Cannibal

Cannibal

Year: 2006

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: German

Director: Marian Dora

HorrorDramaCrimeThriller

The film dramatizes the real‑life case of Armin Meiwes, the German “Rotenburg Cannibal,” who placed an online ad seeking a willing victim to be mutilated and eaten. When a man answered, the story follows their encounter, an unlikely homoerotic bond, and the eventual murder and cannibalistic act, presented as a fictionalized interpretation.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Cannibal 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 – Cannibal (2006)

Trace every key event in Cannibal (2006) 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

Opening frame: Hansel and Gretel storytelling

A mother reads Hansel and Gretel to her young son, establishing a fairytale frame. The scene then shifts to the present day as The Man goes about his routine and spends much of his time online. He searches his computer for people who share cannibalistic fantasies.

Mother's home; The Man's home
2

Online search for cannibal partner

The Man chats with several people who claim similar cannibal interests. Most contacts reject him or are hostile, and one encounter ends in hostility. The Flesh, a suicidal man from Berlin, emerges as a potential partner who volunteers for death and consumption.

The Man's home / online
3

The Flesh travels from Berlin; bond forms

The Flesh travels from Berlin to meet The Man and the two form a connection. They begin a sexual relationship, with intimate moments inside and around The Man's home.

Present day The Man's residence
4

The Flesh announces the plan to die and be eaten

The Flesh openly declares his willingness to die and be eaten, signaling a shared, extreme intention. The two deepen their bond as they commit to this dangerous dynamic.

Present day The Man's home
5

A failed attempt to coerce a bite

The Flesh tries to coerce The Man into biting off his penis, but The Man cannot go through with it. The Flesh uses drugs to knock himself out, hoping to speed things along, and nevertheless chastises The Man for his hesitation.

Present day The Man's home
6

A second chance and return home

Disappointed, The Flesh gives The Man another chance and, as The Man begs him to stay, he returns to reside at The Man's home instead of boarding a train back to Berlin.

Present day The Man's home
7

Castration agreement

The Flesh consumes alcohol and pills and instructs The Man to castrate him with a kitchen knife. The Man complies, carrying out the act.

Present day The Man's home
8

Attempted cannibal act and apparent death

They fry and attempt to eat the severed penis, but The Flesh seemingly dies from blood loss and is placed in a bath by The Man.

Present day The Man's home
9

Discovery of life and murder

The Man drags The Flesh's inert body to a room prepared for slaughter and is shocked to find him still alive. The Man stabs him in the throat and kills him.

Present day The Man's home
10

Disassembly and dinner

The Man beheads, guts, and dismembers The Flesh, burying the inedible parts and cooking the rest. He places The Flesh's severed head at the head of the table as he proceeds with the meal.

Present day The Man's home
11

Final act: snuff-film masturbation

The Man masturbates while watching footage of the acts he has carried out, using the film as his final, unsettling spectacle before leaving.

Present day The Man's home
12

The Man departs

With the act completed and the scene closed, The Man exits the room, leaving behind the grisly tableau.

Present day The Man's home

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:11

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Unlock the Full Story of Cannibal

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

Cannibal Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Cannibal, 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.

Cannibal Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Cannibal

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Cannibal

Cannibal Spoiler-Free Summary

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