When a group of friends set out to prove monsters exist by filming at a notoriously haunted hotel built on cursed land, they unwittingly unleash an ancient evil that turns their personal demons against them.

SYNOPSIS:

The film opens with Catherine pacing in an office, bloodied and disheveled. The only light comes from Darren's camera. Catherine asks how much battery they have left, worried they won't make it back to the car. She tells the audience that the stories are true and the place is hell.

In a flashback, Darren shows Catherine the camera he will use to film their project. Catherine's abrasive boyfriend Mike arrives, suspicious of Darren's intentions. At Darren's house, Mike unveils his idea for "The Elkwood Project" - investigating the haunted Elkwood Hotel. He tells the group about the hotel's dark history. The others - stoner Jesse, vlogger Amelia - are skeptical but go along.

On the drive to the hotel, the group hits and inspects a dead deer. At the hotel, Mike films an introduction and Amelia walks up the stairs. A painting falls and frightens Amelia. In room 106, where bodies were found, Amelia senses a presence. The group flees. Jesse insists he heard a voice say "no" to Amelia's claim it was a killer. An argument erupts but a loud noise interrupts them.

The group splits up to investigate noises. Darren encounters a ghostly little girl and a disturbing vision of the group accusing him of being a "pervert." Catherine reveals Mike met with a witch doctor and knew the hotel was cursed. A dark entity takes Amelia; Jesse gives chase. Catherine gets abducted by a mutated Jesse. Darren pursues but becomes trapped.

Darren escapes and finds Catherine. Searching for room 106, they encounter bizarre, frightening phenomena, including Darren's dead sister Sarah. In room 106, they find a way out through the reception. At the front door, Mike blocks their escape, ranting how he wanted to prove monsters exist. Darren and Catherine flee through the door into a void.

Darren emerges in his house, pursued by Jesse. He drives to the Magnolia Hotel, the Elkwood's sister location. He enters and re-encounters Mike. "Mike" reveals himself as Nahualli, an ancient spirit who says Darren "freed" him. He offers to show Darren his true self. Darren texts Catherine he's there. Led to room 106, Nahualli recounts his betrayal and entrapment by Darren's ancestors. He says Darren can release him through a blood sacrifice. Darren nearly goes through with it but Catherine intervenes.

Fleeing Nahualli, Darren decides to sacrifice himself. He offers his blood to finish the ritual so Catherine can go free. Nahualli kills Darren. Catherine ends up in the forest, the hotel gone. She drives off in Mike's car as the sun rises.

THE ELKWOOD PROJECT