Youth Without Youth

Youth Without Youth

Year: 2007

Runtime: 124 min

Language: English

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

DramaMysteryThrillerFantasyRomance

After a devastating accident, aging professor Dominic Matei experiences a miraculous rejuvenation, regaining his youth and sharpening his intellect. Now immortal, he is relentlessly pursued by Nazi scientists who seek to exploit his condition. Dominic finds refuge in exile and unexpectedly reconnects with Laura, a former love. He becomes engrossed in the study of human language while facing a profound dilemma: abandon his groundbreaking research or jeopardize his chance at enduring love.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Youth Without Youth 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 – Youth Without Youth (2007)

Trace every key event in Youth Without Youth (2007) 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

Dominic's Encounter with Laura

In 1938, 70-year-old professor Dominic Matei travels to Bucharest, where he reunites with Laura, the love of his youth. This meeting stirs feelings of longing and regret for the life he feels he has wasted in pursuit of linguistic origins.

1938 Bucharest
2

A Fateful Lightning Strike

Feeling despondent and contemplating suicide, Dominic is struck by lightning, which unexpectedly rejuvenates him into a much younger version of himself. This shocking event also grants him extraordinary psychic abilities that alter his perception of reality.

3

Nazi Occupation and New Powers

As Nazi Germany invades Romania, Dominic finds himself under the scrutiny of Doktor Josef Rudolf, who becomes interested in his newfound abilities. Meanwhile, Dominic struggles with confusing experiences as his powers grow, leading to relationships that blur fantasy and reality.

Romania
4

Visitations from the 'Other'

Dominic begins to converse with an elusive entity known as his 'Other,' which presents concepts beyond his understanding. This being displays supernatural feats, including manifesting roses, further deepening Dominic's astoundingly altered reality.

5

Escape from Romania

Having witnessed miraculous occurrences, Professor Stanciulescu encourages Dominic to flee Romania to escape the Nazis. This decision marks the beginning of Dominic's life of subterfuge as he attempts to elude those who wish to exploit his powers.

Romania
6

Confrontation in Switzerland

Towards the close of World War II, Dominic hides out in Switzerland, where he faces Rudolf at gunpoint. Rudolf argues that Dominic represents the Nazis' ideals of a superman, prompting Dominic to refuse and manifest his telekinetic powers to avert danger.

Switzerland
7

Return to Normalcy

After thwarting Rudolf's attempt on his life, Dominic returns to a semblance of normality, resuming his work studying linguistics. He reflects on how the lightning strike has altered him, and he begins to build a secret language for a future world.

8

Meeting Veronica

Years later, during a hike in the Alps, Dominic encounters a woman named Veronica, whom the 'Other' reveals to be the reincarnation of Laura. This revelation invigorates Dominic, who feels an intense connection to Veronica, reigniting his lost love.

Alps
9

Veronica's Identity Reveal

When a thunderstorm strikes, Dominic rushes to save Veronica, discovering her chanting in Sanskrit. Their connection deepens as she identifies herself as 'Rupini', an ancient disciple of the Buddha, indicating an intertwined past that stretches beyond their lifetimes.

10

Expedition to Find Rupini's Cave

Dominic seeks help from scholars to find Rupini's cave from her past life, which they believe may restore Veronica's health. Funded by the Roman College of Oriental Studies, they hope that the journey to India will reveal crucial links to her former self.

India
11

Recognition and Restoration

In India, a Boddhisatva recognizes Veronica as 'Rupini' and guides her to the meditation cave. As she reconnects with her past, Veronica regains her identity, stirring profound emotions in Dominic as he witnesses her transformation.

India
12

An Elopement to Malta

Overwhelmed by their rekindled love, Dominic and Veronica elope to Malta. In an intimate moment, Dominic confesses his eternal love for her while she sleeps, triggering her journey through further past lives.

Malta
13

Declining Health and Distance

As Dominic helps Veronica regress into ancient tongues, her health begins to wane from the intensity of the sessions. Realizing his closeness accelerates her aging, Dominic makes the heartbreaking decision to distance himself from her to protect her well-being.

14

Visions of the Future

Returning to Piatra Neamț, Dominic is confronted by the 'Other' who reveals the impending future of humanity. He learns that a nuclear apocalypse will create a new species of man, and he is to be the first, a role that he vehemently protests.

Piatra Neamț
15

Dominic's Final Act

In a moment of defiance, Dominic shatters the mirror that reflected the future of mankind, rejecting the sacrificial vision proposed. Tragically, the next morning, he is found lifeless at the bottom of a staircase, clutching the third rose in his hand.

Piatra Neamț

Last Updated: December 31, 2024 at 18:09

Unlock the Full Story of Youth Without Youth

Don't stop at just watching — explore Youth Without Youth 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 Youth Without Youth is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Youth Without Youth Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Youth Without Youth, 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.

Youth Without Youth Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Youth Without Youth

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Youth Without Youth. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Youth Without Youth

More About Youth Without Youth

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Youth Without Youth: 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 Youth Without Youth

Similar Movies to Youth Without Youth

Discover movies like Youth Without Youth 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.