The Divine Order (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film takes place primarily in a small Swiss farming village, with some scenes set in Zurich to highlight the contrast between traditional rural life and the more modern urban environment. The tranquil village setting underscores the conservative nature of the community that Nora seeks to transform.

Foreshadowing: The opening scenes establish the village's quiet, traditional atmosphere as a deliberate contrast to the social upheaval to come.

• setting
• Swiss village
• Zurich
• rural Switzerland

The movie is set in 1971 Switzerland, during a decade of significant social change globally. The 1970s was a pivotal era for women's rights movements, with literature like Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique inspiring women to challenge traditional gender roles.

Foreshadowing: Period details such as fashion and technology subtly place the story in a specific historical context that shaped the characters' opportunities.

• 1970s
• Switzerland
• historical setting
• 1971
• women's rights era

The film explores feminism, personal freedom, and rebellion against patriarchal norms. Nora's journey illustrates the struggle for women's empowerment and the importance of solidarity among women challenging societal expectations. The story emphasizes how individual liberation often requires confronting established structures.

Foreshadowing: Early scenes depicting Nora's dissatisfaction with domestic life plant the seeds for the film's thematic exploration of personal freedom.

• feminism
• personal freedom
• rebellion
• women's rights
• patriarchy

Nora Ruckstuhl is a dedicated housewife who evolves from feeling trapped in her domestic duties to becoming a passionate advocate for women's rights. Her character embodies resilience as she confronts both external opposition and internal doubts, ultimately finding her voice and purpose through the suffrage movement.

Foreshadowing: Nora's initial restlessness and sense of confinement hint at her eventual transformation into a feminist leader.

• Nora Ruckstuhl
• protagonist
• housewife
• feminist
• Marie Leuenberger

Hans is Nora's husband, representing traditional masculine values that clash with Nora's emerging feminist ideals. While depicted as a loving partner, his initial resistance to Nora's aspirations illustrates the broader struggles women faced in balancing family expectations with personal desires during the 1970s.

Foreshadowing: Hans's traditional views are established early, creating tension that builds as Nora becomes more involved in the women's movement.

• Hans
• Nora's husband
• traditional values
• Maximilian Simonischek

Vroni is an experienced suffragist who serves as a catalyst for change in the village. Her extensive knowledge of the women's suffrage movement and her determination help guide Nora on her journey, making her a pivotal figure in rallying women together for the cause.

Foreshadowing: Vroni's references to past activism hint at a longer history of women quietly resisting gender constraints in the village.

• Vroni
• suffragist
• mentor
• Sibylle Brunner
• women's movement leader

Graziella is an Italian immigrant whose entrepreneurial spirit and passion bring energy to the women's rights movement. Her unwavering support for Nora helps rally the women together, demonstrating how community and collaboration across different backgrounds strengthens their fight for equality.

Foreshadowing: Graziella's immigrant status suggests she brings perspectives from outside the traditional Swiss village culture.

• Graziella
• Italian immigrant
• Marta Zoffoli
• community support

Theresa is Nora's sister-in-law, and her personal stake in the women's rights movement comes from anger over injustices faced by her daughter. Her decision to join forces with Nora illustrates how family relationships and personal struggles often intersect with broader social activism.

Foreshadowing: Theresa's protective nature toward her daughter hints at the generational impact of gender inequality the film explores.

• Theresa
• sister-in-law
• Therese Affolter
• family
• activism

The film portrays the women's suffrage movement in 1970s Switzerland as a struggle against deeply entrenched patriarchal norms. It highlights the obstacles women faced, including societal expectations and male resistance, while showcasing the power of solidarity and collective action in achieving political change.

Foreshadowing: The gradual building of the women's group demonstrates how small acts of resistance accumulate into a larger movement.

• women's suffrage
• Switzerland
• gender equality
• feminist movement
• voting rights

The contrast between the quiet Swiss farming village and bustling Zurich emphasizes the story's exploration of social change. The village represents traditional, conservative values resistant to progress, while Zurich represents the modern, urban environment where progressive ideas spread more freely.

Foreshadowing: The journey between village and city mirrors Nora's psychological journey from isolation to broader social awareness.

• rural vs urban
• social change
• tradition
• modern Switzerland