Tulip Fever

Tulip Fever

Year: 2017

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

Director: Justin Chadwick

DramaRomance

During the Dutch Golden Age, a young, unhappy noblewoman embarks on a passionate and forbidden love affair with a talented but impoverished painter. Their romance blossoms amidst the vibrant tulip mania that grips the nation, and threatens to destroy her arranged marriage and opulent lifestyle. As they navigate a world of secrets, ambition, and societal expectations, they must face the consequences of their desires and the risks of defying convention in this romantic drama.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Tulip Fever 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 – Tulip Fever (2017)

Trace every key event in Tulip Fever (2017) 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

Sophia's Convent Life

Sophia, an orphan, is raised in a convent during the turbulent times just before tulip mania takes hold in the Dutch Republic. The convent provides her with shelter and community, but she longs for freedom and a different life.

17th century Dutch Republic
2

Marriage Proposal

Sophia receives a marriage proposal from Cornelis Sandvoort, an older spice merchant, which offers her a chance to leave the confines of the convent. This union also provides a path for her sisters to reunite with their aunt in New Amsterdam.

Convent
3

Discontent in Marriage

Three years into their marriage, Sophia feels increasingly isolated as Cornelis becomes fixated on having an heir. His obsession stems from the tragic past of his deceased first wife, creating a deep emotional rift in their relationship.

Cornelis's Home
4

Portrait Commission

In an effort to preserve his memories, Cornelis hires painter Jan van Loos to create a portrait of him and Sophia. This decision sets the stage for unforeseen romantic developments between Sophia and Jan.

Cornelis's Home
5

Blossoming Love

As Jan paints, a forbidden romance ignites between him and Sophia. They exchange notes and share intimate moments, igniting a passionate bond amidst the restrictions of their lives.

Cornelis's Home
6

Willem's Desire

Maria, Sophia's housemaid, is in love with Willem, a fishmonger eager to prosper in the tulip trade. To secure financial stability for their future together, Willem decides to sell his business.

Fish Market
7

Misunderstanding and Heartbreak

When Sophia borrows Maria’s cloak for a secret meeting with Jan, Willem mistakenly believes she is being unfaithful to him. Distraught, he turns to a pub for comfort, only to face robbers and enlist in the Dutch Navy.

Pub
8

Jan’s Daring Plan

Jan dreams of escaping to the New World with Sophia and starts looking for ways to procure tulip bulbs. His commitment to their future together intensifies after receiving bulbs as a gift from the convent’s abbess.

Convent
9

Maria's Pregnancy

With Willem away, Maria discovers she is pregnant, the result of her relationship with him. Fearing scandal, she threatens to expose Sophia’s affair unless they come up with a plan.

Maria's Home
10

The Feigned Death Plan

In a desperate bid for freedom, Sophia and Maria devise a scheme where Sophia will pretend to die during childbirth. This ruse would allow Sophia to escape her troubled life with Jan, while Maria would raise the child.

Maria's Home
11

The Ruse Unfolds

Maria gives birth, and Cornelis, devastated by the news of Sophia's supposed death, mourns deeply. Sophia, hidden beneath her shroud, battles her guilt over the deception while yearning for Jan.

Maria's Home
12

Return of Willem

Willem returns from his naval service in Africa, realizing he still loves Maria. Their reunion signals a hopeful turn in their tumultuous relationship as they find solace in each other.

Fish Market
13

Cornelis Learns the Truth

Cornelis uncovers the elaborate conspiracy involving Sophia, Jan, and Maria. Heartbroken yet resigned, he decides to leave his life behind and seek a new beginning in the Dutch East Indies.

Cornelis's Home
14

Jan's Artistic Recognition

Years later, the abbess visits Jan and admires his artwork that now features Sophia. She acknowledges his talent and commissions him for more, opening new doors for his career.

Jan's Studio
15

Unexpected Reunion

While working on a commission up high on a scaffold, Jan is shocked to spot Sophia, who has been living in the convent. Their exchanged glances carry the weight of their unfulfilled past and emotions.

Convent

Last Updated: October 28, 2024 at 18:17

Unlock the Full Story of Tulip Fever

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

Tulip Fever Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Tulip Fever, 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.

Tulip Fever Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Tulip Fever

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Tulip Fever

More About Tulip Fever

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

Similar Movies to Tulip Fever

Discover movies like Tulip Fever 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.