Summary
Highlights
The Mysterious Incident and a Boy in a Trance00:00:20
A young boy escapes a cabin in the woods, pursued by a witch-like figure. The boy is later found by an officer, in a trance-like state, identified as Ronnie Harlow, staring blankly without emotion.
Introduction to Noah and Suspicious Neighbors00:01:04
In 1997, Noah lives with his family on Martha's Vineyard. They meet a new tenant, Miss Halverson, dressed mysteriously in black. Noah and his friends investigate Gene Carruthers, a man rumored to have made his family disappear, hoping to find a story for the newspaper.
A Terrifying Encounter at the Beach00:02:55
Ben, Noah's friend, goes on a date at the beach. A mysterious figure watches them before an old woman plunges into the water and drags Ellie and Ben down. Ellie escapes as a blinding light erupts, but Ben is left in a soulless trance, similar to Ronnie Harlow.
Noah Uncovers Clues and Suspects Miss Halverson00:03:30
Noah finds a book by Gene and learns of Ben's trance-like state. Ellie describes the 'witch' and the blinding light. Noah finds a black cloth on the beach and sees Miss Halverson, increasing his suspicions. He then visits Gene, a retired cop, but Gene dismisses his story.
Gene Becomes Involved and the Witch's Attack00:05:31
Gene, worried about Ben's incident, starts collaborating with Noah. They visit Ben, who only vaguely remembers a bright light. Later, a teenager is lured into 'No Man’s Land' by a girl (the witch) and an explosion follows, leaving him in the same trance-like state.
Noah Learns About Witches and Gene's Tragic Past00:07:07
Noah finds a black cloth and broom, similar to the one he found on the beach, confirming his belief in a witch on the island. He researches witches, learning they feed on children and can change appearance. Gene shares his tragic past, revealing his son was snatched years ago, leading him to investigate missing children.
Disbelief from Adults and Noah's Frustration00:10:45
Gene and Noah try to warn the police chief and editor Edgar about a predator, but they dismiss the claims, attributing the incidents to accidents. Noah's friends are told to stay away from him, leading him to throw his research diary into the water in frustration.
The Witch's Threat and Gene's Investigation00:11:36
Noah finds Eugene's bike and backpack in the woods and then encounters a figure in black who warns him to stop investigating. Later, a car chases Noah, leading him to Gene's house. Gene decides to travel to New Hampshire to meet Ronnie Harlow, a boy who reappeared after going missing with the same soulless look.
The Umpire is the Witch00:12:48
Gene finds a witch's map, newspaper clippings, and silver bullets in Ronnie's belongings. He notices that photos of baseball teams from different towns and periods all feature the same umpire. Noah also discovers red algae and a burn mark on the umpire's hand, realizing the umpire is the witch.
Confrontation and Capture00:13:50
Noah tells Eugene and Sammy that the umpire is the witch. They go to the umpire's house, finding fake IDs and children's shoes. The witch captures and ties them up, revealing his plan to eat them to satisfy his cravings for youth.
The Battle Against the Witch00:15:12
The witch transforms and attacks Noah. Sammy and Eugene escape, and Gene arrives, shooting the witch with silver bullets. The witch, now manifesting her true form, fights them in the burning house. Gene uses silver bullets to release the trapped souls.
The Aftermath and Hope for the Future00:16:45
The witch is defeated, and the children's souls are returned. Noah writes an article clearing Gene's name, which Edgar agrees to publish. Ben regains his soul and returns to normal. Gene goes to meet his ex-wife, hoping to rebuild their relationship as the movie concludes.