Martin

Martin

Year: 1978

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: George A. Romero

DramaHorror

In the unsettling town of Braddock, Pennsylvania, Martin presents himself as an 84-year-old vampire. He preys on the town's residents, using sedatives before feeding on their blood with wounds made by a razor. His carefully constructed routine is complicated when he develops feelings for a local housewife, forcing him to confront his monstrous nature and the risk of exposure. The situation challenges his self-imposed rules and threatens to unravel his hidden existence.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Martin 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 – Martin (1978)

Trace every key event in Martin (1978) 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

Martin Boards the Train

Martin, a young man resembling a 20-year-old, boards a train in Indianapolis, Indiana, heading to New York. It marks the beginning of his dark journey, as he leaves behind his old life.

Indianapolis, Indiana
2

First Attack on the Train

While on the train, Martin breaks into a sleeping car and uses a syringe to sedate a woman. He takes advantage of her unconscious state, illustrating his disturbing nature and hunger for blood.

Train
3

Arrival in Pittsburgh

The train makes a stop in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where Martin disembarks. Here, he is met by Tata Cuda, an elderly man who claims to be his cousin from the Old World.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
4

Cuda's Accusation

Tata Cuda reveals his belief that Martin is an 84-year-old vampire. He makes it clear that while he has taken Martin in as family, he will destroy him if he harms anyone in their community.

Cuda's House, Braddock
5

Martin and Christina's Bond

Cuda introduces Martin to his granddaughter, Christina. Despite Cuda's warnings, a friendship blossoms between them, allowing Martin to confide about his origins and struggles.

Cuda's House, Braddock
6

Growing Friendship

Christina, intrigued by Martin's unique situation, buys him a phone, enabling him to connect with others. He begins calling a local radio show, sharing his vampiric experiences, albeit under the guise of insanity.

Braddock
7

First Job at Cuda's Store

Martin starts working at Cuda's grocery store, where he becomes familiar with the locals. He meets Abby, a troubled housewife, and begins to develop feelings for her, further complicating his life.

Cuda's Grocery Store
8

The Hunt for Victims

Martin travels outside Braddock seeking victims. After successfully tracking a young woman home, he plans his attack, showcasing his descent into darkness and retribution against infidelity.

Suburban House
9

Conflict with Lovers

During his attack, Martin discovers the housewife in bed with her lover. After a vicious struggle, he incapacitates them and draws blood, but he shows mercy, choosing not to kill the woman.

Suburban House
10

Exorcism Attempt

Cuda, suspecting Martin's true nature, invites Father Howard to perform an exorcism. Martin's flashbacks reveal deeper fears and beliefs, leading him to flee from the confrontation.

Cuda's House
11

Emotional Turmoil with Abby

Martin finally engages Abby, leading to consensual sex, but soon learns of her emotional pain following her husband's abandonment. This connection deepens Martin's internal conflict about love and bloodlust.

Abby's Home
12

Christina's Departure

Christina decides to leave Braddock with Arthur, despite Martin's warnings about Arthur's abusive nature. Their farewell is bittersweet, marking a significant loss for Martin.

Braddock
13

Martin's Descent

After losing Christina, Martin's urge to seek victims returns. He attacks two derelicts, demonstrating his increasingly violent tendencies and struggles with his identity.

Pittsburgh
14

Tragic Discoveries

Martin finds Abby dead from an apparent suicide, leading him to reflect on his life choices. He contacts the radio show once more, asserting his independence but hinting at deep-seated despair.

Abby's Bathroom
15

Final Confrontation

After being falsely accused of Abby's death, Cuda confronts Martin in his sleep, committing an act of violent betrayal. Martin's life ends abruptly, and his story fades into whispers on the radio.

Braddock

Last Updated: May 26, 2025 at 22:02

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.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about monstrous identity like Martin

Character studies of individuals grappling with a self-perceived monstrous nature.If you were fascinated by Martin's exploration of a lonely individual convinced he is a vampire, you'll find similar stories here. These movies delve into psychological horror and the theme of monstrous identity, featuring characters wrestling with their inner darkness and alienation in a grim, atmospheric setting.

unsettlinglonelymelancholicgrimpsychologicalatmosphericdesperatealienation

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a protagonist, often isolated and misunderstood, who is consumed by the belief that they are inherently monstrous. The narrative charts their struggle to coexist with society, their often-violent actions, and the inevitable tragic collapse of their fragile existence, leading to a bleak resolution.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their deep character focus on alienation and a fractured sense of self. They share a dark, unsettling tone, heavy emotional weight, and a premise that challenges the nature of monstrosity, creating a cohesive experience of psychological despair.

Slow burn atmospheric horror movies like Martin

Where a steady, grim atmosphere builds to an inevitable tragic conclusion.For viewers who appreciated the steady, grim pacing and oppressive atmosphere of Martin, this section highlights similar slow burn horror and drama films. These movies use a deliberate pace to build psychological dread and a deep sense of melancholy, leading to stories that feel heavy and tense.

atmosphericanxiousgrimmelancholictenseuneasydreaddesperate

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread unfold deliberately, often following a character's daily routines as a backdrop for growing tension. The pacing is steady, not slow, with a focus on atmospheric details and character psychology that creates a palpable sense of dread, culminating in a violent or tragic release.

Why These Movies?

They are united by a specific cinematic rhythm: a steady pace that prioritizes atmosphere and psychological tension. The shared experience is one of lingering unease, a grim mood, and a feeling that tragedy is unavoidable, making the viewing experience intensely atmospheric and heavy.

Unlock the Full Story of Martin

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

Martin Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Martin, 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.

Martin Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Martin

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Martin

Martin Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Martin 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.

Martin Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Martin

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

Similar Movies to Martin

Discover movies like Martin 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.