An American Affair

An American Affair

Year: 2009

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

Director: William Olsson

Drama

In 1963 Washington D.C., a young boy named Adam Stafford navigates the challenges of adolescence while the Cuban Missile Crisis fades from memory. His solitary world changes with the arrival of Catherine Caswell, a mysterious and alluring woman who moves in next door. Drawn to her enigmatic nature, Adam becomes increasingly fixated on uncovering her secrets, finding himself caught between youthful curiosity and the complexities of adulthood. His fascination leads him to confront the potential dangers of getting too close.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen An American Affair 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!

An American Affair (2009) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of An American Affair (2009), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

In the vibrant atmosphere of 1963’s Camelot in Washington, young Adam Stafford, portrayed by Cameron Bright, unwittingly finds himself caught in the web of intrigue surrounding President John F. Kennedy and his alluring neighbor, Catherine (played by Gretchen Mol). This enigmatic woman, whose passionate artistry and spirited nature captivate Adam, is entangled in a scandalous affair with JFK, all while keeping a diary that harbors secrets pivotal to the assassination plot against the President.

As Adam navigates the trials of his teenage years, his concerns for Catherine grow, despite his parents warning him about her dubious reputation. They share whispers of her complicated history, including past infidelities, yet Adam is drawn irresistibly to this captivating, blonde figure. Unbeknownst to him, Catherine’s artistic lifestyle is intertwined with a tumultuous past that includes a recent separation from her ex-husband, who worked for the CIA.

Watching closely over Catherine is a mysterious figure named Lucian, whose character draws inspiration from the real-life antagonist, James Angleton. Lucian’s motivations remain unclear, casting a shadow over the events that unfold. As Adam becomes increasingly fascinated with Catherine, he stumbles upon her diary, which holds cryptic messages alluding to JFK’s covert operations. When the momentous event of JFK’s assassination occurs, Adam is left shattered, grappling with the chaos that ensues from the intertwining of reality and deceit.

The chilling discovery of Catherine’s lifeless form at the base of the stairs stands as a harsh reminder of the dire repercussions of hidden truths and unspoken lies. The character of Catherine is intertwined with the actual life story of Mary Pinchot Meyer, enriching the narrative with historical connections. Lucian Carver, the CIA operative, represents a fictionalized version of James Angleton, a key historical figure often associated with both Mary Pinchot Meyer and her former spouse, Cord Meyer.

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 12:30

Unlock the Full Story of An American Affair

Don't stop at just watching — explore An American Affair 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 An American Affair is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

An American Affair Timeline

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

An American Affair Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in An American Affair

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in An American Affair

More About An American Affair

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about An American Affair: 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 An American Affair

Similar Movies to An American Affair

Discover movies like An American Affair 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.