The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover

The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover

Year: 1990

Runtime: 124 min

Language: English

Director: Peter Greenaway

DramaCrime

Within the refined world of London's high society and exquisite dining, Albert Spica’s boorish behavior disrupts the elegant atmosphere of a prestigious French restaurant. His wife, Georgina, feigns indifference to his actions while secretly harboring desires she pursues with a quiet lover. When Albert discovers their affair, his reaction escalates into a brutal and destructive act of revenge, endangering everyone involved and shattering the fragile veneer of sophistication.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover 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 Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1990)

Trace every key event in The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1990) 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

Albert Seizes Control

English gangster Albert Spica takes over the upscale restaurant *Le Hollandais*, where his intimidating presence quickly stifles the atmosphere. His obnoxious behavior alienates both guests and staff alike, though Spica seems indifferent to their discomfort.

Le Hollandais
2

Georgina's Dilemma

Georgina, Spica's elegant but reluctant wife, finds herself trapped in a tumultuous marriage. As tensions rise in the restaurant, she secretly longs for something more than her violent husband's company.

3

A Forbidden Romance

Georgina strikes up a secret affair with Michael, a modest regular who owns a nearby bookshop. Their romance flourishes amidst the restaurant's turmoil, with the staff covertly supporting their meetings.

Michael's Bookstore
4

Spica's Discovery

Spica, sensing something amiss, uncovers Georgina's infidelity. Enraged, she seeks solace at Michael's bookshop, while Spica's fury intensifies, leading to unforeseen consequences for those involved.

Michael's Bookstore
5

Pup's Involvement

A young employee named Pup, who brings food to Georgina, becomes embroiled in this dangerous affair. His innocent connection draws the wrath of Spica, who brutally tortures the boy in a desperate search for answers.

6

The Tragic Raid

While Georgina visits Pup in the hospital, Spica's henchmen storm Michael's bookstore. They exact a horrific punishment on Michael, force-feeding him pages from his own books as a perverse form of vengeance.

Michael's Bookstore
7

Georgina's Heartbreak

Returning from the hospital, Georgina is devastated to find Michael dead. His tragic end propels her into a deep sorrow, fueling her desire for retribution against her husband's cruelty.

Michael's Bookstore
8

A Macabre Meal

In a shocking act of vengeance, Georgina persuades chef Boarst to prepare a meal from Michael's remains. This grisly dish symbolizes her pain and her determination to confront Spica once and for all.

Le Hollandais
9

The Confrontation

Georgina gathers all the wronged souls together and confronts Spica at the restaurant for a dramatic showdown. She forces him to take a bite of the grotesque meal, making the grotesque act personal.

Le Hollandais
10

Spica's Downfall

In a tense climax filled with horror and defiance, Georgina puts an end to Spica's reign of terror by shooting him in the head. She denounces him as a cannibal, thus reclaiming her life and finalizing her revenge.

Le Hollandais

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 15:48

Unlock the Full Story of The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover 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 Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover, 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 Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover

The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover: 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 Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover

Similar Movies to The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover

Discover movies like The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover 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.