Plenty

Plenty

Year: 1985

Runtime: 124 mins

Language: English

Director: Fred Schepisi

RomanceDrama

She seeks the thrill of power, the heat of passion, and to push her existence to its limits, refusing to settle for less. In David Hare’s drama, a former French Resistance fighter returns to civilian life after the war, only to discover that the quiet routine can’t satisfy the ambitions and trauma that still drive her.

Plenty (1985) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Plenty (1985) 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 wake of World War II, a continent bruised by conflict struggles to settle into an uneasy peace, and Britain’s social tapestry is being rewoven with new ambitions and lingering shadows. Amid this shifting landscape, Susan Traherne emerges as a woman forged in the clandestine world of the French Resistance, a courier whose wartime daring left her both exhilarated and scarred. The film opens with her returning to civilian life, carrying the restless energy of a daring past into a world that now expects quiet conformity.

Susan’s drive for power, passion, and self‑definition places her at odds with the expectations of post‑war society. She encounters a circle of characters who each embody different facets of the era: the enigmatic Lazar, a fellow operative whose brief encounter hints at a deeper, unspoken bond; the steady yet pragmatic Raymond Brock, whose presence offers both stability and the kind of partnership Susan has learned to weigh against her own yearning for autonomy. Friends such as Alice and the charismatic Mick further illuminate the spectrum of choices available to a woman determined to shape her destiny on her own terms.

The tone balances intimate introspection with the broader sweep of historical change, weaving together moments of quiet domestic life and the lingering echo of covert missions. The film’s atmosphere is steeped in the lingering tension of a world recovering from upheaval, while Susan’s internal struggle—a blend of ambition, trauma, and an unquenchable thirst for significance—propels the narrative forward. Through her eyes, the audience senses the clash between the desire for ordinary comforts and the magnetic pull of a life lived at the edge of history’s most dramatic moments.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 15:54

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Movies about post-war disillusionment like Plenty

Stories about the psychological scars and restless emptiness following major conflicts.If you were captivated by Plenty's exploration of a restless soul after WWII, you'll find similar stories here. This collection features movies like Plenty that examine the psychological toll of war, focusing on characters grappling with trauma and a deep dissatisfaction with civilian life.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives often follow a chronological descent from a peak moment of purpose (often during a war) into a protracted struggle with peacetime. The protagonist's unresolved trauma manifests as erratic behavior, strained relationships, and a nostalgic, often destructive, longing for their former self.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a heavy emotional weight and a melancholic tone, united by the theme of a character's identity crisis sparked by the transition from war to peace. They feature steady pacing to explore the character's psychological decay and often end on a bittersweet or bleak note.

Movies about complex unconventional women like in Plenty

Character studies of brilliant, difficult women battling inner demons and societal constraints.For viewers who appreciated the compelling and difficult protagonist in Plenty, this list features similar movies with complex female leads. Discover stories like Plenty about brilliant but troubled women whose intense emotions and non-conformist desires lead to turbulent lives and powerful dramas.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern revolves around a female protagonist's lifelong struggle against internal and external pressures. The plot is often a linear character study that charts her emotional peaks and valleys, frequently involving a dysfunctional marriage, mental health struggles, and a quest for a meaning that remains elusive, resulting in a bittersweet conclusion.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their focus on a specific type of intense, unfulfilled female character and the heavy, melancholic atmosphere their stories create. They share high emotional intensity, steady pacing for deep character exploration, and a consistent tone of frustration and yearning.

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Plenty Summary

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Plenty Summary

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Plenty Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Plenty

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Plenty

More About Plenty

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