Sergio G. Sánchez’s psychological horror thriller “Marrowbone” (2017) is a fascinating blend of mystery, trauma, and family bonds. The movie keeps the audience on the edge of their seats as it explores a dark family secret hidden behind the decaying walls of an old house. Starring George MacKay, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton, and Mia Goth, the movie starts with a promise of a new life, but it descends into an unsettling tale of survival, grief, and psychological torment.
At first glance, “Marrowbone” appears to be a classic haunted house story, but as the film unfolds, it reveals a much deeper and more tragic truth. The movie explores themes of trauma, guilt, and the power of imagination, making it a psychological thriller that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. This article dives deep, clarifies some puzzling parts of the movie, and provides a thorough explanation of Sergio G Sánchez’s directorial brilliance. This article also attempts to uncover the psychological horror’s twists and analyze the themes and symbols it explores.
If you haven’t seen the movie yet, be warned – this article contains spoilers. Read ahead only if you’ve watched the movie or don’t mind knowing the major twists.
Marrowbone (2017) Plot Summary & Movie Synopsis:
Prologue
Would you choose to live in a beautiful lie or face a painful truth? That’s the question “Marrowbone” leaves us with. “Marrowbone” is a haunting and deeply emotional psychological thriller that disguises itself as a ghost story before revealing a much darker and more tragic reality. Its themes of trauma, dissociation, and family make it more than just a horror film – it’s a heartbreaking exploration of the human mind’s struggle to cope with unbearable pain. While the ending is ambiguous – some see it as romantic, while others view it as devastating – one thing is certain: “Marrowbone” leaves a lasting impact, making it one of the most underrated psychological horror films in recent years.
A New Beginning or the End?
The story begins with the Marrowbone family arriving in rural America from England in the 1960s. Rose Marrowbone, the mother, seeks to escape her abusive husband and start fresh with her four children – Jack, Billy, Jane, and young Sam. They settle in an old, creaky house that has been in the family for generations, hoping to leave their troubled past behind. Rose tries to create a safe space for her children where they can be free from fear and violence. However, her happiness is short-lived. She soon falls sick and dies, leaving her eldest son, Jack, to take care of his siblings. Before her death, she makes Jack promise that he will keep the family together and protect them at all costs.
Jack, being just a teenager, is now burdened with the impossible task of raising his siblings and ensuring that no one finds out about their mother’s death. He hides her death from the outside world, fearing that the authorities will separate the children if the truth comes out. The Marrowbone siblings begin their new life by cutting ties with the outside world, living in secrecy within the walls of their isolated home.
What Sets the Plot in Motion?
The Marrowbone children try their best to adapt to this new life. Jack, who is barely out of his teenage years, takes on the role of both father and mother. Billy, the rebellious and impulsive one, struggles with the confinement, while Jane, the nurturing sister, does her best to maintain a sense of normalcy for Sam, the youngest of the four. Their only connection to the outside world is Allie, a kind-hearted librarian who becomes a close friend to Jack. Allie’s presence brings a flicker of hope to Jack’s otherwise grim life, and a beautiful romance develops between them.
However, the fragile peace of the Marrowbone siblings is shattered when an unexpected threat arises – a sinister figure from their past. Their abusive father, who they believed was gone, manages to track them down. His presence casts a dark shadow over the Marrowbone household, and the children are once again plunged into terror.
The Mysterious Threat in the House
As the film progresses, strange incidents begin to unfold in the Marrowbone house. Strange noises echo through the walls, unsettling shadows move in the corners, and the children become convinced that something evil is haunting them. They believe that their father’s spirit is still lurking in the house, watching them from the darkness. Jack goes to great lengths to protect his siblings, barricading the attic and sealing off the past. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the real horror is far more complex than they imagined.
How Does Jack Protect His Siblings?
Jack does everything he can to keep his siblings safe. He goes into town only when necessary and maintains a low profile to avoid attracting attention. His
relationship with Allie serves as a small escape, but he never lets her into his world fully, fearing that exposing the truth will tear his family apart. When the threat of their abusive father grows more imminent, Jack takes extreme measures. He repairs the house, creates secret hiding spots, and becomes gripped with paranoia about protecting his siblings. Jack’s mental state deteriorates as the weight of the situation bears down on him. The Marrowbone siblings live in a state of perpetual fear, convinced that danger lurks in every shadow.
