Oxygen

Oxygen

Year: 1999

Runtime: 92 mins

Language: English

Director: Richard Shepard

ThrillerDramaMysteryCrimeCrime drugs and gangsters

When housewife Frances Hannon is abducted and buried alive, detective Madeline Foster is called in. With only 24 hours of air left, Madeline races against time, following clues left by a killer who calls himself Harry Houdini. She captures him and tries to force a confession, but he manipulates her unstable, alcoholic mind as the clock ticks down.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Oxygen 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 & Setting – Oxygen (1999)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Oxygen (1999). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary

The story takes place in modern times, reflecting present-day policing and crime investigation. It features a detective-driven chase, a car pursuit, and FBI involvement, all typical of late-20th to early-21st century thrillers. The pacing and devices align with contemporary crime dramas rather than historical set pieces.

Location

Urban City, City Police Department

The action centers in a gritty urban environment anchored by the city's police precinct and the surrounding streets. The precinct acts as the investigative hub, with tense night-time patrols and pursuit through narrow city blocks. The atmosphere is procedural and urban, saturated with danger and surveillance.

🏙️ City 🚓 Police 🕵️‍♀️ Detective

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:49

Main Characters – Oxygen (1999)

Meet the key characters of Oxygen (1999), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Harry Houdini (Adrien Brody)

A charismatic yet chilling kidnapper who orchestrates a high-stakes game of lure and escape. He reveals a cold, analytical mind and a willingness to manipulate investigators to achieve his objectives. His ultimate plan hinges on control, timing, and the thrill of the game.

🧠 Mastermind 🗝️ Manipulative 🎭 Charismatic

Det. Madeline Foster (Maura Tierney)

A determined detective drawn into Houdini's psychological trap. She balances professional duty with a darker, more impulsive side that emerges under pressure. Her pursuit exposes her vulnerability and thirst for truth amidst deception.

🕵️‍♀️ Detective 💡 Determined 🖤 Complex

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:49

Major Themes – Oxygen (1999)

Explore the central themes of Oxygen (1999), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧠 Mind Games

The film centers on psychological manipulation and a cat-and-mouse game between Houdini and Detective Foster. Each side tries to outsmart the other, blurring lines between truth and deception. The twists reveal how personal obsessions can distort justice and trigger moral compromise.

⚖️ Moral Dilemma

Characters confront ethical choices as the hunt for truth devolves into manipulation and power plays. The police become pawns in Houdini's plan, and Foster's own darker impulses surface under pressure. The finale raises questions about mercy, vengeance, and what constitutes justice.

🔎 Truth Unveiled

Revelations about Houdini's true identity and the buried victim drive the narrative toward a critical turning point. The map of the building and the staged revelations expose a deeper conspiracy within the investigation. The protagonist's pursuit ends in a dramatic twist that redefines what happened and who is responsible.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:49

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Oxygen

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

Oxygen Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Oxygen, 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.

Oxygen Summary

Oxygen Timeline

Track the full timeline of Oxygen with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Oxygen Timeline

Oxygen Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Oxygen 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.

Oxygen Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Oxygen

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

More About Oxygen