Flatliners

Flatliners

Year: 1990

Runtime: 115 min

Language: English

Director: Joel Schumacher

Sci-FiDramaThrillerHorror

As five medical students embark on a daring experiment to defy mortality, they confront the darkest corners of existence. By temporarily ceasing the beat of one of their own hearts, they challenge the veil between life and death, risking the unknown consequences that await them upon return.

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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