Don't Tell

Don't Tell

Year: 2006

Runtime: 120 min

Language: Italian

Director: Cristina Comencini

Drama

Sabina's peaceful existence is shattered when a painful memory from her childhood returns. Balancing the challenges of motherhood, she’s forced to confront a buried trauma and the dark secrets of her family. A heartbreaking revelation from her estranged brother compels her on a journey to understand her past and the events that shaped her life.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Don't Tell (2006)

Trace every key event in Don't Tell (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

Sabina's ordinary life interrupted by grave relocation

Sabina leads a relatively ordinary life as a dubbing actress and is in a steady relationship with Franco. The relocation of her parents' graves triggers a flood of childhood memories, revealing long-buried emotions.

early Italy (Sabina's hometown)
2

Nightmares begin; confidences to Emilia

Following the recollection, Sabina starts to have terrifying nightmares that disrupt her days. She confides in Emilia, her closest friend who is blind due to a degenerative disease.

soon after Italy (Sabina's home)
3

Walk with Maria reveals Maria's pain

While walking through the city center with Maria, Sabina learns of Maria's heartbreak after her husband abandons her for a young lover. The moment exposes shared loneliness among those around Sabina.

present City center, Italy
4

Sabina's pregnancy and concealment

Sabina discovers she is pregnant but keeps the news to herself, choosing not to tell Franco. This secret adds strain to their already fragile relationship.

after Christmas Italy
5

Christmas in Charlottesville with Daniele

Sabina decides to spend Christmas with her older brother Daniele at Charlottesville, Virginia, to seek clarity about their past. The trip marks a turning point as she opens up about her memories.

Christmas holidays Charlottesville, USA
6

Confiding in Daniele

In Virginia, Sabina confides in Daniele about her pregnancy and her haunting nightmares. Daniele listens and helps her revisit painful memories.

during visit Charlottesville
7

New Year's Eve revelations

On New Year's Eve, Franco cheats on Sabina with Anita, an actress from the series. That same evening, Daniele reveals the traumatic truth about their father’s abuse.

New Year's Eve Charlottesville, USA
8

Bond strengthened; pregnancy seen as healing

Daniele's revelations strengthen their bond, and he believes Sabina's pregnancy will help her healing. He views the impending motherhood as a path to recovery.

after New Year's Virginia
9

Return to Italy; distance with Franco grows

Back in Italy, Sabina's relationship with Franco grows colder, as he remains reluctant to admit his infidelity. Her pregnancy further complicates their dynamic.

after New Year's Italy
10

Emilia and Maria's romance blossoms

Sabina is delighted to learn that Emilia and Maria are developing a romance after she had introduced them. Their shared loneliness brings the two women closer.

after Italy
11

Summer visit to Negri's farmhouse; tensions mount

During a summer visit to Negri's farmhouse, Franco collaborates with the director on a film project while Maria grapples with Emilia's feelings. Franco confesses his infidelity, and Sabina confronts her painful childhood memories.

summer Negri's farmhouse, Italy
12

Sabina vanishes; labor on a sunlit train

Sabina suddenly disappears from the farmhouse as the heat intensifies. She goes into labor on a deserted train surrounded by olive trees.

summer Deserted train near olive trees, Italy
13

Hospital birth and reunions

She is rushed to a hospital where she gives birth to a baby boy. The birth reunites Sabina with Franco, and Maria and Emilia reconcile.

shortly after birth Hospital, Italy
14

Negri's decision to include the baby

Negri decides to include the newborn in his film project, despite objections from a nurse who insists only parents should handle the baby.

shortly after birth Hospital/film set, Italy
15

Daniele's vow to visit Sabina in America

In America, Daniele vows to visit Sabina and their nephew, optimistic that they will overcome the past and build fulfilling lives.

future America

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:57

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