A Matter of Loaf and Death

A Matter of Loaf and Death

Year: 2008

Runtime: 30 mins

Language: English

Director: Nick Park

ComedyAnimationFamily

Wallace and Gromit decide to start a small bakery, but the venture quickly turns deadly when a string of murders threatens the local baking community. While Wallace falls in love, Gromit must piece together clues and catch the killer on his own, delivering the series’ trademark humor and inventive animation.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – A Matter of Loaf and Death (2008)

Trace every key event in A Matter of Loaf and Death (2008) 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

Baker murders set the mystery in motion

A serial killer has already murdered twelve bakers, casting a dark shadow over the town. The threat hangs over every delivery and bakery, building the suspense for the central investigation. The setup primes Wallace and Gromit for the intertwined romance and danger that follow.

2

Wallace and Gromit rescue Piella during a bakery delivery

During a routine delivery, Wallace and Gromit save Piella Bakewell and her poodle Fluffles when Piella's bicycle brakes fail. Wallace is immediately taken with Piella, while Gromit remains wary of the glamorous newcomer. The rescue sets the stage for an unlikely romance that complicates his life at home.

3

Romance blossoms; Piella redecorates Wallace and Gromit's home

Wallace becomes smitten with Piella, and their romance grows quickly. Piella begins redecorating their house to suit her taste, unsettling Gromit with sudden changes. The home gains a new but uneasy atmosphere as tensions rise.

Wallace's house
4

Fluffles returns Gromit's possessions

Piella discarded Gromit's belongings, but Fluffles brings them back, signaling loyalty from Wallace's sidekick. The moment hints at Gromit's continued suspicions about Piella's real intentions. The dynamic at home grows more strained as trust frays.

Wallace's house
5

Gromit goes to Piella's mansion to return a forgotten purse

That night, Wallace sends Gromit to return Piella's forgotten purse. Gromit travels to Piella's mansion and begins to uncover clues about her true character. The mission marks the shift from romance to investigation as danger looms.

night Piella's mansion
6

Gromit uncovers the evidence: mannequins and a killer's album

Inside Piella's mansion, Gromit discovers numbered mannequins representing the murdered bakers and a book of photographs. The chilling display reveals that Piella may be Wallace's next victim, completing a baker's dozen. The discovery raises the stakes for everyone involved.

Piella's mansion
7

Wallace ignores the evidence; Piella destroys it

Gromit shows Wallace the damning evidence, but Wallace remains distracted by his engagement to Piella. Piella takes the book from Gromit and burns it, eliminating the proof and sealing her secret intentions. The moment deepens Gromit's concern and Wallace's folly.

Piella's mansion
8

Gromit strengthens security; is muzzled

Gromit installs security measures around their home to protect against danger. Piella manipulates Wallace into thinking Gromit bit her, leading Wallace to muzzle and chain Gromit as punishment. The household safety turns into a wrenching power play.

Wallace's house
9

Piella's trap on Wallace; Fluffles intervenes

Piella attempts to push Wallace into the grinder, but Fluffles intervenes by striking Piella with a bag of flour. The escape from danger reveals Piella's murderous intent and the fragility of Wallace's trust in her. Tension builds toward a violent confrontation.

Wallace's house
10

Piella returns with a cake; Gromit is captured

Piella leaves the house and returns the next day with a cake, luring Gromit away. She captures him, then reveals the cake contains a bomb and traps Gromit and Fluffles in a storeroom. The danger escalates as the true threat is exposed.

next day Piella's mansion
11

Escape by hot air balloon; bomb is revealed

Gromit and Fluffles escape in Piella's old Bake-O-Lite hot air balloon and head toward Wallace's house. Wallace lights the candle on the cake just as they arrive, and the cake reveals the bomb. A dramatic confrontation with Piella follows.

Wallace's house
12

Final showdown ends with Piella's downfall

In the chaotic struggle, Fluffles attacks Piella with a forklift, preventing the murder. The cake's bomb falls into Wallace's trousers, and Gromit and Fluffles neutralize the explosion with dough. Piella's balloon drags her toward the zoo's crocodile enclosure where she meets her end.

Zoo
13

Aftermath: Fluffles returns and the duo resume deliveries

With Piella defeated, Wallace and Gromit are somber but resilient. Fluffles, ashamed of her involvement, leaves briefly but returns to reconcile with Gromit. The trio decides to get back to work with a delivery, finding solace in continuity.

Wallace's house

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:11

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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.

Whimsical and quirky mystery movies like A Matter of Loaf and Death

Lighthearted and playful detective stories with a charming, quirky atmosphere.If you enjoyed the playful investigation and quirky charm of A Matter of Loaf and Death, you'll love these movies. This list features similar lighthearted mysteries where humor and whimsy soften the detective work, resulting in fun and inventive stories for viewers who like their crime-solving with a smile.

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These stories typically follow an investigation into a peculiar crime, often led by an unconventional detective. The narrative unfolds at a brisk pace, mixing clues with comedic set-pieces and eccentric characters. The central mystery is engaging but not overly grim, culminating in a satisfying and cheerful resolution.

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Movies are grouped here for their shared commitment to balancing mystery with levity. They possess a distinctive, often stylized aesthetic, a fast and fun pacing, and a tone that prioritizes charm and cleverness over tension and fear, making them ideal for viewers seeking engaging but not distressing detective tales.

Movies with clever sidekick heroes like Gromit in A Matter of Loaf and Death

Stories where the brilliant and loyal partner rescues the oblivious protagonist.For fans of the brilliant and silent Gromit from A Matter of Loaf and Death, this list highlights other films where a smart sidekick is the real hero. Discover similar stories featuring loyal partners who use their wit and resourcefulness to solve problems and rescue their often-clueless but lovable companions.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a central conflict or danger that the primary protagonist fails to grasp or is ill-equipped to handle. The story focuses on the sidekick's perspective as they patiently work behind the scenes, piecing together clues and executing a plan that culminates in a dramatic rescue, affirming their indispensable role.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their celebration of quiet competence and loyal partnership. They share a light emotional weight, often comedic tone, and a narrative that rewards the audience for recognizing the true hero. The dynamic creates a specific blend of humor, suspense, and heartfelt appreciation for the underdog savior.

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A Matter of Loaf and Death Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in A Matter of Loaf and Death

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Characters, Settings & Themes in A Matter of Loaf and Death

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