Flatliners

Flatliners

Year: 1990

Runtime: 115 min

Language: English

Director: Joel Schumacher

Sci-FiDramaThrillerHorror

Driven by a fascination with death, five medical students attempt to cheat mortality by deliberately stopping their hearts and recording their experiences during clinical death. As they push the boundaries of science, they find themselves haunted by a mysterious presence and forced to confront their own past regrets. The experiment leads them down a dangerous path, blurring the line between life, death, and the consequences of tampering with the natural order.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Flatliners (1990)

Trace every key event in Flatliners (1990) 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

Nelson's Inspiration

Nelson, inspired by stories from near-death experiences, convinces his medical school classmates to join him in exploring the afterlife. His beliefs deepen as he believes in the existence of life beyond death, spurring his ambitious plan.

2

Setting Up Experiments

Nelson sets up his experimental base in an abandoned building, bringing in the necessary medical equipment. The group, driven by scientific curiosity, agrees to participate in this risky venture, ready to explore uncharted territory.

Abandoned Building
3

Initial Flatlining

Nelson flat-lines for one minute, during which he experiences visions of a boy he bullied as a child, Billy Mahoney. Upon reviving, he describes a profound experience, piquing the interest of his classmates in their risky exploration.

4

Joe's Experience

Following Nelson, Joe flat-lines with plans to be dead for 90 seconds. In his brief afterlife, he has an erotic sequence, affirming Nelson's claims about the existence of something beyond mortal life.

5

David's Bid

David, interested in Rachel and seeking to outdo Joe, engages in a bidding war for flat-lining time, ultimately bidding 140 seconds. His experience pits him against visions from his past, particularly haunting memories of a girl he bullied.

6

Rachel's Turn

Despite David's last-minute trepidation, Rachel flat-lines next, provoking intense concern among the men. The tension escalates as a power failure jeopardizes her revival, but she survives, only to face her own haunting memories.

7

Confronting Visions

As Rachel revives, she begins experiencing flashbacks of her father's suicide. The men bond over their respective traumas, sharing their experiences and ultimately leading David to seek redemption by confronting his past.

8

David's Apology

Determined to make amends, David tracks down Winnie Hicks, the girl he bullied, and apologizes to her. Her acceptance of his apology lifts a heavy burden off David's conscience.

Winnie's Home
9

The Dark Secret Revealed

During a cemetery visit to Billy Mahoney's grave, Nelson reveals the dark truth of how he and his friends accidentally caused Billy's death. This revelation burdens the group as they grapple with their past actions.

Cemetery
10

Rachel's Encounter

While alone, Rachel has a powerful encounter with her father's apparition, who apologizes to her. This encounter lifts her guilt regarding his death, providing her with a sense of closure.

Rachel's Apartment
11

Nelson's Desperation

Feeling the weight of his unresolved guilt, Nelson decides to flat-line again to seek closure. He calls Rachel, confessing his need to make amends, prompting an urgent race to save him.

12

Race Against Time

Rachel and the others realize Nelson's intentions and attempt to reach him in time. They find Nelson flat-lined after a lengthy attempt to revive him, only to be met with despair as time ticks away.

13

Nelson's Last Trial

In his afterlife, a young Nelson finds himself reliving the torment he subjected Billy Mahoney to. The cycle of guilt culminates when young Nelson falls, transforming into his older self, signaling his inner turmoil.

Afterlife
14

Final Revival

In a desperate attempt, David gives Nelson one last shock, resulting in a miraculous revival. As Nelson comes to, he humorously remarks, 'Today wasn't a good day to die,' indicating a newfound appreciation for life.

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:36

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Stories about brilliant minds tampering with nature and facing terrifying backlash.If you were fascinated by the high-stakes medical experiments in Flatliners, explore these similar sci-fi and thriller movies. This list features stories where scientific curiosity leads to terrifying repercussions, perfect for viewers who like 'what if' scenarios with a dark, tense atmosphere.

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The narrative journey begins with a seemingly stable present that is shattered when past transgressions resurface, often triggered by a specific event. Characters are then pursued by manifestations of their guilt, leading to a period of psychological unraveling. The arc culminates in a confrontation with the past that offers either destruction or a hard-won chance at redemption.

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These films are united by their deep exploration of guilt, regret, and the psychological toll of buried secrets. They create a cohesive experience through a tense, anxious mood, fast-paced reveals of past trauma, and a focus on the heavy emotional burden carried by the protagonists.

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Flatliners Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Flatliners

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Flatliners Spoiler-Free Summary

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