Dormant Beauty

Dormant Beauty

Year: 2014

Runtime: 115 min

Language: Italian

Director: Marco Bellocchio

Drama

In this poignant drama, "Dormant Beauty" chronicles the final six days of Eluana Englaro's life, as she lies comatose after a catastrophic accident. Despite being clinically vegetative for 17 years, her story is one of resilience and the indomitable human spirit, as loved ones confront the cruel realities of mortality.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Dormant Beauty (2014)
Trace every key event in Dormant Beauty (2014) 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

Eluana's Accident

The story begins with a catastrophic car accident that leaves Eluana Englaro in a permanent coma. This tragic event permanently alters the lives of her family and puts them on a harrowing journey to fight for her dignity and rights.

2

Family Struggles

In the years following Eluana's accident, her family faces immense emotional and legal challenges as they advocate for her rights. Their tireless efforts highlight the challenges of caring for a loved one in such a fragile state.

3

Decision for Euthanasia

In 2009, after years of struggle, Eluana's family makes the heart-wrenching decision to pursue euthanasia. This choice marks a significant turning point, sparking widespread public and political discourse around the ethics of such a decision.

2009
4

Controversy Emerges

Eluana's decision ignites a tumultuous response from the Catholic Church and political figures, particularly during Berlusconi's IV Cabinet. The heated debate showcases the societal rifts and polarizing opinions surrounding euthanasia.

5

Uliano's Conflict

Uliano, a Member of Parliament from Forza Italia, grapples with his party's anti-euthanasia stance. Caught in a moral dilemma, he finds the courage to break ranks and vote in favor of legalizing euthanasia, risking his political career.

6

Maria's Prayer Group

Maria, Uliano's daughter, becomes involved in a Christian prayer group opposing euthanasia outside Eluana's hospital. This creates a personal conflict within her family as she stands firmly against her father's stance.

Outside Eluana's Hospital
7

Maria Meets Roberto

During her time at the prayer group, Maria meets Roberto, a passionate advocate for pro-euthanasia reform. Their encounter highlights the different perspectives on the issue and begins to weave their stories together.

8

The Divine Mother

The film introduces the 'Divine Mother', a renowned French actress battling the emotional toll of her daughter Rosa's prolonged coma. Her coping mechanism involves intense prayer, revealing personal struggles amid the broader societal discourse.

9

Rosa's Coma

Rosa, the Divine Mother's daughter, remains in a coma, which deeply affects her mother's mental and emotional state. This subplot adds a layer of complexity to the conversations about life support and the morality of keeping someone alive in such a state.

10

Introduction of Rossa

The film also introduces Rossa, a young woman struggling with heroin addiction and suicidal thoughts. Her fight against inner demons highlights the urgent need for mental health awareness and compassionate approaches to healing.

11

Pallido's Compassion

Dr. Pallido, a compassionate doctor, plays a crucial role in Rossa's journey to recovery. His own past struggles shape his understanding and sensitivity towards Rossa, reflecting themes of redemption and hope.

12

Intersection of Lives

As these diverse characters navigate their personal struggles, their lives intersect in profound ways, prompting deeper reflections on life, death, and the choices that define us. The film reveals the intricate web of human connections amid complex societal debates.

13

Public Discourse Intensifies

As news of Eluana's situation spreads, public discourse around euthanasia intensifies, drawing in various advocacy groups and prompting discussions across a range of media. The film uses archival footage to show societal reactions, keeping Eluana's presence felt throughout.

14

The Aftermath

The film concludes by reflecting on the aftermath of Eluana's story and the ongoing debates over euthanasia in society. It leaves viewers to assess the implications of personal choice and societal values in matters of life and death.

Last Updated: November 18, 2024 at 20:44

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