Tale of Tales

Tale of Tales

Year: 2016

Runtime: 133 min

Language: English

Director: Matteo Garrone

HistoryFantasyHorrorRomance

A collection of three interwoven fantasy stories unfolds in a world of majestic castles and powerful rulers. One king’s indulgence leads him down a path of excess, while another becomes captivated by a mysterious being. A queen’s desperate longing for a child pushes her to make a perilous bargain. Featuring fantastical creatures and drawing inspiration from the timeless stories of Giambattista Basile, this film blends romance, horror, and fantasy into a mesmerizing and imaginative experience.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Tale of Tales 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 – Tale of Tales (2016)

Trace every key event in Tale of Tales (2016) 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

King and Queen's Despair

In the kingdom of Longtrellis, the despairing King and Queen desperately wish for a child. Their inability to conceive leads them to seek the advice of a necromancer, setting off a chain of tragic events.

Kingdom of Longtrellis
2

The Necromancer's Proposal

The necromancer proposes a dark solution to the Queen's plight: she must eat the heart of a sea dragon, cooked by a virgin. Although it holds the promise of life, it comes at the steep cost of a human life.

Kingdom of Longtrellis
3

The Sea Dragon's Slaying

The King bravely slays the sea dragon to fulfill the necromancer's requirement. However, he sustains severe wounds during the battle and tragically dies shortly thereafter.

Ocean near Longtrellis
4

Birth of Elias

With heavy heart, the Queen consumes the heart of the sea dragon and miraculously bears a son named Elias. His striking white hair, reminiscent of the dragon, marks him as a special child.

Queen's chambers, Longtrellis
5

Jonah's Birth

Alongside Elias, the cook gives birth to another boy, Jonah. The two boys are identical and form an inseparable bond, delighting in their shared adventures.

Longtrellis
6

The Queen's Dark Intent

Fueled by jealousy and vexation, the Queen attempts to murder Jonah, viewing him as a threat to her own son. However, Jonah manages to escape her clutches and flees the kingdom.

Longtrellis
7

A Promise to Elias

Before leaving, Jonah plunges a knife into a tree root, casting a spell that signals their bond. He swears to Elias that as long as the root bears clear water, he is alive and well.

Forest near Longtrellis
8

Elias's Search

One day, the clear water from the root is clouded with blood, signaling trouble for Jonah. Alarmed by this sign, Elias embarks on a quest to find his friend and uncover the truth.

Kingdom of Longtrellis
9

The Queen's Desperation

The Queen, sensing that Elias is missing, orders her subjects to search for him but finds no trace. A necromancer reveals that the boys' bond is unbreakable, and violence will only fuel the Queen's dark desires.

Longtrellis
10

The Cave Encounter

Elias ultimately discovers Jonah, who is wounded and hiding in a cave. They face a terrifying monster together; the creature wounds Jonah but hesitates to attack Elias.

Cave in the mountains
11

Confronting the Monster

In a moment of bravery, Elias kills the monster, ensuring Jonah's safety. The defeat of the creature is both a blessing and a curse as its organic form vanishes, revealing the Queen's essence within.

Cave in the mountains
12

The King of Strongcliff's Interest

Meanwhile, in Strongcliff, the lustful King is drawn to the enchanting song of a woman, unaware that she is one of two elderly sisters. This obsession reveals the depravity lurking within him.

Kingdom of Strongcliff
13

Dora's Transformation

After spending a night with the King in darkness, Dora is horrified when he rejects her the next morning for her appearance. Rescued by a witch, she undergoes a transformation into a beautiful maiden.

Strongcliff Castle
14

Imma's Downfall

Seeking the secret to her sister's beauty, Imma's desperation leads to her own gruesome fate. After violating the royal couple's privacy, she agrees to be flayed, emerging bloody and disfigured.

Strongcliff Castle
15

Violet's Coronation

As the new Queen, Violet's coronation is a grand affair attended by Elias and the King of Strongcliff. A captivating entertainer draws the crowd's attention, even as Dora's beauty fades, hinting at the consequences of beauty and desire.

Strongcliff Castle

Last Updated: May 12, 2025 at 07:04

Unlock the Full Story of Tale of Tales

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

Tale of Tales Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Tale of Tales, 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.

Tale of Tales Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Tale of Tales

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Tale of Tales

More About Tale of Tales

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Tale of Tales: 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 Tale of Tales

Similar Movies to Tale of Tales

Discover movies like Tale of Tales 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.