Serial

Serial

Year: 1980

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Director: Bill Persky

ComedyRomance

“Honor thy wife, and everyone else’s.” A man resists the California fads that his wife, friends and wealthy Marin County neighbors embrace.

Serial (1980) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Serial (1980) 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 late‑1970s, the upscale enclaves of Marin County ripple with the bright colors of new‑age seminars, free‑love parties, and the restless optimism of a society in transformation. Sun‑splashed streets and modernist homes provide a glossy backdrop for a world that feels both liberating and unsettling, where every conversation can pivot from meditation techniques to the latest fashion craze. The atmosphere is a gentle satire of a culture eager to reinvent itself, mixing earnest curiosity with a hint of absurdity that keeps the tone both witty and poignantly observant.

Harvey Holroyd is the film’s central figure—a meticulously organized man whose patience thins as the surrounding world accelerates. He watches his marriage wobble under the weight of his wife’s growing enthusiasm for the sexual revolution and avant‑garde ideas, a shift that makes him question the stability of his own convictions. Kate, his spouse, is drawn to the promise of personal freedom, and their divergent paths create a subtle but constant tension that colors every interaction, hinting at deeper questions about loyalty, desire, and the definition of a happy life.

Their teenage daughter Joanie stands on the cusp of adulthood, tempted by a charismatic group that offers peace and purpose amid the family’s undercurrents of uncertainty. Around them, Sam, Harvey’s longtime friend, grapples with his own marital strain, while Angela reflects the broader challenges of maintaining connection in a rapidly shifting social landscape. Professional pressures add another layer, as a driven corporate recruiter, Luckman Skull, floats the prospect of a new career for Harvey, underscoring the pull between ambition and authenticity. Meanwhile, fleeting encounters with figures like Paco and Marlene suggest the allure of alternative lifestyles that both intrigue and unsettle the central family.

The film swims in a tone that balances sharp social commentary with intimate, often bittersweet drama. Its style captures the era’s glossy veneer while exposing the fragile threads that hold relationships together. Through its ensemble, the story explores how mid‑life crises, countercultural flirtations, and the yearning for belonging intersect, inviting the audience to wonder how far one will go to preserve the bonds that define a family.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 17:50

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Chaotic family satires like Serial

Families navigating absurd social trends and personal crises with sharp humor.If you enjoyed the witty chaos of Serial, these movies offer similar stories of families grappling with social trends and personal crises. Discover more sharp, character-driven comedies that find humor in marital strife, generational gaps, and suburban absurdity.

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The narrative follows a straight-laced character—usually a husband or father—as they are forced to confront the changing world around them, often embodied by a spouse's new interests. Their resistance gives way to a reluctant, comedic engagement, leading to personal growth and a renewed, if slightly altered, perspective on life.

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These films are grouped by their focus on the mid-life crisis archetype, explored through a comedic and satirical lens. They share a specific vibe of bewildered self-discovery, a steady pace that allows for character reflection, and a blend of romance and social commentary that keeps the tone light despite touching on serious themes.

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Serial Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Serial

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Serial

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