Wintersleepers

Wintersleepers

Year: 1997

Runtime: 120 mins

Language: German

Director: Tom Tykwer

DramaRomanceMoving relationship storiesCaptivating relationships and charming romanceTouching and sentimental family stories

Translator Rebecca lives with boyfriend Marco in a villa owned by her nurse friend Laura. René, a projectionist, steals Marco’s car and crashes with Theo, whose daughter later dies after a coma. René, suffering partial short‑term memory loss, begins an affair with Laura. Marco pursues the car thief and Theo seeks his daughter’s killer.

Wintersleepers (1997) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Wintersleepers (1997) 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 snow‑capped alpine resort of Berchtesgaden, just after the hush of Christmas, the cold landscape frames a quiet community where everyday routines tremble under an undercurrent of unease. Rebecca, a translator, shares a modest villa with her boyfriend Marco, a skiing instructor, while the house itself belongs to their close friend Laura, a surgical nurse who balances professional calm with personal intimacy. The three navigate a fragile equilibrium, their lives intertwined by proximity and unspoken expectations, all set against the stark beauty and lingering stillness of winter.

René, a cinema projectionist haunted by a head injury that fragments his short‑term memory, drifts through the town with a habit of collecting moments in photographs. His sporadic presence and the lingering effects of his past service give him a detached yet observant demeanor, drawing the curiosity of Laura, who finds solace in his quiet companionship. Their growing connection hints at something tender amid the cold, while René’s occasional lapses lead him to take more risks than he intends, setting the stage for an accidental entanglement with the others.

Across the snow‑lined fields, Theo, a middle‑aged farmer burdened by debt and an anxious household, tends to his family while worrying over his daughter’s serious condition. His quiet determination to protect what remains of his world puts him on a collision course with the other residents, particularly as Marco becomes intent on confronting the mystery behind the stolen car that vanished into the winter night. As each character follows their own threads—love, memory, responsibility—their paths begin to intersect, weaving a tapestry of quiet tension that lingers like the breath of the alpine cold.

Last Updated: October 27, 2025 at 16:35

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Wintersleepers

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

Wintersleepers Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Wintersleepers, 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.

Wintersleepers Summary

Wintersleepers Timeline

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

Wintersleepers Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Wintersleepers

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Wintersleepers

More About Wintersleepers

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