The Idiots

The Idiots

Year: 2000

Runtime: 117 min

Language: Danish

Director: Lars von Trier

DramaComedy

A quiet dinner is disrupted when a group pretending to be mentally challenged unexpectedly enter a restaurant. Drawn into their world, Karen explores their communal home and their deliberate rejection of conventional society through embracing absurdity. As she becomes more involved with their lifestyle and performances, she questions the boundaries between their constructed personas and genuine identity, leading to a blurring of reality.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Idiots 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!

The Idiots (2000) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of The Idiots (2000), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

A disparate group of seemingly anti-establishment adults embarks on a journey to discover their “inner idiot,” seeking to shed their inhibitions. Their method involves acting in public as though they are mentally impaired, disrupting the peace at a local restaurant. The group’s behaviors are barely kept in check by their designated “handler,” Susanne. This peculiar conduct is referred to as “spassing,” a term derived from “spasser,” which is the Danish word for “spaz.”

Among the restaurant patrons, Karen, a single diner, initially misinterprets their performance as a genuine condition, eliciting her sympathy. One member of the group even insists on holding her hand, ushering her into a taxi with them. As the ride progresses, Karen uncovers the ruse, leading her into a convoluted mix of discomfort and intrigue. Upon arriving at a sprawling house, she discovers that Stoffer, the group’s ostensible leader, has plans to sell the property that belongs to his uncle. However, the house soon becomes the epicenter of their absurd activities.

This “spassing” represents a futile effort by the group to provoke societal outcry and challenge the status quo. Feeling stifled by the uncaring nature of society towards their intellect, the self-proclaimed “idiots” long for the uninhibited self-expression that they romantically associate with a perceived ideal of disability.

At his birthday celebration, Stoffer whimsically expresses his desire for a “gangbang,” leading to group sex among the members (with Karen choosing not to participate). Stoffer then urges his companions to let idiocy permeate their everyday lives. Yet, when faced with the challenge, most members opt to abandon the group, resulting in its disbandment. Contrary to their choice, Karen embraces the challenge ahead. She invites Susanne back to her home, where they are met with shock from Karen’s mother. Having been missing for two weeks after the tragic loss of her infant, Karen offers no explanation for her absence. She attempts to act foolishly in front of her family by ineptly dribbling her food, only to be met with a violent slap from her husband, Anders. Together, Karen and Susanne leave the house, stepping into the unknown.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 18:40

Unlock the Full Story of The Idiots

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

The Idiots Timeline

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

The Idiots Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Idiots

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Idiots

More About The Idiots

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

Similar Movies to The Idiots

Discover movies like The Idiots 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.