herself, with Alexis striking her down in self-defense.
As the situation spirals further, Sheriff Tanner Beard arrives on the scene responding to Susan’s call. He begins to investigate, but the tension erupts when Val (played by [Maddie Hasson]) shoots him dead after he tries to arrest the girls. Recognizing the danger, the guys attempt to escape as the chaos unfolds. Bev (Amy Forsyth) then steps away from the violent plans, wielding a weed whacker, revealing her disapproval of the girls’ murderous scheme. She confesses that Pastor John Henry Butler (Johnny Knoxville), who is also Alexis’s father and the cult’s leader, has been manipulating them and funneling money from donations into his own accounts. A fight ensues, and during the struggle, the group—armed with broken bottles—breaks free, with Kovacs sustaining a minor injury.
As they desperately try to flee, Butler returns home, and Kovacs seeks help from him, only to be shot by Butler. Meanwhile, Bev fights with Val, and Alexis confronts Mark. Butler shoots Mark in the side, reprimanding Alexis for drawing unwanted attention. Bev defends herself by setting Val’s hair on fire, igniting her hair spray, and then knocking out Butler with a blow to the head. In a tense climax, Alexis tries to play innocent, but Bev swiftly intervenes—knocking her out with a blow—and Alexis falls out of a window, injured. Mark finds Kovacs dead, devastated by the loss.
Bev and Mark make a quick escape in Alexis’s car, but before they can drive away, a badly injured Alexis limps onto the road. With no compassion, Bev runs her over, highlighting the chaos and brutal choices made throughout the night. Later, Bev visits a convenience store to grab medical supplies, where she witnesses a news report detailing the murders. The authorities blame the killings on Alexis and the cult known as We Summon The Darkness, with Butler feigning grief over his daughter’s involvement while secretly plotting to cover his tracks. Warning the cashier to be cautious about believing everything he hears, Bev and Mark drive away, leaving behind a trail of violence and deception that echoes the film’s dark themes of manipulation, revenge, and chaos.
We Summon the Darkness Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Girls head to heavy metal concert” to “Continuing the cover-up”. 11 events name a place, across 9 locations.
- 1
Girls head to heavy metal concert
In 1988, Alexis, Valerie, and Beverly set out for a concert by Soldiers of Satan. On the way, they overhear news reports about a series of murders linked to a satanic cult, and Pastor John Henry Butler blames heavy metal music for the killings.
When:1988
- 2
Incidents at the concert venue
The girls arrive at the concert and are targeted when a milkshake is thrown at their windshield. They retaliate by throwing a firecracker into a van belonging to some boys, leading to mutual apologies and the groups bonding over drinks while watching the concert.
Where:concert venue
- 3
Campfire and playful confessions
After the concert, the group gathers around a campfire, playing 'Never Have I Ever'. Alexis admits to drugging the boys, but this leads to them passing out mysteriously, revealing something more sinister is about to unfold.
Where:campfire
- 4
Girls reveal their cult and murder plans
The girls, part of a cult, tie up the boys and confess that they are tasked with killing worshippers of Satan as part of a ritual cycle. Alexis kills Ivan after he exposes their true motives, escalating the danger.
Where:countryside/remote location
- 5
Conflict and revelation
Bev persuades Alexis and Valerie to let her take part in the next murder. Meanwhile, Mark and Kovacs manage to escape and hide in the wine cellar. Alexis wounds Kovacs in a struggle, revealing the chaos engulfing them.
Where:wine cellar
- 6
Discovery of Susan’s death
Alexis’s stepmom Susan arrives to drop off something and, suspecting something is wrong, stumbles upon Ivan’s corpse. Alexis, panicked, kills her before she can realize the full extent of the cult’s crimes.
Where:Alexis’s home
- 7
Attempted arrest and shooting
Sheriff Dembrowski arrives responding to Susan’s call. Mark and Kovacs try to explain to him about the girls’ murders, but Val shoots and kills the sheriff in a shocking act of violence, escalating the chaos.
Where:Alexis’s home
- 8
Bev’s defection and reveal of cult leader
Bev confronts her friends, revealing that their cult leader, Butler, is her father and that he is embezzling donations. She attempts to free the two boys, signaling her breaking away from the murderous scheme.
Where:house
- 9
Butler’s arrival and violence
Butler returns home and shoots Kovacs. A fight ensues with Bev fighting Butler and Alexis attacking Mark. Bev then knocks out Butler but gets attacked as well, leading to chaos within the house.
