Both Eyes Open (2025)

Detailed Summary

Survival and Escape

Ally (Gail Bean) finally escapes her abusive relationship and enters a domestic violence shelter, believing she’s found safety and a fresh start. This moment sets her fragile new foundation.

Hallucinatory Intrusions

Even amid apparent safety, Ally begins seeing inexplicable hallucinations of her ex‑partner. These visions raise questions—is her abuser stalking her, or are these simply psychological echoes? .

Cryptic Threats

Texts or voice messages start arriving—cryptic, threatening, suggesting her past might be closer than she believes. The tension escalates as Ally questions every shadow and stranger .

Reality and Perception Collide

The film plays smart with ambiguity—Ally’s best friends and coworkers offer encouragement, but her fractured mental state makes it difficult for anyone (and the audience) to tell what’s real and what isn’t.

Confrontation

Ally decides to face her fears. In a gripping sequence, she traces the messages back to a local address. As the truth emerges—whether it’s genuine danger or self‑destructing psyche—it leads to the final showdown.

Movie Ending

At the climax, Ally tracks the cryptic messages to a stranger’s apartment, convinced it’s her abuser’s doing. She breaks in—only to realize this is a manifestation of her trauma: the place is empty. Returning to her apartment, she faces a final hallucination so vivid she nearly harms herself. In a moment of self-realization, she confronts the memory head-on: the film visually intercuts flashbacks of her most traumatic moments, and we see her literal—and symbolic—breaking free.

In the final scene, Ally wakes up in daylight, alone but empowered. Her phone chirps with a supportive message from a friend. No sign of the abuser. In one final shot, she steps out the front door—this time walking away with purpose, no over-the-shoulder glances. The movie closes on her silhouette walking into sunlight, not darkness.

It never confirms whether the abuser is truly out there or entirely in her mind. The ending emphasizes that healing is ongoing—Ally may still “see” shadows, but she’s walking forward.

Are There Post‑Credits Scenes?

No. Both Eyes Open ends cleanly; there are no post‑credits scenes. What you see is the complete story—no additional footage or teasers follow.

Type of Movie

A psychological thriller with dramatic and horror elements, Both Eyes Open explores trauma, recovery, and paranoia through a tense, suspense-driven narrative.

Cast

• Gail Bean as Ally (lead, domestic violence survivor)
• Taye Diggs – supports as Ally’s friend
• Joy Brunson – tight‑knit friend from the shelter
• Christie Leverette – counselor or confidante
• Mack Wilds, Michael Oloyede, Carla Fisher – supporting roles

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Chad Conley.

Filming Locations

The film appears to be shot on realistic suburban sets and interiors (shelter, apartment, offices) to reflect Ally’s fragile normalcy and isolation. Specific locales aren’t publicly listed, but the intimate, confined spaces enhance psychological claustrophobia.

Awards and Nominations

No record yet of major awards or nominations for Both Eyes Open. Critical attention has focused on Gail Bean’s compelling lead performance and the film’s strong independent directing.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Director-screenwriter Ariel Julia Hairston intentionally avoided graphic depictions of violence, instead spotlighting long-term psychological impact.
• Skilled cinematography and lighting were used to blur boundaries between hallucination and reality.
• Gail Bean reportedly collaborated with a consultant to portray trauma authentically.
• The cast and crew fostered a collaborative environment where performers could explore emotional vulnerability.

Inspirations and References

Inspired by a writing prompt to explore the post-abuse psyche, the film doesn’t adapt a specific book but channels themes common in psychological-thriller literature—exploring trauma, trust, and survival .

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

No public information on alternate endings or deleted scenes. The tight narrative suggests little was cut, with the emphasis on theatrical pacing and thematic focusBook Adaptations and Differences

Not based on a book—this is an original screenplay, so no adaptation comparisons apply.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Ally’s first hallucination: heating up the domestic tension as reality blurs.
• The moment she opens a locked door expecting confrontation, but finding emptiness—intensifying psychological dread.
• The final flashback montage confronting memory and trauma crystallizes her emotional journey.

Iconic Quotes

• Ally: “I’m not losing my mind. I’m just remembering.”
• Shelter Counselor: “Healing isn’t a place—it’s a process.”
• Ally (voiceover): “The eye opens… but what it sees, that’s up to me.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• A recurring wall calendar shows a date of “February 14”—an echo of romantic betrayal.
• In background art: sketches of eyes—symbolizing trauma, surveillance, and witness.
• The phone’s home screen shows an old photo of Ally smiling—reminding us of a self she’s trying to reclaim.

Trivia

• The title refers both to awareness and to Ally literally keeping “both eyes open” to distinguish truth from illusion.
• Gail Bean was drawn to the script because it’s centered on a Black female lead in the thriller genre, which is rare .
• Director Hairston created a production “safety guide” to ensure actors stayed psychologically supported during intense scenes.

Why Watch?

If you’re intrigued by:

• Psychological thrillers that dig deeper than jump scares,
• Strong and empathetic performances from a Black woman lead,
• Rich exploration of trauma, memory and identity—

then Both Eyes Open is a smart, chilling, and ultimately hopeful watch.

Director’s Other Movies

This is Ariel Julia Hairston’s debut feature film; she is currently working on her next project (no prior features to list yet) .

Recommended Films for Fans

• The Babadook (2014) – trauma as horror
• Pieces of a Woman (2020) – emotional aftermath and survival
• Speak (2004) – aftermath of abuse and personal recovery
• I Saw the Devil (2010) – psychological tension and blurred realities