The End of Eternity

The End of Eternity

Year: 1987

Runtime: 137 mins

Language: Russian

Director: Andrei Yermash

Science Fiction

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.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The End of Eternity 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 End of Eternity (1987)

Trace every key event in The End of Eternity (1987) 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

Eternity's nature and control over time

Eternity exists outside of time and controls Earth’s fate. It travels across centuries with Time Capsules and the endless Sockets of Time. Recruits are ordinary children trained as Observers, Computers, or Technicians, and they must sever ties with their home century.

27th century
2

Harlan arrives at Eternity and begins training

Andrew Harlan is brought to Eternity by Senior Computer Laban Twisel and begins his training as a Technician. He is groomed for a pivotal assignment and mentored to guide a student named Cooper. This marks his entry into the sealed world beyond ordinary time.

48th century Eternity HQ
3

Harlan is tasked to train Cooper in Primitive History

Harlan is tasked with training a student named Cooper in Primitive History, the Earth’s history before Eternity. The lessons are designed to prepare Cooper for a mission that will help Eternity shape history. This assignment tightens Harlan’s fate to the long-term plan.

48th century Eternity, 48th century
4

Mistaken use of Time Capsule leads to punishment

Harlan accidentally introduces the forbidden Time Capsule to Cooper, breaking Eternity's strict rule. As punishment, he is reassigned as an Observer to the Eternity sector of the 48th century, where his nemesis Computer Finge presides. The incident marks the start of a personal rebellion.

48th century Eternity, 48th century
5

Harlan meets Noÿs Lambent in the 48th century

In the 48th century, Harlan encounters Noÿs Lambent, a mortal who temporarily works as a secretary for Finge. Her presence is unusual in a world with few women, stirring cross-century feelings. A forbidden romance begins to blossom.

48th century Eternity, 48th century
6

Twissell’s plan to close the Time circle

Twissell envisions closing the circle of Time by sending Cooper’s pupil to the 24th century. In that era, Eternity hopes to seed the founding figure Mullanson, who would create the first device for time travel and anchor Eternity in the 27th century. The plan aims to solidify Eternity’s control over history.

24th century 24th century
7

Mullanson memoir triggers bigger plan

Twissell discovers Mullanson's memoir in the Eternity archives, where Mullanson describes his training and the steps toward Eternity’s founding. He then sends the memoir into the 24th century, naming Twissell and Harlan as key players. The memoir serves as a blueprint to construct a future timeline favorable to Eternity.

Eternity Archives
8

Finge attempts to alter Noÿs's reality

Computer Finge decides to alter the 48th-century reality surrounding Noÿs. His meddling risks erasing Noÿs from Harlan’s world and destabilizing Eternity’s grip on that century. Harlan must confront the consequences of this change.

48th century Eternity, 48th century
9

Harlan consults Voy to verify Noÿs's reality

Harlan asks the Sociologist Voy to determine whether Noÿs exists in the current reality. Voy confirms she is not present in the altered timeline. This confirmation pushes Harlan toward drastic measures to protect her.

48th century Eternity, 48th century
10

Noÿs hidden in the Hidden Centuries

Realizing Noÿs has been erased, Harlan hides her in the Hidden Centuries, a remote pocket beyond the 1000th century with no way back to the Reality. The act isolates them from Eternity’s reach and makes reunion seem impossible. Harlan dedicates himself to finding a way to bring her back.

Beyond 1000st century Hidden Centuries
11

Time Capsule stops at the 1000th century

As the timeline shifts, the Time Capsule stalls in the 1000th century, cutting off contact with the Reality. Harlan cannot reach Noÿs through the capsule, forcing him to rely on other means. The blockage underscores his defiance against Eternity.

1000th century 1000th century
12

Harlan becomes Eternity’s foe to save Noÿs

From that moment, Harlan becomes an irreconcilable enemy of Eternity, willing to do anything to reunite with Noÿs and even threaten Eternity itself. He commits to rewriting reality to secure their reunion and to defeating the institution that binds him. The film ends with him resisting Eternity’s rules and choosing love over obedience.

Post-1000th century Eternity / Hidden Centuries

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:20

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.

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

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.