Where:house
- 10
Climactic chaos and Alexis’s fall
The struggle culminates with Alexis falling out a window after being attacked. Bev helps Mark escape, but Alexis, wounded and limping, is hit by Bev with a car afterwards, ending her life.
Where:road outside the house
- 11
Aftermath and media report
Bev and Mark drive away after the chaos. At a convenience store, Bev watches news reports blaming the murders on Alexis and the cult called 'We Summon The Darkness'. She warns the cashier to beware of trusting everything shown.
Where:convenience store
- 12
Continuing the cover-up
While continuing their escape, Bev and Mark reflect on the chaos left behind and the cult’s manipulations. Bev’s warning about trusting appearances hints at ongoing deception and her own complicity.
Where:moving vehicle
Who Are the Main Characters in We Summon the Darkness?
4 characters, among them Alexis (Alexandra Daddario), Beverly (Amy Forsyth) and Valerie (Maddie Hasson): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Alexis (Alexandra Daddario)
Played by Alexandra Daddario
Alexis is a headstrong and rebellious young woman who becomes deeply involved in the chaos. She demonstrates a mix of vulnerability and brutality, often driven by emotion or instinct. Her actions reveal a complex character caught between innocence and darkness.
- 🔥 Rebellious
- 😈 Sinister
- 💃 Youth
-
Beverly (Amy Forsyth)
Played by Amy Forsyth
Beverly is initially an innocent and supportive friend who displays courage and moral conflict. She ultimately seeks redemption and fights against the murderous plans of her friends and the cult leader. Her character embodies the struggle between loyalty and morality.
- ⚖️ Morality
- 💪 Courage
- 🌟 Redemption
-
Valerie (Maddie Hasson)
Played by Maddie Hasson
Valerie is portrayed as playful and flirtatious but reveals a darker, violent side as the story progresses. Her complex personality shifts from fun-loving teen to someone capable of deadly action, highlighting themes of hidden darkness.
- 🎭 Duality
- 😒 Manipulative
- 🔥 Passionate
-
Pastor John Henry Butler (Johnny Knoxville)
Played by Johnny Knoxville
Butler is the charismatic yet sinister cult leader and Alexis's father. He manipulates his followers into committing murders under the guise of religious devotion. His character embodies corruption, fanaticism, and betrayal.
- 🕊️ Religious fanatic
- 🧠 Manipulative
- ⚠️ Dangerous
Where and When Is We Summon the Darkness Set?
We Summon the Darkness is set in Indiana (1988). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1988
The movie takes place in 1988, a time characterized by the rise of heavy metal music, vivid fashion trends, and a culture of teenage rebellion. The late 1980s was also a period of cultural conservatism, which is contrasted by the rebellious and dark themes depicted in the film. This era's social and musical climate sharply contrasts with the violence and chaos of the story.
Where
Indiana
The movie is set in Indiana during the late 1980s, a period marked by the popularity of heavy metal music and youth culture. It features suburban environments typical of small American towns, including Alexis's home and the concert venue. The setting reflects the era's fashion, music, and social atmosphere, contributing to the nostalgic yet sinister tone of the story.
- 🌆 Small Town
- 🎸 1980s
- 🍁 Suburban Area
What Are the Themes of We Summon the Darkness?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Deception and Rebellion.
-
01
Deception
The film explores themes of deception and betrayal among friends and strangers. The girls initially pretend to be innocent but reveal a dark, murderous side, while the cult's deceptive facade hides its true intentions. The story underscores how appearances can be misleading and the danger of trusting others blindly.
-
02
Rebellion
Rebellion is a central theme, especially against societal norms and authority figures like the police and religious figures. The characters' actions challenge traditional morality, with some characters embracing violence as a form of liberation. This rebellious spirit is embodied by the heavy metal culture and the characters' defiance of their circumstances.
What Kind of Film Is We Summon the Darkness?
Dark in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Mixed
A fast-paced and brutal thriller that maintains a tense, anxious atmosphere from a seemingly fun road trip through a night of shocking betrayal, violent cult rituals, and a desperate fight for survival.
- tense
- brutal
- suspenseful
- anxious
- treacherous
- chaotic
- betrayal
- satanic cult
- survival
- deception
Content notes: graphic violence, murder, satanic ritual, stabbing, cult murder.
Quiz
How well do you remember We Summon the Darkness? Test yourself on the story.
