Tenebrae

Tenebrae

Year: 1984

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Director: Dario Argento

MysteryThrillerHorrorCrime

In Rome, writer Peter Neal finds himself entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse as a sinister killer targets individuals familiar with his work. Amidst the city's dark alleys and ancient ruins, Neal joins forces with his alluring assistant Anne and tenacious local Gianni to unravel the mystery, but with each gruesome murder, he edges closer to becoming the next victim.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Tenebrae (1984)
Trace every key event in Tenebrae (1984) 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

Peter Neal's Arrival in Rome

Peter Neal, a renowned American author, arrives in Rome for the promotion of his latest horror novel *Tenebrae*. Accompanied by his literary agent and assistant, Neal is unaware that danger lurks in the shadows as his ex-wife harbors resentment against him.

Rome, Italy
2

Murder of the Young Shoplifter

Shortly before Neal's arrival, a young shoplifter meets a gruesome end at the hands of a razor-slasher. This chilling event sets the stage for the unfolding chaos and hints at the horrors that are about to ensue.

3

Chilling Letter to Neal

Upon settling in, Neal receives a disturbing letter claiming that his writings have triggered a series of killings. This revelation plunges him into a world of fear and suspicion as he grapples with the implications of his work.

Neal's Hotel
4

Detective Giermani Takes Charge

In light of the escalating violence, Neal contacts law enforcement, leading to the involvement of Detective Giermani and Inspector Altieri. Together, they embark on a desperate investigation to stop the killer before more lives are lost.

Police Headquarters
5

Journalist and Lover Murdered

The body count rises as journalist Tilde and her lover are brutally murdered in their home. This shocking event heightens the tension, prompting both the police and Neal to fear for their safety as the killer remains at large.

Tilde's Apartment
6

Maria's Gruesome Death

Neal's landlord's daughter, Maria, stumbles into the killer's lair and meets a horrific fate, brutally hacked to pieces. Her demise adds to the mounting horrors in the city and intensifies Neal's sense of dread.

Landlord's Apartment
7

Suspicion Towards Christiano Berti

Neal grows wary of Christiano Berti, a television interviewer whose obsession with his works raises suspicions. This feeling of unease leads them to surveil Berti's residence, hoping to uncover a connection to the recent murders.

Berti's Residence
8

Berti's Violent Death

During their surveillance, Berti falls victim to an ax-wielding maniac, brutally murdered before their eyes. This harrowing incident offers a glimmer of insight into the twisted nature of the killer and complicates the ongoing investigation.

9

Tragic Death of Bullmer in Public

Despite hints towards solving the case, tragedy strikes when Bullmer is murdered in broad daylight in a public square. His death serves as a grim reminder of the lurking danger and the unresolved nature of the murders.

Public Square
10

Gianni's Final Act

Haunted by the events, Gianni returns to a crime scene but ultimately meets his own demise. His death adds another layer to the unraveling chaos and deepens the mystery surrounding the killer's identity.

11

Jane's Gruesome Encounter

Jane, Neal’s ex-wife, experiences a terrifying attack when the killer breaks into her home. The violent assault reveals the killer's proximity to Neal and escalates the tension surrounding the narrative.

Jane's Apartment
12

Neal's Dark Secret Unveiled

In a shocking twist, Neal is revealed to be the deranged murderer behind several killings. Driven by a resurfacing memory from his past, he becomes the embodiment of the horror his novels depict.

13

Inspector Altieri's Fatal Confrontation

Inspector Altieri arrives to confront Neal, only to fall victim to his rage. This moment marks a significant turning point in the narrative, showcasing the depth of Neal's insanity and the collapse of order.

Neal's Residence
14

Final Confrontation with Giermani

In a bloody climax, Giermani confronts Neal, leading to a chaotic struggle. Neal's desperate attempt to escape results in a tragic turn of events as fate intervenes during their confrontation.

Neal's Home
15

Neal's Tragic End

In a cruel twist of fate, Neal suffers an accidental death caused by a fallen sculpture as he attempts to eliminate another victim. His demise leaves behind a chilling legacy of terror and devastation as Anne is left screaming in the rain.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 20:21

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