Splendor

Splendor

Year: 1999

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

Director: Gregg Araki

Comedy

A spirited woman finds herself juggling multiple relationships when she proposes a unique arrangement: sharing her home with two appealing suitors. As they navigate life together, romantic complications arise, and she must sort through the ensuing chaos to understand what she truly seeks in love and companionship.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Splendor (1999)

Trace every key event in Splendor (1999) 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

Veronica's Halloween party and initial attraction

At a nightclub Halloween party in Los Angeles, Veronica, a 22-year-old aspiring actress, is drawn to two very different men: Abel and Zed. The spark is immediate as she flirts with Abel and shares her number, while she ends up having sex with Zed in the club bathroom. The next morning, Abel and Zed wake up in Veronica's bed, signaling the start of a complicated attraction that will reshape her dating life.

Halloween night Los Angeles
2

Veronica dates Abel; options open

Veronica goes on a date with Abel and they connect instantly. She decides to explore her options and begins dating Abel and Zed separately, opening the door to a polyamorous arrangement. The mutual attraction grows as she tests these relationships in parallel.

shortly after Halloween party Los Angeles
3

Truth or dare leads to triad living

Initially the two men are antagonistic toward each other, but a drunken truth or dare night cracks the tension. The trio ends up sharing Veronica, and within weeks they are living together in her small Los Angeles apartment. The ménage à trois becomes Veronica's new routine as everyone settles into the dynamic.

weeks after the party Veronica's apartment, Los Angeles
4

Mike's skepticism and acceptance

Mike, Veronica's best friend, is openly skeptical of the unconventional setup. He voices concerns about the polyamorous arrangement, while Veronica grows more accepting of the idea and the life with Abel and Zed. The relationship begins to feel more settled despite his misgivings.

early in the triad Veronica's apartment
5

Audition and Ernest appears

During an audition for a television film, Veronica meets Ernest, a charming and wealthy young director who is instantly smitten with her. He treats her to dinner and expresses strong interest, causing Veronica to question her current relationship with Abel and Zed. The encounter introduces a new potential path for her life.

during a TV film audition Los Angeles
6

Veronica becomes pregnant; strain and move

Veronica discovers she is pregnant, which places strain on the three-way relationship. She temporarily moves out to stay with Mike while she works through the changing dynamics. The news shifts Veronica's loyalties and accelerates decisions about her future.

after pregnancy becomes known Los Angeles
7

Ernest couriers Veronica to Maui

Ernest takes Veronica on a weekend getaway to Maui, offering comfort and a break from the LA scene. During the trip, Veronica grows closer to Ernest and begins reassessing her feelings toward Abel and Zed. The escape deepens the pull toward a traditional couple's path with Ernest.

weekend getaway Maui
8

Return to LA; Veronica abandons triad for Ernest's marriage plan

Veronica returns from Maui and Abel and Zed are devastated when she leaves them for Ernest, whom she agrees to marry despite not loving him. Her decision to pursue marriage with Ernest shocks the other two and marks a turning point away from the triad. The plans to wed intensify the emotional stakes for everyone involved.

after Maui trip Los Angeles
9

Wedding day nerves and confession to Mike

On the wedding day, Veronica breaks down in tears and confides in Mike that she misses Abel and Zed. She gathers herself and proceeds with the ceremony, masking her inner conflict as guests look on. The emotional tension reaches a breaking point just as vows are about to be exchanged.

wedding day Wedding venue
10

Abel and Zed crash the wedding; love revelation

Urged by Mike, Abel and Zed rush to stop the ceremony, racing to Veronica's side and confessing their love. They beg for another chance to be part of her life, arguing that their bond is worth fighting for. The dramatic interruption reframes Veronica's future choices with renewed emotional weight.

wedding day Wedding venue
11

Birth of twin daughters and reconciliation

Some time later, Veronica has twin daughters and resumes her relationships with Abel and Zed. The trio continues to navigate parenting and romance, forming a blended family that defies traditional expectations. The household settles into a new, though unconventional, normal.

some time later Los Angeles
12

Family moment; 'They're ours'

When the men ask who the fathers are, Veronica replies, 'They're ours,' confirming shared parenthood and a lasting bond among the three. The trio embraces their collective role as parents and partners. The film closes on a note of unity and mutual commitment.

some time after birth Veronica's home

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:58

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Splendor Summary

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Splendor Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Splendor

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Splendor

More About Splendor

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