A Hidden Life

Year: 2019

Runtime: 174 min

Language: English

Director: Terrence Malick

Budget: $9M

BiographyDramaRomanceWar

In pre-World War II Austria, devout farmer Franz Jägerstätter faces a profound moral dilemma as his country aligns with Nazi Germany. When he is ordered to swear an oath of allegiance to Hitler, he grapples with his conscience and faith. Ultimately, he makes a courageous and defiant choice that leads to tragic consequences, forcing him to risk everything he holds dear, including his family and his own life, in a powerful act of resistance.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen A Hidden Life yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

A Hidden Life (2019) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of A Hidden Life (2019), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

A Hidden Life tells the poignant, true story of Austrian peasant farmer Franz Jägerstätter, portrayed by August Diehl. Residing in the picturesque village of St. Radegund, Franz leads a humble life, toiling on his land alongside his devoted wife Fani, played by Valerie Pachner. The couple nurtures a close-knit family, welcoming three daughters as the years pass. However, their peaceful existence is shattered when World War II breaks out, and Franz is summoned for military training.

As he serves away from his family, the tension of the war heightens. Once France capitulates, he returns home but soon faces a harrowing choice. The able-bodied men of his village, including his neighbors, are called to arms, where they must pledge allegiance to Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime. In the face of intense pressure from his community, Franz stands firm in his convictions, adamantly refusing to compromise his beliefs.

With the weight of his decision looming over him, Franz draws profound strength from Fani’s unwavering support. As his fate becomes increasingly dire, he is incarcerated first in Enns and then in Berlin, where he spends months awaiting trial. During this harrowing period, he and Fani exchange heartfelt letters, providing each other with the courage needed to face the uncertain future.

As the war drags on, Fani and their daughters endure the growing animosity of their neighbors, who struggle to comprehend Franz’s principled stand against fighting. After enduring a brutal imprisonment, Franz’s trial finally arrives, where he is found guilty and sentenced to death. Despite having multiple chances to renounce his stance and sign the oath of allegiance, Jägerstätter remains steadfast, ultimately paying the ultimate price for his beliefs when he is executed by the Third Reich in August 1943. Throughout this ordeal, the love of his wife Fani, symbolized by her strength and resilience, remains a guiding light, ensuring that their family endures the darkest of times.

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 01:14

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

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 principled resistance like A Hidden Life

Stories of solitary figures upholding their principles against overwhelming force.For viewers seeking movies like A Hidden Life, this list features powerful dramas about solitary figures facing moral crises under oppressive regimes. These films share themes of conscientious objection, quiet defiance, and the heavy personal cost of standing by one's beliefs against overwhelming political force.

somberdefiantoppressivemelancholicspiritualheart-wrenchingresignedlonely

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a protagonist confronted with a demand to betray their core values by a powerful authority. Their refusal initiates a slow, grinding conflict where the primary battleground is their own conscience and resilience. The story focuses on the internal struggle and the escalating consequences of their steadfastness, often leading to tragic but meaningful outcomes.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here because they share a central theme of profound moral courage in the face of institutional evil. They possess a similar tone of somber gravity, a deliberate pacing that emphasizes the weight of the decision, and a focus on the internal, spiritual battle rather than external action.

Slow-paced tragic dramas with heavy themes like A Hidden Life

Deliberate, heavy dramas where unwavering principles lead to inevitable sorrow.If you appreciated the deliberate pace and tragic weight of A Hidden Life, this collection highlights other slow burn films where a character's deep moral or spiritual conviction sets them on a collision course with a devastating outcome. These movies share a heavy emotional weight and a somber, immersive tone.

slow burntragicsomberheart-wrenchingoppressivemelancholicpsychologically intensedread

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern is one of tragic inevitability. A protagonist, defined by a strong ethical or spiritual core, is placed in a situation that demands compromise. Their refusal creates a slow-moving avalanche of consequences. The pacing mirrors the grueling, protracted nature of their ordeal, amplifying the emotional impact of their ultimate sacrifice.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by a specific combination of slow pacing, high emotional intensity, a dark tone, and a sad ending that results from a character's moral choices. The shared experience is one of contemplative dread and profound sadness, making the viewer sit with the heavy cost of integrity.

Unlock the Full Story of A Hidden Life

Don't stop at just watching — explore A Hidden Life in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what A Hidden Life is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

A Hidden Life Timeline

Track the full timeline of A Hidden Life with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Characters, Settings & Themes in A Hidden Life

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

A Hidden Life Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of A Hidden Life that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About A Hidden Life

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about A Hidden Life: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to A Hidden Life

Discover movies like A Hidden Life that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.