Extremities

Extremities

Year: 1986

Runtime: 89 min

Language: English

Director: Robert M. Young

DramaThriller

After successfully defending herself against a violent attack and escaping, Marjorie finds herself struggling to cope with the trauma. Law enforcement faces difficulties due to a lack of evidence, and she must also evade her attacker's persistent pursuit. As Marjorie attempts to rebuild her life, she unexpectedly confronts her assailant at her home, revealing a fierce and determined spirit that challenges his intentions in this intense drama.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Extremities (1986)

Trace every key event in Extremities (1986) 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

Masked assailant abducts Marjorie

Marjorie is attacked at knifepoint as she gets into her car. The masked assailant forces her to drive to a remote location and attempts to sexually assault her. She manages to flee the scene but inadvertently leaves her purse behind.

Night In her car, en route to a remote location
2

Police dilemma after assault

At the police station, Marjorie learns that without a positive identification of her attacker there is little the authorities can do. She is told that if the man is found, it will be her word against his, and he may not face charges. The fear continues as she tries to process the would-be crime.

Following day Police station
3

Attacker uses purse information to stalk

In the days that follow, the attacker, revealed to be Joe, uses the information from Marjorie’s purse to locate her residence. He also steals mail from the home she shares with roommates Pat and Terry to glean more about their lives. The tension builds as she stays vigilant, wondering when he will strike again.

Days after attack Marjorie's residence (shared with Pat and Terry)
4

Joe infiltrates the home

One morning, with Pat and Terry away at work, Joe casually enters Marjorie's home, claiming he's looking for someone who owes him money. She quickly realizes he is the attacker and strives to escape. The intrusion shatters her sense of safety and signals a new, immediate threat.

Morning Marjorie's home
5

Overpowering threat and initial abuse

Joe overpowers Marjorie and begins a brutal sequence of physical intimidation. He is verbally abusive throughout the day as he asserts control over her movements and choices. The danger escalates as he makes it clear he intends to harm her.

Throughout the day Marjorie's home
6

Marjorie fights back with wasp spray

During the assault, Marjorie fights back by spraying wasp repellent into Joe’s eyes, briefly subduing him. He is momentarily blinded and the balance of power shifts, giving her a chance to escape again. The act marks a turning point in the struggle.

Afternoon Marjorie's home
7

Marjorie restrains Joe in the fireplace

After failing to coerce her into submission, Marjorie binds Joe and confines him in the fireplace. The confinement raises the stakes and sets up a possible confrontation with the others when they return. She asserts control in a moment of decisive action.

Later the same day Marjorie's home, by the fireplace
8

Return of Pat and Terry; plan to kill

When Pat and Terry come home, Marjorie recounts what happened and reveals she intends to kill Joe. The discussion reveals differing loyalties and the fear of getting caught in the confrontation. The couple's reaction underscores the fragility of safety in a shared home.

When they return Marjorie's home
9

Joe manipulates the roommates

Joe attempts to manipulate Pat and Terry into turning against Marjorie, presenting himself as the victim. Terry is swayed by his lies, while Pat urges Marjorie to consider the consequences of involving the police. The environment becomes tense as trust fractures.

Following their return Marjorie's home
10

Confrontation and demand for confession

Marjorie presses Joe to confess the truth of his crimes. Joe denies the rape and claims they were lovers, using deception to blur the events. She refuses to be reassured and demands a truthful admission.

During the confrontation Marjorie's home, near the fireplace
11

Joe's shocking confession

Under pressure, Joe confesses that he planned to kill Marjorie as well as Pat and Terry. He also admits raping and murdering three other women. The revelation confirms the full extent of his danger and the risk the trio faced.

During the confrontation Marjorie's home
12

Plan to involve police solidified

Marjorie instructs Pat to go to the police and urges Terry to accompany her. The decision marks a shift from mere self-defense to seeking formal protection and accountability. The threat remains real, but there is now a path toward relief.

After the confession Marjorie's home
13

Final act of control and relief

Marjorie drags Joe back to the fireplace and watches him with a look of relief and triumph. The physical space becomes the stage for a cathartic culmination of the ordeal. The oppression ends as she regains control.

Ending moment Marjorie's home, by the fireplace

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:35

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