Set in a farming town in Kansas, Dark Places follows Libby Day (Charlize Theron), the only surviving witness of a horrific massacre that took the lives of her mother and sisters. Believing the slaughter to be the work of a Satanic cult, Libby testifies in court against her own brother. Almost thirty years after the murder, she remains haunted by the gruesome violence of her past when she meets a group of amateur investigators who call themselves "The Kill Club." Looking to satisfy their morbid curiosity, the group begins its own inquiry about the case, believing that Libby's brother is innocent. To help them, Libby must unearth painful memories of the event and learn that her past may not be what it seems.
Kate (Hilary Swank), a classical pianist is diagnosed with ALS. Her husband Evan (Josh Duhamel) tries to find someone to take care of his wife. Bec (Emmy Rossum) – a college student – applies for the job despite her lack of experience. Kate sees something special in Bec and wants to have her as her caregiver to help her with everyday things like taking a shower. Eventually Kate splits up with her husband, Evan, due to his short affair as well as her wanting to not be invisible. She thinks that she has become the person in his life holding him back. She takes off with Bec and stays the night. In the morning she tells Bec to take her to an assisted living home, but Bec refuses to leave her there. Instead they visit Evan at his office so Kate can tell him she doesn't want to be with him anymore.