Winter Kills

Winter Kills

Year: 1979

Runtime: 97 min

Language: English

Director: William Richert

DramaMysteryThrillerComedy

In this darkly comedic conspiracy thriller, a presidential legacy unravels as Nick Kegan, younger brother of a JFK-like figure, delves into the mystery surrounding his sibling's assassination. As he uncovers surprising truths, family dynamics and deception collide, threatening to destroy what's left of his fractured reality.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Winter Kills 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 & Setting – Winter Kills (1979)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Winter Kills (1979). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1960s

The events of the film are centered around the assassination of a U.S. president on February 22, 1960, setting a dramatic historical backdrop that reflects the turbulence of the era. The plot unfolds nearly two decades later, bringing forth themes of political intrigue and conspiracy.

Location

Tanker Ship, Philadelphia, Pa Kegan's Estate

The movie takes place on a luxurious tanker ship, symbolizing wealth and isolation. Philadelphia serves as a pivotal location, being the site of the assassination and the backdrop for Nick's quest for truth. Pa Kegan's estate represents family legacy and conflict, filled with opulence yet overshadowed by dark secrets.

🚢 Ship 🌆 City 🏰 Estate

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:11

Main Characters – Winter Kills (1979)
Meet the key characters of Winter Kills (1979), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Nick Kegan

Nick is a complex character driven by a fierce desire to uncover the truth about his brother’s assassination. He is torn between familial loyalty and a quest for justice, leading him to confront painful realities. His journey reflects both resilience and vulnerability as he navigates treachery and emotional conflict.

🕵️‍♂️ Investigator 💔 Troubled 👨‍👦 Family

Yvette Malone

Yvette is a pivotal figure in Nick's life, embodying both love and deceit. Her complex relationship with Nick is marked by intimacy and suspicion, complicating his quest for truth. As secrets unfold, Yvette's character showcases the emotional toll of entangled relationships amidst chaos.

❤️ Love 🤥 Deceiver 🙍‍♀️ Strong Woman

Pa Kegan

Pa Kegan is an authoritative and imposing figure representing family legacy and conflict. His actions and motives are shrouded in ambiguity, as Nick grapples with the possibility of his father's involvement in the assassination conspiracy. This tension adds layers to the familial bond, transforming love into betrayal.

🏰 Wealthy 🤔 Manipulative 👨‍👦 Family

Arthur Fletcher

Arthur Fletcher serves as a catalyst in the narrative, revealing the dark truths of the past. His confession about the assassination ignites Nick's quest for justice. Despite his frail state, Fletcher's willingness to divulge secrets showcases themes of redemption and mortality.

🗣️ Confessor ☠️ Mortality ❓ Key Character

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:11

Major Themes – Winter Kills (1979)
Explore the central themes of Winter Kills (1979), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

The theme of justice permeates the narrative as Nick strives to uncover the truth behind his brother's assassination. His journey reveals not only his personal quest for retribution but also the complexities of family loyalty and betrayal. The interconnectedness of personal and political justice underscores the weight of legacy in the Kegan family.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal is a central theme, surfacing through family dynamics and personal relationships. Nick grapples with the realization that those closest to him, including his father, may have hidden motives. This emotional turmoil reflects the pervasive distrust that challenges his pursuit of truth.

💼 Corruption

Corruption looms large as Nick uncovers layers of deceit within both his family and the broader political landscape. The association with organized crime and the manipulation of power highlight a dark underbelly of influence that clouds the search for justice. This theme interrogates the moral compromises made in pursuit of ambition.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:11

Similar Movies to Winter Kills
Discover movies like Winter Kills 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.