The End of Eternity

The End of Eternity

Year: 1987

Runtime: 137 mins

Language: Russian

Director: Andrei Yermash

Directed by Andrei Yermash and scripted by Isaac Asimov, Budimir Metalnikov and Yermash, this 1987 Soviet science‑fiction film features Oleg Vavilov, Vera Sotnikova, Georgi Zhzhyonov, Sergei Yursky, Gediminas Girdvainis and Boris Ivanov in its principal roles and was released during the late Cold War era.

The End of Eternity (1987) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at The End of Eternity (1987) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a future where humanity has learned to slip through the centuries, a secretive order called Eternity governs the flow of history from a vaulted realm beyond ordinary time. Its agents move through the “Sockets of Time” in sleek Time Capsules, assuming specialized roles—Observers, Technicians, Sociologists, and more—each tasked with subtle adjustments that keep the world on a predetermined course. The film’s visual palette blends the stark, utilitarian architecture of a cold‑war era with the luminous, almost mystical interiors of the timeless citadel, creating a mood that feels both bureaucratic and otherworldly, as if every corridor hums with the weight of centuries.

At the centre of this structured universe is Andrew Harlan, a gifted young Observer whose curiosity about the past rivals the meticulous training of his peers. Drawn from an ordinary childhood into the ranks of Eternity, Harlan quickly becomes a promising operative, prized for his keen intellect and a lingering affection for the ancient world that his order studies from afar. His mentor, Laban Twissel, a senior figure within the council, embodies the austere logic of the organization, guiding Harlan through the delicate balance between duty and the lingering human desire to understand— and perhaps influence— the primitive epochs of Earth.

The presence of Noÿs Lambent, a mortal who serves as a secretary within the 48th‑century sector, introduces an unexpected crack in the timeless veneer. Her rarity and the quiet strength she exudes highlight the tension between the immortal bureaucracy and the fragile, fleeting lives it oversees. Alongside them, the pragmatic sociologist Kantor Voy and the towering senior computers—Finge and Sennor—represent the cold, calculated logic that underpins Eternity’s grand design. Their interactions with Harlan hint at a subtle power struggle between personal yearning and the impersonal machinery of history.

The film unfolds as a meditation on the cost of absolute control and the irresistible pull of love and curiosity in a world where time itself is a tool. Its tone is contemplative yet tense, inviting viewers to wonder how far one will go when the very fabric of reality can be rewritten, and what it means to remain human within an empire that seeks to transcend humanity.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 15:39

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Rebel vs. System movies like The End of Eternity

Characters risk everything to defy an omnipotent bureaucracy for love or freedom.For viewers who enjoyed the high-stakes rebellion in The End of Eternity, this collection gathers movies about characters fighting against all-powerful controlling systems. If you liked the tense, philosophical struggle against fate and bureaucratic overlords, you'll find similar stories of desperate defiance here.

rebellioustenseurgentclaustrophobicgrandiosephilosophical

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a protagonist who discovers the oppressive nature of the system they serve or live under. Their journey involves a growing awareness, a personal catalyst for rebellion, and a series of risky, clandestine acts that build towards a climax with monumental consequences for both the individual and the established order.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a core conflict of the individual versus an immense, controlling power. They are united by a tense, high-intensity mood, a steady pacing that builds suspense, and heavy emotional weight stemming from the personal cost of defiance and the scale of the stakes.

Bittersweet time travel movies like The End of Eternity

Where altering the past brings profound personal victory at a great cosmic cost.If you liked the complex time paradoxes and bittersweet ending of The End of Eternity, explore these films about the heavy price of changing history. These similar sci-fi stories feature melancholy moods, complex rules, and emotional outcomes where love or victory comes with a significant cost to reality or the self.

melancholicphilosophicalbittersweetcomplexgrandioseurgent

Narrative Summary

The plot revolves around characters who gain the ability to manipulate time, only to discover that every change creates unforeseen and often devastating ripple effects. The journey is one of escalating stakes and moral dilemmas, culminating in an ending where a personal goal is achieved, but the stability of reality or the protagonist's place within it is forever altered.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their exploration of time travel's emotional toll rather than its mechanics. They share a melancholic and philosophical mood, complex narrative structures, a steady, deliberate pacing that allows the weight of choices to sink in, and ultimately, a bittersweet emotional conclusion.

Unlock the Full Story of The End of Eternity

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

The End of Eternity Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The End of Eternity, 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 End of Eternity Summary

The End of Eternity Timeline

Track the full timeline of The End of Eternity with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The End of Eternity Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in The End of Eternity

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in The End of Eternity

More About The End of Eternity

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The End of Eternity: 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 End of Eternity

Similar Movies to The End of Eternity

Discover movies like The End of Eternity 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.