What Lies Below Story Analysis: Plot Summary & Character Arcs
Deep dive into the narrative structure and emotional journey of What Lies Below.
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2020, What Lies Below is a Horror, Thriller, Science Fiction, Drama film directed by Braden R. Duemmler, written by Braden R. Duemmler. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Ema Horvath as Liberty Wells.
What Is the Story of What Lies Below?
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. A socially awkward teenager is blindsided when her mother introduces her to her new fiancée. At first, his charm, intelligence, and beauty seem too good to be true, and after a series of strange occurrences, the teenage daughter realizes that this new member of their family is not exactly who he seems. Director Braden R. Duemmler uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
How Is What Lies Below Structured?
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone of What Lies Below, hinting at the terror to come. Braden R. Duemmler establishes the rules of this world before introducing Ema Horvath as Liberty Wells to its dangers.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing Ema Horvath to confront the source of horror directly. Braden R. Duemmler's resolution falls somewhat short of expectations.