Directed by
Paul Schrader
Made by
Cannon Film Distributors
Discover the intricate plot of The Comfort of Strangers (1991). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
As they wandered through the captivating city of Venice for the second time, the unmarried English couple, Colin and Mary, were unknowingly caught in the lens of a mysterious photographer. During a relaxed dinner, Mary’s curiosity compelled her to ask Colin about his relationship with her two children from a previous marriage. As fate would have it, they meandered through the charming, winding streets of Venice, where they encountered Robert, a sophisticated British-Italian gentleman, who graciously offered to guide them to his renowned bar.
Over several glasses of wine, Robert enthralled the couple with vivid stories from his life, including chilling memories of his sadistic father, a notable Italian diplomat, and the cruel pranks from his mischievous younger sisters during his childhood. He recounted the tale of meeting his wife, Caroline, who was the daughter of a Canadian diplomat. As the night unfolded, Colin and Mary once again lost their way in the labyrinthine city, ultimately surrendering to the whimsical nature of Venice and spending the rest of the night exploring its enchanting streets.
When day broke, the couple found themselves in the bustling square outside St Mark’s Basilica, where they enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. Yet, Mary’s growing apprehension led her to voice a wish to cut their vacation short. Just then, Robert reappeared, apologizing for any distress his antics may have caused the previous night. He invited them to dinner at his home, a gesture the couple accepted, intrigued by their unexpected acquaintance.
Upon arriving at Robert’s expansive, Moorish-style apartment via water taxi, exhaustion overtook Colin and Mary, causing them to drift into a deep sleep. They woke to find themselves in a spirited conversation with Caroline, who revealed that Robert had left to attend to his bar duties. As she prepared food for Mary, unsettling hints of Caroline’s back injury began to surface, prompting moments of concern.
In a moment of intimacy, Caroline confided in Mary, mentioning how she had discreetly checked on Colin and Mary while they slept, and commented on their striking beauty. Robert rejoined them, resuming his storytelling about his domineering family lineage. However, a sudden outburst from Colin, which included an insult directed at Robert, escalated quickly when Robert retaliated with a swift blow to Colin’s stomach.
Colin chose to conceal the incident from Mary, but later that evening, the couple found solace in their hotel room, where they enjoyed an intimate moment together. Following a nightmare that left her visibly shaken, Mary disclosed to Colin that she had discovered a photograph of him in Robert and Caroline’s apartment.
As their time in Venice drew to a close, relaxing on the beach, Colin revealed the altercation to Mary. The notion of returning to England to marry seemed far less appealing to her as she began reevaluating her perception of Robert.
As destiny would have it, Colin and Mary found themselves standing before Robert and Caroline’s residence, summoned by circumstance. It was Caroline, precariously perched on the balcony, who first spotted them and beckoned them inside. With a welcoming demeanor, the couple shared news of their impending departure to Canada to visit Caroline’s family the next day.
In an unusual twist, Robert requested Colin join him for a brief trip to his bar, which Colin hesitantly accepted, leaving Mary to chat with Caroline in their nearly packed home. The atmosphere grew tense as Caroline opened up to Mary about her chronic back issues, a byproduct of years of engaging in sadomasochistic activities with Robert. Concurrently, Robert entertained Colin with tales of his family, adroitly steering clear of any inquiries related to his photographs.
As Mary’s unease escalated, she began to feel dizzy and suspect she had been drugged. Caroline guided her to a bedroom, where she was met with a harrowing sight: walls adorned with photographs capturing Colin’s every moment throughout their vacation. It became evident that Robert had been stalking Colin since their arrival.
The culmination of eerie events unfolded upon Robert’s return from his excursion. Mary, grappling with her newfound horror, found herself tongue-tied as Colin frantically urged both Robert and Caroline to summon medical help. Instead, they turned on him, brutally attacking Colin while Mary stood by helplessly.
After the chaos subsided, Mary faced an interrogation by Italian authorities before finally being permitted to see Colin’s lifeless body. Exiting the police station, she saw Robert and Caroline being led away in handcuffs for questioning. During their interrogation, Robert recounted a chilling tale about his father, weaving a narrative that eerily mirrored the one he had shared with Colin only hours before.
Track the key events of The Comfort of Strangers (1991) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Arrival in Venice
Colin and Mary arrive in the captivating city of Venice for their second visit, unaware of the challenges that await them. Their explorative spirit drives them into the charming, winding streets, setting the stage for a series of unexpected events.
Dinner Conversation
During a relaxed dinner, Mary probes Colin about his relationship with her two children from a previous marriage. This moment introduces an emotional tension that adds depth to their relationship as they navigate their complex feelings.
Meeting Robert
While meandering through Venice, the couple encounters Robert, a sophisticated British-Italian gentleman. He graciously offers to guide them to his renowned bar, marking the beginning of their intriguing connection.
