45 Years

45 Years

Year: 2015

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Andrew Haigh

DramaRomance

As Kate Mercer’s 45th wedding anniversary nears, a shocking letter disrupts the couple's quiet life. The letter reveals that her husband’s first love was discovered years ago and remains preserved in the Swiss Alps. The unexpected news throws their celebration into disarray, forcing them to confront long-buried secrets and the complexities of their shared history. This unsettling revelation challenges the couple's understanding of their marriage and the foundations upon which it was built.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – 45 Years (2015)

Trace every key event in 45 Years (2015) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Cancellation of 40th Anniversary

Five years prior, Kate and Geoff Mercer had to cancel their 40th wedding anniversary celebration due to Geoff's heart bypass surgery. This event acts as a turning point in their relationship, introducing health concerns that will resurface as they prepare for their next milestone.

Five years ago Norfolk
2

Preparation for 45th Anniversary

As Kate and Geoff prepare for their upcoming 45th anniversary, they plan to celebrate with friends at the Assembly House in Norwich. The anticipation is palpable, setting the stage for the unraveling of hidden emotions and memories.

Present day Assembly House, Norwich
3

Discovery of Katya's Body

Geoff receives a letter that reveals the body of Katya, his former lover, has been found in a melting glacier in Switzerland. This shocking news disturbs the couple's preparations, bringing up past relationships that Geoff has kept hidden.

Early 1960s Switzerland
4

Geoff's Growing Unrest

In the wake of the revelation about Katya, Geoff begins to show signs of distress and becomes increasingly withdrawn. While Kate tries to maintain normalcy, Geoff's unresolved feelings start to affect their dynamic as a couple.

Days leading to the anniversary
5

Attic Discovery

One night, Geoff rummages through the attic and shares a photograph of Katya with Kate. This moment heightens Kate's unease, especially when she notices the striking resemblance between herself and Katya, which stirs up feelings of jealousy and insecurity.

Night Attic
6

Kate Finds the Scrapbook

While Geoff attends a reunion luncheon, Kate explores the attic further and makes a shocking discovery. She stumbles upon a scrapbook filled with memorabilia from Geoff's past, including their last hiking trip together, deepening her feelings of betrayal.

Day Attic
7

The Pregnant Revelation

As Kate continues to explore Geoff's scrapbook, she comes across slides that suggest Katya was pregnant when she died. This revelation devastates Kate, leading her to question the choices they have made in their marriage and her husband's commitment.

Right after finding the scrapbook
8

Confrontation with Geoff

Feeling betrayed by Geoff's secrecy, Kate confronts him about his strange behavior regarding their planned trip to Switzerland. Although she keeps her attic discovery hidden, she expresses her belief that Katya's shadow looms over their life choices.

After attic discovery
9

Geoff's Promise for a Fresh Start

In an attempt to reassure Kate, Geoff promises a 'fresh start' for their marriage. He tries to demonstrate this with simple gestures, like preparing breakfast in bed, but the underlying tension remains palpable and unresolved.

Morning before the anniversary
10

Anniversary Party Begins

The couple's anniversary celebration kicks off in the historic Grand Hall, filled with friends and good cheer. Geoff even delivers a heartwarming speech, reaffirming his love for Kate, yet the atmosphere is heavy with unspoken feelings.

Day of the anniversary Grand Hall
11

First Dance to 'Smoke Gets in Your Eyes'

During the first dance, the song 'Smoke Gets in Your Eyes' plays, reminiscent of their wedding day. While Geoff dances joyfully, Kate feels increasingly uncomfortable, signifying the emotional distance growing between them.

During the anniversary party Grand Hall
12

Kate's Isolation on the Dance Floor

As the song concludes, Geoff exuberantly raises their hands in celebration, but Kate abruptly pulls her arm down. This moment encapsulates her feelings of isolation and signals the uncertainty in their relationship amidst the festivities.

End of first dance Grand Hall

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 18:25

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45 Years Summary

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45 Years Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in 45 Years

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Characters, Settings & Themes in 45 Years

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