Windows

Windows

Year: 1980

Runtime: 96 mins

Language: English

Director: Gordon Willis

ThrillerHorrorDramaIntense violence and sexual transgressionTwisted dark psychological thriller

Emily Hollander becomes the object of a disturbing obsession by her next‑door neighbour Andrea Glassen. As Andrea’s fixation deepens, Emily’s sense of privacy and safety unravels, and the threat follows her into her own home, turning ordinary life into relentless, unrelenting terror.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Windows (1980)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Windows (1980). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1980s

Set in the early 1980s, the film conveys a city infested with fear and vulnerability. Urban life and police procedures reflect the era's rough-edged realism. The time period shapes the characters' options and the pace of the escalating danger.

Location

Brooklyn Heights, Manhattan, New York City

The story unfolds across Brooklyn Heights and Manhattan, using quiet residential blocks and dense downtown streets to heighten tension. The contrasting environments emphasize a sense of intrusion into private spaces. The New York City backdrop adds a gritty, urban mood that underpins the thriller atmosphere.

🗽 New York City 🏙️ Urban setting

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:12

Main Characters – Windows (1980)

Meet the key characters of Windows (1980), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Emily Hollander (Talia Shire)

A shy, recently divorced woman who lives alone in a Brooklyn Heights apartment and becomes the target of Andrea's obsessive fixation. After the assault, she seeks safety by moving to Manhattan and tries to maintain her independence while navigating fear. Throughout, she demonstrates resilience as she confronts manipulation and fights to reclaim her life.

💬 Vulnerable 🛡️ Resilient

Andrea Glassen (Elizabeth Ashley)

Emily's neighbor who appears charming but hides a dangerous fixation. She crafts a plan to capture Emily's voice on tape and employs a taxi driver to stage attacks, hoping the recordings will grant her control and closeness. As her fantasy collides with reality, Andrea's obsession grows more unstable and invasive.

🧩 Obsessive 🗝️ Manipulative

Detective Swid (Ron Ryan)

The responding police detective who becomes involved in Emily's case and offers professional support. He provides a grounded, protective presence amid the threat and forms a tentative connection with Emily. His role anchors the investigation within the city’s law-and-order framework.

🕵️ Professional 🎯 Compassionate

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:12

Major Themes – Windows (1980)

Explore the central themes of Windows (1980), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👀 Obsession

Andrea's fixation on Emily drives the entire narrative, turning affection into coercive control. She engineers events to obtain a recording and immerses herself in Emily's life, blurring fantasy with reality. The theme exposes how desire can warp judgment and invade personal boundaries.

🚨 Safety

Emily's pursuit of safety exposes the fragility of protection in a vast city. The attacks, the taxi ruse, and surveillance moments test the limits of police intervention. The film questions whether safety is a result of systems, proximity, or personal resolve.

💔 Autonomy

The romance with the detective offers a fragile counterpoint to the coercive bond imposed by Andrea. Emily is forced to assert boundaries and reclaim control over her life. The narrative culminates in a rejection of manipulation and a reclaiming of independence.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:12

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Unlock the Full Story of Windows

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

Windows Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Windows, 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.

Windows Summary

Windows Timeline

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

Windows Timeline

More About Windows

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

Explore More About Movie Windows

Windows (1980) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Windows (1980) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Windows (1980) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow