Pola X

Pola X

Year: 2000

Runtime: 134 min

Language: French

Director: Leos Carax

DramaRomance

In this poignant drama-romance, a disillusioned writer abandons his privileged world to embark on an existential quest with a mysterious woman who claims to be his long-lost sibling. As they navigate the complexities of identity and human connection, the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, leading to a profound exploration of the self.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Pola X (2000)
Trace every key event in Pola X (2000) 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

Life in Normandy

Pierre enjoys a carefree existence in a beautiful chateau in Normandy with his widowed mother. He revels in his growing fame as an anonymous author, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and stability provided by his family.

Chateau in Normandy
2

Encounter with Thibault

While visiting a bar, Pierre meets his cousin Thibault, a stockbroker who extends an invitation for him to stay in Paris. This unexpected encounter hints at a significant change on the horizon for Pierre, who is soon distracted by the presence of a mysterious young woman.

Local Bar
3

Meeting Isabelle

Driving through the forest, Pierre sees the same vagrant woman from before, who approaches him and claims to be his half-sister, Isabelle. She shares a heartbreaking tale about her life as a refugee fleeing the conflict in Eastern Europe, urging Pierre to help her.

Forest
4

Leaving the Past Behind

In an impulsive decision, Pierre abandons his home, mother, and fiancée, opting to take Isabelle to Paris. This drastic change marks a turning point in his life as he seeks a new beginning with his half-sister.

Chateau in Normandy
5

Struggles in Paris

Upon arriving in Paris, Pierre hopes to stay with Thibault, only to be dismissed and left without support. The unfamiliar streets create a daunting environment for the newly formed trio, who struggle to find a place to stay.

Paris
6

New Writing Direction

Inspired by the challenges of their new life, Pierre decides to change the direction of his writing, opting for a dark, mature narrative that reflects the harsh realities around him. His publisher, however, warns that this shift might affect the authenticity of his work.

Publishers Office
7

Tragic Incident at the Zoo

While at the zoo, Pierre cynically explains to a small girl that animals are unhappy due to the stink of humans. This innocent remark has devastating consequences when the girl faces brutal retaliation, leading to her tragic death and leaving Pierre in despair.

Zoo
8

Seeking Shelter

In fear of deportation, Pierre, Isabelle, and Razerka move the corpse of the girl to a warehouse controlled by a violent cult. They agree to help the cult in exchange for shelter as they navigate the treacherous underbelly of their new life.

Dilapidated Warehouse
9

Isabelle's Struggles

In the chaotic environment of the warehouse, Isabelle feels increasingly lost and inadequate. Her attempts to bond with Lucie reveal her deep insecurities as she seeks to earn her place among them while grappling with her complex feelings for Pierre.

Dilapidated Warehouse
10

Television Revelation

Desperate for money, Pierre appears on television to reveal his identity, only to face skepticism and hostility from viewers who no longer connect with his success. This public humiliation adds to his mounting stress as his writing career deteriorates.

Television Studio
11

Existential Crisis

While walking along the Seine, Pierre discovers an autobiography of his father and finds that Isabelle does not recognize him. This revelation triggers an existential crisis for both of them, leading Isabelle to contemplate her worth and existence.

Seine River
12

Attempted Suicide

Isabelle's crisis deepens when she attempts to take her own life after feeling rejected and lost. Her hospital visit unfolds the hidden truths of Pierre and Lucie's relationship, creating a tumultuous atmosphere full of emotional turmoil.

Hospital
13

Confrontation and Rejection

Pierre faces rejection from his publisher after submitting his latest work, leaving him feeling hopeless. The tensions escalate when Isabelle confronts him about his deceit, revealing the shattered state of their intertwined lives.

Publisher's Office
14

Descent into Violence

Feeling betrayed and desperate, Pierre steals firearms from the cult and confronts Thibault. In a moment of rage, he makes the life-altering decision to shoot Thibault, leading to his immediate arrest and further unraveling his life.

Central Paris
15

Isabelle's Tragic End

As Pierre is taken away to jail, Isabelle, unable to cope with her grief and sense of betrayal, throws herself in front of a vehicle. This heartbreaking act underscores the profound impact of their tumultuous relationship and the tragic events that transpired.

Paris Streets

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 17:20

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