1922 Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A farmer really, really doesn’t want his wife to sell the farm, so he and his son commit the world’s worst real estate transaction and then rats take over. It’s more of a metaphor.

🍿 1922: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Land Dispute

In 1922 Nebraska, farmer Wilfred James is locked in a bitter dispute with his wife, Arlette, over her inherited land. Arlette wants to sell the land and move to the city, a prospect Wilfred vehemently opposes. He believes his pride and livelihood are tied to the land, and he’s unwilling to let it go.

A Father’s Manipulation

Wilfred, desperate to keep his land, manipulates his teenage son, Henry, into joining his scheme to murder Arlette. Henry is in love with a local girl, Shannon, and Wilfred uses this relationship as leverage. He convinces Henry that killing Arlette is the only way to preserve their family and his future with Shannon. Henry reluctantly agrees to help his father.

The Murder and Its Aftermath

Wilfred and Henry carry out the gruesome murder of Arlette. They dispose of her body in a well, hoping to conceal their crime. However, their actions unleash a series of horrific consequences. Guilt and paranoia begin to consume Wilfred, and the farm becomes plagued by supernatural occurrences and swarms of rats.

The Downward Spiral

The murder unravels both Wilfred and Henry’s lives. Henry, burdened by guilt, runs away with Shannon. Wilfred’s farm falls into disrepair, and he experiences increasingly disturbing visions. The consequences of their crime extend far beyond the initial act, leading to a tragic and devastating conclusion.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Wilfred James (Thomas Jane): A stubborn farmer who murders his wife to prevent her from selling their land, leading to his and his son’s downfall.
• Arlette James (Molly Parker): Wilfred’s ambitious wife who desires to sell the farmland and move to the city, making her a target of her husband’s rage.
• Henry James (Dylan Schmid): Wilfred’s teenage son, manipulated into helping his father murder his mother, which sets him on a tragic path.
• Shannon Cotterie (Kaitlyn Bernard): Henry’s pregnant girlfriend whose relationship with him leads to their desperate escape and eventual demise.
• Harlan Cotterie (Neal McDonough): Shannon’s father, whose initial good intentions are ultimately overshadowed by the tragedy surrounding his daughter.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Wilfred James: “I discovered something that night that most people never have to learn. Murder is sin. Murder is damnation. But murder is also work.” – Wilfred reflects on the grim reality of committing the murder, highlighting the physical and psychological toll.
• Wilfred James: “A man’s pride is in his land.” – Wilfred explains his deep connection to his farm and his rationale for opposing his wife’s plans.
• Wilfred James: “In the end, we all get caught.” – Wilfred’s final confession, acknowledging the inevitable consequences of his actions.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 1922 Reviews

Personal Review

I went into ‘1922’ not really knowing what to expect, and was blown away by how unsettling it was. Thomas Jane’s performance was haunting, and the way the movie depicted the unraveling of his sanity was just incredible. The scene where he’s surrounded by rats and his dead wife gave me chills. It’s not a fun watch, but it’s definitely a powerful one.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Stephen King adaptations”
  • “Viewers who appreciate psychological horror”
  • “People interested in dark, atmospheric dramas”
  • “Those who enjoy films set in the early 20th century”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Disturbing imagery”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Themes of murder and guilt”
  • “Animal harm (rats)”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A slow-burn horror film that relies on atmosphere and character study more than jump scares. Thomas Jane delivers a compelling performance as a man consumed by guilt. Though the pacing may be too slow for some, it’s a rewarding watch for those who appreciate psychological horror.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Zak Hilditch’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novella is a bleak and atmospheric study of guilt and consequence. Jane’s performance stands out in a somber tale that slowly descends into madness. The horror elements are subtle, making it more of a psychological drama than a traditional horror film.

Audience Reactions

Thomas Jane’s accent and acting were amazing.: Viewers praise Thomas Jane’s performance, noting his accent and portrayal of a man consumed by guilt.

The atmosphere and scenery were great.: Many viewers enjoyed the atmosphere of rural America in 1922.

Overall Consensus: A slow-burn psychological horror that relies on atmosphere and strong performances, particularly by Thomas Jane, although the pacing may not appeal to all viewers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the novella of the same name by Stephen King, which is part of his collection ‘Full Dark, No Stars’.”
• “Thomas Jane’s performance as Wilfred James is often cited as one of the best of his career, with critics praising his committed portrayal of a man driven to madness.”
• “The film’s score was composed by Mike Patton, known for his work with the experimental rock band Faith No More, adding to the film’s unsettling atmosphere.”
• “Director Zak Hilditch aimed for a slow-burn approach, focusing on psychological horror and the disintegration of Wilfred’s psyche rather than relying on jump scares.”

🖥️ How to Watch 1922?

1922 is currently available to stream on Netflix. Purchase or rental options may be available on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed 1922, you might like these similar films:

• A Simple Plan (1998): Explores the dark consequences of a crime committed for financial gain and the gradual moral decay of the characters involved.
• The Tell-Tale Heart (Short Story): Shares themes of guilt and paranoia following a murder, with the protagonist’s mental state deteriorating due to their actions.
• There Will Be Blood (2007): Features a character driven by ambition and greed, set in a historical period, with a focus on atmosphere and moral corruption.
• The Gift (2015): Examines how past actions can return to haunt a person, and it deals with guilt and paranoia.

🛒 1922 Related Products

• Stephen King: 1922 (Paperback): Experience the chilling novella that inspired the movie. Delve deeper into the mind of Wilfred James and the supernatural horrors that plague him.
• Rats: A Year with New York’s Most Unwanted Inhabitants: An informational, sometimes graphic, detailed look at the life and habits of rats. Provides factual background on an aspect of the film.
• Old Fashioned Butcher Knife: This knife is a testament to quality craftsmanship and is designed for durability. A recreation of the butcher knife design used on farms of the early 20th century. Its sharp blade ensures precise cuts, making it ideal for both culinary tasks and historical reenactments.
• Thomas Jane Signed Photo: A genuine autographed photo of Thomas Jane as Wilfred James in ‘1922’. A valuable piece for collectors and fans of his performance.

🎧 Soundtrack

1922 features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “1922 Main Titles” – performed by Mike Patton
• “Cornfield” – performed by Mike Patton
• “Well” – performed by Mike Patton

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

STEPHEN KING’S 1922 (2017) Ending Explained

Confused about that ending? This video breaks down all the twists and turns of ‘1922’ and finally explains what happens in the end. Honestly, it helped me understand the movie so much better!

Stephen King’s 1922 (STORY + ENDING) Explained

Want the full story and a clear explanation of the ending of 1922? This video is your one-stop shop! It really clarifies all the plot points and makes the movie a lot easier to follow!

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