Passion

Passion

Year: 2013

Runtime: 102 min

Language: Swedish

Director: Brian De Palma

DramaMysteryThrillerCrime

Within the competitive world of advertising, a powerful and controlling executive finds her position threatened by a young, ambitious newcomer. Their rivalry escalates into a dangerous power struggle, marked by manipulation and deception. As the competition intensifies, a shocking incident reveals the ruthless lengths to which both women will go to achieve their ambitions and maintain their place at the top.

Passion (2013) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Passion (2013) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the sleek, high‑pressure world of a German advertising agency, the relentless chase for the next big campaign fuels a culture where ideas are currency and reputation is everything. At the helm is Christine, a seasoned executive whose meticulous control and commanding presence have made her a pillar of the firm. Her authority, however, sits on a delicate edge, threatened by the arrival of a younger talent whose fresh perspective and daring creativity quickly draw the eye of both clients and colleagues.

Enter Isabelle, an ambitious newcomer whose raw drive and innovative instincts set her apart the moment she joins the team. The chemistry between the two women crackles with a mixture of admiration, rivalry, and unspoken tension, each seeking to outmaneuver the other while navigating a landscape riddled with whispered alliances and subtle power plays. The agency’s polished conference rooms and bustling open‑plan offices become a chessboard, where every pitch, brainstorming session, and late‑night strategy meeting carries the weight of personal stakes and professional survival.

The atmosphere is charged with a sleek, almost cinematic intensity—bright designs juxtaposed with shadowed corridors, high‑gloss presentations contrasted against the darker undercurrents of corporate ambition. Supporting characters such as Dirk, a charismatic figure whose loyalties are as fluid as the market trends, and Dani, an ever‑watchful assistant, add layers to the intricate web of relationships. As the campaign pressures mount, the characters find themselves entangled in a game of manipulation and deception, each maneuver hinting at deeper motivations. The film promises a psychological thriller set against the glittering backdrop of modern advertising, where the line between professional success and personal obsession blurs with every bold idea.

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 13:27

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Thrillers about toxic professional rivalry like Passion

Stories where professional ambition curdles into psychological warfare and ruin.If you liked the fierce, manipulative power struggle in Passion, explore more movies about professional rivals whose ambition leads to psychological destruction. These stories feature characters locked in a battle of wits where the corporate ladder becomes a stage for deception, blackmail, and a complete erosion of morals.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a similar arc: a seemingly professional competition is ignited, often between two highly capable individuals. This rivalry quickly escalates through acts of psychological manipulation, theft of ideas, and public humiliation, blurring the lines between professional and personal warfare. The conflict inevitably leads to a point of no return, such as a crime or a mental breakdown, resulting in the mutual destruction of the protagonists.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here based on their core conflict—a toxic, escalating professional rivalry—and the dark, psychological tone it creates. They share a focus on character-driven tension, a steady pacing that builds dread, and an emotionally heavy viewing experience where ambition becomes a corrosive force.

Movies about moral collapse like Passion

Narratives where characters methodically descend into ethical ambiguity and collapse.Fans of Passion's depiction of a steady moral downfall will find similar stories here. These films explore how ambition, jealousy, or circumstance can slowly corrupt individuals, leading them from deception to serious crime. They are complex character studies with a heavy emotional weight and a pervasive sense of dread.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern is defined by a gradual but inevitable erosion of a character's morals. The story begins with a seemingly minor ethical breach or a strong temptation. Each subsequent act of deception or manipulation is a step down a slippery slope, building tension as the character becomes trapped by their own actions. The journey typically ends not with redemption, but with a stark realization of their own corruption or a complete loss of self.

Why These Movies?

These films are unified by their central theme of moral decay and the specific pacing used to explore it. They share a steady, deliberate build-up of tension, a dark and complex tone, and a focus on the psychological interiority of a character losing their grip on right and wrong, resulting in a profoundly bleak emotional impact.

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Passion Summary

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Passion Summary

Passion Timeline

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Passion Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Passion

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Passion

More About Passion

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