The Ides of March

The Ides of March

Year: 2011

Runtime: 101

Language: English

Drama

During a fiercely contested Ohio Democratic primary, Governor Mike Morris seems destined for the presidency. However, his campaign faces intense internal conflict and external pressures that challenge his political ideals. Stephen Meyers, the governor’s dedicated press secretary, finds himself caught in a complex and compromising situation as he confronts the realities of power and ambition within the political arena.

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Timeline – The Ides of March (2011)

Trace every key event in The Ides of March (2011) 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

Stephen Introduces Himself

Stephen Myers takes to the podium in an auditorium to speak about his religious beliefs. Though not a candidate himself, he plays a crucial role in supporting Gov. Mike Morris in the campaign.

Auditorium
2

The Debate Begins

Gov. Mike Morris faces off against Senator Pullman in a critical debate for the Democratic primary. During the debate, Pullman challenges Morris on his religious views, which Morris adeptly deflects, asserting his uncertainty about life after death.

3

Dinner with Ida

Stephen and Paul Zara have dinner with Ida, a reporter. Stephen expresses his admiration for Morris, claiming he's never encountered a candidate like him, but Ida remains skeptical about politicians' true natures.

Restaurant
4

Reconnecting with Molly

Stephen reunites with Molly, an intern he's worked with before. She invites him to a popular dive bar for drinks, suggesting a budding connection at a personal level.

Dive bar
5

Seeking Endorsement

Paul Zara meets with Senator Thompson to secure his endorsement for Morris. Thompson indicates he expects something in return, setting the stage for political maneuvering.

Senator's Home
6

Duffy's Offer

Tom Duffy, Pullman's campaign manager, approaches Stephen with a proposal to join their camp. Stephen declines, wanting to remain loyal to Morris, causing tension between him and Paul.

7

A Night Together

Stephen and Molly share a night together after going for drinks. The following day, as they bask in their connection, Stephen learns shocking news about her relationship with Morris.

Stephen's Hotel Room
8

Molly's Pregnancy Revelation

Molly reveals to Stephen that she's pregnant, and their affair has been more complicated than either anticipated. This revelation forces Stephen to confront the implications of the precarious situation.

9

Stephen's Paranoia

After speaking with Ida, who knows of his meeting with Duffy, Stephen's paranoia intensifies. He feels the pressure mounting as whispers of scandal circulate, threatening Morris' campaign.

10

Tragic Loss

Stephen discovers Molly's lifeless body in her hotel room after she takes her own life, overwhelmed by the weight of their circumstances. The tragedy leaves Stephen in disbelief and guilt-ridden.

Molly's Hotel Room
11

Strategic Confrontation

Stephen confronts Morris about the political maneuverings and pressures surrounding Thompson's endorsement. He realizes that Morris, with his pristine facade, hides dark secrets.

12

Paul is Fired

Paul Zara is unexpectedly fired after a mysterious encounter with Morris. He walks away stunned, illustrating the cutthroat nature of political campaigns.

13

Molly's Funeral

Stephen attends Molly's funeral, grappling with the reality of her death and the impact of their shared choices. The painful ceremony reinforces his moral dilemma now etched in his conscience.

Funeral
14

Endorsement Secured

Senator Thompson formally endorses Morris, signaling a key turning point in the campaign. However, Stephen watches on, increasingly disillusioned by the duplicity of those around him.

15

Stephen's Transformation

In a moment of introspection during a scheduled interview, Stephen realizes he has become disenchanted with politics. His once-idealistic views have been shattered as he reflects on the consequences of his actions.

Last Updated: December 31, 2024 at 18:09

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Political Thrillers of Moral Compromise like The Ides of March

Stories where high-stakes political power corrupts personal ideals.For viewers who enjoyed the tense political maneuvering and ethical dilemmas of The Ides of March, this list features similar movies like All the President's Men or Michael Clayton. Discover gripping dramas where the pursuit of power forces characters into profound moral choices, resulting in bleak and emotionally heavy conclusions.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically follow a savvy insider—a campaign manager, journalist, or aide—who initially believes in a system or candidate. As they rise through the ranks, they encounter a web of corruption, betrayal, and secret deals that force them to sacrifice their principles to survive, culminating in a hollow victory or a bleak personal fall.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the corrupting nature of political ambition, their tense and anxious tone, and their complex plots involving strategic power plays. They deliver a similar experience of watching idealism systematically crushed by pragmatic, often cynical, realities.

Slow Burn Descent into Cynicism like in The Ides of March

A steady, tense unraveling of a character's moral center.If you liked the steady, tense pacing and moral unraveling in The Ides of March, explore similar movies like Michael Clayton or There Will Be Blood. This thread captures films where a character's idealism is systematically dismantled, leading to a bleak and cynical worldview through a deliberate, suspenseful narrative.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a character, often highly competent and initially principled, facing a series of escalating ethical challenges. Each event chips away at their beliefs, with the pacing ensuring the audience feels the cumulative weight. The journey is internal as much as external, culminating not in a loud explosion but a quiet, devastating acceptance of a corrupt world.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their specific pacing and tone. They share a steady, deliberate build that creates a claustrophobic sense of anxiety, a focus on internal moral conflict, and an emotionally heavy, bleak conclusion that leaves the protagonist—and viewer—in a state of disillusionment.

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The Ides of March Summary

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The Ides of March Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Ides of March

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Ides of March

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The Ides of March Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Ides of March

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