On Body and Soul

On Body and Soul

Year: 2018

Runtime: 116 min

Language: Hungarian

Director: Ildikó Enyedi

Echo Score: 80
DramaRomance

In a Budapest slaughterhouse, a tender and unusual romance develops between Mária, a cleaning lady, and Endre, the head of security. Both are introverted individuals who find comfort in routine and order, but their shared appreciation for precision creates an unexpected bond. They discover that they are sharing the same vivid dreams, leading them on a delicate and poignant journey to understand their connection and find happiness within their constrained world.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – On Body and Soul (2018)

Trace every key event in On Body and Soul (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

Recurring Dreams

Endre and Mária both experience a shared recurring dream in which they transform into a pair of deer roaming freely in the forest. This dream symbolizes their internal struggles and longing for freedom from their mundane realities.

Recurring Dream World
2

Mária's Arrival

Mária joins the team at the abattoir, immediately facing hostility due to her autism and strict approach to meat quality inspection. Her interactions create tension, particularly with Endre, who tries to be welcoming but is met with uncomfortable remarks.

Present Day Abattoir
3

The Unpleasant Incident

During their first conversation, Mária makes a rude comment about Endre's lame arm, revealing her bluntness and lack of social cues. This incident leaves both feeling awkward, highlighting the beginning of their strained relationship.

Present Day Abattoir
4

Introducing Sanyi

The abattoir hires Sanyi, a brash new butcher whose arrogant demeanor and indifference towards animals repulse Endre. Sanyi's presence adds to the tension within the workplace and escalates conflicts among staff.

Present Day Abattoir
5

Investigation Begins

Tension at the abattoir peaks when mating powder mysteriously disappears from the inventory, prompting an investigation led by the management. Endre and his friend Jenő suspect Sanyi, which exacerbates existing animosities.

Present Day Abattoir
6

Psychological Assessments

To uncover the truth behind the missing powder, the management employs a psychologist to assess the staff's personalities and sexual histories. This leads to unexpected revelations about their dreams, especially between Endre and Mária.

Present Day Abattoir
7

Shared Dream Revelation

During the assessments, Endre and Mária reveal they both had the same strange dream, which the psychologist dismisses as a prank. However, this incident unexpectedly strengthens their connection as they realize they share deeper thoughts and feelings.

Present Day Abattoir
8

Mária's Transformation

Mária undergoes a transformation, exploring her feelings and desires following her closeness with Endre. She begins to listen to romantic music and watch adult films, seeking to understand her emotional responses and relationships better.

Present Day Mária's Home
9

Endre's Disillusionment

Despite initial romantic feelings, Endre grows disillusioned with his relationship with Mária. He seeks companionship elsewhere, but ultimately finds himself unsatisfied, reflecting on the complexities of their bond.

Present Day Various Locations
10

Despondency and Suicide Attempt

Feeling depressed and overwhelmed, Mária contemplates suicide and attempts to cut her wrist in the bathtub. This serious moment is interrupted by a call from Endre, leading to a brief but pivotal conversation about their feelings.

Present Day Mária's Home
11

Confession of Love

During their awkward phone call, Endre confesses his love for Mária, which she reciprocates. This moment allows them to confront their feelings, setting the stage for a deeper relationship despite past tensions.

Present Day Mária's Home
12

Night of Intimacy

After treating her wound, Mária visits Endre, leading to a night of intimacy that signifies a turning point in their relationship. This deep connection fosters a newfound understanding between them.

Present Day Endre's Home
13

A Dreamless Morning

The morning after spending the night together, both Endre and Mária awaken realizing they did not experience a dream. This poignant moment marks a significant shift in their relationship dynamics, representing growth and change.

Present Day Endre's Home

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 03:07

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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.

Unconventional Real-World Romances like in On Body and Soul

Tender connections that flourish in unexpected, even difficult, places.Discover movies like On Body and Soul that feature tender, authentic romances blossoming in unexpected settings between unique individuals. If you liked the quiet, poignant connection between Mária and Endre, you'll find similar stories of love against the odds in these carefully selected films.

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Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread follow characters who are often isolated or neurodivergent, finding a profound connection with another soul who understands their specific world. The central conflict is typically internal, revolving around communication barriers and the courage to be vulnerable, rather than external dramatic forces. The journey is one of subtle emotional breakthroughs.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a focus on raw, authentic, and unconventional romantic bonds. They prioritize emotional honesty over grand gestures, often featuring a slow-burn development of affection in settings that contrast with the tenderness of the relationship itself, creating a uniquely poignant vibe.

Dreamlike Melancholy and Inner Worlds like in On Body and Soul

Stories where dreams and reality blur to explore profound loneliness and connection.Find movies similar to On Body and Soul that blend dream sequences with stark reality to delve into deep emotional states. If you were captivated by the shared dreams and the exploration of inner loneliness in On Body and Soul, this collection of films with a dreamlike, melancholic vibe is for you.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves characters retreating into rich inner lives or shared subconscious spaces to escape or make sense of a challenging reality. The plot often revolves around the convergence of these two worlds, leading to a climax where the characters must reconcile their fantasies with the truths of their waking lives, resulting in a bittersweet resolution.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their dreamlike aesthetic and a core thematic focus on introspection, loneliness, and the non-linear paths to human connection. They share a slow, deliberate pacing that allows the viewer to immerse themselves in the characters' psyches, and a melancholic tone that acknowledges the pain of existence while searching for beauty within it.

Unlock the Full Story of On Body and Soul

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

On Body and Soul Summary

Read a complete plot summary of On Body and Soul, 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.

On Body and Soul Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in On Body and Soul

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in On Body and Soul

On Body and Soul Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of On Body and Soul 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.

On Body and Soul Spoiler-Free Summary

More About On Body and Soul

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about On Body and Soul: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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