10 Horror Movie Moments Everyone Was Waiting For (That Never Happened)

In The Boy, a nanny called Greta is hired by an eccentric couple to care for a porcelain doll, who the parents keep as a way to grieve for their son, Brahms. As bizarre as the circumstances are, Greta is desperate for a job and so, agrees to look after the "child".

As times goes by, Greta hears strange noises in the house, and notices objects have been moved, even when she is alone. When Greta sees the doll has been placed in a manner different to how she left it, she suspects it's possessed by Brahms' soul.

As Greta bears witness to more bizarre occurrences, there is little doubt in her mind (as well as the viewer) that the doll is alive... which is why it's so shocking when you learn it isn't! In the climax, it's revealed that Brahms has been living within the walls of his home for decades, and has been taunting Greta since she arrived.

Because The Boy's premise sounds suspiciously similar to Child's Play or Annabelle, viewers expect a similar payoff, which is why they are left blindsided by this twist.