Black Widow

Black Widow

Year: 1987

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Director: Bob Rafelson

DramaThrillerCrime

A determined federal agent, Alexandra Barnes, becomes convinced that the alluring Catherine Petersen is a calculating killer who targets wealthy men. As Alexandra investigates, she believes Catherine marries her victims before systematically eliminating them for their fortunes. To catch her, Alexandra must use increasingly risky and unconventional tactics, drawing her deeper into a dangerous game of identity, deception, and escalating peril.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Black Widow 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 & Setting – Black Widow (1987)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Black Widow (1987). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1995, 2024

The movie covers a wide time span, beginning in 1995 when the characters are introduced as children, and then leaping to 2024, following Natasha's subsequent adventures. This timeline highlights the characters' long journey from childhood to becoming agents of change while reflecting on their past traumas and the current challenges they face.

Location

Ohio, Cuba, Morocco, Norway, Budapest, Red Room

The movie travels through various locations, starting in Ohio, where young Natasha and Yelena experience childhood innocence. It then shifts to the more intense settings of Cuba and Morocco, showcasing Natasha's and Yelena's evolution into formidable fighters. The Red Room serves as a significant location, representing both the past trauma and a dark operational base for the sinister plans of Dreykov.

🌍 Locations 🚀 Action

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:42

Main Characters – Black Widow (1987)

Meet the key characters of Black Widow (1987), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Natasha Romanoff

Natasha, played by Scarlett Johansson, is a highly skilled spy and combatant with a tumultuous past. Torn between her former life and her quest for redemption, she displays resourcefulness and resilience throughout the film. Her character embodies the conflict between loyalty to family and the pursuit of personal redemption.

🦸‍♀️ Protagonist 🔫 Spy 🌌 Complex

Yelena Belova

Yelena, portrayed by Florence Pugh, is initiated into the world of espionage and combat, displaying a fierce spirit and determination. Initially manipulated and controlled, her character undergoes significant development as she breaks free from mind control, showcasing both her vulnerability and strength. Her dynamic with Natasha highlights a mix of camaraderie and sibling rivalry.

🦸‍♀️ Sidekick ⚔️ Fighter 🎭 Dependent

Melina Vostokoff

Melina, interpreted by Rachel Weisz, serves as a mother figure whose manipulative ties to the past are explored throughout the film. Balancing both affection and ulterior motives, her character navigates a complex relationship with Natasha and Yelena, showing vulnerability amidst her calculated intentions. Melina plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between the past and their present dilemmas.

👩‍🏫 Mentor 🧪 Scientist 💔 Complicated

Alexei Shostakov

Alexei, played by David Harbour, is portrayed as a flawed yet humorous father figure who seeks redemption through his family. His bravado often clashes with the grim reality of their past, resulting in a character that balances strength with comedic relief. Ultimately, his desire to reconnect with his 'family' adds a layer of complexity to his character.

👨‍👧 Father ✨ Comedic Relief 💪 Strong

Dreykov

Dreykov, played by Ray Winstone, serves as the main antagonist whose manipulative nature and control over the Black Widows represent the film's explorations of power and abuse. His character embodies the dark side of manipulation and conditioning, acting as a catalyst for Natasha's quest for justice and redemption.

👿 Antagonist 📊 Manipulator 🔒 Controlling

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:42

Major Themes – Black Widow (1987)

Explore the central themes of Black Widow (1987), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🦸‍♀️ Family

The theme of family runs deeply throughout the movie, depicting both the biological and surrogate connections between the characters. Natasha and Yelena's relationship is a central focus, emphasizing the bonds formed through shared experiences and traumas. The struggle between the idealization of family and the harsh realities of their upbringing brings emotional depth to the narrative.

⚔️ Redemption

Redemption is a key theme as characters confront their pasts and seek to right their wrongs. Natasha is haunted by her history and the choices she made while working for SHIELD. As the story progresses, both sisters aim to dismantle the oppressive Red Room, indicating their desire for personal and collective redemption.

💥 Action

Action is at the forefront as the film features intense fight sequences, chases, and strategic battles against formidable foes. The choreography showcases the characters' skills and determination while exploring themes of empowerment and survival amidst the chaos. The action serves not only to entertain but also to reveal character growth and evolution.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:42

Unlock the Full Story of Black Widow

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

Black Widow Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Black Widow, 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.

Black Widow Summary

Black Widow Timeline

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

Black Widow Timeline

More About Black Widow

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Black Widow: 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 Black Widow

Similar Movies to Black Widow

Discover movies like Black Widow 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.