The Experiment

The Experiment

Year: 2002

Runtime: 120 min

Language: English

Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel

DramaThriller

Driven by desperation, Mary becomes involved in a dangerous experiment exploring the limits of perception through powerful substances. As she progresses, the distinction between reality and illusion fades, leading her into a terrifying and sensual experience. The experiment pushes her to the edge of sanity, blurring the lines between what is real and what is a hallucination.

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Timeline & Setting – The Experiment (2002)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Experiment (2002). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events of the film unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern societal issues regarding authority, power, and human psychology. The lack of a specific historical context emphasizes the timeless nature of the themes explored within the experiment.

Location

Prison Facility

The prison facility serves as the primary location where the social experiment takes place. It is a controlled environment designed to replicate a penitentiary, with specific areas for guards and prisoners. The facility becomes a battleground for power dynamics and psychological manipulation as the experiment escalates.

🏢 Facility 🚔 Prison

Last Updated: May 20, 2025 at 06:34

Main Characters – The Experiment (2002)

Meet the key characters of The Experiment (2002), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Tarek Fahd (Moritz Bleibtreu)

Tarek is a taxi driver and journalist who enters the experiment with high hopes for a story but soon finds himself trapped in a nightmare. His character evolves from defiance to a deep understanding of the consequences of power struggles, ultimately becoming a leader among the prisoners. His resourcefulness and moral compass are tested as the experiment escalates into brutality.

📰 Journalist 🚔 Prisoner 🕵️‍♂️ Resourceful

Professor Klaus Thon

Professor Thon is the scientist overseeing the experiment, focused on collecting data and observing the psychological effects on participants. His insistence on pushing the experiment to its limits demonstrates a cold detachment from the human suffering involved. Thon embodies the moral ambiguities of scientific exploration at the expense of ethical considerations.

🔬 Scientist 💼 Authority ⚖️ Ethical Dilemma

Dr. Jutta Grimm

Dr. Grimm serves as the assistant and voice of reason in the experiment, often advocating for the well-being of the participants. She becomes increasingly alarmed at the escalating violence and struggles to assert her influence over Thon. Her character represents the moral conscience within the scientific community, highlighting the conflict between observation and compassion.

👩‍⚕️ Scientist ⚠️ Observer 💔 Compassionate

Berus

Berus is one of the guards, characterized by his sadistic tendencies and a belief in the value of humiliation as a means of control. His authoritative demeanor escalates the violence inflicted upon the prisoners. Berus symbolizes the dangers of power unchecked, illustrating how individuals can lose their humanity when placed in positions of dominance.

👮‍♂️ Guard 🔪 Sadistic 🚨 Conflict

Last Updated: May 20, 2025 at 06:34

Major Themes – The Experiment (2002)

Explore the central themes of The Experiment (2002), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Authority

The film examines the theme of authority and its effects on human behavior. As the experiment progresses, the guards increasingly abuse their power, showcasing how quickly individuals can become tyrannical when given unchecked authority. The struggle between dominance and submission is central to the narrative, leading to severe consequences for both prisoners and guards.

😱 Desperation

Desperation permeates the atmosphere as prisoners face dehumanization and violence. The characters are pushed to their limits, revealing how extreme circumstances can lead to drastic actions. Tarek’s struggle for survival and the emotional toll of the experience illustrate the depths of human despair when stripped of dignity.

💔 Humanity

The film explores the fragility of humanity amidst cruelty and moral dilemmas. It showcases the complexities of the human spirit, as characters like Tarek and Schütte navigate their bonds of friendship and loyalty in a chaotic environment. The film ultimately questions what it means to maintain one’s humanity in dehumanizing situations.

Last Updated: May 20, 2025 at 06:34

Unlock the Full Story of The Experiment

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

The Experiment Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Experiment, 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 Experiment Summary

The Experiment Timeline

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

The Experiment Timeline

The Experiment Spoiler-Free Summary

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

More About The Experiment

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

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