They Remain

Main Plot

"They Remain," directed by Philip Gelatt, is a psychological thriller that explores themes of isolation, obsession, and the unknown. The film follows two scientists tasked with investigating mysterious animal behavior on a remote site that was once home to a cult. As they delve deeper into their research, they encounter strange occurrences that challenge their perceptions of reality. The setting plays a crucial role, with the vast, eerie landscape amplifying the sense of isolation and unease. The scientists' initial focus on empirical data gradually gives way to a more personal and unsettling journey as they confront inexplicable phenomena. Their professional detachment erodes, leading to paranoia and tension between them. The film builds a slow-burning atmosphere, relying on mood and psychological tension rather than overt horror elements. The narrative unfolds through a series of cryptic events and discoveries that suggest a lingering malevolent presence tied to the site's dark history. Themes of madness and the limits of human understanding are central, as the characters grapple with forces beyond their control. "They Remain" is a cerebral exploration of the thin line between scientific inquiry and the supernatural, leaving audiences questioning the nature of reality and the impact of isolation on the human psyche.

Characters

• Rebecca Henderson plays Jessica, a scientist investigating mysterious phenomena at a remote site. Her role involves unraveling the site's dark secrets alongside her partner, Keith.
• William Jackson Harper plays Keith, a scientist investigating mysterious phenomena at a remote site, uncovering unsettling truths that challenge his sanity and perception of reality.

Ending Explained

In the film's conclusion, Keith and Jessica, two scientists studying animal behavior at a remote site, experience escalating psychological disturbances. The site is the former location of a cult known for committing heinous acts, and the environment seems to exert a malevolent influence on them. As their research progresses, Keith becomes increasingly paranoid and begins to experience vivid hallucinations. He discovers unsettling artifacts and remnants of the cult, which exacerbate his mental deterioration. Jessica, initially more grounded, also succumbs to the site's influence, experiencing her own visions and a growing sense of dread. The tension between the two scientists escalates as trust erodes, and their professional relationship disintegrates. In the climax, Keith, driven by paranoia and fear, confronts Jessica, believing she is part of a conspiracy against him. This confrontation leads to a violent struggle, culminating in Keith's death. The ending signifies the overpowering influence of the site's dark history, suggesting that the malevolent energy of the cult's past continues to haunt and manipulate those who enter. The film closes with Jessica alone, her fate ambiguous, leaving viewers to ponder the extent of the psychological and supernatural forces at play.