The End of the Affair

Maurice Bendrix starts his poignant reflections, opening with the words, 'This is a diary of hate.' This sets the tone for a troubled narrative, creating a stark contrast with the love story he recounts and hinting at turmoil that lies ahead.

On a dreary London evening, Bendrix unexpectedly encounters Henry Miles, the husband of Sarah, his former lover. This fateful meeting stirs deep emotions within Bendrix, reigniting his longing for Sarah after her abrupt departure two years prior.

As the narrative unfolds, viewers are shown flashbacks from 1939 that highlight the passionate love affair between Bendrix and Sarah. These moments reflect a deep emotional connection that was both intense and fraught with complications.

Henry confides his suspicions regarding Sarah's fidelity to Bendrix, which intensifies the tension. This moment sets off a chain reaction as Bendrix contemplates the implications of his past affair and the current state of their lives.

Bendrix decides to seek help from Mr. Parkis, Henry’s well-meaning but bumbling friend. Despite Parkis’s comedic ineptitude, his son Lance becomes inadvertently entangled in the unfolding mystery surrounding Sarah's fidelity.

As Bendrix’s jealousy escalates, he reflects on his past insecurities and how they have affected his relationship with Sarah. His emotions are intertwined with the fear of losing her once again, complicating his desire for her return.

The arrival of Father Richard Smythe introduces an insidious layer to the narrative. His mysterious visits to Sarah awaken Bendrix's paranoia, leaving him troubled about the nature of her faith and their relationship.

A V-1 flying bomb explodes near Bendrix’s apartment, providing a jarring reminder of war's brutality. This near-death experience deeply impacts Bendrix, illustrating the fragility of life and heightening his desire for connection with Sarah.

After the bombing, Bendrix finds Sarah's diary, which becomes a window into her tumultuous emotions. As he reads her reflections, he confronts the reality of his obsession and the chaos it has created in both their lives.

In a heartfelt conversation, Sarah confesses to Bendrix that she feels lifeless without him, revealing her internal conflict between love and loyalty to Henry. Her emotional vulnerability triggers Bendrix's determination to reignite their romance.

Despite the complexities, Bendrix and Sarah agree to a brief escape together. This retreat represents a fleeting chance to reclaim their past love, making them hopeful, yet fraught with the uncertainty of their future.

Just as they begin to rekindle their affair, Henry disrupts them with shocking news: Sarah is terminally ill. This revelation reshapes their relationship, challenging Bendrix to navigate his feelings amidst impending loss.

Following Sarah's passing, Bendrix attends her funeral, where Mr. Parkis reveals a stunning detail reflecting on Henry's connection to Sarah. This moment underscores the intertwining lives of the characters and the lingering effects of love and loss.

After Sarah's death, Bendrix resolves to finish his diary of hate, now filled with reflections of bitterness towards divine forces. He acknowledges the complexities of love and loss while seeking a semblance of peace amidst his grief.

As Bendrix grapples with his emotions, he comes to terms with his love for Sarah and the inevitability of loss. He reflects on the power of memory and its role in shaping his existence, suggesting that love, even in sorrow, remains a pivotal force.