Irrational Man

Irrational Man

Year: 2015

Runtime: 95 min

Language: english

DramaMystery

A brilliant but disillusioned philosophy professor, grappling with a personal crisis, finds himself contemplating a drastic course of action. He becomes consumed by thoughts of retribution against a corrupt judge, believing that such an act might offer a sense of purpose and restore meaning to his life. The situation becomes increasingly complex as he navigates his internal struggles and the potential consequences of his actions.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Irrational Man 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 – Irrational Man (2015)

Trace every key event in Irrational Man (2015) 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

Abe's Arrival

Philosophy professor Abe Lucas arrives at Braylin College in Rhode Island, grappling with profound existential doubts. Despite his prestigious position, he feels a heavy fog of self-doubt clouding his mind.

Braylin College, Rhode Island
2

Struggles with Alcoholism

In an attempt to cope with his overwhelming sense of purposelessness, Abe turns to excessive drinking. This unhealthy habit exacerbates his existential crisis, making it increasingly difficult for him to relate to others.

3

Rita and Jill Enter the Scene

Abe becomes entangled with two women who are struggling in their own lives: Rita, a chemistry professor trapped in a stifling marriage, and Jill, a student conflicted between her loyalty to her boyfriend Roy and her feelings for Abe. Both women represent a potential escape for him amid his turmoil.

4

Jill's Emotional Turmoil

Jill navigates her complex feelings for both Abe and Roy, caught between her loyalties. Living with her parents, her emotional conflict deepens as she finds herself drawn to Abe.

5

Abe's Intimate Encounter Fail

During a vulnerable moment, Abe fails to perform in an intimate encounter with Rita, triggering his deep-seated depression. This failure pushes him further into existential despair.

6

Overhearing Injustice

While at a local diner, Abe and Jill overhear a conversation about a mother potentially losing custody of her children due to a corrupt family court judge. This sparks outrage in Abe, leading him to a troubling resolution.

Local diner
7

Abe's Resolve to Act

Driven by a newfound sense of purpose, Abe convinces himself that he can eliminate the judge without fear of consequence. His determination to right this perceived wrong fills him with a dangerous conviction.

8

The Plan to Poison

Abe observes the judge's routines, identifying a moment when the judge stops for juice after his morning run. Utilizing his knowledge from the college lab, he acquires cyanide to implement his deadly plan.

9

The Judge is Poisoned

Abe successfully replaces the judge's juice with the lethal cyanide concoction. As he watches the poison take effect, he feels an unsettling sense of fulfillment, convinced that he has rid the world of evil.

10

Romance Blooms with Jill

Following the judge's death, Abe's relationship with Jill progresses into romance, albeit under troubling circumstances. Their happiness is short-lived as Roy discovers the affair.

11

Secrets Begin to Unravel

Jill and Rita begin to piece together Abe's suspicious behaviors, including his secretive conduct in the lab. Rita, in particular, senses something is amiss, causing her to doubt her feelings for him.

12

Jill Uncovers the Truth

In her quest to understand Abe better, Jill digs into his past and uncovers incriminating evidence of his deception. The weight of this revelation leads her to confront Abe about his actions.

13

Confrontation and Confession

Overwhelmed by guilt, Abe confesses to Jill, but she, standing firm in her moral convictions, decides to end their relationship. This confrontation leaves Abe spiraling deeper into his troubled psyche.

14

The Violent Climax

In a fit of desperation, Abe attempts to push Jill down an elevator shaft during a violent confrontation. Ironically, in his struggle, he loses his footing and falls to his own death, resulting in his ultimate undoing.

15

Jill's Reflection

Emerging from the traumatic experience with Abe, Jill seeks comfort in Roy, pondering the life lessons she has learned. She stands overlooking the ocean, forever changed by the tumultuous relationship with Abe.

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 17:18

Unlock the Full Story of Irrational Man

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

Irrational Man Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Irrational Man, 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.

Irrational Man Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Irrational Man

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Irrational Man

More About Irrational Man

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Irrational Man: 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 Irrational Man

Similar Movies to Irrational Man

Discover movies like Irrational Man 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.