Misery

Misery

Year: 1990

Runtime: 107 min

Language: English

DramaThrillerCrime

After a car accident leaves novelist Paul Sheldon stranded, he's taken in by Annie Wilkes, a seemingly kind but intensely obsessive fan. As Paul recovers in her remote home, Annie's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and controlling, revealing a dangerous fixation on his work. He soon realizes he must find a way to escape her clutches and the terrifying consequences of her twisted demands, while also grappling with the fallout from his career.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Misery 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 – Misery (1990)

Trace every key event in Misery (1990) 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

Paul's Journey Begins

Famous romantic novelist Paul Sheldon sets off from Silver Creek Lodge after finishing his latest manuscript. He is excited to return to New York but faces an unexpected challenge.

Silver Creek Lodge
2

Car Accident in the Blizzard

While driving through a blizzard, Paul's car skids off the icy road, leading to a devastating crash. Unconscious and injured, he is left at the mercy of the elements.

Icy Road
3

Annie Comes to the Rescue

Paul is rescued by Annie Wilkes, a nurse who takes him to her home. She expresses her admiration for him, declaring herself his number one fan, which quickly escalates the tension.

Annie's House
4

Annie's Obsession Revealed

Annie showcases her obsession when she ragefully reacts to profanity in Paul's manuscript. Her erratic behavior foreshadows the danger Paul is in as he realizes her extremes.

Annie's Living Room
5

The Threat of Misery

Annie reveals her fury over Paul's decision to kill off Misery, the character he made famous. She threatens Paul, instilling fear and desperation as he plots an escape.

Annie's House
6

Paul's Escape Attempt

Paul seizes an opportunity to escape by using a hairpin to unlock his bedroom door. However, he soon discovers that the front door is locked, trapping him further in her clutches.

Annie's House
7

Mishap in the Living Room

While exploring the house, Paul accidentally knocks over a ceramic penguin. This seemingly minor event will later have significant consequences as it draws Annie's suspicion.

Annie's Living Room
8

The Dinner Party

In a twisted celebration, Paul romantically toasts to Misery's return during dinner. He attempts to poison Annie by lacing her wine with drug powder, but his plan gets thwarted.

Annie's Dining Room
9

Discovery of the Scrapbook

Paul uncovers a scrapbook that reveals Annie's dark past, including a shocking list of her murder victims. This revelation raises the stakes, proving his life is in imminent danger.

Annie's House
10

Annie's Brutality

Annie catches Paul trying to escape and retaliates by tying him to the bed. She inflicts a gruesome punishment known as 'hobbling,' leaving Paul physically incapacitated and terrified.

Annie's Bedroom
11

Buster's Investigation

Local sheriff Buster investigates Paul’s disappearance, prompted by a growing concern in the community. His intuition leads him to Annie's house, but danger looms as he is unaware of the threat inside.

Annie's House
12

Climactic Confrontation

After a series of intense events, Paul manages to outwit Annie and destroy his manuscript, leading to a violent confrontation. This brutal showdown culminates in Annie’s demise.

Annie's House
13

18 Months Later

In the aftermath of his ordeal, Paul is shown struggling to move on from his experiences. He meets with his agent in a restaurant but is haunted by a vision that brings back memories of Annie.

Restaurant
14

The Shadows of the Past

As Paul interacts with a waitress, he mistakenly identifies her as Annie, highlighting the lasting psychological impact of his traumatic experience. The echo of her words lingers in his mind.

Restaurant

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:36

Unlock the Full Story of Misery

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Misery Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Misery, 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.

Misery Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Misery

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Misery

More About Misery

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More About Misery

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