Year: 1999
Runtime: 80 mins
Language: English
Director: David DeCoteau
Andre Toulon, a humble puppeteer enjoying a peaceful existence in pre‑World War I Paris, is thrust into a supernatural battle when he encounters the renegade sorcerer Afzel, who has stolen the mysterious secrets of life granted by the dark god Sutekh.
Get a spoiler-free look at Retro Puppet Master (1999) 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 dimly lit cafés and fog‑shrouded alleys of pre‑World War I Paris, Andre Toulon lives a modest life devoted to the delicate art of puppetry. His performances, inspired by classic literature, turn the city’s bustling streets into a stage for wonder, where wooden figures seem to breathe beneath the soft glow of gas lamps. Toulon’s world is one of quiet craftsmanship, where the line between creator and creation feels almost magical, and the everyday rhythm of the city hums with a quiet, almost forgotten mysticism.
That fragile peace is upended when he crosses paths with the enigmatic sorcerer Afzel, a renegade who carries with him the forbidden knowledge of life itself—a secret once granted by the ancient, shadowy deity Sutekh. Their encounter pulls Toulon into a realm where artistry collides with arcane power, hinting at forces that have lingered beneath Paris’s cobblestones for centuries. The city’s elegant façades give way to hidden chambers and whispered legends, suggesting that every puppet string might be tied to something far more profound than wood and paint.
Amidst this growing tension, a young woman named Elsa arrives, fleeing a restrictive upbringing in search of inspiration. Her curiosity and defiance echo Toulon’s own yearning for something beyond the ordinary, and together they navigate a world where the supernatural is veiled in plain sight. The atmosphere is rich with gothic elegance, mingling the romance of early‑twentieth‑century Paris with an undercurrent of looming, otherworldly conflict. As the shadows lengthen, Toulon must decide whether to protect his art, embrace the unsettling gifts offered to him, and confront the mysteries that now whisper from the very heart of the city.
Last Updated: October 27, 2025 at 16:29
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Stories where ancient magic clashes with humanity in a dark, atmospheric world.If you liked the dark Egyptian magic and gothic atmosphere of Retro Puppet Master, you'll find similar movies here. These films feature tense supernatural battles, ancient secrets, and atmospheric horror, often set against a historical backdrop. Explore more movies like Retro Puppet Master for stories of magic, monsters, and high-stakes secret-keeping.
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Don't stop at just watching — explore Retro Puppet Master 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 Retro Puppet Master is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Retro Puppet Master, 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.
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Discover movies like Retro Puppet Master 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.
Retro Puppet Master (1999) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
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Retro Puppet Master (1999) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
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