The End of the Affair Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A jealous writer hires a detective to follow his ex-lover, only to discover God is a third wheel in their affair.

🍿 The End of the Affair: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Beginning of the Affair

In 1946 London, novelist Maurice Bendrix encounters Henry Miles, the husband of his former mistress, Sarah. Their affair abruptly ended two years prior. Driven by jealousy and suspicion, Maurice hires a private investigator to uncover the truth behind Sarah’s sudden departure and her current activities.

Unveiling the Truth

Through the investigator, Maurice discovers Sarah has been seeing a priest, Father Smythe. This revelation fuels his jealousy and obsession. Flashbacks reveal the passionate affair between Maurice and Sarah during World War II, set against the backdrop of wartime London.

Sarah’s Vow

The pivotal moment occurs during a bombing raid when Maurice is severely injured. Sarah, believing him to be dead, makes a vow to God: if Maurice lives, she will end their affair. When Maurice miraculously survives, Sarah fulfills her promise, leaving him heartbroken and confused.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Maurice Bendrix (Ralph Fiennes): A jealous and obsessive novelist who rekindles an affair with a married woman and seeks to uncover the truth behind its abrupt ending.
• Sarah Miles (Julianne Moore): A conflicted woman torn between her passionate affair and a promise she made to God, leading to a tragic end.
• Henry Miles (Stephen Rea): The mild-mannered and somewhat oblivious husband who is aware of his wife’s emotional needs and struggles with his own inadequacies.
• Mr. Parkis (Ian Hart): A compassionate and somewhat bumbling private investigator hired by Maurice to uncover Sarah’s secrets.
• Father Richard Smythe (Jason Isaacs): A priest who provides spiritual guidance to Sarah as she grapples with her faith and conflicting desires.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Maurice Bendrix: “This is a diary of hate.” – The opening line of the film, setting the tone for Maurice’s bitterness and jealousy.
• Maurice Bendrix: “I’m jealous of this stocking… Because it does what I can’t. Kisses your whole leg.” – Expresses his obsessive love and possessiveness over Sarah.
• Sarah Miles: “Love doesn’t end, just because we don’t see each other.” – Sarah says this to Maurice when ending their affair, hinting at deeper reasons.
• Maurice Bendrix: “I hated You as though You existed. Now I am tired of hating…but You’re still there.” – Bendrix, an atheist, acknowledges God’s presence in his life after Sarah’s death.
• Maurice Bendrix: “Dear God, forget about me. Look after her and Henry.” – Bendrix’s final prayer, showing his selflessness and acceptance.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $23,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $10,827,816
• Worldwide Gross: $20,541,041

💥 The End of the Affair Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely swept away by ‘The End of the Affair.’ The raw emotion and the exploration of love and faith really resonated with me. Julianne Moore’s performance was heartbreaking, and Ralph Fiennes perfectly captured the torment of a jealous lover. The scene where Sarah explains her promise to God gave me chills. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll. I would recommend it to any movie fan looking for something thought-provoking!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of period dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about love, loss, and faith”
  • “Audiences who appreciate character-driven narratives”
  • “Those familiar with Graham Greene’s works”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Religious themes”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Neil Jordan crafts a hauntingly beautiful film that explores the complexities of love, faith, and jealousy. Fiennes and Moore deliver powerful performances, drawing the viewer into their tumultuous relationship. The film’s exploration of faith adds a unique layer to this timeless story of adultery.
• Rolling Stone: “A beautifully shot and acted adaptation of Graham Greene’s novel. While the pacing can be slow at times, the emotional depth and the exploration of faith make it a worthwhile watch. Moore’s performance is particularly captivating, showcasing her range and ability to convey complex emotions.
• Variety: “Though a bit melodramatic at times, ‘The End of the Affair’ is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film. Jordan’s direction is masterful, and the performances are top-notch. However, the film may not appeal to those who prefer faster-paced, action-oriented movies.

Audience Reactions

The chemistry between Fiennes and Moore was undeniable and electric.: Viewers consistently praise the actors’ performances, particularly the chemistry between Ralph Fiennes and Julianne Moore.

The film’s exploration of faith added an unexpected layer of depth.: Many appreciated the film’s complex themes of faith, love, and sacrifice.

Overall Consensus: ‘The End of the Affair’ is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that explores the complexities of love, faith, and jealousy. While some may find the pacing slow, the powerful performances and thought-provoking themes make it a worthwhile watch.

Awards

1. BAFTA Awards (Best Cinematography)- 2000

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Miranda Richardson and Kristin Scott Thomas were both considered for the role of Sarah Miles.”
• “Julianne Moore personally wrote a letter to director Neil Jordan, asking for the part in the film; her direct approach secured her the role.”

🖥️ How to Watch The End of the Affair?

The End of the Affair is available for streaming rental or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability. It can also be found for purchase on physical media such as Blu-ray and DVD from major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The End of the Affair, you might like these similar films:

• The English Patient (1996): Both are epic wartime romances exploring love, loss, and betrayal with complex characters and tragic outcomes.
• Brief Encounter (1945): Deals with the themes of forbidden love and the emotional turmoil caused by an extramarital affair in wartime Britain.
• Atonement (2007): Features a sweeping romance, wartime setting, and explores the consequences of choices made in love and war.
• Possession (2002): Involves obsessive love, literary mystery, and the exploration of a passionate affair through discovered letters and journals.

🛒 The End of the Affair Related Products

• The End of the Affair (Graham Greene Novel): The original novel by Graham Greene that inspired the movie, delving deeper into the characters’ inner thoughts and motivations.
• The Essential Michael Nyman Film Music Collection: Features the haunting score from ‘The End of the Affair’ alongside other iconic Nyman soundtracks, showcasing his unique style.
• The End of the Affair [DVD]: Blu-ray edition of the film featuring behind-the-scenes footage, director commentary, and deleted scenes.
• Ralph Fiennes: A Retrospective – Limited Edition Book: A photo album with rare photos, director’s notes, exclusive interviews and posters from all movies acted by Ralph Fiennes.

🎧 Soundtrack

The End of the Affair features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Hurry Home” – performed by Bert Ambrose and His Orchestra
• “Diary of Love” – performed by Michael Nyman
• “Sarah” – performed by Michael Nyman
• “Henry” – performed by Michael Nyman

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Ben Howard’s breathtaking performance of End of the Affair | Later… With Jools Holland – BBC

Ever wondered about the haunting song ‘End of the Affair’? Check out Ben Howard’s incredible live performance on Jools Holland! Seriously, the emotion in this rendition is something else, and you can totally see why it fits the movie’s vibe so well.

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