A Fantastic Woman

A Fantastic Woman

Year: 2017

Runtime: 104 min

Language: Spanish

Director: Sebastián Lelio

Echo Score: 81
Drama

A captivating drama about a transgender woman who experiences prejudice and heartbreak following the sudden death of her partner. As she fights for recognition and respect, she confronts the challenges of societal intolerance and the pain of loss, all while striving to maintain her sense of self and the memory of their relationship.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – A Fantastic Woman (2017)

Trace every key event in A Fantastic Woman (2017) 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

Marina's Birthday Celebration

On the night of her birthday, Marina's partner Orlando surprises her with a heartfelt gift. He presents her with a note promising tickets to a renowned resort, making it a memorable evening for both of them.

Night Santiago, Chile
2

Orlando's Sudden Illness

Tragedy strikes when Orlando suddenly falls ill in the middle of the night. He suffers a fatal brain aneurysm after tumbling down the stairs, leaving Marina devastated and heartbroken.

Middle of the night Marina's apartment
3

Police Encounter

After Orlando's death, Marina reaches out to his brother Gabo for support. However, the police misunderstand her identity, referring to her as 'sir,' leading to a tense moment that Gabo helps to diffuse.

Immediately after Orlando's death Marina's apartment
4

Communication with Orlando's Ex-Wife

Marina receives a call from Orlando's ex-wife, Sonia, who arranges to pick up Orlando's car. This interaction foreshadows the conflict and tension that will arise between Marina and Sonia.

After Orlando's death
5

Visit from Detective Adriana

Detective Adriana visits Marina during her shift to discuss Orlando’s case. Adriana questions the legitimacy of their relationship, sowing seeds of doubt about Marina's involvement and suggesting she is under suspicion.

During a routine shift Marina's workplace
6

Pressure from the Police

Feeling cornered, Marina refuses to comply with Adriana's suggestion for a physical examination. She becomes increasingly anxious as the detective insists on it to avoid a formal investigation.

7

Orlando's Son's Arrival

The following morning, Orlando’s son Bruno arrives and begins to interrogate Marina about her relationship with his father. This confrontation adds to Marina’s emotional stress following her loss.

Next morning Marina's apartment
8

Confrontation with Sonia

Marina meets Sonia again in a parking lot, leading to an unpleasant exchange. Sonia demands that Marina vacate the flat immediately, adding to her feelings of isolation and grief.

Parking lot
9

The Wake Incident

Despite warnings from friends Wanda and Gastón to stay away from trouble, Marina decides to attend Orlando's wake. Upon arrival, Sonia confronts her and demands that she leave, leading to an emotionally charged atmosphere.

Wake location
10

Bruno's Harassment

Bruno and his friends kidnap Marina, subjecting her to harassment and confinement in an alleyway. This traumatic experience adds to the series of challenges Marina faces while grieving for Orlando.

Alleyway
11

Finding Refuge

Struggling to cope with her grief and recent events, Marina finds solace at a gay club, seeking refuge from her trauma. Here, she experiences hallucinatory moments where she envisions Orlando, deepening her emotional struggle.

Gay club
12

Visit to the Sauna

Determined to find closure, Marina visits a sauna where Orlando had left a key. Unfortunately, she finds the locker empty, which intensifies her feelings of loss and despair.

Sauna
13

Orlando's Funeral

At Orlando's funeral, the tension peaks as family members confront and insult Marina. In a moment of emotional anguish, she boldly demands the return of her dog, Diabla, further highlighting her sense of belonging.

Funeral location
14

Final Farewell

In a moment of painful clarity, Marina bravely enters the morgue to see Orlando's body before cremation. This emotional visit allows her to say a final goodbye and seek some semblance of closure.

Morgue
15

Embracing Independence

The film culminates with Marina embracing her independence as she runs joyfully with Diabla. Later, she captivates an audience with her opera performance, signifying her powerful rebirth amidst the tragedy.

Santiago, Chile

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 17:16

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about fighting prejudice like A Fantastic Woman

Stories of marginalized individuals confronting oppressive systems with unwavering dignity.This collection features powerful dramas similar to A Fantastic Woman. If you were moved by Marina's struggle against transphobia and her fight for recognition, you'll find other stories of personal resilience in the face of systemic injustice and societal intolerance.

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Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread typically follow a linear progression of escalating confrontations with an unjust system—be it family, law enforcement, or society at large. The protagonist's journey is one of external struggle against prejudice, coupled with an internal battle to maintain self-worth, culminating in a quiet victory of spirit.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared focus on the heavy emotional toll of discrimination and the inspiring, bittersweet resilience of their protagonists. They use a steady, character-driven pace to build emotional weight, creating a deeply empathetic and socially conscious viewing experience.

Movies about grief and isolation like A Fantastic Woman

Character studies of profound loss navigated in isolation and solitude.Discover films that capture the feeling of solitary grief similar to A Fantastic Woman. If you appreciated the haunting portrayal of Marina's lonely mourning amidst hostility, you'll connect with these character-driven stories about navigating profound loss while feeling profoundly alone.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist grappling with a sudden, traumatic loss. Their grief is amplified by their isolation—whether due to societal rejection, personal circumstances, or the nature of the relationship lost. The story unfolds through quiet, contemplative moments, focusing on the character's internal state as much as external events.

Why These Movies?

These films share a melancholic tone, heavy emotional weight, and a steady pacing that allows the audience to sit with the character's pain. The core similarity is the experience of grieving not just a person, but also a connection to the world, making the process intensely lonely yet ultimately transformative.

Unlock the Full Story of A Fantastic Woman

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A Fantastic Woman Summary

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A Fantastic Woman Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in A Fantastic Woman

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape A Fantastic Woman. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in A Fantastic Woman

A Fantastic Woman Spoiler-Free Summary

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A Fantastic Woman Spoiler-Free Summary

More About A Fantastic Woman

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