Evil Under the Sun

Evil Under the Sun

Year: 1982

Runtime: 117 min

Language: English

Director: Guy Hamilton

DramaMystery

A renowned detective investigates the death of a glamorous actress at a lavish resort in the Balkans. As Hercule Poirot delves into the case, he finds himself entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and suspicious characters among the wealthy guests. With fame and fortune at stake, Poirot must carefully examine the relationships and hidden motives of those present to discover the killer and expose the evil lurking beneath the sun.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Evil Under the Sun 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!

Timeline & Setting – Evil Under the Sun (1982)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Evil Under the Sun (1982). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie is set in a timeless era of vintage glamor and mystery, reminiscent of classic detective stories. The social dynamics and fashion reflect a period where elegance is challenged by sinister motives. Although the exact time frame is not specified, the atmosphere suggests a relatively recent past without modern distractions.

Location

Adriatic Sea, resort island

The movie takes place on a beautiful resort island in the Adriatic Sea, known for its serene beaches and picturesque views. This idyllic setting contrasts sharply with the dark events that unfold, as a murder disrupts the tranquility. The island serves as a microcosm where secrets and motives lie hidden beneath the surface.

🏝️ Island 🌊 Sea

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:09

Main Characters – Evil Under the Sun (1982)

Meet the key characters of Evil Under the Sun (1982), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Hercule Poirot

Hercule Poirot is a brilliant Belgian detective known for his meticulous attention to detail and psychological insight. In this film, he confronts a web of lies and motives surrounding a murder case that disrupts the serene environment of a vacation paradise. Poirot's charm and intellect allow him to navigate complex relationships among the suspects.

🕵️‍♂️ Detective 🎩 Elegant

Arlena Marshall

Arlena Marshall is a former actress who exudes charisma but leaves a trail of alienation in her wake. Her character embodies both allure and tragedy, as her actions lead to deadly consequences. Arlena’s tumultuous relationships reveal a woman caught in the throes of passion and jealousy.

🌹 Actress 💔 Tragic

Patrick Redfern

Patrick Redfern is Arlena’s lover, whose motives are driven by greed and desire. His duplicitous nature becomes evident as Poirot unravels the mystery, revealing Patrick’s desperate attempts to reclaim a stolen diamond. The character highlights how passion can incite crime and lead individuals down a treacherous path.

💎 Lover 🕵️‍♂️ Manipulative

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:09

Major Themes – Evil Under the Sun (1982)

Explore the central themes of Evil Under the Sun (1982), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔍 Mystery

A central theme of the movie is the unraveling of a complex murder mystery. Hercule Poirot's investigation reveals the darker side of human nature, showcasing how appearances can be deceiving. The theme highlights the lengths to which individuals will go to conceal their secrets and the intricate relationships that can lead to betrayal.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal plays a significant role, particularly in the relationships between characters. The affair between Patrick and Arlena demonstrates how love can intertwine with deception, leading to tragic outcomes. This theme underscores the destructive power of jealousy and the unexpected alliances that can form amid scandal.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:09

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Glamorous whodunnits in secluded settings like Evil Under the Sun

A cerebral detective unravels a murder among the wealthy elite in a beautiful, isolated location.If you liked the cerebral investigation and sun-drenched luxury of Evil Under the Sun, explore more movies like it. These stylish whodunnits feature brilliant detectives, glamorous suspects, and intricate puzzles set in beautiful, isolated locations, perfect for fans of classic murder mysteries.

cerebraldeceptiveglamoroussuspensefulcalculatingmysterioussun-drenched

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically begin with a shocking crime that disrupts a seemingly perfect world. A detective, often an outsider, methodically interrogates a closed circle of suspects, each with motives and secrets. The narrative unfolds through interviews and clue discovery, building to a dramatic revelation where the intricate plot is explained and justice is served.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared structure of a closed-circle mystery, their focus on intellectual deduction over visceral thrills, and their lush, atmospheric settings that contrast beauty with underlying malice. The tone is consistently tense yet sophisticated.

Cerebral puzzles with deceptive appearances like Evil Under the Sun

Stories where nothing is as it seems, and the truth is a carefully constructed illusion.For viewers who enjoyed the web of lies and clever misdirection in Evil Under the Sun, this collection features similar movies with intricate plots. Discover stories where characters manipulate the truth and the audience is challenged to see through a carefully constructed illusion.

calculatingdeceptivecerebralmysterioussuspensefulpuzzletwist

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves the gradual unveiling of a sophisticated ruse. Characters act out roles within a fabricated scenario, while the investigator or protagonist works to distinguish fact from performance. The story is built on red herrings and dual identities, leading to a climax where the mechanics of the deception are laid bare.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their emphasis on intellectual engagement, where the central conflict is a battle of wits. They share a mood of calculated suspense, rewarding viewers who enjoy analyzing clues and appreciating the artistry of a well-executed plot twist.

Unlock the Full Story of Evil Under the Sun

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

Evil Under the Sun Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Evil Under the Sun, 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.

Evil Under the Sun Summary

Evil Under the Sun Timeline

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

Evil Under the Sun Timeline

Evil Under the Sun Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Evil Under the Sun that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Evil Under the Sun Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Evil Under the Sun

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Evil Under the Sun: 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 Evil Under the Sun

Similar Movies to Evil Under the Sun

Discover movies like Evil Under the Sun 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.