Gloria

Gloria

Year: 1999

Runtime: 108 min

Language: Portuguese

Director: Sidney Lumet

Budget: $30M

DramaThrillerCrime

After being released from prison, Gloria returns to New York City seeking a fresh start and retribution for past wrongs. She finds herself entangled with a dangerous criminal underworld and confronts a devastating truth: a young boy has been orphaned by the violent actions of her former lover. Haunted by this discovery, Gloria must grapple with her past and decide whether to seek vengeance or protect the innocent.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Gloria 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!

Timeline – Gloria (1999)

Trace every key event in Gloria (1999) 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

Gloria is released from prison

Gloria is released after serving three years to save her boyfriend Kevin. She immediately faces Kevin, demanding the money he promised her and learns he won't pay.

Prison
2

Kevin refuses to pay

The confrontation reveals Kevin's refusal to give Gloria the money she sacrificed to take the rap for him, fueling anger and distrust between them. Gloria leaves determined to find a way to secure the promised funds.

Kevin's apartment
3

The disk and the killings

The gang's accountant tries to safeguard himself by creating a disk listing all involved in the operation. In a violent reversal, a henchman kills the accountant and several family members while grabbing for the disk, and seven-year-old Nicky narrowly escapes the carnage.

Unspecified location
4

Nicky is brought to Kevin's apartment

The seven-year-old Nicky is captured after the massacre and is brought to Kevin's apartment, where Gloria will later meet him. The boy's survival marks the beginning of a dangerous, emotionally charged rescue dynamic.

Kevin's apartment
5

Gloria meets Nicky and contemplates risking her life

Gloria encounters Nicky at Kevin's apartment and faces a crucial choice: risk her own life to save him. The child’s innocence and intelligence begin to stir sympathy she had long suppressed. This meeting sets the stage for a fragile bond.

Kevin's apartment
6

A growing, forbidden bond

Gloria begins to feel love for the boy as his innocence and intelligence inspire her. She recognizes she never planned to care for a child, yet the connection grows despite the risks and dangers closing in.

Kevin's apartment
7

Gloria tries to ditch Nicky in the subway

Gloria tells Nicky she hates kids and attempts to abandon him in a subway, hoping to rid herself of the burden. Nicky refuses to be left behind and returns, forcing them to confront their bond.

Subway
8

The bond deepens amid danger

As they spend more time together, their mutual affection deepens, and Nicky's cleverness and resilience begin to soften Gloria's hardened outlook. Their fragile family unit forms amid the chaos of the mob's pursuit.

Various locations
9

News hits and Nicky runs away

News reports reveal the killings of Nicky's family, spurring him to run away from the hotel room they share. Gloria's resolve tightens as danger closes in around them.

Hotel room
10

Nicky boards the train; Gloria alerts the police

Nicky escapes toward a train bound for 158th Street and Gloria frantically informs the police that her child is on that train. The mob's pursuit intensifies as she fights to protect him.

Train to 158th Street
11

Nicky is apprehended and returned

Nicky is apprehended by the authorities, and Gloria accompanies him back to the hotel. The close brush with danger cements their reliance on each other.

Hotel
12

Bath scene and questions

Back at the hotel, Gloria gives Nicky a bath as they settle in for the night. Nicky wakes and asks, 'Did it really happen?', testing the boundary between memory and nightmare.

Hotel room
13

Chased in a crowd and separation

Gloria and Nicky are separated in a crowded chase by Kevin's gang, and Nicky is captured again. The peril surrounding their bond intensifies, forcing new decisions.

Crowded city area
14

Race track negotiation

Gloria meets Ruby at a race track and negotiates an exchange: Nicky for the accountant's disk. The deal underscores the gravity of their situation and Gloria's commitment to keeping Nicky safe.

Race track
15

Final choice: boarding school or family

Gloria takes Nicky to a boarding school, but they decide they would rather remain together as a family. The ending cements their choice to face the future together, away from the mob's reach.

Boarding school

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:58

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Gloria Summary

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Gloria Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Gloria

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Gloria

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