Gorillas in the Mist

Gorillas in the Mist

Year: 1988

Runtime: 129 mins

Language: English

Director: Michael Apted

HistoryDramaHumanity and the world around usPowerful stories of heartbreak and sufferingHumanity's odyssey: earth and beyond

In remote African highlands, Dian Fossey discovers purpose and a fierce commitment. A dedicated scientist, she journeys to study the dwindling mountain gorillas, immerses herself in their world, and ultimately becomes their staunch defender, battling to safeguard the fragile species.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Gorillas in the Mist 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 – Gorillas in the Mist (1988)

Trace every key event in Gorillas in the Mist (1988) 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

Fossey seeks opportunity after Leakey's lecture

Dian Fossey writes tirelessly to Louis Leakey, inspired by his work with primates. She travels to Louisville for a lecture in 1966 and convinces Leakey of her commitment to studying the rare mountain gorillas.

1966 Louisville, Kentucky
2

Trip to Congo with Leakey's foundation

Leakey invites Fossey to join the Congo expedition with his foundation. They locate a troop of gorillas and meet local tracker Sembagare, setting up her initial fieldwork.

late 1960s Congo
3

Displacement during Congo Crisis

Deep in the jungle, Fossey and Sembagare locate the gorilla troop, but the Congo Crisis erupts, forcing them from their research site. Congolese soldiers accuse Fossey of being a foreign spy, ejecting them from the area.

late 1960s Congo
4

Encouragement to stay in Africa

Fossey contemplates returning to the United States, but Sembagare and Rosamond Carr urge her to stay and continue her work. Their encouragement rekindles her commitment to field research in Africa.

late 1960s Africa
5

Move to Rwanda and establish Karisoke

She relocates her research to the jungles of neighboring Rwanda and establishes Karisoke, where she begins monitoring gorilla groups. The new base becomes the center of her ongoing study.

early 1970s Karisoke, Rwanda
6

Uncovering poaching and traps

Poaching becomes evident as Fossey discovers traps near her new base. She documents the threats to the gorillas and begins mounting anti-poaching efforts to protect the troops.

early 1970s Karisoke, Rwanda
7

International attention and Leakey's praise

Her fieldwork earns praise from Leakey and brings international attention to gorilla research. The project gains funding and credibility through external support and media coverage.

1970s-1980s Karisoke, Rwanda
8

NatGeo hires Bob Campbell; romance grows

National Geographic dispatches photographer Bob Campbell to document Fossey's gorilla research. Through gorilla photo sessions, she grows attached to him and they become lovers. Campbell asks for a divorce and proposes marriage, but his demand that Fossey spend time away from Karisoke drives them apart.

1980s Karisoke, Rwanda
9

Bond with Digit and anti-poaching stance

Fossey forms an emotional bond with Digit the gorilla and vigorously opposes the export of other gorillas by trader Van Vecten. Her relationship with Digit fuels her determination to protect the gorillas and resist exploitation.

1980s Karisoke, Rwanda
10

Clash with authorities over poaching and tourism

Appalled by the ongoing poaching, Fossey confronts the Rwandan government and is dismissed, but a minister promises to hire an anti-poaching squad. Her bold stance alienates some officials and researchers.

1980s Rwanda
11

Digit's beheading and escalation of anti-poaching efforts

Digit is beheaded by poachers, an event that shocks Fossey into intensified anti-poaching patrols. She leads patrols, burns poachers' villages, and even stages a mock execution of an offender, straining relationships with some assistants.

1985 Karisoke, Rwanda
12

Sembagare's concerns about gorilla tourism

Sembagare expresses concern at Fossey's opposition to the emergent gorilla tourism industry. She nonchalantly dismisses his worries, focusing on the gorillas' welfare over commercial interests.

mid-1980s Karisoke, Rwanda
13

Murder on Boxing Day

On Boxing Day, 1985, Fossey is murdered in the bedroom of her cabin by a machete-wielding assassin. The shocking crime remains officially unsolved, fueling debate and speculation about her work and its enemies.

1985-12-26 Karisoke, Rwanda
14

Funeral and final resting places

A funeral is held with Sembagare, Carr, and others in attendance. Fossey is buried in the same cemetery where Digit and other gorillas had been laid to rest, signifying a final resting place shared with her subjects.

1985 Karisoke Cemetery, Rwanda
15

Legacy and epilogue

An epilogue explains that Fossey's actions helped save the gorillas from extinction and that her death remains a mystery. Her legacy continues to influence conservation and anti-poaching efforts worldwide.

post-1985

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:24

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Gorillas in the Mist

Don't stop at just watching — explore Gorillas in the Mist in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Gorillas in the Mist is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Gorillas in the Mist Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Gorillas in the Mist, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Gorillas in the Mist Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Gorillas in the Mist

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Gorillas in the Mist. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Gorillas in the Mist

More About Gorillas in the Mist

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Gorillas in the Mist: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Gorillas in the Mist

Similar Movies to Gorillas in the Mist

Discover movies like Gorillas in the Mist that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.