Six Degrees of Separation

Year: 1993

Runtime: 112 min

Language: English

Director: Fred Schepisi

DramaMysteryComedy

The lives of wealthy New York art dealers Flan and Ouisa are thrown into disarray when they encounter a captivating con artist named Paul. He insinuates himself into their social circle, forging deep connections with the couple and their children. As Flan and Ouisa become increasingly invested in Paul, they uncover a surprising and elaborate deception that challenges their perceptions of identity, class, and the intricate relationships that define their world. The revelation sparks a series of unexpected consequences, threatening to unravel their carefully constructed lives.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Six Degrees of Separation 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!

Six Degrees of Separation (1993) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Six Degrees of Separation (1993), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Fifth Avenue socialite Ouisa Kittredge and her art dealer husband Flan are the proud parents of “two at Harvard and a girl at Groton.” Their lives, however, are about to take an unexpected turn. The Kittredges, immersed in their elite social circle and keen interest in the arts, become unsuspecting targets for Paul, a cunning con artist. One fateful night, he shows up at their door, injured and bleeding, claiming to be a close college friend of their Ivy League offspring and the son of the renowned Sidney Poitier.

Impressed by Paul’s refined taste, sharp wit, articulate discussions on literature, and surprising culinary skills, Ouisa and Flan welcome him into their home. They find joy in his seemingly flattering words about their luxurious lifestyle, even lending him money as his charm wraps around them. However, this façade soon crumbles as Paul’s true nature is unveiled. After he brings home a hustler, the Kittredges discover they are merely the latest victims of his deception, forced to confront the reality of his impoverished existence.

Stunned and betrayed, they expel him from their lives, but not without being heavily influenced by his presence. Whispers of Paul’s escapades become the highlight of their cocktail parties, surrounding him with an air of enchantment and intrigue. Ultimately, Paul leaves an indelible mark on everyone he encounters, intertwining their lives through the shared experience of his captivating but treacherous charm.

“I won’t be a statistic. I won’t be a statistic.”

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 16:39

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.

Explore Movie Threads

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.

Urbane dramas of social deception like Six Degrees of Separation

Sophisticated stories where charming imposters disrupt the lives of the elite.If you enjoyed the sophisticated deception in Six Degrees of Separation, you'll appreciate these movies. This thread gathers similar stories about clever imposters infiltrating high society, leading to sharp social satire and thoughtful character studies that explore identity and class.

sophisticatedthought-provokingsatiricalunsettlingcharmingreflective

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a charming, enigmatic individual who gains access to a closed, privileged social circle. Their presence acts as a catalyst, exposing hidden tensions and hypocrisies. The story unfolds through a steady, character-driven pace, building towards a revelation that doesn't necessarily destroy lives but profoundly alters perspectives.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together for their shared focus on class satire, intellectual intrigue over action, and the psychological impact of a reveal. They share a sophisticated aesthetic, a bittersweet tone, and a fascination with the blurred lines between performance and identity.

Intellectual dramas of shattered illusions like Six Degrees of Separation

Character-driven stories where a personal encounter forces a re-evaluation of reality.For viewers who liked the reflective, thought-provoking nature of Six Degrees of Separation, this thread collects movies where a pivotal encounter shatters a character's illusions. These films explore the aftermath of such revelations with melancholy and intellectual depth.

thought-provokingmelancholicreflectiveunsettlingsophisticatedcharacter-driven

Narrative Summary

A stable, perhaps complacent, character or group encounters a force—a person, an idea, or an event—that fundamentally contradicts their core beliefs. The narrative follows their gradual or sudden process of realizing their previous understanding was incomplete or false. The conflict is primarily internal, leading to a mixed or bittersweet resolution where the character is irrevocably changed but not necessarily broken.

Why These Movies?

These films share a common emotional arc centered on disillusionment and self-discovery. They are united by a medium emotional weight, a steady pacing that allows for reflection, and an ending that feels mixed—neither purely happy nor sad, but complex and transformative.

Unlock the Full Story of Six Degrees of Separation

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

Six Degrees of Separation Timeline

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Six Degrees of Separation

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

Six Degrees of Separation Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Six Degrees of Separation that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About Six Degrees of Separation

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

Similar Movies to Six Degrees of Separation

Discover movies like Six Degrees of Separation 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.