Blink

Blink

Year: 1993

Runtime: 106 mins

Language: English

Director: Michael Apted

CrimeThrillerThrillers and murder mysteriesSuspenseful crime thrillersIntriguing and suspenseful murder mysteries

After years of blindness, Emma undergoes experimental eye surgery that restores partial sight, but her new vision is unreliable—she sometimes cannot recall what she has just seen. One night she hears a disturbance, spots a shadow descending the stairs, and believes her neighbor has been murdered, only to doubt whether her eyes deceive her.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Blink (1993)

Trace every key event in Blink (1993) 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

Corneal transplant and retroactive visions

Emma undergoes an experimental corneal transplant performed by Dr. Ryan Pierce. Her vision is partially restored, but she develops retroactive hallucinations, where some visions only register in her brain days after she first sees them.

post-surgery Chicago hospital
2

Noise upstairs prompts a police report

Emma hears a disturbance from the apartment above and witnesses a shadowy figure. She goes to the police to file a report, but detectives question her reliability due to her impaired vision.

Police station
3

Valerie’s murder shifts the investigation

Valerie, Emma’s upstairs neighbor, is murdered, pushing Detective Hallstrom to rely on Emma’s clues. His initial skepticism softens as Emma’s visions align with the crime scene cues.

Emma's building
4

Crucifix pendant appears; dog in peril

In the hospital parking garage, Emma notices a crucifix pendant and Ralphie reacts to a pursuer. The guide dog chases the attacker but is struck by a car and must be taken to a veterinarian.

after appointment with Dr. Pierce Hospital parking garage
5

Police protect and the obsession grows

Hallstrom links the pendant to an earlier victim and begins watching Emma more closely. He arranges a police guard at her door as their professional relationship deepens into romance.

Emma's residence vicinity
6

Emma dates Dr. Pierce

Emma goes on a date with Dr. Pierce, while Hallstrom quietly observes from a distance. He is torn between his growing feelings and his professional duty.

evening Chicago date venues
7

Romance complicates professional duties

Emma and Hallstrom’s romance deepens, but colleagues worry it compromises his detective work. To protect her, he distances himself and asks Ridgeley to look after her.

Police department / Emma's apartment
8

Confrontation in Hallstrom’s office

Emma visits Hallstrom’s office seeking him, leading to an argument about their relationship. The confrontation ends with Emma storming off, strained by the tension between love and duty.

Hallstrom's office
9

Distorted visions on the L train

On the L train, Emma experiences visions of a man pursuing her, but Ridgeley turns out to be the actual pursuer. She faints when Ridgeley closes in.

Chicago L train
10

Killer target theory emerges

Hallstrom uncovers medical bills showing the killer targeted organ recipients. He concludes the killer meant to kill Emma but instead killed Valerie, the donor’s neighbor.

Police workroom
11

Donor family contact and a lead

Dr. Pierce informs Emma that the donor’s family wants to contact her, and Emma hesitates before agreeing to meet them. Pierce helps her obtain the address for the meeting.

Outside Emma's apartment
12

Ambush at the killer’s garage

Emma and Crowe go to the address, but the killer ambushes them in a garage. The killer has already killed the cop escort and taunts Emma inside the locked space; she fights back and shoots him.

night Garage at the killer's location
13

Rescue and a new beginning

Hallstrom arrives with backup and Emma is rescued. They walk home together, sharing a kiss as the case closes and their partnership deepens.

later that night Outside Emma's apartment

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:23

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Blink Summary

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Blink Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Blink

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