Cold Souls

Cold Souls

Year: 2009

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Director: Sophie Barthes

DramaComedy

A struggling actor facing a career slump discovers a unique service that offers to freeze and store souls. Seeking an escape from his troubles, he opts to have his own soul preserved. However, his plan goes awry when a rival actor steals his soul, sending him on a bizarre quest from New York to Russia to reclaim it, blurring the lines between what’s real and imagined.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Cold Souls (2009)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Cold Souls (2009). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film encapsulates contemporary themes surrounding mental health and the transactional nature of identity in modern society. It explores the impact of technological advancements on personal connections and emotional well-being, all unfolding in a present-day context.

Location

New York City, St. Petersburg, Russia

New York City serves as a bustling backdrop for Paul's struggles with depression and identity as an actor. Known for its vibrant arts scene and diversity, the city contrasts with the more serene yet secretive environment of St. Petersburg, where Nina originates. St. Petersburg is recognized for its rich history and culture, making it a symbolic location for the exploration of souls and personal identity.

🌆 City 🌍 International

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:22

Main Characters – Cold Souls (2009)

Meet the key characters of Cold Souls (2009), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Paul Giamatti

Paul, the protagonist, is an actor enveloped by feelings of depression and existential doubt. Struggling with his role, he seeks solace in a peculiar soul extraction process that leads to unexpected revelations about himself. His journey unveils his vulnerabilities and desires, ultimately leading him to reclaim both his soul and joy.

🎭 Actor 😔 Depressed 🔍 Seeker

Nina (Olga)

Nina, who assumes the alias Olga, is a mysterious figure entangled in the world of soul trafficking. Her initial secretive nature unravels as her motivations become clearer throughout the film. She embodies contrasts—being both a participant and a victim in the soul trade. Ultimately, her journey reflects themes of longing and loss.

🌍 Immigrant 💔 Troubled 🐦 Secretive

Dr. Flintstein

Dr. Flintstein is the enigmatic proprietor of the soul storage facility, providing unsought guidance to Paul about soul extraction. His character represents the morally ambiguous nature of those who profit from human experiences and emotions. Through his interactions, the film critiques the commodification of deeply personal aspects of life.

🧑‍⚕️ Doctor 💼 Businessman ⚖️ Ethical Dilemma

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:22

Major Themes – Cold Souls (2009)

Explore the central themes of Cold Souls (2009), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌀 Identity

The struggle for identity is a central theme in *Cold Souls*, as Paul grapples with his depression and searches for fulfillment both personally and professionally. Nina’s dual life emphasizes the complexities of self-perception and authenticity in a world where souls can be commodified. The film questions what it truly means to possess one's essence in an increasingly disconnected society.

💔 Loss

Loss permeates the narrative, as characters confront the removal and longing for their souls. Paul’s journey emphasizes the emptiness that can accompany the pursuit of artistic perfection, while Nina's fate reveals the emotional toll of her illicit operations. The film poignantly illustrates how losing parts of oneself can lead to deeper emotional scars.

💼 Commerce of Souls

The concept of soul storage raises ethical questions about the commercialization of human essence. Set against a backdrop of a peculiar business model, the film critiques the lengths people go to in order to enhance their lives or careers, ultimately challenging the audience's views on what constitutes value in life and art.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:22

Unlock the Full Story of Cold Souls

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

Cold Souls Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Cold Souls, 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.

Cold Souls Summary

Cold Souls Timeline

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

Cold Souls Timeline

More About Cold Souls

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Cold Souls: 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 Cold Souls

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