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.

Torment (1986) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Torment (1986) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the mist‑shrouded streets of San Francisco, a city of lingering fog and neon shadows, a wave of unsettling crimes begins to gnaw at the public’s sense of safety. The atmosphere crackles with a quiet dread, as ordinary lives are punctuated by the invisible threat of a predator who stalks the night. The narrative leans into a gritty, almost noir‑ish tone, pairing the city’s sprawling beauty with an undercurrent of menace that never fully leaves the frame.

Detective Michael Courtland is the story’s reluctant anchor, a seasoned officer whose dedication to the force is matched only by his devotion to the woman he plans to marry. When the latest case forces him to push his upcoming wedding with Jennifer back by a few weeks, the decision pulls both of them into a web of uncertainty. To buy time, Jennifer takes refuge at the expansive, somewhat austere home of Michael’s mother, the reclusive Mrs. Courtland, whose own habits hint at a lifetime of guarded solitude. The house itself, set apart from the bustling city, becomes a character of its own—simultaneously a sanctuary and a place where unease can fester unnoticed.

Amid this uneasy complacency, the elusive killer—known only as Bob—emerges from the shadows, turning the hunt into a twisted game of cat and mouse. The predator’s tactics are as psychological as they are physical, forcing the detective to confront not only the methodical menace but also the fragile ties that bind his personal world. As the investigation deepens, the lines between hunter and hunted begin to blur, and the stakes rise far beyond a single case.

The film balances tight‑knit character dynamics with a relentless, suspense‑driven atmosphere. It teases the audience with an ever‑present sense that danger may be nearer than anyone realizes, and that loyalty, love, and fear will be tested in unexpected ways.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 15:50

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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.

Brutal Home Invasion Thrillers like Torment

Stories where a safe space becomes a deadly trap for a relentless predator.If you liked the terrifying siege in Torment, this thread collects movies with similar narratives of home invasion and survival. These films feature relentless stalkers, claustrophobic settings, and high-stakes battles where characters must defend their sanctuary against brutal attackers.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a secluded location, often a home, becoming the primary battleground. A group or individual is isolated and systematically hunted by an intruder who turns their safe space into a prison. The story unfolds in real-time tension, focusing on survival tactics, psychological terror, and violent confrontation.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here based on the shared, overwhelming mood of claustrophobic dread and the specific plot device of a home invasion. They share a high-intensity, fast-paced tone, heavy emotional weight from the immediate physical threat, and a focus on the raw fear of being hunted in a confined space.

Thrillers Where the Hunter Becomes the Hunted like Torment

When a hunter becomes the hunted, and the killer targets those they love.Fans of Torment will appreciate these cat-and-mouse thrillers where the detective's investigation backfires. This collection features stories where a serial killer or criminal personally targets the protagonist, creating a high-stakes, emotionally charged race against time to save loved ones.

tenseanxiousdesperateparanoidbrutalvengefulthrillingconfrontational

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a linear cat-and-mouse structure that dramatically inverses the power dynamic. It begins with a professional pursuit but quickly pivots when the antagonist identifies and attacks the protagonist's personal life. This creates a journey from detached investigation to emotionally desperate survival, often culminating in a direct, violent confrontation.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific plot arc where the pursuer becomes the prey. They are united by a tense, fast-paced tone, high intensity from the immediate personal threat, and a heavy emotional weight driven by the stakes of protecting loved ones from a cunning foe.

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

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

Torment Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Torment

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Torment

More About Torment

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

Similar Movies to Torment

Discover movies like Torment 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.