The Other Man

The Other Man

Year: 2009

Runtime: 88 min

Language: English

Director: Richard Eyre

Drama

A man's life unravels when he discovers his wife has been unfaithful, leading him on a journey across the globe to find her lover. Driven by a desire for answers, he becomes increasingly consumed by his quest, confronting complex emotions of jealousy and loss. The experience ultimately leads him to examine his own actions and search for a path toward understanding and redemption.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Other Man (2009)

Trace every key event in The Other Man (2009) 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

Early marriage and monogamy discussion

Lisa, a United States shoe designer, is married for 25 years to Peter Ryman in Cambridge. Peter disapproves of their daughter Abigail's boyfriend, George, and avoids discussing the couple's monogamy with Lisa. Lisa makes a subtle attempt to open up the topic, but Peter dismisses it, leaving the issue unresolved.

early in the marriage Cambridge
2

Lisa's death

Lisa dies after a period of illness, shocking Peter and Abigail. Her death becomes the catalyst for the subsequent investigation into her life and relationships. The family begins to piece together clues that hint at a hidden chapter of Lisa's past.

after illness Cambridge
3

Abigail's clue: Lake Como note

Abigail hands Peter a note with the message 'Lake Como' written inside one of Lisa's shoes. The clue hints at a place of happiness and secrecy that will drive the plot forward. It becomes the first tangible link to Lisa's possible lover and the secret she kept.

soon after Lisa's death Cambridge
4

Peter uncovers messages and a password folder

Peter discovers a romantic voicemail on Lisa's cell phone and a similar email from 'Ralph' on her computer. There is also a password-protected folder labeled 'Love' that he cannot access at first. The evidence leads him to the belief that Lisa was having an affair.

soon after Lisa's death Peter's home
5

Peter traces Ralph to Milan

Convinced of an affair, Peter has an employee illegally trace Ralph's IP address, which reveals a location in Milan. He travels there to confront the man he believes is Lisa's lover. The trip marks a turning point from suspicion to direct pursuit.

shortly after discovery Milan
6

First meetings with Ralph in Milan

In Milan, Peter meets Ralph in a half-Spanish, half-English chess café. Over several meetings, Ralph explains a twelve-year-long affair with Lisa and describes how he fell in love with her. He believes Lisa will soon rekindle their relationship, complicating Peter's emotions.

over several meetings Milan, chess café
7

Abigail confronts Peter and reveals the danger

Back in Milan, Abigail uncovers Ralph's messages and calls Ralph on Lisa's phone to confirm the affair. She confronts Peter, realizing he has become dangerously obsessed. The confrontation makes it clear that his obsession could harm his family.

during the Milan arc Milan
8

Peter contemplates revenge and spares Ralph

Driven by anger, Peter goes to Ralph's apartment intending to kill him, but he changes his mind and leaves instead. The moment marks a shift away from violent revenge toward a more complex pursuit of truth and controlled closure. He recognizes that harming Ralph would not bring Lisa back or repair his family.

immediate Ralph's apartment, Milan
9

Posing as Lisa to arrange a meeting

Peter, posing as Lisa, emails Ralph to meet at Lake Como. The ruse shows how far he is willing to go to test the authenticity of Lisa's supposed love. Ralph, unsettled yet hopeful, eagerly accepts the setup.

soon after Milan
10

London dinner plan to seal the relationship

Peter funds Ralph to throw Lisa a lavish dinner party in London, aiming to seal the relationship with this illusion of wealth and romance. This financial gesture deepens Ralph's commitment to the illusion that Lisa still exists.

after the Lake Como email London
11

Ralph arrives at Villa d'Este and is confronted

Ralph travels to the Villa d'Este on Lake Como to reunite with Lisa. He is confronted by Peter, who reveals that he is Lisa's husband and that Lisa died of cancer. The revelation shatters Ralph's fantasy and begins a shift in Peter's perspective.

climax Villa d'Este, Lake Como
12

Lisa's truth and a hidden note

In flashbacks, Lisa is shown at her happiest, and Peter and Abigail discover the note 'Lake Como' hidden in one of the shoes. The scene ties the past to the present, revealing what Lisa valued most and how the clue was protected.

flashback sequence
13

Revelation and quiet acceptance

Ralph explains that Lisa knew the truth and paid off his debts, declaring that she truly loved him. Peter, shaken but gaining perspective, decides not to chase revenge and begins to let go of his anger. The revelations reframe Lisa's life as a complex but real longing rather than a simple betrayal.

after confrontation Villa d'Este / Lake Como
14

Return home and a hopeful ending

Back at home, Peter attends the dinner Ralph has arranged and gives a heartfelt toast to Lisa's memory. He reconciles with Abigail and welcomes George into the family, finding closure for himself and his daughter. Ralph, meanwhile, starts a new life in London as a hospital orderly, stepping away from the past.

ending Home and London

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:58

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