Hilary and Jackie

Hilary and Jackie

Year: 1998

Runtime: 121 min

Language: English

Director: Anand Tucker

BiographyDramaMusic

This moving drama explores the complex relationship between two sisters, Jackie and Hilary. Jackie, a talented cellist, achieves great success and rises to stardom, while Hilary finds contentment in a more traditional life as a flutist. As Jackie faces increasing pressures and struggles with fame, she seeks solace and support from her sister. This forces Hilary to examine the strength of their bond and the sacrifices made in pursuit of artistic dreams, ultimately revealing the true meaning of family and devotion.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Hilary and Jackie 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!

Hilary and Jackie (1998) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Hilary and Jackie (1998), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

In the vibrant atmosphere of 1960s London, sisters Hilary and Jackie du Pré embark on their distinct musical journeys, heavily influenced by their mother’s lessons in music—Hilary pursues the flute, while Jackie finds her calling with the cello. Despite her early resistance to practice, Jackie blossoms into a virtuoso, quickly gaining international acclaim during her European tours.

As Jackie captivates audiences abroad, Hilary remains in London grappling with her studies at the Royal Academy of Music alongside her supportive family, including her brother Piers. During this time, she meets the charming Christopher “Kiffer” Finzi, son of renowned composer Gerald Finzi, and they embark on a romantic relationship that brings warmth into her life. Hilary’s local fame grows as she joins a community orchestra, shaping her path towards musical recognition.

Upon returning from Moscow, Jackie urges Hilary to share a flat with her, but instead, Hilary ties the knot with Kiffer, relocating to a serene farmhouse to start a family. Meanwhile, Jackie enters a relationship with Daniel Barenboim, a gifted pianist and conductor, with whom she shares a profound bond rooted in their love for music. Their eventual marriage, coupled with Jackie’s conversion to Judaism, creates a buzz in the public eye.

A twist in their sisterly bond occurs when Jackie unexpectedly visits Hilary and Kiffer, abandoning her Los Angeles commitments. In a candid moment, she confesses her desire for Kiffer and tries to seduce him. The next day, Hilary discovers Jackie lost in nature, experiencing an emotional crisis. Although Daniel attempts to comfort Jackie, she rebuffs him. Ultimately, Hilary allows Jackie to indulge in a fleeting encounter with Kiffer, hoping it will alleviate her sister’s turmoil. However, this decision leads to emotional complications, causing a rift between them. Jackie soon resumes her European tours, but an underlying longing for a more harmonious life persists.

From Jackie’s perspective, Hilary has prioritized her life with Kiffer over their special sibling bond. While Jackie finds comfort in her marriage to Daniel, she gradually becomes aware of her declining health—a quiet manifestation of anxiety.

During a pivotal performance, Jackie collapses, requiring Daniel’s support to leave the stage. Subsequently, she faces the heartbreaking diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Despite the grim prognosis, Hilary visits her in the hospital, where Jackie maintains an optimistic outlook, although her condition deteriorates rapidly, affecting her musical capabilities. As the effects of the disease take their toll, Jackie struggles to make sense of her life while witnessing Daniel’s infidelity.

Eventually, Jackie’s health declines to the extent of paralysis, and she loses her ability to communicate. In a poignant moment, Hilary visits her sister, recounting their joyful childhood memories spent on the beach. Tragically, shortly after this heartfelt reminiscence, Hilary learns of Jackie’s passing from the radio. The film concludes with a touching scene of Jackie’s spirit on the beach of her youth, observing herself and Hilary playing freely as children, encapsulating their bond through the passage of time.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 16:56

Unlock the Full Story of Hilary and Jackie

Don't stop at just watching — explore Hilary and Jackie 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 Hilary and Jackie is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Hilary and Jackie Timeline

Track the full timeline of Hilary and Jackie with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Hilary and Jackie Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Hilary and Jackie

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Hilary and Jackie

More About Hilary and Jackie

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Hilary and Jackie: 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 Hilary and Jackie

Similar Movies to Hilary and Jackie

Discover movies like Hilary and Jackie 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.