Significant Other Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Girlfriend says NO to marriage, so boyfriend becomes an alien, then girlfriend becomes an alien too, and then everyone is an alien except the audience wondering what they just watched.

🍿 Significant Other: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Remote Backpacking Trip

Ruth and Harry, a young couple, embark on a backpacking trip in the Pacific Northwest. Ruth, who struggles with anxiety, is hesitant, but Harry is eager to explore. Their relationship is tested as they confront the challenges of the wilderness, setting the stage for the unsettling events to come. The initial scenes focus on the couple’s dynamic and the beautiful but isolating environment.

Strange Occurrences in the Forest

As they venture deeper into the woods, strange incidents begin to occur. They discover a dead deer covered in a mysterious black substance, hinting at an unnatural presence. Ruth’s anxiety intensifies as she senses something sinister lurking in the forest. The unsettling atmosphere grows, foreshadowing the true nature of the threat they face.

The Proposal and the Cave

Harry proposes to Ruth at a scenic overlook, but she rejects him, triggering a conflict and exposing her commitment issues. Later, Ruth stumbles upon a cave containing a glowing blue liquid. After this discovery, Ruth’s behavior changes drastically, leading to a shocking event. This marks a turning point in the film, shifting the narrative into a more sinister direction.

Betrayal and Revelation

Ruth pushes Harry off a cliff, revealing that she knows he has been replaced by an alien impostor. This act showcases a drastic shift in her character and uncovers the true nature of the threat. The revelation sets off a desperate fight for survival as Ruth confronts the alien entity that has infiltrated her life.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ruth (Maika Monroe): An anxiety-prone woman who uncovers an alien conspiracy during a backpacking trip with her boyfriend.
• Harry (Jake Lacy): Ruth’s boyfriend who is unknowingly replaced by an alien impostor during their camping trip.
• Ray (Matthew Yang King): An hiker that, with Vivian, tries to help Ruth, discovering that the “Harry” she is with is not who he seems to be.
• Vivian (Dana Green): An hiker that, with Ray, tries to help Ruth, discovering that the “Harry” she is with is not who he seems to be.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ruth: “I just… I don’t want to get married.” – Ruth says this to Harry after he proposes, revealing her anxiety and reluctance towards commitment.
• Harry-Imposter: “I thought if I became you, I could understand.” – The alien says this, revealing its motive for replicating Ruth and trying to understand human emotions.
• Harry-Imposter: “You think you’re so different, but you’re all the same.” – The alien expresses cynicism about humanity while trying to convince Ruth to leave Earth with him.

💰Box Office

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

💥 Significant Other Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so, I went into this movie thinking it would be a simple horror flick about a camping trip gone wrong. Boy, was I wrong! The first half was really unsettling, the way they built up the tension in the woods gave me chills. Then the twist happened, and my jaw dropped. Maika Monroe was amazing as always, and Jake Lacy was creepily perfect. That scene in the cave? I nearly jumped out of my skin! The ending left me with so many questions and also a really weird feeling I couldn’t shake off for hours.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in science fiction horror”
  • “Those who appreciate films with plot twists”
  • “People who enjoy movies set in isolated natural environments”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Gore”
  • “Strong Language”
  • “Themes of anxiety and mental health”
  • “Disturbing images”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “”Significant Other” starts strong with its isolated setting and eerie atmosphere, but stumbles in its second half as it leans too heavily into predictable sci-fi tropes. Maika Monroe delivers a compelling performance, but even her talent can’t fully salvage the film’s increasingly convoluted plot.
• Variety: “While the film boasts solid performances from Maika Monroe and Jake Lacy, ‘Significant Other’ ultimately suffers from a lack of originality. The scares are few and far between, and the film’s central mystery is resolved in a rather anticlimactic fashion.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “‘Significant Other’ has flashes of brilliance. The remote setting is masterfully utilized to create a sense of unease, and the initial mystery is genuinely intriguing. However, the film’s narrative ultimately feels underdeveloped, leaving the audience with more questions than answers.

Audience Reactions

The initial suspense and creepy atmosphere of the forest were incredibly effective.: Viewers praised Maika Monroe’s acting and the movie’s unexpected plot twists.

Many felt that the ending was abrupt and left too many unanswered questions.: Some viewers were disappointed with the transition from suspense to sci-fi horror.

Overall Consensus: A suspenseful film with unexpected twists and strong performances, but ultimately suffers from a confusing plot and unsatisfying ending.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The proposal scene was filmed at the Oregon Coast, near Neahkahnie Mountain.”
• “The film blends elements of psychological thriller, sci-fi horror, and relationship drama.”

🖥️ How to Watch Significant Other?

Significant Other is currently available for streaming on Paramount+. It can also be rented or purchased through various digital platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability as options may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Significant Other, you might like these similar films:

• Annihilation (2018): Explores themes of alien influence, psychological transformation, and the fragility of human identity in a visually stunning environment.
• Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978): Classic tale of alien infiltration and body replication, creating a sense of paranoia and distrust among people.
• The Thing (1982): Features a shape-shifting alien that infiltrates a remote research station, sowing paranoia and terror among the crew.
• Under the Skin (2013): An alien seductress preys on men in Scotland. It emphasizes atmosphere and the alien’s perspective on humanity.

🛒 Significant Other Related Products

• The Thing (Collector’s Edition) [Blu-ray]: John Carpenter’s masterpiece of paranoia and body horror. A group of researchers in Antarctica discover a shape-shifting alien that assumes the appearance of its victims, sowing distrust and terror in their isolated outpost. Incredible practical effects and atmosphere make it a must-own collector’s item.
• Annihilation [4K UHD]: A biologist signs up for a dangerous, secret expedition into a mysterious zone where the laws of nature don’t apply. Visually stunning and cerebrally engaging, Annihilation explores themes of identity, transformation, and the unknown. It is available for digital purchase on Amazon Prime Video.
• Alien Facehugger Plush: Officially licensed Alien Facehugger plush toy. Cuddle up (if you dare!) with this iconic creature from the Alien franchise. A fun and creepy collectible for fans of sci-fi horror.
• Lost in the Pacific Northwest T-Shirt: Show your love for the Pacific Northwest with this stylish T-shirt. Perfect for hiking, camping, or just relaxing at home. High-quality print and comfortable fit. Made from 100% cotton. Perfect gift for anyone who loves to visit.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Day After Day” – performed by Badfinger
• “Space Oddity” – performed by David Bowie

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Significant Others Behind the Scene

Ever wonder what it’s like on the set of ‘Significant Others’? This behind-the-scenes video gives you a sneak peek at Erich and Lovi having fun while working. I found it pretty cool to see them relaxed and goofing around between takes!

✨ Rate