Torment

Torment

Year: 1986

Runtime: 85 mins

Language: English

Directors: John Hopkins, Samson Aslanian

HorrorCrimeThrillerMystery

A detective sets out to capture a psycho who kills women, but the psycho turns the tables and goes after the detective’s girlfriend.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Torment (1986)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Torment (1986). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

San Francisco, California, Fort Point, Mrs. Courtland's Mansion

The action unfolds across San Francisco and a secluded mansion outside the city. Fort Point anchors a portion of the story, hinting at a Bay Area backdrop. The mansion acts as a fortress under siege, with doors and rooms becoming stages for suspense and violence.

🏙️ City setting 🏠 Mansion 🗺️ Bay Area

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:44

Main Characters – Torment (1986)

Meet the key characters of Torment (1986), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Bob

A lascivious, calculating serial killer who stalks and murders young women. He uses break-ins and manipulation to advance his crimes, escalating violence when thwarted. His actions reveal a chilling lack of empathy and a fixation on control.

🔪 Antagonist 🧠 Psychopath

Detective Michael Courtland

A determined detective who links a string of murders in San Francisco. His dedication to solving the case leads him to postpone his wedding, highlighting his commitment to justice at personal cost.

🕵️ Detective 🔎 Investigation

Jennifer

Michael’s fiancée who travels to the Courtland mansion and becomes entangled in the escalating danger. She questions family secrets while staying composed under pressure.

🧭 Protagonist 🛡️ Courage

Mrs. Courtland

Wheelchair-using matriarch who is fiercely protective of her home. Her practical resolve and willingness to act in a crisis drive key moments of defense against the intruder.

👵 Matriarch 🛡️ Protector

Dianne

The first victim who rejects Bob’s advances; her death triggers the serial killings and sets the investigation in motion.

🩸 Victim 💔 Tragedy

Barry

Dianne’s boyfriend who becomes a second victim in the killer’s cycle, underscoring the random and brutal nature of the violence.

🩸 Victim 💔 Tragedy

Bogartis

A local officer summoned to the home who is killed outside with an axe during the confrontation, underscoring the danger faced by investigators.

👮 Officer ⚔️ Violence

Officer Gilchrist

Police officer involved in the case as part of the investigation into the serial killings.

👮 Officer 🕵️ Investigation

Fort Point Officer

Officer associated with the Fort Point location who responds to the scene as part of the investigation.

👮 Officer 🗺️ Bay Area

Helen

The housemaid who is stabbed by Bob, illustrating how the killer’s reach extends to staff within the home.

🧹 Helper 🩸 Victim

Father

Jennifer’s father, shown in the tense sequence involving Bob; a pivotal figure in the unraveling of the night’s events.

👨 Family 🗝️ Intruder

Officer Tilman

Another police officer involved in the case; aids the investigation.

👮 Officer 🕵️ Investigation

Coroner

The coroner who concludes the case after the killer is fatally shot by police.

⚰️ Coroner 🕵️ Forensic

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:44

Major Themes – Torment (1986)

Explore the central themes of Torment (1986), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔪 Obsession

A lascivious killer fixates on control through a pattern of stalking and murder. The pursuit unfolds with calculated breaks‑ins, threats, and the collection of victims' images that taunt investigators. His fixation escalates as the body count grows, revealing the depth of his compulsion. The theme examines how a single drive can corrupt lives and communities.

🏠 Domestic Tension

The home becomes a trap as fear infiltrates every room. Mrs. Courtland’s protective paranoia, coupled with Jennifer’s growing awareness, pushes the characters into a shrinking, fortress-like space. Entrances, alarms, and locked doors heighten suspense as danger looms inside the house. The setting shows how domestic spaces can conceal violence.

🚓 Investigation & Justice

Detective Michael Courtland leads the pursuit, balancing professional duty with personal stake as the killer targets his circle. Police and officers like Bogartis and Gilchrist work to connect the murders across San Francisco and the Bay Area. The investigation builds toward a confrontation where law enforcement confronts the killer. The theme underscores the fragile boundary between justice and desperation.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:44

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Unlock the Full Story of Torment

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

Torment Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Torment, 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.

Torment Summary

Torment Timeline

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Torment Timeline

More About Torment

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More About Torment

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