Stories Over Wine
Robert enthralls Colin and Mary over several glasses of wine, sharing chilling stories of his troubled childhood, including memories of his sadistic father. The night evolves into an intimate sharing of personal histories that bond the three characters.
Lost in Venice
As night falls, Colin and Mary lose their way in the labyrinthine city, embracing the whimsical nature of Venice. They explore enchanting streets under the moonlight, deepening their relationship through adventure.
Breakfast at St Mark's
The couple awakens to find themselves in the bustling square outside St Mark's Basilica, where they enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Mary expresses feelings of apprehension, hinting at her desire to cut the trip short.
Invitation to Dinner
Robert reappears, apologizing for any distress caused the previous night and invites them to dinner at his home. Intrigued by their newfound acquaintance, Colin and Mary accept the invitation, unaware of the impending turmoil.
A Sleepy Arrival
Upon arriving at Robert's expansive Moorish-style apartment via water taxi, exhaustion sets in, and the couple drifts into a deep sleep. They wake to find themselves in a spirited conversation with Caroline, revealing more of the characters' backstories.
Tension with Robert
During the conversation, a sudden blow from Robert escalates tensions between him and Colin, after an insult is exchanged. Colin chooses to conceal the incident from Mary, indicating a fracture in their relationship.
Nightmare and Discovery
Following a restless night, Mary shares with Colin about a nightmare she had after discovering a photograph of him in Robert’s apartment. This revelation suggests a troubling connection between Colin and their hosts.
Confrontation of the Past
While relaxing on the beach, Colin finally reveals the altercation with Robert to Mary. They find themselves reflecting on their relationship as Mary's perspective on Robert begins to shift.
The Call to Robert's Home
Colin and Mary find themselves at Robert and Caroline’s residence, where Caroline beckons them inside. They get updates about the couple’s impending trip to Canada, intertwining their lives once more.
The Hidden Dangers
As Caroline opens up about her chronic back issues, Mary's unease escalates, leaving her suspecting she has been drugged. This moment foreshadows the dark twists ahead, revealing underlying tensions.
Shocking Discovery
Mary discovers an alarming sight—walls filled with photographs of Colin throughout their vacation. This haunting realization exposes Robert's obsession and introduces a terrifying reality.
Tragic Finale
Chaos ensues as Robert attacks Colin when he tries to summon help for Mary, who is still processing her shock. After the struggle, Mary is left to face the aftermath, dealing with the authorities and the loss of Colin.
Meet the characters that bring The Comfort of Strangers (1991) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Colin (Rupert Everett)
Colin is portrayed as an introspective and somewhat enigmatic character whose journey unfolds alongside his partner, Mary. As the vacation takes a dark turn, his decisions reflect a struggle between seeking intimacy and facing the uncomfortable reality of their situation. His connection with Mary appears deep but becomes strained as secrets and dangers emerge.
Mary (Natasha Richardson)
Mary presents a curious and vulnerable persona, whose inquisitiveness about Colin's past reveals her desire for connection. As events escalate, her initial trust in their surroundings begins to wane, leading her to question her safety and the intentions of those around her. This journey marks a significant transformation from naive adventurer to someone grappling with harsh realities.
Robert (Christopher Walken)
Robert embodies the sophisticated yet sinister archetype, initially captivating Colin and Mary with his charm and stories. However, as the narrative progresses, his malevolent tendencies and obsession with Colin become increasingly apparent. His character serves as a catalyst for the film's tension, illustrating the dual nature of allure and danger.
Uncover the settings of The Comfort of Strangers (1991), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The events of the movie take place in contemporary times, reflecting the modern dynamics of relationships and the complexities of human interactions. The portrayal of a seemingly idyllic vacation contrasts starkly with the underlying tension and danger that develops throughout the story.
Location
Venice
Venice, known for its intricate canals and enchanting architecture, is a city steeped in history and romance. Famous for its stunning bridges and the majestic St Mark's Basilica, it serves as a backdrop that enhances the allure and mystery of the unfolding narrative. The labyrinthine streets create an atmosphere of intrigue as couples and tourists wander through its picturesque passages.
Explore the core themes of The Comfort of Strangers (1991). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Obsession
Obsession plays a pivotal role in 'The Comfort of Strangers.' Robert's fixation on Colin raises questions about boundaries in relationships and the dark side of intimacy. This obsession culminates in a series of unsettling events that disrupt the tranquility of the couple's vacation, leading to tragic consequences.
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Violence
The theme of violence is intricately woven into the narrative, culminating in a shocking escalation of tension. It contrasts sharply with the initially peaceful setting of Venice, illustrating how hidden aggression can reveal itself unexpectedly. The violent altercation ultimately deepens the movie's suspense and dramatic weight.
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Betrayal
Betrayal manifests in various forms throughout the film, particularly within the relationships between characters. Colin's concealed information from Mary about the altercation and Robert's duplicitous nature exemplify how trust can easily be shattered. This sense of betrayal serves to undermine the couple's bond and breeds vulnerability.
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