The Cremator

The Cremator

Year: 1969

Runtime: 101 mins

Language: Czech

Director: Juraj Herz

HorrorDramaComedyHorror

NO ONE WILL SUFFER. In 1930s Prague, a Czech cremator who firmly believes cremation relieves one from earthly suffering is drawn inexorably to Nazism.

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Timeline & Setting – The Cremator (1969)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Cremator (1969). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2055

The story is set in the near future, specifically in the year 2055. This period features advanced AI technology integrated into society, but also depicts the destructive consequences of those developments, including nuclear war and warfare. It is characterized by high-tech military conflicts, space exploration, and societal tensions surrounding AI and human coexistence.

Location

Los Angeles, Ko Nang, New Asia, NOMAD space station, village by the lake, temple

The movie spans multiple significant locations, starting in the bustling city of Los Angeles, then shifting to Ko Nang in New Asia, a region affected by war and AI conflict. Key scenes take place on the massive NOMAD space station orbiting Earth, representing advanced technology and warfare. Rural areas such as a desolate lake-side village and a sacred temple serve as battlegrounds and places of refuge, illustrating the contrast between human civilization and natural/traditional sites.

🌴 Urban 🏞️ Rural 🚀 Space station 🏯 Sacred site

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:45

Main Characters – The Cremator (1969)

Meet the key characters of The Cremator (1969), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Joshua Taylor (John David Washington)

A soldier with a prosthetic arm and leg, Joshua is haunted by his past and driven by love and duty. He is deeply committed to finding and saving his wife, navigating a morally complex world filled with betrayal and violence. His resilience and compassion make him a central figure in the fight against the AI threat.

⚔️ Soldier 💔 Loving husband 🧠 Undercover agent

Maya (Gemma Chan)

Maya is a key figure connected to the AI, believed to be Nirmata, or the creator of the AI. Her condition in a coma reflects her complex identity as both a human and an AI consciousness. She embodies themes of connection, sacrifice, and the blurred line between human and artificial life.

🧬 Mother figure 🌌 AI consciousness 💖 Sacrificial

Alphie (Madeleine Yuna Voyles)

A young robot girl with immense powers to control technology, Alphie is the offspring of Joshua and Maya, representing hope and new life. Her innocence and potential highlight themes of creation and the future of AI-human relationships.

🌱 Child 💡 Powerful 👶 Innocent

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:45

Major Themes – The Cremator (1969)

Explore the central themes of The Cremator (1969), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤖 Artificial Intelligence

The movie explores the complex relationship between humans and AI, highlighting issues of consciousness, morality, and the potential dangers of technological advancement. It questions whether AI can truly be considered alive and examines the consequences of integrating AI into society, especially when they develop their own consciousness.

🕊️ War and Peace

Set against a backdrop of nuclear conflict and ongoing fight against rogue AI, the film reflects on the costs of war and the desire for peace. It portrays the struggle to end violence and the risks involved in fighting for or against technological entities that blur the line between friend and foe.

🧬 Family and Parenthood

The story centers on Joshua’s relationship with his wife Maya and their unborn child, Alphie. It examines themes of parenthood, the legacy of family, and the creation of new life, as they grapple with the implications of their child being a product of AI technology.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:45

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Movies about ideological unravelling like The Cremator

Stories where ordinary individuals are seduced by extremist ideologies.If you liked The Cremator's portrayal of a man's tragic descent into Nazism, you'll find similar stories here. These movies explore characters seduced by extremist ideologies, often blending dark satire with psychological horror to examine the banality of evil.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a protagonist, often starting from a position of mundane normalcy, who becomes incrementally drawn to a radical ideology. Their personal philosophy becomes increasingly twisted, justifying horrific actions through a warped sense of purpose or logic, leading to a tragic conclusion.

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These films are grouped by their shared focus on the psychological mechanics of radicalization. They share a tense, often surreal atmosphere, a complex protagonist arc, and a thematic exploration of how evil can manifest through conviction rather than mere monstrosity.

Surreal historical horror movies like The Cremator

Historical settings distorted through a lens of surrealism and psychological horror.Fans of The Cremator's unique blend of 1930s Prague setting with surreal horror will appreciate these films. Discover similar movies that use historical periods as a stage for grotesque, psychologically intense, and atmospherically dense stories.

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Narrative Summary

Stories are grounded in a real historical context, but the filmmaking style employs surrealism, grotesque imagery, and a disorienting atmosphere to externalize the inner madness and moral collapse of the characters and the era itself. The plot often feels like a nightmare logic reflection of history.

Why These Movies?

These movies are connected by their unique fusion of a tangible historical setting with a highly stylized, surreal aesthetic. They share a gritty, atmospheric mood, a high emotional weight, and a focus on the grotesque absurdity that can arise from dark chapters in history.

Unlock the Full Story of The Cremator

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

The Cremator Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Cremator, 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 Cremator Summary

The Cremator Timeline

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

The Cremator Timeline

The Cremator Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Cremator 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 Cremator Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Cremator

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

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