-->
Year: 1985
Runtime: 106 min
Language: Vietnamese
Director: Robert Altman
In this poignant drama, a lonely hotel employee's unrequited passion collides with the charismatic allure of a sultry lounge singer, setting off a whirlwind of longing and heartache that threatens to consume them both.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Fool for Love yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
In the barren landscape of the Mojave Desert, a run-down motel becomes the setting for a dramatic reunion between May and her ex-lover, Eddie. As old emotions resurface, Eddie attempts to revive their past romance, only to be met with May’s unwavering resistance. Having liberated herself from the chains of their toxic relationship, May has built a new life defined by purpose and independence. The idea of returning to Eddie’s rustic farmhouse in Wyoming does little to sway her, as she is determined to avoid falling back into the destructive cycles of their shared history.
On the edges of this story stands a mysterious figure known as the Old Man. His cryptic remarks shed light on a tangled web of relationships he has created, revealing a lifetime spent abandoning his families for long stretches, leaving behind scars that may take generations to mend. As the narrative progresses, it becomes painfully apparent that this patriarch has lived a double life that has deeply impacted those around him.
As Eddie embodies the same destructive tendencies that plagued his father, May grows increasingly anxious, sensing disconcerting parallels between his actions and those she once knew all too well. A lingering sense of deceit permeates his words, hinting that he may be repeating the very patterns he has always abhorred. The shadow of his mother’s tragic death looms over the two, suffocating any glimmer of hope for reconciliation.
Tensions escalate toward a climactic showdown, bringing Eddie’s flaws into stark relief while putting May’s resolve to the ultimate test. Ultimately, it seems as though Eddie has vanished into the enveloping darkness of the desert, leaving May alone to gather her belongings, her future uncertain. Meanwhile, the Old Man chooses denial over acceptance, evading the terrible repercussions of his own past. As Martin, May’s past suitor, observes the unfolding tragedy with stunned disbelief, the tale concludes on a poignant note of love, loss, and enduring regret.
Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 18:15
Fool for Love (1985) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Fool for Love (1985) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Fool for Love – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
F*ck Love Too (2022) Movie Recap & Themes
Love Affair (1939) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Lover for a Day (2018) Story Summary & Characters
For Love or Money (1993) Movie Recap & Themes
An Affair of Love (2000) Story Summary & Characters
Nobody's Fool (1995) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
The Lover (1992) Film Overview & Timeline
Two Lovers (2009) Full Summary & Key Details
Fool's Paradise (2023) Movie Recap & Themes
Love Ranch (2010) Film Overview & Timeline
Love the Hard Way (2003) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Feast of Love (2007) Full Movie Breakdown
Fools Rush In (1997) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
A Lot Like Love (2005) Full Movie Breakdown
Loverboy (2006) Full Summary & Key Details