“The Well” represents a catastrophic misstep in filmmaking. It features elements of witchcraft, ancient curses, and layers of secrecy that fail to convey any real sense of menace. Instead, the narrative comes across as cartoonish, excessively exaggerated, and utterly absurd.
The film’s attempt at horror becomes laughable due to its lack of genuine tension and atmosphere. Zampaglione haphazardly stitches together scenes devoid of suspense or fear, leading to an early onset of tedium that renders any attempt at re-engagement futile.
What accounts for the film’s contrived horror when it heavily leans on such themes? The absence of intricate, multi-dimensional characters in favor of overly simplistic portrayals diminishes any potential depth.
Witchcraft and curses fall flat in a tedium-filled narrative (Photo: The Well/Iperuranio Film Srl)The narrative either intensifies malevolence or delivers fleeting moments of clarity. However, the reveals and twists are as convoluted as the one-dimensional characters themselves.
Co-written with Stefano Masi, Zampaglione presents a flat, uninspired film that leans on clichéd tropes. The acting raises the volume of melodrama while lacking any substantial motivations.
The Well (2024) Plot Summary & Movie Synopsis
The film begins predictably, with the protagonist arriving in a new location, where horrific events are poised to play. Lisa (Lauren LaVera) is a restorer who reaches Sambuci in Italy for her latest assignment.
During her bus ride, she encounters a trio of American biologists also headed to Sambuci, who plan to study the local wildlife. Upon their arrival, they agree to meet after a few days of work, while Lisa proceeds to check into her hotel.
The next day, Lisa finds herself without bus transportation. A stranger approaches her, offering to guide her to the duchess’s mansion. Marcus (Jonathan Dylan King), who works at a local pub, leads her there.
Upon her arrival at the Malvizi palace, nothing unsettling occurs. The Duchess, Emma (Claudia Gerini), introduces Lisa to the painting she is tasked with restoring.
An unfortunate accident involving a fire damages the artwork. Lisa completes her work within two weeks because Emma intends to sell it at an upcoming auction. Delays could incur huge penalties for Lisa’s father’s studio, making this restoration crucial for them.
While exploring the palace, Lisa encounters Emma’s daughter, Giulia (Linda Zampaglione), who sings a haunting song but flees when approached. Emma later reveals that her daughter struggles with a severe personality disorder.
During dinner, Giulia remains unresponsive, bolting once more when Lisa innocently inquires about her school grade. Emma explains that she has withdrawn Giulia from school due to her condition.
Why Does Lisa Have Unsettling Visions and Dreams?
Dreadful events plays for the group of American biologists. They are forcefully taken from their tents and imprisoned in a remote location. Escape seems impossible as a menacing figure periodically enters, killing victims and disposing of them in a well at the center of the area.
Tony (Gianluigi Calvani), the Italian guide, is the first casualty, followed shortly by the others. Madison (Courage Oviawe), who protests, meets a brutal end, her body tossed into the well, where a demonic entity named Guron (Stefano Martinelli) feeds.
As Lisa delves deeper into her restoration project, she is plagued by bizarre visions. The portrait she is working on reveals itself to be deeply unsettling and seemingly connected to some form of ritual. She experiences horrifying visions of the mutilated biologists.
Initially dismissing Giulia’s warning against completing the restoration, Lisa eventually learns that the painting dates back to the 15th century and depicts a ritual where Emma seeks eternal youth through sacrifice, requiring the blood of the monster Guron.
Although Lisa is hesitant to accept this narrative, she is encouraged by Emma to dismiss the tales as mere fabrications, arguing that such beliefs contribute to Giulia’s isolation.
Marcus advises Lisa that her feelings may stem from culture shock, suggesting she take it easy while continuing her work. Despite her attempts to abandon the restoration, Emma threatens to carry on herself, highlighting the potential penalties that could ensue.
The Well (2024) Movie Ending Explained: Is Guron Killed?
Giulia’s mention of the biologists’ potential sacrifice compels Lisa to reconsider, especially given Giulia’s awareness of their fates aligns with Lisa’s nightmares. On the night of the red moon, the light illuminates the completed painting, which is tied to Emma’s quest for beauty through the curse.
Guided by Giulia, Lisa finds her way to the basement, following Guron to where the captives are held. Miraculously, she manages to rescue Tracy (Taylor Zaudtke). However, just as they attempt to escape, Marcus appears unexpectedly and shoots Tracy. Reeling from the betrayal of her trust in Marcus, Lisa is then dragged back to the room containing the painting.
When the moon’s crimson rays shine upon the women, including Emma, they disintegrate into dust, revealing that Giulia is actually much older. Giulia finishes the painting, reciting an incantation inscribed on it.
The film’s final scene jumps forward thirty years, showing Giulia still youthful yet now a figure of power. She has a meeting scheduled with the Prime Minister and descends to the heavily guarded basement, where it is revealed she has kept Guron restrained.
Much like Emma and Lisa before her, Giulia utilizes Guron’s blood to further her own ambitions, establishing a lucrative enterprise that attracts influential clients.
