The Comfort of Strangers

The Comfort of Strangers

Year: 1991

Runtime: 107 min

Language: English

Director: Paul Schrader

DramaThriller

While vacationing in Venice, an English couple struggles to reconnect and confronts unsettling undercurrents within the city. A captivating stranger introduces them to a disturbing world, challenging their values and blurring the lines between reality and illusion. Their encounter leads them down a dangerous path, forcing them to question their relationship and confront hidden desires.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Comfort of Strangers 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 – The Comfort of Strangers (1991)

Trace every key event in The Comfort of Strangers (1991) 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

Arrival in Venice

Colin and Mary arrive in the captivating city of Venice for their second visit, unaware of the challenges that await them. Their explorative spirit drives them into the charming, winding streets, setting the stage for a series of unexpected events.

Venice
2

Dinner Conversation

During a relaxed dinner, Mary probes Colin about his relationship with her two children from a previous marriage. This moment introduces an emotional tension that adds depth to their relationship as they navigate their complex feelings.

Restaurant in Venice
3

Meeting Robert

While meandering through Venice, the couple encounters Robert, a sophisticated British-Italian gentleman. He graciously offers to guide them to his renowned bar, marking the beginning of their intriguing connection.

Winding streets of Venice
4

Stories Over Wine

Robert enthralls Colin and Mary over several glasses of wine, sharing chilling stories of his troubled childhood, including memories of his sadistic father. The night evolves into an intimate sharing of personal histories that bond the three characters.

Robert's bar
5

Lost in Venice

As night falls, Colin and Mary lose their way in the labyrinthine city, embracing the whimsical nature of Venice. They explore enchanting streets under the moonlight, deepening their relationship through adventure.

Night Venice
6

Breakfast at St Mark's

The couple awakens to find themselves in the bustling square outside St Mark's Basilica, where they enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Mary expresses feelings of apprehension, hinting at her desire to cut the trip short.

Morning St Mark's Basilica, Venice
7

Invitation to Dinner

Robert reappears, apologizing for any distress caused the previous night and invites them to dinner at his home. Intrigued by their newfound acquaintance, Colin and Mary accept the invitation, unaware of the impending turmoil.

Venice
8

A Sleepy Arrival

Upon arriving at Robert's expansive Moorish-style apartment via water taxi, exhaustion sets in, and the couple drifts into a deep sleep. They wake to find themselves in a spirited conversation with Caroline, revealing more of the characters' backstories.

Robert's apartment
9

Tension with Robert

During the conversation, a sudden blow from Robert escalates tensions between him and Colin, after an insult is exchanged. Colin chooses to conceal the incident from Mary, indicating a fracture in their relationship.

Robert's apartment
10

Nightmare and Discovery

Following a restless night, Mary shares with Colin about a nightmare she had after discovering a photograph of him in Robert’s apartment. This revelation suggests a troubling connection between Colin and their hosts.

Their hotel room
11

Confrontation of the Past

While relaxing on the beach, Colin finally reveals the altercation with Robert to Mary. They find themselves reflecting on their relationship as Mary's perspective on Robert begins to shift.

Beach in Venice
12

The Call to Robert's Home

Colin and Mary find themselves at Robert and Caroline’s residence, where Caroline beckons them inside. They get updates about the couple’s impending trip to Canada, intertwining their lives once more.

Robert and Caroline's home
13

The Hidden Dangers

As Caroline opens up about her chronic back issues, Mary's unease escalates, leaving her suspecting she has been drugged. This moment foreshadows the dark twists ahead, revealing underlying tensions.

Robert and Caroline's home
14

Shocking Discovery

Mary discovers an alarming sight—walls filled with photographs of Colin throughout their vacation. This haunting realization exposes Robert's obsession and introduces a terrifying reality.

Bedroom in Robert's apartment
15

Tragic Finale

Chaos ensues as Robert attacks Colin when he tries to summon help for Mary, who is still processing her shock. After the struggle, Mary is left to face the aftermath, dealing with the authorities and the loss of Colin.

Robert's apartment

Last Updated: November 18, 2024 at 21:14

Unlock the Full Story of The Comfort of Strangers

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

The Comfort of Strangers Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Comfort of Strangers, 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.

The Comfort of Strangers Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Comfort of Strangers

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Comfort of Strangers

More About The Comfort of Strangers

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Comfort of Strangers: 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 The Comfort of Strangers