Corpse Bride

Corpse Bride

Year: 2005

Runtime: 77 min

Language: English

Directors: Mike Johnson, Tim Burton

FantasyRomanceMusicAnimation

A shy and awkward groom accidentally weds a deceased woman, Emily, while preparing for his wedding to Victoria. Transported to the land of the dead, Victor finds himself bound to Emily, who has been waiting for a husband for decades. He must navigate this unexpected and spectral marriage while trying to balance his feelings for the living Victoria and the growing connection he feels with his new bride in the afterlife.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Corpse Bride (2005)

Trace every key event in Corpse Bride (2005) 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

Victor and Victoria's Engagement

Victor Van Dort and Victoria Everglot are set to marry, marking a significant union that carries hopes for social elevation for their families. The engagement is seen as a way to revive the dwindling fortunes of both Victor's and Victoria's households.

2

Wedding Rehearsal Mishaps

During the wedding rehearsal, a series of comedic blunders occur as Victor's nerves become overwhelming. He forgets his vows, loses the wedding ring, and even sets Lady Everglot's dress ablaze, leading to chaos.

The wedding venue
3

Seeking Solace in the Forest

Overwhelmed by anxiety, Victor escapes to a nearby forest to practice his vows in solitude. It is here that he mistakenly places the wedding ring on a root, which happens to belong to the deceased Emily.

A nearby forest
4

Emily Rises from the Grave

As Victor places the ring, Emily, portrayed by Helena Bonham Carter, emerges from the ground, claiming that she is now Victor's wife. She takes him to the eerie yet enchanted Land of the Dead, changing the course of his life forever.

Land of the Dead
5

Uncovering Emily's Tragic Fate

In the Land of the Dead, Victor learns about Emily's sad past, including how she was betrayed and murdered on the eve of their elopement. He learns that her family jewels were stolen, leading to her untimely demise.

Land of the Dead
6

Bonding with Scraps

As Victor spends time with Emily, he reconnects with his long-lost dog, Scraps. This heartwarming reunion adds to the poignancy of Victor's situation as he grapples with his unwittingly formed bond with the deceased bride.

Land of the Dead
7

Consulting Elder Gutknecht

Victor and Emily approach Elder Gutknecht, the kind ruler of the underworld, who agrees to help them return temporarily to the Land of the Living. This decision sets the stage for Victor’s guilt and his internal struggle with the deception he will carry out.

Elder Gutknecht's domain
8

Victor's Confession to Victoria

Victor encounters Victoria again, conveying his true feelings as he plans to marry her. However, his deception begins eating away at him, as he is torn between loyalty to Emily and his love for Victoria.

Land of the Living
9

Emily's Sense of Betrayal

Feeling betrayed when Victor is about to reunite with Victoria, Emily pulls him back into the Land of the Dead. This act highlights the emotional turmoil and complexities of love and loyalty that define Victor's plight.

Land of the Dead
10

Victoria's Discontent

Victoria attempts to communicate with her parents about her feelings towards Victor and the looming arranged marriage with Lord Barkis. Unfortunately, her concerns are dismissed, further complicating her quest for true love.

11

Victor's Decision to Marry Emily

Faced with the impending arranged marriage, Victor resolves to marry Emily instead, planning to recite vows in the Land of the Living. This act of true love is compounded by his willingness to drink poison to join her in death.

Land of the Living
12

The Wedding Ceremony

A lively and chaotic atmosphere welcomes the wedding preparations as the dead excitedly prepare for the ceremony. Meanwhile, the living townspeople are horrified yet mixed with curiosity about the developments in their midst.

The town
13

Barkis's True Intentions Revealed

The deceitful nature of Lord Barkis is unveiled as his greed for Victoria's wealth becomes evident. This revelation prompts Victoria to reject him, rising to the occasion to seek Victor.

14

Confrontation with Barkis

In a dramatic twist, Emily reveals Barkis as her former fiancé and murderer. A duel ensues, where Victor confronts Barkis under the haunting shadows of past betrayal, leading to a battle for life and honor.

Land of the Living
15

Emily's Ultimate Sacrifice

In a surprising turn of events, Barkis ends up drinking the poison meant for Victor, leading to his demise. Emily, grateful for her freedom, releases Victor from his vow, allowing him to pursue happiness with Victoria.

16

Emily's Bittersweet Farewell

In her final act, Emily returns Victor’s wedding ring, symbolizing her wish for his happiness. As she transforms into butterflies and ascends into the moonlight, Victor and Victoria embrace, beginning their new life together.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 20:38

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Corpse Bride Summary

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Corpse Bride Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Corpse Bride

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Corpse Bride

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