Memoir of War

Memoir of War

Year: 2018

Runtime: 127 min

Language: French

Director: Emmanuel Finkiel

Echo Score: 63
DramaHistory

During the German occupation of France in 1944, Marguerite's life is shattered when her husband, a leader in the Resistance, is taken away by the Gestapo. Determined to learn what happened to him, she reluctantly joins forces with a French man who is working with the Nazis. As she investigates, she must navigate a dangerous web of deceit and risk everything to discover the truth about her husband's disappearance and the harsh realities of war.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Memoir of War (2018)

Trace every key event in Memoir of War (2018) 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

Robert's Arrest

In the summer of 1944, as Allied armies advance towards Paris, Robert Antelme is arrested by the German occupying forces. This event shatters his wife Marguerite's life, leaving her distressed and desperate for answers about her husband's whereabouts.

Summer 1944 Paris
2

Marguerite's Encounter

In her turmoil, Marguerite meets a French collaborator working for the Gestapo. He slyly offers a potential link to Robert's fate in exchange for information about a prominent resister, François Morland, revealing his own interest in Marguerite.

Paris
3

Consulting Dionys

Faced with the collaborator's proposition, Marguerite seeks counsel from Dionys Mascolo, the leader of the resistance network and her lover. Together they weigh the risks, and Marguerite ultimately decides to engage with the collaborator despite her reservations.

Paris
4

Routine Encounters

Marguerite begins a series of routine encounters with the collaborator, who brings her scarce provisions and fine wine. Throughout these meetings, she maintains her resolve by refusing to divulge any information or partake in any illicit activities.

Paris
5

News of Robert's Fate

During one of their discussions, the collaborator reveals that Robert has been sent to a concentration camp in Germany. This disclosure deepens Marguerite's anguish, adding to the heavy weight of uncertainty about her husband's safety.

Paris
6

Liberation of Paris

With the liberation of Paris and the dissolution of the Gestapo, the resistance's focus shifts to uncovering the fates of their arrested colleagues. Marguerite joins the efforts to assist the families of the imprisoned, all while holding onto hope.

1944 Paris
7

Allied Forces Liberate Camps

In the spring of 1945, Allied forces begin liberating the concentration camps. As information surfaces about who has survived, the atmosphere is thick with anticipation and dread as Marguerite awaits news of Robert.

Spring 1945 Concentration Camps
8

Learning of Robert's Condition

After an exhausting wait filled with emotional turmoil, Marguerite learns that Robert is gravely ill in Dachau. The uncertainty is overwhelming, as she grapples with the realization that his life hangs by a thread.

Dachau
9

Arranging Robert's Retrieval

With help from Dionys and François Morland, Marguerite makes arrangements to retrieve Robert from the concentration camp. Their collaborative effort highlights the bond of resistance and the lengths they will go to save each other.

Dachau
10

Holiday in Italy

Once Robert regains enough strength, Marguerite decides to take him on a holiday to Italy. It's a well-deserved respite that allows them to reconnect, but the shadow of their experiences looms over their time together.

Italy
11

The Heart-Wrenching Decision

Upon returning to Paris, Marguerite makes the heart-wrenching decision to divorce Robert. This choice signifies the profound changes they have both undergone as a result of their experiences during the war.

Paris

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 20:34

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Unlock the Full Story of Memoir of War

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Memoir of War Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Memoir of War, 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.

Memoir of War Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Memoir of War

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Memoir of War

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Memoir of War Spoiler-Free Summary

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