The story begins on Bella Swan’s 18th birthday. During a celebration at the Cullen house, Bella accidentally gets a paper cut. Jasper, a member of the Cullen family who struggles with his thirst for human blood, loses control and attacks her.

, the ancient vampire council led by Aro (Michael Sheen) and Jane (Dakota Fanning). Why it's a Fan Favorite THE TWILIGHT SAGA: new moon - Harkins Theatres

Directed by Chris Weitz, New Moon picks up shortly after Bella’s 18th birthday. After a near-fatal accident at the Cullen house, Edward Cullen decides that his presence puts Bella in too much danger. His sudden departure leaves Bella in a deep, catatonic depression—a sequence famously portrayed through the "passing seasons" montage.

As their bond deepens, Bella discovers Jacob’s secret—he is a werewolf. The plot eventually leads to Italy, where Bella must save Edward from a suicide attempt orchestrated by the Volturi, the governing body of the vampire world.