The Shining

The Shining

Year: 1980

Runtime: 146 min

Language: English

Director: Stanley Kubrick

ThrillerHorror

A struggling writer, Jack Torrance, accepts a winter caretaker position at the isolated Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies, hoping the solitude will overcome his writer's block. He brings his wife, Wendy, and their young son, Danny. However, the hotel harbors a dark history, and as Jack becomes increasingly isolated by the heavy snowfall, he slowly descends into madness, threatening his family and uncovering terrifying secrets within the Overlook's walls.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Shining 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 & Setting – The Shining (1980)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Shining (1980). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The narrative occurs in a contemporary setting, within the latter half of the 20th century. During this time, themes of isolation, mental health struggles, and the impact of past traumas are highlighted. The atmosphere is underscored by the cold and desolate winter months, amplifying the feelings of entrapment and despair.

Location

Overlook Hotel

The Overlook Hotel is an isolated and grand establishment set in the snowy mountains, known for its luxurious accommodations and eerie surroundings. The hotel, while beautiful, has a sinister reputation due to its dark past and the events that transpired within its walls. This duality of charm and horror serves as a haunting backdrop for the unraveling psychological terror experienced by the Torrance family.

🏨 Hotel ❄️ Snowy 🌄 Isolated

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:07

Main Characters – The Shining (1980)

Meet the key characters of The Shining (1980), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson)

Jack Torrance is a former teacher with a troubled past, struggling with alcoholism and anger. His ambition to write drives him to accept a caretaker position at the Overlook Hotel, but his mental state deteriorates as he confronts isolation and supernatural influences. Jack's transformation from a hopeful father to a murderous figure illustrates the theme of madness.

👨‍🏫 Teacher 🍷 Alcoholic 📖 Writer

Wendy Torrance (Shelley Duvall)

Wendy Torrance is a devoted wife and mother, facing the terrifying transformation of her husband. As Jack's sanity unravels, Wendy becomes increasingly concerned for her son, Danny, and determines to protect him at all costs. Her resilience and instinct for survival are crucial as she confronts the threats posed by Jack and the hotel.

👩‍👦 Mother 🛡️ Protector 👁️ Watchful

Danny Torrance

Danny Torrance is a young boy with a psychic ability referred to as 'shining'. He is deeply sensitive to the hotel's dark presence, experiencing horrifying visions that reflect its tragic past. Danny's connection to his imaginary friend, Tony, highlights his unique perspective and the emotional toll of his family's unraveling dynamic.

👦 Child 🔮 Psychic 👫 Imaginary Friend

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:07

Major Themes – The Shining (1980)

Explore the central themes of The Shining (1980), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌀 Madness

Madness is a central theme, as Jack Torrance's mental state deteriorates following his isolation at the Overlook Hotel. His struggles with alcoholism and writer's block exacerbate his descent into insanity, drawing him deeper into the hotel's malevolent influence. The sinister history of the hotel serves as a catalyst for his transformation into a violent figure.

👨‍👩‍👦 Family

The family dynamic is pivotal in the film, showcasing the strain between Jack, Wendy, and Danny under pressure. Jack's volatile behavior threatens their safety and challenges the bonds they share. The struggle for family unity amidst chaos highlights themes of protection and the destructive potential of a fractured mind.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:07

Unlock the Full Story of The Shining

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

The Shining Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Shining, 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 Shining Summary

The Shining Timeline

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

The Shining Timeline

More About The Shining

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

Similar Movies to The Shining

Discover movies like The Shining 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.