Seance on a Wet Afternoon

Main Plot

"Seance on a Wet Afternoon," directed by Bryan Forbes, is a psychological thriller centered around a medium named Myra Savage. Myra, convinced of her psychic abilities, devises a plan to gain public recognition by orchestrating the kidnapping of a child, intending to "find" the child through her supposed powers. She enlists the help of her meek and hesitant husband, Bill, to carry out the abduction. As the plan unfolds, tensions rise between the couple, and the situation spirals out of control. The film explores themes of obsession, mental instability, and the moral complexities of their actions, leading to a gripping and unsettling climax.

Characters

• Kim Stanley plays Myra Savage, a medium who orchestrates a kidnapping to gain fame and prove her psychic abilities.
• Richard Attenborough plays Billy Savage, a husband who assists his wife in a kidnapping scheme to validate her psychic abilities.
• Margaret Lacey plays Mrs. Wintry, a client of the medium Myra Savage. Her character helps establish Myra's credibility and desperation for recognition.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of 'Seance on a Wet Afternoon,' directed by Bryan Forbes, the intricate plan devised by Myra Savage, a self-proclaimed medium, unravels. Myra, along with her submissive husband Bill, kidnaps a child named Amanda Clayton, intending to stage a dramatic rescue to bolster Myra's credibility as a psychic. Throughout the film, Myra's mental instability becomes increasingly apparent, and Bill's reluctance grows. As the police close in, Bill, overwhelmed by guilt and fear, decides to return Amanda to her parents. However, Myra's delusions intensify, and she insists on completing the plan. In a climactic sequence, Myra conducts a séance, during which she claims to communicate with Amanda's spirit, implying the child is dead. This revelation shocks the attendees and the police, who are secretly observing. Ultimately, the police intervene, rescuing Amanda and arresting Myra and Bill. The film ends with Myra being led away, her mental state shattered, while Bill is left to face the consequences of their actions. The conclusion underscores the tragic consequences of Myra's delusions and the couple's desperate attempt to find meaning and recognition.