The Confession

The Confession

Year: 1970

Runtime: 139 mins

Language: French

Director: Costa-Gavras

DramaThrillerPolitics and human rightsRiveting political and presidential dramaPolitical drama patriotism and war

The vice-minister of Foreign Affairs of Czechoslovakia, knowing he’s being watched and followed, is one day arrested and put into solitary confinement.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Confession 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 Confession (1970)

Trace every key event in The Confession (1970) 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

Artur and friends discover they are being watched

Artur Ludvik, a high-ranking communist and vice-minister, begins to sense that he is being watched. He gathers with a circle of friends who also hold top government positions, and they realize the monitoring is pervasive. The realization even extends to the StB chief, signaling a sweeping crackdown.

1951 Prague, Czechoslovakia
2

Arrest and solitary confinement begin

Artur is arrested by an organization that declares itself 'above the ruling party' and is placed in solitary confinement for months without being told why. The isolation is designed to break him and extract information under pressure.

1951-1952 Prague, Czechoslovakia
3

Family is kept in the dark and punished

Lise and the couple’s children are kept ignorant of the charges against Artur and are pressured to cooperate for their own safety. Lise is removed from her job as a radio announcer and forced to work in a factory, illustrating how the regime controls everyday life.

1951-1952 Prague, Czechoslovakia
4

Brainwashing begins: sleep deprivation and coercion

Artur is subjected to routine brainwashing, including sleep deprivation and forced physical activity. He is pressured to confess to imaginary crimes as interrogators tighten the squeeze.

1951-1952 Prison
5

Friends arrested and implicate Artur

Artur learns that his friends have also been arrested and are implicating him in crimes against the state. The encroachment climbs higher as the group is turned into a tool of the regime's narrative.

1951-1952 Prison
6

Public trial is groomed; prepared to recite

After crushing pressure, Artur confesses and is groomed for a public 'trial.' Interrogators coach him to memorize answers, while he receives meals, vitamin injections, and a sunlamp to restore his appearance after years of wasting away.

1952 Prison
7

Broadcast trial takes place; Lise testifies

The trial is broadcast live, with Lise forced to record a statement disavowing her husband and praising the party. The prisoners are sentenced to death or life imprisonment, and Artur is given life.

1953 Courtroom, Prague
8

Legal theater: no real appeal; sentences shown as theatre

The prisoners threaten to appeal, but court-appointed lawyers tell them the sentences are for the party's benefit and won’t be enforced if they do not appeal. The show trial sustains the regime's control over public perception.

1953 Courtroom, Prague
9

Partial rehabilitation; others face execution

Between 1956 and 1963, some prisoners are gradually freed and rehabilitated, while the rest are executed and cremated. Their ashes are scattered along a road, a lasting symbol of the purge and its secrecy.

1956-1963 Czechoslovakia
10

Kohoutek and officials face repercussions

The architects of the ordeal, including Kohoutek the interrogator, begin to face their own persecutions as the regime reconsiders its abuses. The purge leaves a double memory: guilt for the perpetrators and caution for the survivors.

1950s-1960s Czechoslovakia
11

Artur confronts Kohoutek years later

Artur encounters Kohoutek years after the events, who tries to downplay his role by claiming he only followed orders. The exchange underscores the persistence and manipulation of blame within the system.

1960s Czechoslovakia
12

Memoirs and invasion interrupt the wish for truth

In 1968, Artur completes his memoirs and returns to publish them, hoping to shed light on those years. He arrives in Prague amid the Prague Spring as the Warsaw Pact invasion begins, complicating any chance of a truth-seeking reckoning.

1968 Prague, Czechoslovakia

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 08:29

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.

Unlock the Full Story of The Confession

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

The Confession Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Confession, 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 Confession Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Confession

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Confession

More About The Confession

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

Similar Movies to The Confession

Discover movies like The Confession 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.