Red Joan

Red Joan

Year: 2019

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Director: Trevor Nunn

BiographyDramaThrillerRomance

In quiet suburban retirement, Joan Stanley’s life is unexpectedly disrupted when the British Secret Service arrests her for decades of espionage. Faced with interrogation, she recounts a complex past, beginning with her promising career in physics at Cambridge University. There, she experiences a passionate romance with a political radical and witnesses the devastating effects of war. These experiences lead her to make a fateful decision, risking everything to pursue peace and fundamentally change the world, a path that now brings her past crashing into the present.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Red Joan (2019)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Red Joan (2019). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1940s, Year 2000

The film is primarily set in the 1940s during World War II and the immediate post-war period, a time of heightened anxieties surrounding nuclear weapons and espionage. It culminates in the year 2000, illustrating the long-lasting consequences of Joan's choices as she faces the repercussions of her actions against a backdrop of evolving political landscapes.

Location

Cambridge University, Soviet Union, Hiroshima, Nagasaki

Cambridge University serves as a prestigious backdrop for Joan's academic pursuits in physics, fostering deep intellectual connections among students. Additionally, the film touches upon significant locations related to key historical events, such as Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which underscore the devastating impact of atomic warfare. The Soviet Union is central to the espionage plot, representing the geopolitical tensions of the era.

🏫 University 🌍 Global Conflict 🔥 Historical Events

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:20

Main Characters – Red Joan (2019)

Meet the key characters of Red Joan (2019), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Joan Smith

Joan is a strong-willed and intelligent woman driven by her academic ambitions and her desire to contribute to the war effort. Her character is marked by emotional complexity as she navigates the turbulent waters of love, betrayal, and moral dilemmas stemming from her involvement in espionage. Her journey reflects the personal sacrifices made in the name of a larger cause.

💡 Intelligent ❤️ Determined 🕵️‍♀️ Complex

Nick Stanley

Nick is Joan's son, initially eager to support his mother but faced with the shocking reality of her actions. He represents the struggle to reconcile familial loyalty with the moral implications of Joan's espionage activities. Throughout the film, Nick's character evolves as he grapples with his mother's choices and ultimately decides to stand by her.

👨‍👦 Loyal 😟 Conflicted 📜 Supportive

Leo Galich

Leo is Joan's passionate yet ultimately misguided confidant who draws her into a web of espionage. His character serves as a catalyst for Joan's moral conflicts, representing both the allure and danger of political devotion. His tragic end deepens Joan's feelings of betrayal and responsibility.

🇩🇪 German-Jewish 🔥 Passionate 💔 Tragic

Max

Max is a brilliant scientist and Joan's romantic interest, embodying the intelligence and ambition of those involved in pivotal war projects. His character contrasts with Leo's, representing a more stable option for Joan but also drawing her into the moral dilemmas surrounding the development of atomic weapons.

🧠 Brilliant 💔 Complicated 🔬 Scientist

Sonya

Sonya is one of Joan's closest friends, representing a link to her Jewish heritage and a confidante throughout her tumultuous journey. Her character adds depth to Joan's social circle and highlights the personal sacrifices made during wartime, especially as secrets unravel and relationships are tested.

🤝 Loyal 💔 Supportive 💬 Confidante

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:20

Major Themes – Red Joan (2019)

Explore the central themes of Red Joan (2019), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️‍♀️ Espionage

Espionage is a central theme that underscores Joan's moral dilemmas and the complexities of her interactions with characters like Leo and Max. Her journey into the world of spying reflects the broader tensions of the Cold War, highlighting the lengths to which individuals will go in the name of loyalty and ideology.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal permeates Joan's relationships, particularly with Leo and Max. Joan's decisions create a web of deception that affects not only her life but also the lives of those around her, leading to tragic consequences. The theme reveals the personal cost of political decisions and the fragility of trust.

🌍 Nuclear Conflict

The theme of nuclear conflict reflects the moral quandaries faced by Joan as she grapples with the implications of her knowledge about atomic bombs. The horrors witnessed in Hiroshima and Nagasaki serve as a catalyst for her actions, emphasizing the struggle between personal ideals and the devastating reality of technological warfare.

👩‍👦 Motherhood

Joan's relationship with her son Nick encapsulates the theme of motherhood amidst turmoil. As Joan navigates her controversial past, her bond with Nick reveals the complexities of familial support and understanding in the face of societal judgment and personal choice.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:20

Unlock the Full Story of Red Joan

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

Red Joan Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Red Joan, 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.

Red Joan Summary

Red Joan Timeline

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

Red Joan Timeline

More About Red Joan

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More About Red Joan

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