Abandoned (2022) – A Psychological Horror Film About Postpartum Struggles and Haunting Secrets

Abandoned (2022) is a psychological horror film directed by Spencer Squire, telling a chilling story about the fragile intersection of postpartum depression and a haunted house. The film follows Sara (Emma Roberts) and her husband Alex (John Gallagher Jr.) as they move to a secluded farmhouse with their infant son, Liam, hoping for a fresh start. However, as Sara struggles with her mental health and the eerie events surrounding their new home, she begins to question her grip on reality.

Here is the trailer: ABANDONED Official Trailer (2022)

Plot Overview

Sara and Alex, originally from the city, move to a remote property in the countryside to escape the overwhelming pressures of urban life. Since the birth of their son, Sara has been battling postpartum depression, leading Alex to believe a change in environment will help her. The house they purchase comes with a dark past, unbeknownst to them at first. It was previously occupied by the Solomon family, who met a tragic fate when Anna Solomon killed her father and daughter before taking her own life.

Despite being aware of the house’s grim history, Sara and Alex move in, hoping to make it their home. But soon, Sara begins to experience strange occurrences: the sound of crying, things disappearing, and an increasing sense of dread. As Sara grows more isolated, her mental state deteriorates, and she starts seeing what she believes to be the ghosts of the Solomon family. This supernatural phenomenon puts a strain on her relationship with Alex and her perception of reality.

Is the House Haunted?

The central question of Abandoned revolves around whether the house is truly haunted or if the horrors are simply a manifestation of Sara’s mental state. The film suggests that the supernatural elements are symbolic of Sara’s postpartum depression, with her delusions and hallucinations blurring the line between the real and the imagined. Throughout the film, Sara becomes convinced that the ghosts of Anna and her family are haunting her. However, her experiences are largely confined to her perspective, and Alex never witnesses anything strange.

As Sara’s psychosis worsens, she begins to believe that the Solomon family is still alive, and her distorted mind starts to reveal deeper layers of trauma and guilt. In a pivotal moment, Sara’s hallucinations culminate in the appearance of two feral Solomon boys, who accuse her of abusing Liam. This marks the peak of her psychosis, where she struggles to confront the reality of her emotional turmoil and the possibility of neglecting her child.

By the end of the film, Sara’s mental state appears to stabilize. After confronting her inner demons, she is shown to have formed a genuine bond with her son. Though the depression is not completely cured, Sara is better equipped to handle her emotional challenges moving forward.

The Pregnancy Twist and the Recurrence of Postpartum Depression

In the final scene of Abandoned, a few years have passed since the events of the film. Sara and Alex are seen living happily in their now transformed home with a growing Liam. The film closes with the revelation that Sara is pregnant with their second child, signaling a positive shift in their lives. However, the brief troubled look on Sara’s face suggests an underlying fear: the potential return of postpartum depression. This lingering anxiety reflects the reality that postpartum depression can resurface, especially when caring for multiple children.

The Tragic History of the Solomon Family

The Solomon family’s backstory is deeply intertwined with the haunting atmosphere of the house. It is revealed that Anna Solomon, overwhelmed by the abuse she suffered from her father, eventually killed her family before taking her own life. Anna’s brother, Andrew, survived the tragic events and was later known as Chris Renner. Renner, who lives near the farm, is a key figure in the film, providing cryptic information about the Solomon family’s past and his own troubled connection to the house.

Renner’s character adds another layer of mystery to the plot, hinting that the horrors Sara experiences may not be entirely in her mind, as his own past intertwines with the house’s dark history. The film suggests that Renner, who uses the name Chris, has a disturbing past tied to the house’s secrets.

Conclusion

Abandoned is a haunting psychological exploration of the complexities of motherhood, mental illness, and the struggle to overcome personal demons. While it plays with supernatural elements, the true horror of the film lies in Sara’s internal battle with postpartum depression and the impact it has on her family. By the end, Abandoned offers a glimmer of hope, showing that while Sara may not be fully cured, she is on the path toward healing, armed with the support of her family and a renewed connection to her son.

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