Shame

Shame

Year: 1988

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: English

Director: Steve Jodrell

Drama

Hardened prosecutor Asta Cadell departs home for a coastal road trip in Australia, but a motorcycle breakdown forces a stop in a remote town. There she meets teenager Elizabeth Curtis, who reveals she has just been raped. Cadell assists her in reporting the assault, but entrenched police corruption blocks justice, prompting Cadell to take matters into her own hands.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Shame yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Shame (1988)

Trace every key event in Shame (1988) 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

Motorbike breaks down in the outback

Asta Cadell's motorbike breaks down in the remote outback of Western Australia. With replacement parts unavailable, she travels to the small town of Ginborak to await a repair. The setback sets the stage for a clash between her independence and the town's norms.

Early in the journey Ginborak, Western Australia
2

Hostile welcome in Ginborak

Upon arrival, Cadell is subjected to catcalls and sexually suggestive comments from local men. The town's sergeant Wal Cuddy dismisses her concerns and warns her not to stay too long. Her arrival signals the beginning of a charged clash between her independence and Ginborak's culture.

Soon after arrival Ginborak, Western Australia
3

Borrowing tools and finding lodging

Cadell goes to Tim Curtis's workshop to fix her bike, where the apprentice initially doubts her but eventually lets her borrow tools. Tim offers Cadell a place to stay in his guest house while parts arrive, politely declining money. Norma, Tim's mother, arranges a room and sets the scene for further interactions.

Day of arrival Tim Curtis's workshop and guest house, Ginborak
4

Late-night disturbance and Lizzie's distress

That night Tim's wife returns with Lizzie, who appears visibly shaken. Curtis and his wife argue and then venture outside; Lizzie runs off crying into the night. Cadell finds and comforts the distressed girl, forming a protective bond.

Night Curtis household and surrounding streets
5

Cadell confronts town's men

Cadell's assertive personality brings her into conflict with the meat processing factory owner and with a ruthless group of local youths who have gang raped several girls. When they threaten her, she defends herself and injures some of the boys. The confrontation exposes the town's tolerance for abuse and Cadell's willingness to challenge it.

Following days Ginborak
6

Sergeant's response and Cadell's reveal

Cadell complains to Sergeant Wal Cuddy, who dismisses the youths as simply having fun and threatens an assault charge against her. She reveals she is a barrister, refusing to be intimidated. She begins speaking more openly in public and private about the town's scandalous affairs.

After confrontation Ginborak police station and public spaces
7

Lizzie finds courage

Encouraged by Cadell, Lizzie gains courage and starts stepping away from her fearful routine. She begins to confront her own father about his denial of what has happened under his nose. Lizzie's growing resolve marks a shift in the town's power dynamics.

Following Cadell's push Lizzie's home, Ginborak
8

Community mobilizes against the violators

The women of Ginborak unite to stand up against the rapists and press charges, with Cadell and Lizzie at the forefront. Their campaign challenges long held complicity and mobilizes the community to demand accountability. The process intensifies the clash between reformers and those protecting the status quo.

As charges are pursued Ginborak
9

Backlash against reformers

The backlash intensifies as the youths and their supporters target Cadell and Lizzie's households. The town's surface civility gives way to violent retaliation against those seeking justice. The conflict moves from the courtroom to the doorstep of the Curtis home.

Shortly after mobilization Curtis home and Ginborak streets
10

Lizzie's abduction and death

Lizzie hides in the police station while the drunken lads attack the Curtis household. Two boys locate her, abduct her in a car, and she is killed after being thrown onto the road. The town is left reeling as the violence exposes the deadly costs of its willful ignorance.

Final act Near the Curtis household, Ginborak
11

Town stands silent after tragedy

In the aftermath, Ginborak falls silent as Lizzie's body is placed in the back of a truck. Cadell and Lizzie’s supporters mourn the tragedy and confront the limits of justice in an isolated town. The scene underscores the price paid for challenging entrenched power.

After Lizzie's death Ginborak
12

A sobering note on reform

Cadell's courage and the community's efforts leave a lasting, though somber, impact on Ginborak. The final moments reflect on reform, accountability, and the heavy toll of seeking justice where it is scarce. The town's future remains uncertain, shaped by what has been unleashed.

Final scene Ginborak

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:35

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Shame

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

Shame Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Shame, 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.

Shame Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Shame

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Shame. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Shame

More About Shame

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Shame: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Shame

Similar Movies to Shame

Discover movies like Shame 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.