The Sentinel

The Sentinel

Year: 1998

Runtime: 139 min

Language: english

Director: Arnaud Desplechin

DramaMysteryThriller

A Secret Service agent finds himself caught in a dangerous conspiracy and must fight to clear his name. Pursued by his own agency, he’s forced to go on the run and confront a formidable enemy in a tense and perilous game of deception. He races against time to uncover the truth and stop another attempt on the president's life, all while trying to expose the forces working against him.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Sentinel (1998)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Sentinel (1998). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The summary does not specify a particular time period, focusing instead on the contemporary lives of characters and the unsettling events that unfold. The setting reflects modern challenges and existential crises, resonating with themes of trauma and personal struggle in today's society.

Location

Northern Italy, New York City, Baltimore, Maryland, Brooklyn Heights

The movie takes place in several significant locations, starting with a clandestine gathering in Northern Italy that hints at looming threats. The bustling city of New York serves as the primary backdrop for Alison's life as a fashion model, showcasing its vibrant energy. Meanwhile, Baltimore is marked by tragic personal history for Alison, adding a layer of emotional depth to the narrative.

🌍 Locations 🏙️ Urban

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:34

Main Characters – The Sentinel (1998)

Meet the key characters of The Sentinel (1998), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Alison Parker

Alison is a top fashion model caught in a web of personal and supernatural turmoil. Struggling with her father's death and haunting memories of trauma, she embodies vulnerability while also reflecting resilience. As the story progresses, her character transitions into a new role as Sister Theresa, illustrating both her transformation and internal strength.

👩‍🎤 Fashion 😢 Trauma ✝️ Redemption

Monsignor Franchino

Monsignor Franchino is a shadowy figure presiding over the clandestine gatherings that foreshadow dark events. He embodies authority and manipulation, revealing the ominous fate that awaits Alison. His role as an antagonist aligns with the film's themes of despair and the struggle between light and dark.

✝️ Clerical 😈 Manipulator

Michael Lerman

Michael is a lawyer and Alison's boyfriend, whose push for marriage adds pressure to her already tumultuous life. His character ultimately becomes tied to the darker undercurrents of the story as his true nature is revealed, impacting Alison's fate and the unfolding chaos within the building.

💼 Lawyer 💔 Pressure

Charles Chazen

Charles serves as an eccentric and humorous neighbor who brings a mix of absurdity and insight into Alison's life. His quirky personality and interactions with Alison offer moments of levity, even as they hint at the underlying unease of their shared environment.

🐱 Cat Lover 🎉 Eccentric

Father Halliran

Father Halliran is a blind and senile priest residing in the building, representing the remnants of faith amidst chaos. His presence adds a layer of mystery, serving both as a passive observer and a link to the building’s dark past.

✝️ Priest 🤫 Silent Observer

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:34

Major Themes – The Sentinel (1998)

Explore the central themes of The Sentinel (1998), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

😈 Despair

Despair permeates the narrative as characters navigate trauma and haunting memories. Alison's experiences with familial loss evoke deep emotional turmoil, revealing her struggle to find solace amid chaos. The theme is further emphasized by her encounters with sinister forces, symbolizing the fight against internal and external demons.

🔗 Destiny

The theme of destiny plays a significant role as Alison grapples with the idea that her life is entwined with the dark history of her apartment building. The revelation of her potential transformation into a sentinel reflects the inevitability of fate and the continuous cycle of life and death that haunts the characters.

🕊️ Redemption

Redemption emerges as Alison confronts her fears and past traumas, ultimately choosing to embrace the cross that symbolizes hope and protection. Her journey from despair to a protective role signifies the possibility of reclaiming one's life amid darkness, highlighting the struggle for personal salvation.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:34

Unlock the Full Story of The Sentinel

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

The Sentinel Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Sentinel, 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 Sentinel Summary

The Sentinel Timeline

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

The Sentinel Timeline

More About The Sentinel

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

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