All Is True

All Is True

Year: 2018

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Director: Kenneth Branagh

BiographyDramaHistory

In 1613, celebrated playwright William Shakespeare returns to his hometown of Stratford after his Globe Theatre burns down. He is confronted by a difficult past and a family he’s left behind, including his wife and daughters. Haunted by the loss of his son Hamnet, Shakespeare must reconcile with his failings as a husband and father. The playwright's journey leads him to uncover deeply buried secrets and lies that challenge his family's stability and force him to examine his own identity.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen All Is True 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!

Timeline – All Is True (2018)

Trace every key event in All Is True (2018) 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

Globe Theatre Fire

In 1613, the Globe Theatre is engulfed in flames during a performance of *Henry VIII*. This catastrophic event marks a turning point in William Shakespeare's life, leading him to return to his family in Stratford-upon-Avon.

1613 Globe Theatre, London
2

Return to Stratford-upon-Avon

William Shakespeare, now 49 years old, returns home to Stratford-upon-Avon seeking to reconnect with his estranged wife, Anne Hathaway. Their relationship has deteriorated over years of separation exacerbated by personal tragedy.

Stratford-upon-Avon
3

Loss of Hamnet

The couple's bond suffers severely from the tragic loss of their son, Hamnet, who dies of the plague at just 11 years old. The absence of their son weighs heavily on both William and Anne, complicating their already strained marriage.

4

Struggles in the Garden

Upon his return, Shakespeare attempts to immerse himself in tending the family garden. However, he finds little solace in this endeavor, reflecting his internal struggles and feelings of inadequacy in the face of family grief.

5

Susanna's Marriage

Shakespeare's elder daughter, Susanna, is married to John Hall, a strict Puritan doctor. As she wrestles with the confines of her marriage, Susanna faces public ridicule and is forced to suppress her true self under the moral standards imposed by her husband.

6

Defending Susanna

When Susanna finds herself accused of infidelity, Shakespeare steps in to defend her honor. He fabricates a story about an African actor who would protect her, which successfully intimidates her accuser into silence, leading to Susanna's exoneration.

7

Judith's Secret

Judith, Shakespeare's younger daughter, confides in her father about a painful secret concerning her deceased brother. She reveals that she is actually the true author of the poems attributed to Hamnet, showcasing both her frustration and need for recognition.

8

Visit from the Earl of Southampton

The arrival of the Earl of Southampton, Shakespeare's former patron, stirs unease in Anne, who suspects romantic ties. During an intimate moment, Shakespeare expresses his feelings through Sonnet 29, prompting a vague and ambiguous response from Southampton.

9

Reconciliation with Anne

An emotional reconciliation occurs between William and Anne, leading to a renewal of intimacy in their marriage. Anne chooses to share their second-best bed with Shakespeare, a symbolic gesture that represents their rekindled love.

10

Judith's Marriage Plans

Judith expresses a desire to marry Thomas Quiney, bringing a mix of joy and concern to her father. This development is colored by the past scandal surrounding Quiney, yet Shakespeare finds solace in Judith's impending motherhood, signaling hope for the family.

11

Hamnet's Death Investigation

Shakespeare delves into the circumstances surrounding Hamnet's death, questioning the initial belief that he succumbed to the plague. Through this painful investigation, he uncovers the truth of Hamnet's drowning and Judith's complicity in the secret of authorship.

12

Reflective Conversation with Ben Jonson

In April 1616, Shakespeare engages in a reflective conversation with fellow playwright Ben Jonson. However, amidst the deep discussions, Shakespeare begins to feel unwell, foreshadowing the tragic events to come.

April 1616
13

Anne's Triumph in Literacy

On a significant day, Susanna surprises Anne and Judith by teaching them to read and write. Anne discovers her marriage certificate and triumphantly signs her name for the first time, a milestone that embodies the family's growth and newfound understanding.

14

Shakespeare's Death

Tragically, on his birthday, Shakespeare passes away, leaving behind a legacy of literature and a family united by literacy. His death marks the end of an era and the beginning of a journey for his family towards healing.

15

Funeral and Remembrance

At Shakespeare's funeral, his three women gather to pay their respects and honor his memory. They recite the poem “Fear No More” from his play *Cymbeline*, symbolizing their collective growth and recognition of his enduring influence.

Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 22:13

Unlock the Full Story of All Is True

Don't stop at just watching — explore All Is True 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 All Is True is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

All Is True Summary

Read a complete plot summary of All Is True, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

All Is True Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in All Is True

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in All Is True

More About All Is True

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

More About All Is True

Similar Movies to All Is True

Discover movies like All Is True 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.