Year: 1979
Runtime: 118 mins
Language: English
Director: Robert Altman
Amid a perpetual winter that has driven humanity toward extinction, survivors pass the endless days by obsessively playing a board game known as Quintet. A handful of rebels take the game to a deadly extreme, using living participants as pieces; only the final victor lives, while the rest are eliminated.
Get a spoiler-free look at Quintet (1979) 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 a world locked in an endless winter, the last remnants of humanity cling to survival while the landscape itself seems to have given up. The cold has driven people to seek meaning in the ritualistic board game known as Quintet, a pastime that has become both a distraction and a desperate measure of control. As resources dwindle, the game takes on a strange reverence, hinting that the stakes may be far higher than a simple roll of dice.
_ Essex_, a weather‑worn seal hunter, trudges across the barren tundra with his pregnant partner Vivia, hoping to reach a sanctuary where family still exists. Their journey toward the north is as much a search for warmth as it is a quest to reunite with his brother Francha, a man who represents a fragile thread of hope in an otherwise desolate existence. The pair’s bond and determination stand out against the stark whiteness, suggesting that even in the bleakest conditions, human connection can still flicker.
When they finally arrive at a remote outpost that houses the infamous Hotel Electra, they encounter a society that has turned Quintet into something far more ritualistic. Grigor, the smooth‑talking dealer, welcomes them into a world where the game’s elegant mechanics mask a relentless pressure. Among the regulars is the enigmatic Ambrosia, known as the “sixth player,” whose presence adds an uncanny layer to the competition, and St. Christopher, a seasoned gambler whose reputation precedes him. Here, the line between a simple hand and a matter of life blurs, hinting that the final victor may claim more than a trophy.
The film bathes its icy backdrop in a slow‑burning tension, balancing stark beauty with an undercurrent of looming danger. As Essex becomes drawn deeper into the orbit of Quintet, the audience is left to wonder how far one will go when the game becomes the only chance for survival, and whether the promise of a single win can justify the cost of everything else.
Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 17:57
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Deliberately paced stories of humanity's end where survival has lost all meaning.For viewers who appreciated the oppressive, frozen apocalypse and existential themes of Quintet. This list features movies like Quintet that are slow-burn, thought-provoking science fiction stories about human extinction, moral decay, and the futility of survival in a harsh, dying world.
The narrative typically follows a disillusioned protagonist navigating a collapsed world. The central conflict is often internal—a battle against despair and the search for meaning in a reality that offers none. Plots unfold slowly, revealing the depths of the world's decay and the protagonist's gradual emotional or moral disintegration.
These films are grouped by their shared commitment to a bleak, contemplative tone and a slow, atmospheric pace. They prioritize mood and thematic depth, creating a cohesive experience of existential dread and the chilling realization of humanity's inevitable end.
Stories where a sinister game exposes the darkest aspects of human nature.If you liked the concept of Quintet's lethal board game, this list features movies with similar high-stakes, life-or-death game premises. These stories explore themes of conspiracy, psychological manipulation, and the dark extremes people will go to when survival is the only prize.
The narrative revolves around a protagonist forced to participate in a deadly game with obscure rules. As the game progresses, it reveals a deeper conspiracy or a commentary on the corrupt nature of the society that created it. The plot is driven by mystery, betrayal, and the gradual erosion of the protagonist's humanity as they play to survive.
These films are united by their core premise of a life-threatening game that serves as a crucible for testing human morality. They share a high intensity stemming from constant mortal danger and a bleak, often cynical, view of human nature under pressure.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Quintet 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 Quintet is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Quintet, 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.
Track the full timeline of Quintet with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Quintet. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Quintet: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Quintet that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Quintet (1979) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Quintet (1979) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Quintet (1979) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Quintet – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Multiverse (2019) Full Summary & Key Details
The Quatermass Experiment (2005) Full Summary & Key Details
The Terror Within (1989) Film Overview & Timeline
Quarantine (1989) Full Summary & Key Details
Monsters of Man (2020) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Terrible Things (2021) Film Overview & Timeline
Quid Games (2023) Full Summary & Key Details
The Quatermass Conclusion (1979) Full Summary & Key Details
Quatermass (1000) Full Movie Breakdown
The Quatermass Xperiment (1955) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Quatermass and the Pit (1000) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Five (1951) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Quatermass 2 (1957) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Quadrant (2024) Full Summary & Key Details
Quatermass and the Pit (1967) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap