Content Warning: This section of the guide contains references to abuse, sexual assault, rape, incest, and substance and alcohol use disorders.

Will Trent and Sara Linton have been married for two days and are honeymooning at McAlpine Lodge, a remote resort in the Georgia mountains. For guests, the lodge is accessible only by foot. Thus, they hiked the five miles in. Upon arriving, they met the McAlpine family and checked in to their cottage. Now they’re alone, swimming at the lake.

As they swim, they discuss the scene earlier between Mercy McAlpine, who manages the lodge, and her family. Mercy had a terrible argument with her son, Jon, in front of the guests, while her parents (Cecil and Bitty), her brother (Christopher), her ex-husband (Dave), and her Aunt Delilah did nothing to stop it. Will and Sara are glad they lied about their professions: Will is an agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), and Sara is a GBI medical examiner; as a result, they often find themselves involved in others’ drama.

Hearing a scream, they quickly swim for shore. Sara heads for the main lodge, while Will goes toward another section of the lake.