The Business of Strangers

The Business of Strangers

Year: 2001

Runtime: 84 min

Language: English

Director: Patrick Stettner

DramaThriller

A driven businesswoman’s career advancement leads to an unexpected night at an airport hotel. There, she finds an unexpected connection with her ambitious assistant. Over drinks and revealing conversations, their professional relationship transforms into a complex and intense game of power. As they explore their vulnerabilities and desires, the lines of trust and control become increasingly blurred, leading to a night of surprising revelations and shifting dynamics.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Business of Strangers (2001)

Trace every key event in The Business of Strangers (2001) 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

Julie prepares for an important meeting

As Julie Styron navigates the skies, she is anxious about an important meeting that could impact her career. The pressure mounts when her CEO sends a sudden request for a meal, amplifying her unease.

Airplane
2

Julie consults Nick Harris

Feeling the looming threat of job loss, Julie seeks advice from headhunter Nick Harris. She hopes to strengthen her professional standing, underscoring the high stakes she faces in her career.

3

Paula's late arrival derails Julie's plans

Julie's day takes a turn for the worse when her new assistant Paula Murphy arrives 45 minutes late. The delay leads to a disastrous meeting, forcing Julie to make the difficult decision to let Paula go.

Office
4

Julie receives a shocking promotion

In an unexpected twist, Julie is promoted to CEO, an event that leaves her feeling both elated and confused. The responsibilities of her new position add to her internal conflict about her personal sacrifices.

Office
5

Julie and Paula bond over drinks

While waiting out a flight delay, Julie shares a drink with Paula at a hotel bar. Their candid conversation reveals mutual frustrations and makes Julie reconsider the sacrifices she has made for her career.

Hotel bar
6

Nick joins their conversation

The trio is joined by Nick, a fellow traveler dealing with his own flight issues. As they discuss their travel misadventures, Julie begins to notice subtle changes in Paula's demeanor that pique her curiosity.

Hotel bar
7

Paula reveals her traumatic experience

In a pivotal moment, Julie learns that Paula was traumatized by a brutal assault carried out by Nick in Boston. This revelation adds a heavy weight to their conversation, bringing their issues to the forefront.

Restroom
8

Julie plots revenge with Paula

Initially reactive with outrage, Julie decides to take action against Nick with Paula's support. They devise a plan aimed at humiliating him without resorting to violence, showing a shift in Julie's character.

Hotel room
9

Executing the plan against Nick

The plan unfolds when Julie and Paula drug Nick and expose him in a secluded part of the hotel. This act of revenge solidifies their bond while raising ethical questions about their actions.

Hotel
10

Capturing the moment

Paula takes out a Polaroid camera to capture Nick's moment of vulnerability. As they vandalize his body with markers, the gravity of their actions begins to settle in, marking a significant turning point for both women.

Hotel room
11

Confronting the aftermath

As they finish their act of revenge, Paula discloses that she is the one who was assaulted by Nick. This stark revelation adds emotional depth to their connection and highlights the complexity of their situation.

Hotel room
12

Waking up to a surreal reminder

The following morning, Julie wakes up to find the word 'loser' written on her stomach, a surreal reminder of the previous night's events. Beside her lie Polaroid pictures of Paula, further complicating their shared secret.

Hotel room
13

Julie encounters Nick at the airport

Julie crosses paths with Nick once again at the airport, where an unexpected twist occurs. His earlier claims about traveling to Boston are revealed to be fabrications, casting doubt on everything she thought she knew.

Airport
14

Reevaluating relationships

The revelations from the previous night and Nick's deceit leave Julie reevaluating her trust towards both Nick and Paula. The narrative sets the stage for a significant transformation in all three characters' lives.

Airport

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 16:33

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The Business of Strangers Summary

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The Business of Strangers Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Business of Strangers

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Business of Strangers

More About The Business of Strangers

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