
A Story for the Modlins 2012
Sergio Oksman's haunting documentary, A Story for the Modlins (2012), unravels a chilling real-life mystery that feels ripped from a psychological thriller.
Director: Sergio Oksman
Cast

Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Story for the Modlins (2012) about?
This documentary uncovers the surreal true story of Elmer Modlin, who starred in Rosemary's Baby before vanishing with his family into decades of self-imposed seclusion. For 30 years, they lived in darkness, their existence hidden from the world, their motivations shrouded in mystery.
Who directed A Story for the Modlins?
The film is directed by Sergio Oksman, a filmmaker known for his immersive, thought-provoking documentaries that blend personal narratives with broader societal themes.
Who stars in A Story for the Modlins?
The documentary features Trent Cohn, Elmer Modlin, Margaret Modlin, and Nelson Modlin, the core figures at the heart of this unsettling real-life drama.
Is A Story for the Modlins (2012) worth watching?
While it's a short 26-minute film, its eerie atmosphere and gripping subject matter make it a standout in the documentary genre. Fans of psychological thrillers or real-life mysteries will find much to ponder, though its disturbing tone may not suit all viewers.
How long is A Story for the Modlins?
The film runs for 26 minutes, making it a brief yet intense cinematic experience.
🎥 Trailer
About A Story for the Modlins (2012) — The Real-Life Horror Behind the Modlins' Dark Retreat
Sergio Oksman's haunting documentary, A Story for the Modlins (2012), unravels a chilling real-life mystery that feels ripped from a psychological thriller. After Elmer Modlin starred in Roman Polanski's cult classic Rosemary's Baby, he vanished from the public eye, retreating with his wife and son into a claustrophobic apartment in a foreign land. For three decades, they lived in near-total isolation, shrouded in darkness, their story buried beneath layers of silence and intrigue. Oksman crafts a gripping exploration of isolation, paranoia, and the eerie aftermath of fame, weaving archival footage with contemporary interviews to paint a portrait of a family frozen in time.
The film's unsettling atmosphere lingers long after the credits roll, as it questions the cost of legacy and the fragility of human connection. Through intimate, almost voyeuristic glimpses into the Modlins' self-imposed exile, A Story for the Modlins emerges as a meditation on fear, identity, and the stories we choose—or refuse—to tell.