Kiss of the Spider Woman

Kiss of the Spider Woman

Year: 1985

Runtime: 120 mins

Language: English

Director: Héctor Babenco

DramaPolitics and human rightsEmotional LGBTQ relationshipsBrutal violent prison dramaPowerful poetic and passionate drama

In a remote tropical island, a mysterious woman sets a surreal tone, but the core narrative follows two starkly different prisoners in a Latin American jail. Valentin, a journalist, endures brutal torture for his political views, while Molina, a gay window‑dresser, combats the isolation by recounting romantic fantasies inspired by classic films, blurring reality and imagination.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Kiss of the Spider Woman 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 – Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985)

Trace every key event in Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985) 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

Cellmates meet under dictatorship

Valentin Arregui, a political prisoner, shares a cramped cell with Luis Molina, a gay man imprisoned for 'corrupting an underage youth.' They begin a guarded dialogue as the prison's harsh realities frame every word. Molina starts passing the time by recounting memories from his favorite film.

Prison cell
2

Molina's cinematic refuge

Molina recounts memories from his favorite wartime romantic thriller, presenting it as a Nazi propaganda film within the film. He weaves the film's characters into their conversations to comfort Valentin and distract them from torture and isolation. The motif of cinema as solace recurs throughout their talks.

Prison cell
3

Valentin challenges Molina's lens

Valentin challenges Molina's shallow romance and urges him toward self-respect and political commitment. Despite friction over what makes a story engaging, a cautious friendship begins to form.

Prison cell
4

Hidden allegiance revealed

It becomes clear that Molina is spying for the secret police, with promises of parole hinging on helping to break up the revolutionary group. Valentin absorbs the treachery with a mix of anger and quiet resolve.

Prison cell
5

Valentin poisoned to aid Molina

As the plot thickens, Valentin is secretly poisoned by his jailers to give Molina the opening to befriend him and gain leverage. The police's reach intrudes even into their cell as manipulation tightens.

Prison cell
6

A dangerous confession of love

Molina declares his love for Valentin, deepening their bond. On Molina's last night in prison, they consummate their relationship, changing the stakes of their fragile arrangements.

Last night in prison Prison cell
7

Parole granted and a fragile farewell

In a surprise move, the secret police parole Molina. Valentin gives him a telephone number and a message for his comrades, urging him to use it only if it serves the cause.

Parole night Prison
8

Daring call and planned rendezvous

After release, Molina calls the number; a meeting with the revolutionary group is arranged, though the secret police keep him under surveillance, heightening the tension.

City streets / outside prison
9

Ambush and Molina's death

At the rendezvous, a gun battle erupts as revolutionaries confront Molina. He is wounded, and the police demand the number; Molina refuses to disclose it and dies.

Rendezvous location / city streets
10

Police cover-up

Molina's body is dumped in a rubbish pit, and the police fabricate a story of his supposed collaboration with the revolutionary group. The deceit reinforces the regime's control over truth.

Rubbish pit
11

Valentin's torture and morphine

Back in the prison infirmary, Valentin is treated after torture. A sympathetic doctor risks his job by giving morphine to help him sleep, easing the torment and offering a fleeting escape.

Prison infirmary
12

A dream of escape: tropical isle

Valentin seems to die, then dreams of escaping with Marta to an idyllic tropical island, a vision of freedom beyond the prison walls. The dream contrasts with the grim reality outside the bars.

Dream sequence / tropical island
13

The film-within-a-film motif intensifies

Molina's stories blur cinema and reality, keeping Valentin's hope alive while highlighting how narrative sustains resistance and memory under oppression.

Prison cell
14

Loyalties collide

The tension of Molina's divided loyalties surfaces, complicating their relationship as personal affection becomes entwined with political danger and betrayal.

Prison cell
15

A glimmer of resolve and distant freedom

Valentin awakens with a renewed sense of political commitment, even as he mourns Molina's death. The ending hints at a future struggle and a longing for freedom beyond the prison walls.

Prison

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:46

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 Kiss of the Spider Woman

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

Kiss of the Spider Woman Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Kiss of the Spider Woman, 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.

Kiss of the Spider Woman Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Kiss of the Spider Woman

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Kiss of the Spider Woman

More About Kiss of the Spider Woman

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Kiss of the Spider Woman: 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 Kiss of the Spider Woman

Similar Movies to Kiss of the Spider Woman

Discover movies like Kiss of the Spider Woman 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.