The Inventor

The Inventor

Year: 2023

Runtime: 1 h 32 m

Language: English

Director: Pierre-Luc Granjon

Echo Score: 61
AnimationAdventureComedyFamily

Driven by a desire to understand the secrets of life, Leonardo da Vinci leaves Italy and travels to the French royal court. There, the brilliant inventor dedicates himself to his work, experimenting with groundbreaking flying machines, studying human anatomy through dissection, and creating inventive devices. As he pursues his scientific inquiries, he confronts profound philosophical questions about the nature of existence and his place in the world.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Inventor 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 Inventor (2023)

Trace every key event in The Inventor (2023) 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

Moon study in Rome for life signs

In Rome, 1516, Leonardo uses a mirror-based telescope to examine the Moon's surface. He hopes to detect seas or signs of life and to push the boundaries of knowledge. This early inquiry foreshadows his lifelong obsession with life, the cosmos, and the soul.

1516 Rome, Italy
2

Papal reveal and halt order

Members of the Papal Court accompany Leonardo into a room where Zoroastro reveals a human body for forensic probing. The moment sparks a debate about whether science should probe divine mysteries or overstep religious authority. The Pope orders Leonardo to cease further investigations into God's works.

1516 Vatican, Rome
3

Defeat at Marignano and quick rise as a military engineer

A messenger informs the Pope of the Milanese defeat at Marignano (Sept 1515), and Leonardo is briefly appointed as a military engineer. His service is cut short by the political push for peace with France. He argues for negotiating with Francis I, aligning his craft with the king's interests.

Sept 1515 Rome, Italy
4

Peace with Francis I and invitation to the French court

Leonardo demonstrates inventions to Francis I, who is impressed by his genius. Francis invites him to the French royal court to continue his work. Leonardo accepts the invitation and prepares to travel.

1515-1516 Rome, Italy
5

Journey to Amboise and Remorantin assignment

Leonardo arrives in Amboise after accepting Francis's invitation. Francis assigns him and his assistant Cecco to visit Remorantin to inspect a castle under construction. There he meets Marguerite, a woman who becomes an early ally in his intellectual journey.

early 16th century Amboise, France
6

Death confrontation and soul search away from Rome

Away from the Papal influence, Leonardo presses on with his search for the soul and is confronted by Death. The encounter underscores the fragility of life and the stakes of his quest. Marguerite's companionship encourages him to persevere.

early 16th century Remorantin, France
7

Marguerite aids the Ideal City project

Marguerite helps Leonardo sketch his Ideal City, replacing the castle project with a broader urban vision. The collaboration blends architecture with science and philosophy in a hopeful alternative to courtly displays. The idea grows as a symbol of human-centered progress.

early 16th century Remorantin, France
8

Shift from Ideal City to courtly demonstrations

As Francis prepares festivities to welcome other monarchs, Leonardo is forced to halt the Ideal City and pivot to inventions that the court can showcase. He develops military devices and even a plan for an equestrian statue of Francis I to dazzle guests like Charles V and Henry VIII. The shift reveals his adaptability under royal expectations.

before royal festivities Remorantin/Amboise, France
9

Illness and Papal Court visit

Leonardo falls ill and is visited by the Papal Court; despite his fragility, he decides to reveal his research on the soul. Cecco opposes sharing his theories publicly, arguing for caution. The illness becomes a turning point in whether science and spirituality should meet the public eye.

illness period Amboise, France
10

Claim of the Secret to Life itself

From his bed, Leonardo proclaims that he has discovered the 'Secret to Life itself'. The assertion intensifies the debate between science and faith at court. The moment amplifies the tension surrounding his work and his legacy.

illness period Amboise, France
11

Solar System show with Francis as the Sun

Leonardo stages a show on the Solar System, with Francis I playing the Sun, to illustrate the order of the cosmos and humanity's place within it. The performance fuses art, engineering, and religion into one sweeping spectacle. The ceremony culminates in a sense of awe and inquiry.

climax Amboise, France
12

Song of life and ascent toward the Milky Way

A song, 'A Life Well Spent Is Long,' is interpreted as a philosophy of his work, and Leonardo seems to fly into what appears to be the Milky Way. The sequence suggests his death or a transcendent ascent beyond ordinary perception. Marguerite and Cecco watch with a mix of wonder and sorrow.

climax Amboise, France
13

Ending: legacy beyond the earthly realm

The climactic Milky Way sequence leaves Leonardo's fate ambiguous, implying a legacy that transcends his lifetime. The fusion of science, art, and spirituality invites viewers to reflect on a life spent pursuing truth. The final tone honors a mind that sought to unite heaven and earth.

Ending Amboise, France

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 16:13

Unlock the Full Story of The Inventor

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

The Inventor Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Inventor, 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 Inventor Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Inventor

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Inventor

The Inventor Spoiler-Free Summary

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

More About The Inventor

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

Similar Movies to The Inventor

Discover movies like The Inventor 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.