The Strange Case of Angelica

The Strange Case of Angelica

Year: 2010

Runtime: 97 min

Language: Portuguese

Director: Manoel de Oliveira

Drama

Photographer Isaac is hired to capture the portrait of the deceased Angelica in a grand estate. While taking her picture, a supernatural event occurs – Angelica’s spirit seemingly awakens. Isaac finds himself increasingly haunted by her ethereal presence, unable to escape the unsettling feeling of being watched, both during the day and at night. He becomes entangled in a strange and unsettling connection with the departed beauty.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Strange Case of Angelica 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 Strange Case of Angelica (2010) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of The Strange Case of Angelica (2010), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

In Portugal during the year 2000, a young Sefardic photographer named Isaac finds himself renting an apartment in a modest guesthouse run by Senhora Justina in Peso da Régua. One stormy night, his sleep is abruptly interrupted by a wealthy family requesting his urgent help: they seek to capture the final portrait of their beloved daughter, Angélica, a young woman who tragically passed away shortly following her wedding.

Upon reaching Quinta das Portas, Isaac is met with the somber atmosphere of a family deeply grieving the loss of Angélica. While exploring one of the chambers, he is struck by the breathtaking beauty of Angélica herself. At that moment, as he adjusts the focus of his lens, she seems to momentarily come back to life, offering him a mysterious wink and a smile.

The following day, Isaac resumes his intended project of documenting the old-world techniques employed in the local vineyards, paying special homage to the so-called “earth diggers.” However, the enchanting image of Angélica continues to haunt his thoughts, leaving him besotted by her memory. He finds himself in a relentless pursuit of her ethereal essence, captivated by the series of ghostly apparitions that ensnare his heart.

As time passes, the photographer spirals into exhaustion, becoming increasingly disconnected from his surroundings and his once-vibrant social life. Eventually, he succumbs to an inexplicable fate, lost in the enchanting yet tormenting ghost of Angélica.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 18:08

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Atmospheric Ghost Stories like The Strange Case of Angelica

Gentle supernatural tales where ghosts are more poetic than monstrous.Movies like The Strange Case of Angelica that focus on ethereal hauntings and melancholic atmospheres. If you enjoyed the poetic and somber ghostly presence, you'll find similar stories here that blend the supernatural with emotional resonance and a slow, reflective pace.

hauntingetherealsomberdreamlikeatmosphericmelancholicpoeticunsettling

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread often center on a solitary protagonist who becomes entranced by a lingering spirit. The story unfolds as a character study of obsession and connection with the otherworldly, typically leading to a poignant or tragic conclusion rather than a resolution of the haunting.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared mood: a haunting, ethereal, and somber tone. They prioritize atmosphere and emotional weight over conventional horror, featuring slow pacing, a melancholic feel, and a focus on the psychological impact of a ghostly encounter.

Movies about Obsessive Artists like The Strange Case of Angelica

Stories of creators consumed by their muse to a tragic end.If you liked The Strange Case of Angelica's story of a photographer consumed by a ghostly muse, explore these films about artistic obsession. Discover similar tales of creators who spiral into isolation and tragedy, driven by an all-consuming passion for their work or subject.

obsessivelonelysombertragicpsychologicalmelancholicunsettlingartistic

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves an artist discovering a subject that becomes their ultimate muse. This fascination quickly turns into an all-consuming obsession, causing them to withdraw from the real world. The story charts their psychological and emotional descent, culminating in a loss of self and a tragic ending directly tied to their artistic pursuit.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a core character arc of artistic obsession leading to psychological deterioration. They are united by a melancholic tone, medium to heavy emotional weight, and a focus on the internal conflict of a creator who is destroyed by their own inspiration.

Unlock the Full Story of The Strange Case of Angelica

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

The Strange Case of Angelica Timeline

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

The Strange Case of Angelica Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Strange Case of Angelica

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Strange Case of Angelica

The Strange Case of Angelica Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Strange Case of Angelica 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 Strange Case of Angelica Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Strange Case of Angelica

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Strange Case of Angelica: 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 Strange Case of Angelica

Similar Movies to The Strange Case of Angelica

Discover movies like The Strange Case of Angelica 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.