Othello

Othello

Year: 1955

Runtime: 107 mins

Language: Russian

Director: Sergei Yutkevich

Drama

Othello, a celebrated Moorish general, secretly marries Desdemona, angering her noble father and provoking Iago’s envy. Sent to Cyprus, his victories are eclipsed by Iago’s plot, which frames Desdemona as unfaithful with lieutenant Cassio. Consumed by jealousy, Othello kills his wife, and when he learns the truth too late, he takes life, ultimately leaving Cyprus to confront tragedy.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Othello (1955)

Trace every key event in Othello (1955) 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

Secret marriage of Othello and Desdemona

Othello and Desdemona fall in love and marry in secret, defying Desdemona's father Brabantio. The clandestine union promises loyalty and love but triggers disapproval that will ripple through Venetian society.

Venice
2

Brabantio's outrage and Desdemona's public declaration

Brabantio learns of the marriage and protests the match. Desdemona publicly declares her love for Othello before the Doge of Venice.

Venice
3

Othello is sent to Cyprus to face the Turkish threat

With a Turkish fleet threatening Venice, Othello is dispatched to Cyprus to lead the defense. There, his leadership culminates in a decisive victory that establishes his tactical prowess.

Cyprus
4

Iago's deceitful campaign begins

Iago begins a calculated campaign to undermine Othello by sowing doubt about Cassio and about Othello's own trust.

Cyprus
5

Cassio's disgrace

Iago engineers Cassio's disgrace after a drunken episode, stripping him of rank and shattering his reputation. Othello's trust in Cassio begins to erode as Iago manipulates the situation.

Cyprus
6

Iago feigns loyalty to Othello

Iago feigns loyalty to Othello while secretly continuing his manipulations. His duplicity ensures that Othello comes to rely on Iago as a trusted confidant.

Cyprus
7

Desdemona advocates for Cassio

Desdemona intercedes on Cassio's behalf, asking for Cassio's reinstatement and fair treatment. Iago uses her kindness as a tool, planting seeds of jealousy and suspicion in Othello's mind.

Cyprus
8

Handkerchief as evidence

Iago manipulates a handkerchief—Desdemona's token of affection—as supposed proof of infidelity. The handkerchief becomes a symbolic catalyst for Othello's jealousy.

Cyprus
9

Othello murders Desdemona

Driven by jealousy, Othello murders Desdemona in her bed. The act leaves Desdemona's truth and Othello's fate bound together in tragedy.

Cyprus
10

Emilia reveals Iago's treachery

Emilia confronts Iago and reveals the truth about his manipulations, exposing the source of Othello's jealousy. Her revelation threatens Iago's carefully constructed facade.

Cyprus
11

Iago murders Emilia

Iago murders Emilia in a fit of fury after her revelation. The killing underscores his ruthlessness and the collapse of his schemes.

Cyprus
12

Othello's remorse and suicide

Overwhelmed with grief and remorse, Othello recognizes Desdemona's innocence and his own culpability. He ends his life, choosing suicide over disgrace.

Cyprus
13

Funeral ship sails into the sunset

A funeral ship carries the bodies of Othello and Desdemona as it sails into the sunset. The mournful voyage encapsulates the tragedy's final image.

At sea Sea
14

Iago faces justice

The film closes with Iago facing punishment for his treachery and deception. The truth comes to light, and he is condemned by the law.

Venice

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:50

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Tragic stories of manipulation and downfall like Othello

Stories where a single flaw is exploited, leading to a devastating collapse.Explore movies like Othello where a central character is psychologically manipulated into their own destruction. If you liked the calculated cruelty of Iago and Othello's tragic collapse, you'll find similar stories of trust betrayed and jealous rage leading to bleak consequences in these films.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives follow a clear, often devastating, arc: a respected figure is targeted by a envious or resentful antagonist. Through careful, patient manipulation, the antagonist plants seeds of doubt about a loved one or ally. The protagonist, consumed by their newly awakened flaw, spirals into paranoia, leading to catastrophic actions and a tragic, bleak ending.

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Movies are grouped here by their shared focus on psychological manipulation as the primary engine of tragedy. They feature a 'slow burn' escalation of tension, a dark tone, and a heavy emotional weight stemming from the destruction of relationships and the waste of potential.

Slow burn psychological thrillers with a tense atmosphere like Othello

Films where tension builds methodically into an atmosphere of suffocating unease.Find movies with a similar steady, suspenseful pacing to Othello. If you appreciated how Iago's scheme built methodically into an overwhelming sense of dread, you will enjoy these psychological dramas and thrillers where tension simmers and dread accumulates toward a devastating climax.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread unfold with a patient, often meticulous, rhythm. A central conflict or deception is introduced early, and the narrative carefully layers suspicion, miscommunication, and subtle threats. The pacing is steady, allowing the audience to feel the walls closing in on the characters as the reality of their situation becomes clearer and more horrifying.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their shared approach to suspense and mood. They prioritize a steady, character-driven pacing that creates a deeply immersive and uneasy experience. The high intensity comes from psychological strain rather than constant action, resulting in a heavy, emotionally draining viewing experience.

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Othello Summary

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Othello Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Othello

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Othello

Othello Spoiler-Free Summary

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Othello Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Othello

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