Exotica

Exotica

Year: 1995

Runtime: 103 min

Language: English

Director: Atom Egoyan

Drama

Within the vibrant and alluring atmosphere of a Canadian strip club, Christina captivates both Francis, a tax auditor grappling with his own issues, and Eric, her former lover. Their intertwined lives are marked by simmering jealousy and hidden truths. As the relationships become more complex, the delicate equilibrium of this world is threatened, and long-held secrets begin to surface, leading to unexpected consequences.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Exotica (1995)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Exotica (1995). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The narrative unfolds in contemporary times, capturing aspects of urban nightlife and the complexities of personal relationships. It delves into modern themes surrounding smuggling and industrial scrutiny that resonate with today’s societal issues.

Location

Exotica, Airport, Pet Shop, Opera House

Exotica is a vibrant dance club known for its hot house theme where women entertain male patrons. The airport serves as the entry point for Thomas, highlighting the scrutiny of customs regulations. Additionally, the pet shop reflects Thomas's dual life as a smuggler with a hidden treasure. The opera house serves as a backdrop for tensions, showcasing a high-culture contrast to the club's atmosphere.

🏢 Club ✈️ Airport 🐾 Pet Store 🎭 Opera

Last Updated: May 23, 2025 at 08:18

Main Characters – Exotica (1995)

Meet the key characters of Exotica (1995), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Thomas (Don McKellar)

Thomas is a complex character whose actions as a smuggler reveal his desperation and resourcefulness. Balancing a mundane pet shop life with illegal activities, he embodies the duality of living on the edges of society. His character arc is marked by secrecy and unexpected confrontation with the consequences of his choices.

🐣 Smuggler 📚 Accountant 🤫 Secretive

Francis (Bruce Greenwood)

Francis is a regular patron at Exotica, drawn to Christina's performances. His character is depicted as somewhat naive yet yearning for connection, blurring lines between admiration and obsession. His involvement in the investigation adds a layer of complexity to his character, showcasing vulnerability amid unfolding tensions.

🍷 Patron 📊 Accountant 🌹 Romantic

Christina (Mia Kirshner)

Christina is a captivating dancer at Exotica whose performances evoke desire and fantasy. Despite being an object of attraction, her character explores deeper themes of autonomy and the impact of relationships on her self-identity. Her past with Eric significantly influences the dynamics and conflicts within the club.

💃 Performer 💔 Love Interest 🎭 Enigmatic

Eric (Elias Koteas)

Eric serves as the bouncer and DJ at Exotica, navigating a complicated relationship with Christina. His character is marred by jealousy and bitterness after a failed romance, reflecting the darker sides of unrequited love. His actions drive much of the tension in the narrative, revealing his vulnerabilities and inner turmoil.

🎧 DJ 🤼‍♂️ Bouncer 😠 Jealous Ex

Zoe (Arsineé Khanjian)

Zoe is the club owner, embodying authority and the complexities of personal sacrifice. Her decision to have a child with Eric complicates relationships within Exotica, showcasing the intertwined fates of its characters. Her character represents both power and vulnerability in a male-dominated environment.

👑 Club Owner 🤰 Sacrificial 💼 Businesswoman

Last Updated: May 23, 2025 at 08:18

Major Themes – Exotica (1995)

Explore the central themes of Exotica (1995), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Heartbreak

The theme of heartbreak is prominent through the strained relationships between the characters, particularly between Eric and Christina. Eric's jealousy and bitterness towards Francis illustrate the emotional fallout of past love. This theme explores how love can spiral into resentment and obsession, impacting interpersonal dynamics in profound ways.

👁️ Surveillance

Surveillance plays a critical role, spotlighting how characters are watched and scrutinized, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. From customs officers monitoring smugglers to the club's dynamics where performers are constantly observed, it questions privacy and the lengths individuals go to hide their true selves.

🔫 Violence

Violence intertwines with the emotional narrative, culminating in an intense confrontation at Exotica. This theme illustrates a shift from manipulation and jealousy to outright confrontations, showcasing how unresolved tensions can lead to explosive outcomes.

Last Updated: May 23, 2025 at 08:18

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Unlock the Full Story of Exotica

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Exotica Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Exotica, 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.

Exotica Summary

Exotica Timeline

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Exotica Timeline

Exotica Spoiler-Free Summary

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Exotica Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Exotica

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More About Exotica

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