Cronos

Cronos

Year: 1994

Runtime: 94 min

Language: English

Director: Guillermo del Toro

DramaThrillerHorrorComedy

An aging antique dealer unexpectedly acquires an ancient artifact, the Cronos scarab, which grants him the gift of eternal youth and incredible vitality. However, his newfound life comes with a dark side – an insatiable thirst for blood. As he struggles to control his condition and enjoy his extended lifespan, he finds himself hunted by those who seek to take the scarab back, forcing him to confront the dangerous consequences of immortality.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Cronos 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!

Cronos (1994) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Cronos (1994), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

In 1536, the alchemist Humberto Oganelli (Mario Iván Martínez) arrives in Veracruz, Mexico, seeking refuge from the Inquisition. Appointed as the official watchmaker for the viceroy, Oganelli embarks on a quest to perfect an invention he dubs the Cronos device, believing it holds the key to eternal life. Fast forward to 1937, a tragic incident unfolds when a building collapses, revealing a peculiar man with skin resembling marble, mortally wounded with a fatal chest wound. His final words echo: Sua tempore. This man is Oganelli, and the secrets surrounding his death remain obscured to the public.

What they don’t disclose is the grisly scene discovered by the authorities—a human male hanging upside down, his blood draining into a basin. The only person aware of the Cronos device’s existence is the dying millionaire, De la Guardia (Claudio Brook), who has dedicated his life to acquiring old statues of archangels, perpetually searching for the coveted device without success. However, his luck changes when the archangel statue appears in the shop of Jesús Gris (Federico Luppi).

Unbeknownst to Jesús and his mute granddaughter Aurora ([Tamara Shanath]), the statue conceals the Cronos device. When Jesús inadvertently activates it, horrific mechanical claws emerge, gripping his hand and inflicting agonizing wounds. Following this, Ángel de la Guardia (Ron Perlman), De la Guardia’s nephew, is dispatched to acquire the statue. However, in his desperation, Ángel resorts to murder when he discovers the device is missing.

As Jesús grapples with the implications of the device, he learns that it grants immortality, but at a gruesome cost—he develops an insatiable thirst for human blood, and his skin begins to peel, revealing the eerie marble-like texture. In a climactic showdown between Jesús, De la Guardia, and Ángel, though Jesús emerges as the victor, he ultimately destroys the Cronos device. He returns home to Aurora and his girlfriend Mercedes (Margarita Isabel), knowing that his fate is sealed.

The tale is narrated by Jorge Martínez de Hoyos, recounting Oganelli’s story, the building’s collapse, and the subsequent auction of its remnants, including the angel statue. Jesús, unaware of the horrific power he’s unleashed, becomes increasingly obsessed with the device—a journey that leads him down a dark path filled with sacrifice, love, and loss. In the end, as he recognizes the horrifying transformation he has undergone, he resolutely shouts “NO!”, choosing to shatter the Cronos device and bidding farewell to both life and his beloved granddaughter amid tears.

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 00:13

Unlock the Full Story of Cronos

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

Cronos Timeline

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

Cronos Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Cronos

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Cronos. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Cronos

More About Cronos

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

Similar Movies to Cronos

Discover movies like Cronos that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.