Climax (2019) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Haunting Opening

The film opens with a striking and disturbing image of a woman, both laughing and sobbing, dragging herself through the snow while bleeding. This evocative scene sets the tone for the chaos and turmoil that will unfold throughout the movie.

Dance Troupe Rehearsal

In winter 1996, a professional French dance ensemble gathers at a deserted school to rehearse for an upcoming performance. Under the guidance of manager Emmanuelle and choreographer Selva, the troupe works diligently, mastering a complex closing sequence before celebrating their success.

When

Winter 1996

Where

Deserted School

Celebration Turns Sour

After a successful rehearsal, the troupe pops open champagne and enjoys sangria made by Emmanuelle during a lively celebration. This initial joyous mood soon transforms as unsettling tensions begin to brew within the group, hinting at the chaos to come.

Where

Deserted School

Incident with Psyché

The atmosphere shifts dramatically when Psyché unexpectedly urinates on the floor, shocking her fellow dancers. This alarming act signifies the beginning of a downward spiral as confusion and agitation start to infiltrate the celebration.

Where

Deserted School

Suspicion of Drugging

As the night progresses, Selva realizes that the sangria may have been tainted with a strong hallucinogen, likely LSD. Tensions flare when Taylor accuses Omar of being the source of the tainted drink, leading to dangerous accusations among the dancers.

Where

Deserted School

Omar Locked Out

In a fit of paranoia, the dancers make the reckless decision to lock Omar outside in the freezing cold. This moment exemplifies the group's growing mistrust and the chaos that has ensued from their altered states of mind.

Where

Deserted School

Emmanuelle's Dilemma

Emmanuelle frantically discovers that her young son, Tito, has unknowingly consumed the spiked drink. In a desperate attempt to protect him, she locks him in an electrical room, showcasing her frantic need to shield him from the escalating danger.

Where

Deserted School

Lou's Revelation

Lou confides in Selva about her pregnancy, revealing that she abstained from drinking the tainted sangria. This confession heightens the tension further as the dancers become increasingly hostile and paranoid, accusing each other of endangering their safety.

Where

Deserted School

Violence Erupts

Amid the intoxication and chaos, a confrontation erupts between Lou and Dom, who violently accuses her of sabotaging the drink. This clash culminates in a brutal attack on Lou, exemplifying the dark turn of events fueled by the hallucinogens.

Where

Deserted School

The Confrontation

As the group descends further into madness, Lou is driven to self-harm in a moment of despair. Surrounded by chaos and taunts, she draws a knife to protect herself but ultimately succumbs to her emotional breakdown.

Where

Deserted School

Selva's Haunting Journey

In her hallucinatory state, Selva wanders the chaotic surroundings, searching for Emmanuelle. She encounters David being attacked by Taylor, illustrating the escalating violence and disorder permeating the atmosphere.

Where

Deserted School

Dawn of Despair

As dawn breaks, the police arrive at the deserted school only to find a horrific scene: many dancers are unconscious or lifeless. The chaos of the previous night culminates in desperation and horror as the consequences of their actions become tragically apparent.

Where

Deserted School

Unraveling Truth

The aftermath reveals a dark truth as Gazelle wakes next to Taylor, both unaware of the previous night's horrors. Their decision to conceal the truth about what transpired highlights the depth of denial and desire to escape their reality.

Where

Deserted School

Lingering Madness

In the closing scenes, Lou emerges from the building, laughing uncontrollably in the snow, paralleling the film's unsettling opening. Her descent into madness encapsulates the tragic impact of the events that unfolded during the night's chaos.

Where

Snow Outside the School

Psyché's Final Act

The film concludes with Psyché returning to her room, nonchalantly administering LSD into her eyes. This chilling act serves as a poignant reminder of the psychological scars left by the traumatic events that unraveled the night before.