Ida

Year: 2014

Runtime: 82 min

Language: Polish

Director: Pawel Pawlikowski

Drama

In 1962 Poland, Anna is about to become a nun when a family secret dramatically alters her plans. She learns that her real name is Ida, and that she is Jewish. To uncover the truth of her origins, she embarks on a journey with her cynical and troubled aunt, confronting the complexities of their family history and the lingering shadows of the Holocaust, ultimately forcing them to examine their identities and their place in a changing world.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Ida (2014)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Ida (2014). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Location

Poland, Convent, Town, Family Home

The movie predominantly takes place in Poland during a snowy winter. Key locations include a convent where Anna (Ida) begins her journey, a family home that holds dark secrets of her past, and various towns along the way. The stark contrast between the cold, isolated convent and the vibrancy of the town reflects Anna's internal struggle between her religious vows and her desire to connect with her lost heritage.

🏰 Setting 🌲 Forest 🏡 Home

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:47

Main Characters – Ida (2014)

Meet the key characters of Ida (2014), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:47

Major Themes – Ida (2014)

Explore the central themes of Ida (2014), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:47

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Movies about identity and confronting the past like Ida

Introspective pilgrimages where characters confront family secrets and redefine themselves.If you were moved by how Ida grapples with her heritage, discover more films where characters embark on quiet journeys to uncover family secrets and confront historical trauma. These movies explore similar themes of identity crisis, generational wounds, and the search for truth with a melancholic, introspective mood.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist, often at a life crossroads, who learns a fundamental truth about their origins. This catalyst sends them on a journey, typically accompanied by a contrasting figure, to physically and emotionally piece together the past. The story unfolds slowly, focusing on internal conflict and the weight of history rather than fast-paced action, leading to a redefinition of the self.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared focus on a deeply personal, often somber quest for truth. They prioritize mood and theme over plot, using a slow, atmospheric pace to let the emotional weight of uncovering the past resonate. The experience is defined by a melancholic tone, heavy emotional weight, and a central theme of reconciling identity with newfound knowledge.

Atmospheric and melancholic dramas with a similar mood to Ida

Slow-burn dramas where visual poetry underscores a heavy emotional journey.If you appreciated the quiet, visual poetry and somber mood of Ida, explore more films that use a slow pace and stark atmosphere to delve into heavy themes. These emotionally resonant character studies share a similar feeling of melancholy, introspection, and a focus on existential questions against a backdrop of beautiful, often bleak, imagery.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative is often simple and linear, serving as a vessel for deep character exploration. The plot unfolds gradually, prioritizing long, quiet shots and a powerful sense of place to create an immersive mood. The central conflict is internal—a character grappling with grief, faith, or existential doubt—making the emotional journey the primary focus.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are connected by their overwhelming emphasis on creating a specific, somber vibe. The similarity lies in the viewing experience itself: it's slow, visually arresting, and emotionally heavy. They share a melancholic tone, a deliberate pace that allows the atmosphere to breathe, and a focus on the interior life of characters facing profound dilemmas.

Unlock the Full Story of Ida

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

Ida Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Ida, 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.

Ida Timeline

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

Ida Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Ida that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About Ida

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

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Discover movies like Ida 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.