Nocturnal Animals

Nocturnal Animals

Year: 2016

Runtime: 116 min

Language: English

Director: Tom Ford

DramaThriller

A gallery owner, Susan Morrow, finds her life disturbed by her husband’s absences and the unexpected delivery of a manuscript from her former husband, Edward Sheffield. The novel, a violent thriller about a man and his family targeted by dangerous criminals, forces Susan to reflect on her past relationship with Edward and the choices she has made. As she reads, the lines between the fictional narrative and her own memories blur, compelling her to examine painful truths and the darkness within her.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Nocturnal Animals (2016)

Trace every key event in Nocturnal Animals (2016) 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

Susan's Lavish Lifestyle

The story begins by establishing Susan's opulent life as a gallery curator, living in a stunning estate overlooking Los Angeles. Surrounded by staff and security, she embodies luxury but remains emotionally isolated.

Los Angeles
2

Package from Edward

One day, Susan receives a surprising package from her ex-husband, Edward Sheffield. Inside the package is a manuscript titled *Nocturnal Animals*, dedicated to her, which reignites old memories and emotions.

Susan's Estate
3

Edwards's Intent

Edward's intention to meet Susan in Los Angeles raises her curiosity and anxiety. Her head of security asks about staffing for the weekend, but Susan opts for solitude, indicating her desire to read the manuscript alone.

Susan's Estate
4

Struggles with Insomnia

That evening, Susan battles insomnia, taking medication to help her sleep. The weight of her unresolved feelings about Edward begins to seep into her psyche, marking a transition into the deeper narrative of the manuscript.

Susan's Bedroom
5

Breakfast with Hutton

The morning after, Susan shares breakfast with her husband Hutton, who expresses his regrets about missing her art show. Their conversation highlights the growing chasm in their relationship as she feels neglected and dismissed.

Susan's Kitchen
6

Reading the Manuscript

Susan starts reading the *Nocturnal Animals* manuscript, which introduces Tony Hastings embarking on a family road trip. The onset of a seemingly normal journey hints at the impending tension and danger ahead.

Morning
7

The Ominous Encounter

As the family travels through Texas, they encounter two cars that seem to follow them ominously. What begins as mere discomfort escalates into a threatening situation, foreshadowing the chaos that is about to unfold.

Texas
8

Confrontation with the Redneck

The tension culminates when Tony is confronted by a menacing redneck who questions his refusal to pull over. Desperation sets in as Tony chooses to keep his family inside the car amidst escalating threats.

Texas Road
9

Tragedy Strikes

The story takes a dark turn as tragedy strikes Tony's family, leaving him to grapple with the consequences of violence and his inability to protect them. Susan feels the weight of the narrative echoing her own emotional turmoil.

10

Susan's Reflection

As Susan reads on, she is haunted by memories of her past with Edward and their relationship. The painful parallels between Tony's experiences and her own life choices begin to crystallize.

Susan's Estate
11

Climactic Showdown

The manuscript builds toward a climactic showdown between Tony and his family's abductors. This moment serves as a poignant metaphor for Susan's internal struggles regarding her regrets and past decisions.

Texas
12

Email to Edward

After finishing the manuscript, Susan feels compelled to reconnect with Edward, sending him an email to suggest a meeting. This act signifies her recognition of the impact of his narrative on her life.

13

Betrayal and Reflection

As Susan prepares for the anticipated reunion, she is struck by the realization that Edward never arrives. This moment marks the culmination of her reflections on love and betrayal, enveloping Susan in solitude once more.

Susan's Estate
14

Understanding the Narrative

The haunting narrative of *Nocturnal Animals* serves as a lens through which Susan views her own life. She confronts the painful truths of her choices, mirroring the themes of loss and revenge that pervade Edward's story.

15

Emotional Upheaval

The emotional weight of Edward's manuscript reverberates within Susan, leaving her alone with her internal turmoil. She reflects on her life choices, realizing how profoundly they intertwine with the fate of both her and Edward.

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 07:07

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Nocturnal Animals Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Nocturnal Animals

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Nocturnal Animals

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Nocturnal Animals Ending Explained

More About Nocturnal Animals

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