Fatal Attraction

Fatal Attraction

Year: 1987

Runtime: 119 min

Language: English

Director: Adrian Lyne

DramaThriller

In this gripping thriller, a seemingly perfect life unravels when a charismatic lawyer's casual encounter with a passionate book editor escalates into a terrifying game of cat and mouse. As the stalker's obsession grows, Dan must confront the true cost of his deception and fight to reclaim his family from the brink of destruction.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Fatal Attraction (1987)
Trace every key event in Fatal Attraction (1987) 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

Dan's Affair Begins

In the heart of Manhattan, attorney Dan Gallagher engages in a secret affair with Alexandra Forrest, a dynamic editor he met at a professional event. The thrill of their clandestine relationship draws Dan in, providing him an escape from his marital complications.

Manhattan
2

Alex's Emotional Manipulation

After spending a day together, Alex's possessiveness escalates when Dan tries to distance himself. Her drastic act of self-harm forces Dan to confront his moral obligations, leaving him feeling trapped by her emotional turmoil.

New York City
3

Alex's Unyielding Pursuit

Despite Dan's repeated refusals, Alex bombards him with apologies and invites, showing little regard for his boundaries. Dan goes as far as instructing his secretary to disregard all calls from Alex, demonstrating his desperation to escape her grasp.

4

The Pregnancy Revelation

The tension between Dan and Alex simmers when she reveals that she is pregnant, insisting that Dan must take responsibility. This unexpected announcement deepens Dan's anxiety and complicates his already difficult situation.

5

Deceitful Encounter with Beth

Alex's manipulations reach new heights when she deceptively meets Dan's wife, Beth, under the pretense of being a potential apartment buyer. This encounter rattles Dan, forcing him to confront Alex about her audacious behavior.

Dan and Beth's apartment
6

Relocation Attempt

In an effort to break free from Alex's obsession, Dan and Beth move to the calm countryside of Bedford. However, Alex's relentless pursuit continues, as she sends threatening messages to Dan's workplace, showing that her obsession knows no bounds.

Bedford
7

Vandalism Strikes

As Alex's fixation escalates, she vandalizes Dan's car, leaving him in a state of heightened anxiety. Her actions serve as a reminder of the tangled web of deceit Dan has spun, propelling him further into desperation.

8

Police Involvement

Desperation drives Dan to seek police assistance regarding Alex's behavior. However, the authorities inform him that without solid evidence against her, they cannot take action, leaving Dan feeling powerless against the consequences of his choices.

Police Station
9

A Shocking Discovery

Returning home from an outing, Dan, Beth, and their friend Ellen are horrified to find that Ellen's pet rabbit has been boiled. This gruesome act, a signature of Alex's escalating madness, highlights the depths of her obsession and the darkness surrounding their lives.

Dan and Beth's home
10

Beth's Ultimatum

Faced with the shocking revelation of Dan's affair and Alex's pregnancy, Beth orders Dan to leave their home. Before he departs, she confronts Alex with a chilling threat, vowing to protect her family at all costs.

11

Ellen's Kidnapping

In a terrifying act, Alex kidnaps Ellen from school and takes her to an amusement park, a place meant for innocence that now becomes a battleground for adult complexities. This horrifying turn prompts a frantic search by Beth as fear takes hold.

Amusement Park
12

Beth's Tragic Accident

As Beth searches frantically for Ellen, she gets into a tragic car accident and is hospitalized. The devastating incident complicates Dan's efforts to regain control of the situation, deepening the chaos spiral caused by Alex's actions.

Hospital
13

Confrontation with Alex

In a bid to end Alex's torment, Dan confronts her violently, believing he has finally subdued her. However, her resilient nature quickly resurfaces, forcing Dan and Beth to grapple with their complicated emotions as they try to rebuild their lives.

14

The Final Showdown

In a shocking climax, Alex invades Dan and Beth's home while Beth tries to relax in the bath. A desperate struggle ensues, leading to a chaotic confrontation where both Dan and Beth must fight the darker side of love and intense obsession.

Dan and Beth's home
15

Aftermath and Reflection

With the police arriving at the chaotic scene, Dan and Beth are left to confront the irrevocable changes to their relationship. The once solid trust between them is now marred by betrayal and obsession, forcing them to reckon with their choices moving forward.

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 09:29

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