The Dreamers

The Dreamers

Year: 2004

Runtime: 115 min

Language: English

Director: Bernardo Bertolucci

DramaHistoryRomance

During the tumultuous events of 1968 in Paris, an American student named Matthew becomes entangled with two French twins, Theo and Isabelle. Drawn to their shared passion for cinema and a rebellious spirit, Matthew finds himself increasingly captivated by their unconventional and intense relationship. Exploring themes of love, identity, and artistic expression, the trio retreats into a world of film, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy as they navigate a period of revolution and personal discovery.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Dreamers 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 Dreamers (2004)

Trace every key event in The Dreamers (2004) 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

Matthew Arrives in Paris

In the late 1960s, Matthew, a 20-year-old American exchange student, arrives in Paris for one year. His goal is to immerse himself in the French language and culture, hoping to expand his worldview through this experience.

Paris
2

Discovery of French Cinema

Matthew starts exploring the vibrant film scene in Paris, attending diverse screenings at the Cinematheque Francaise. He becomes captivated by the powerful imagery and artistry present in French films, marking the beginning of his cinematic journey.

Cinematheque Francaise, Paris
3

Protesting Henri Langlois' Firing

Matthew participates in a protest against the firing of Henri Langlois, a key figure in the French film community. The protest highlights the struggle for artistic freedom in cinema as Langlois is targeted for showcasing controversial films.

Cinematheque Francaise, Paris
4

Meeting Theo and Isabelle

During his time in Paris, Matthew meets the free-spirited twins, Theo and Isabelle. They bond over their mutual affection for film and quickly become close friends, sharing insights and opinions on the myriad of films they adore.

5

Night Stroll in Paris

After the protest, Matthew, Theo, and Isabelle take a leisurely night stroll through the enchanting streets of Paris. The experience deepens their friendship and allows them to discuss their dreams and aspirations under the city's starry sky.

Streets of Paris
6

Dinner with the Family

Theo invites Matthew to dinner with his family, where tensions over political views unfold. Matthew demonstrates his observant nature by creating connections between objects at the table, deepening the bond with his new friends.

Theo's Family Home
7

Living Together

Following dinner, Theo and Isabelle offer Matthew a place to stay while their parents are away. This arrangement allows the trio to grow closer, navigating the complexities of their relationships and experiences in the intimate setting of their home.

Theo's Family Home
8

Discovering Shared Intimacy

One night, Matthew accidentally discovers Theo and Isabelle sleeping nude together. This event sparks confusion and curiosity within him regarding their unique relationship, challenging his perceptions of intimacy and sexuality.

Theo's Family Home
9

A Shift in Relationships

As Matthew and Isabelle's relationship blossoms, they share deeper, intimate moments. However, complications arise when Theo retaliates against their connection by inviting another companion, causing tension within their trio.

10

Parents' Arrival and Discovery

One fateful night, Theo and Isabelle's parents unexpectedly return home, catching the trio in a compromising situation. This shocking discovery leads to consequences that disrupt their delicate balance and forces them to confront their reality.

Theo's Family Home
11

Isabelle's Despair

In a moment of despair after their parents leave, Isabelle contemplates suicide by gas. The severity of the situation highlights the emotional turmoil each character faces and their struggles with identity and acceptance.

Theo's Family Home
12

The Riots Begin

As the tension escalates, chaos erupts in the streets of Paris with hundreds of students rioting. This pivotal moment serves as a backdrop to the personal struggles of Matthew, Theo, and Isabelle, reflecting the larger societal upheaval.

Streets of Paris
13

Joining the Protest

Despite Matthew's objections, Theo and Isabelle rush to join the rioters. Their decision highlights the clash between their political beliefs and Matthew's desire for peace, foreshadowing the fracture in their friendship.

Streets of Paris
14

The Final Act of Rebellion

In a moment of thrill and impulsivity, Theo throws a Molotov cocktail at the police lines, showcasing his commitment to the cause. This act marks a turning point in their relationship and illustrates the radical shift in their lives due to the political climate.

Streets of Paris
15

Matthew's Solitary Walk

As chaos surrounds them, Matthew walks away from the violence, feeling isolated from his friends. This moment encapsulates his internal struggle, emphasizing the themes of disconnection and the loss of innocence amid societal turmoil.

Streets of Paris

Last Updated: May 21, 2025 at 07:30

Unlock the Full Story of The Dreamers

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

The Dreamers Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Dreamers, 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 Dreamers Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Dreamers

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Dreamers

The Dreamers Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Dreamers 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 Dreamers Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Dreamers

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Dreamers: 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 Dreamers

Similar Movies to The Dreamers

Discover movies like The Dreamers 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.