Marrowbone (2017) Movie Ending Explained:
What is the Truth Behind the Marrowbone House?
As the story unfolds, the audience is led to believe that the siblings are fighting an external threat. However, the shocking truth is revealed in the film’s climax – Jack’s siblings are no longer alive. It turns out that Jack, Billy, Jane, and Sam are not living together after their mother’s death. In reality, their abusive father, Simon Fairbairn, found them in the Marrowbone house and brutally murdered Billy, Jane, and Sam. In a desperate act of self-preservation, Jack killed his father but was unable to accept the trauma of his siblings’ death.
Unable to cope with the loss, Jack developed dissociative identity disorder (DID) – his mind split into multiple personalities to keep his dead siblings “alive” in his imagination. In reality, Jack was alone the whole time, talking to the voices in his head and believing his siblings were still there.
Who is the Ghost?
The “ghost” in the attic is not supernatural – it is Simon Fairbairn’s decaying body. Jack had locked it away in an attempt to erase the traumatic memory of his father’s murder. However, his subconscious fear of his father still haunts him, making it seem as if the house were under siege by a malevolent spirit.
What Happens to Jack?
Allie, who genuinely cares for Jack, begins to notice inconsistencies in his behavior. When she visits the Marrowbone house, she stumbles upon the heartbreaking truth. She finds the graves of Jack’s siblings hidden behind the walls and realizes that Jack has been living with the ghosts of his past.
Jack’s carefully constructed reality comes crashing down when Allie confronts him with the truth. The weight of the revelation is too much for Jack to bear, and he spirals into despair.
Although Allie uncovers the truth about the Marrowbone house, she chooses to stay with Jack despite knowing that his siblings are dead. In the final scene, we see Jack sitting peacefully in the house, speaking to his imaginary siblings, fully embracing his delusions while Allie takes care of him. This tragic ending suggests that Jack is forever trapped in his own mind, unable to move on from his trauma, while Allie chooses to live in his world rather than force him to face reality.
Marrowbone Movie Themes Analysed:
Trauma and Dissociation
At its core, “Marrowbone” is a film about the devastating effects of trauma. Jack’s mind fractures as a defense mechanism against unbearable grief and guilt. Instead of facing reality, he creates a fantasy world where his siblings are still alive, allowing him to avoid his pain. The film beautifully portrays how the mind can warp reality to protect itself, turning horror into something deeply psychological rather than supernatural.
The Power of Imagination
The Marrowbone children lived in a world of make-believe even before the tragic events. Their games, stories, and dreams provided an escape from their violent past. Jack takes this a step further – his entire existence becomes a carefully crafted illusion. This theme is reinforced through Sam’s story about the white bear, a metaphor for the way they tried to “erase” their past by covering mirrors and pretending nothing was wrong. But in the end, the past cannot be ignored – it always finds a way back.
Family and Sacrifice
The Marrowbone siblings had one goal: to stay together, no matter what. Even in death, Jack keeps his promise to his family by keeping them alive in his mind. Allie’s role in the film also highlights this theme. She chooses love and sacrifice, staying with Jack even when she learns the painful truth. Whether this is an act of devotion or tragic enablement is left open to interpretation.
The Fear of the Past
The film constantly reminds us that you cannot run from the past. The Marrowbone children try to erase their father’s existence, but his presence lingers – both literally (his corpse in the attic) and psychologically (Jack’s fear and fractured mind). The story suggests that confronting one’s past is necessary for healing, but for Jack, the past is too painful to face, and he remains imprisoned in his own illusion.
Signs And Symbolism In Marrowbone
Mirrors:
The siblings cover all mirrors in the house, symbolizing their desire to erase their past. However, mirrors also reflect the truth- something Jack refuses to face.
The Attic:
A representation of Jack’s suppressed trauma. By locking his father’s body away, he tries to hide from his past, but the fear remains.
The White Bear Story:
A metaphor for their attempt to create a new life. Just as the white bear covers his tracks in the snow to erase his past, the Marrowbone siblings try to erase their history, but reality cannot be ignored forever.
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