In a small town in the southern United States during the Great Depression, a mysterious preacher named Harry Powell arrives with a dark agenda. After the execution of his wife, Harry learns of a hidden loot, the fortune that his deceased spouse had revealed to their children, the small John and Pearl. Convinced that he can get his hands on the money, he begins to seduce the children's mother, but soon his true nature is revealed: he is a predator who conceals himself under the guise of a man of faith.
After their mother's tragic end, the children must flee from this evil strangler who will stop at nothing to achieve his goal. The story transforms into a tense game of cat and mouse as John and Pearl venture into the woods, seeking refuge and protection from an enigmatic woman, Rachel, who becomes a beacon of hope amidst the darkness.
With a suspenseful atmosphere and a visual style that blends expressionist techniques with a deeply moving narrative, the film delves into themes of love, faith, and corruption. As the children struggle to survive, the battle between good and evil intensifies with every step, leading to a conclusion that will mark their lives forever. A timeless masterpiece that will captivate you from the very first frame, offering a reflection on the shadows that can inhabit human nature.