Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Passages (2023). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Tomas, a talented German filmmaker residing in Paris, has just wrapped up his latest cinematic endeavor. At the jubilant wrap party, he encounters Agathe, a spirited young primary school teacher. The atmosphere is electric as Tomas, with a twinkle in his eye, asks Agathe to dance after her husband, Martin, an English printer, turns down the offer. The pair soon find themselves at Agathe’s home for an after-party, where they share a passionate night together.
Upon returning home the next day, Tomas, who spent the night at Agathe’s, confesses to Martin that he has had an intimate encounter with a woman and, for the first time in ages, he experienced feelings that were long buried. This admission stirs unrest as Tomas argues that their marriage is crumbling. Frustrated by Martin’s reluctance to engage in a deep conversation about their relationship, he begins packing a suitcase to leave. However, Martin stops him, sharing a tender kiss and offering reassurances that they can work through their troubles.
Later on, Agathe pays a visit to Tomas in the editing room of his film, leading to yet another intimate rendezvous. As their relationship deepens, Tomas and Martin decide to spend some time at their country house—a much-needed getaway where they confront the underlying issues in their relationship. During this heartfelt discussion, Tomas expresses his discontent with their too-comfortable and safe bond. On the other hand, Martin accuses him of falling head over heels for Agathe.
Back in the bustling heart of Paris, Martin crosses paths with Amad, a writer and novelist, through a mutual acquaintance at a restaurant. When Tomas shows up later, he can’t hide his contempt for Amad, labeling him “an arrogant prick.” Displeased, Tomas, under the pretext of heading to the editing room, sneaks off to spend the night with Agathe instead. The next morning, after a comforting lullaby from Agathe reminiscent of his childhood, Tomas reveals a startling confession—he has indeed fallen for her.
The escalation of events leads to the official separation of Tomas and Martin. Tomas moves in with Agathe, but during the moving process, he stumbles upon a book by Amad that Martin is reading, igniting feelings of resentment. As he prepares to leave, Martin shares the news that he plans to sell the country house, expressing a desire to sever all ties with Tomas.
As Martin begins to date Amad, Tomas unwittingly encounters him when he uses his key to enter Martin’s apartment without prior notice, leading to an explosive confrontation that has Tomas storming out in a fit of rage. Things come to a head when Tomas brings the disheartening news to Martin that his film’s first screening did not go over well, resulting in Martin asking for the apartment keys back.
While dining with Agathe and friends, Tomas spots Martin entering with his companions, yet the air remains thick with unspoken tension as neither man acknowledges the other. Later on, Tomas decides to return the keys, all the while inviting himself to stay over and join Martin for repairs at the country house the next morning, claiming his stake in the property. That night, desire takes over as Tomas slips into Martin’s room, resulting in a passionate encounter, only to drop a bombshell the following morning—Agathe is pregnant.
Tomas arrives late for dinner at Agathe’s parents’ house, where he faces a barrage of inquiries about his intentions to support Agathe and their impending family. Defensive and tense, he struggles to articulate his plans, particularly concerning his past with Martin. Then, he makes a sudden trip back to Martin’s apartment, professing joyful news that the latest screening of his film was a hit. Taking a bold step, he kisses Martin and suggests they raise the baby together. In a tumultuous turn, Martin breaks up with Amad, who ominously warns that neither man will ultimately endure such a chaotic relationship.
Some time later, the group gathers at the serene country house. From another room, Agathe hears the sounds of Tomas and Martin as they become intimate, a poignant reminder of the tumultuous dynamics at play. Eventually, in a moment of intimacy, Tomas joins a tearful Agathe in bed, offering comfort and companionship as they navigate the emotional turmoil together.
In a drastic move, Agathe decides to cut off ties with Tomas and later meets with Martin, where she confides her heartbreaking decision to undergo an abortion. With the weight of her choice hanging heavy in the air, she expresses her desires for a family yet acknowledges that being part of their complex trio would make her feel submerged. Overcome with emotion, Martin holds back tears as they bid farewell.
Upon returning home, the emotional strife culminates as Martin confronts Tomas, ending their relationship and refusing to accompany him on a trip to Venice. He orders Tomas to cease all communication with him. In a final desperate attempt for reconciliation, Tomas visits Agathe at her school, pleading for forgiveness and inviting her on his journey, but she firmly declines. Heartbroken and disoriented, he escapes the confines of his troubling reality, aimlessly cycling through the city, lost in a whirlwind of unfulfilled desires and shattered relationships.
Follow the complete movie timeline of Passages (2023) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Film Completion
Tomas, a German filmmaker based in Paris, completes his latest film, marking an important milestone in his career. The wrap party celebrates this achievement, setting the stage for the events that follow.
Meeting Agathe at the Party
During the wrap party, Tomas meets Agathe, a young primary school teacher. Despite her husband Martin's refusal to dance, Tomas and Agathe share an intimate moment on the dance floor.
After-Party Encounter
Tomas is invited to Agathe's home for an after-party, where their chemistry culminates in a night of passion. This encounter sets off a chain of events that challenge Tomas's relationship with Martin.
Confronting Martin
The following day, Tomas admits to Martin that he had slept with a woman, expressing feelings he hasn't had in years. This revelation leads to a heated argument about their deteriorating marriage.
Discussion at the Country House
Tomas and Martin travel to their country house where they confront their relationship issues. Tomas expresses dissatisfaction with their safe partnership, while Martin accuses him of being in love with Agathe.
First Meeting with Amad
Back in Paris, Martin meets Amad at a restaurant, igniting tension between Tomas and Amad. Tomas's hostility toward Amad becomes evident, complicating the dynamics of their relationships.
Confession of Love
After a night with Agathe where she sings him a lullaby, Tomas confesses to her that he is in love with her. This moment marks a turning point in Tomas's emotional journey.
Separation from Martin
Tomas officially separates from Martin, moving into Agathe's apartment. As they part ways, Martin decides to sell their country house, signifying the end of their shared life.
Intervention at Work
While visiting Martin's workplace to share news about his film, Tomas discovers Martin's growing relationship with Amad. This encounter further strains the already fragile relationship between the men.
Dinner with Agathe's Parents
Tomas attends dinner with Agathe's parents, who question his commitment to her and their unborn child. This interrogation leaves Tomas feeling defensive and uncertain about his future.
Proposal of Raising the Child Together
Tomas returns to Martin to share good news about his film's recent screening. He proposes that they raise Agathe's baby as a family, revealing his confusion about his feelings.
Agathe's Abortion
Agathe meets with Martin to confide that she has undergone an abortion. She expresses her desire for a family but realizes she would feel lost among the three of them.
Final Breakup with Martin
Martin confronts Tomas, breaking up with him and refusing to join him on a trip to Venice. This finality marks a significant end to their relationship.
Desperate Plea to Agathe
Tomas visits Agathe at her classroom, pleading for forgiveness and inviting her to join him on a trip. His desperation is met with rejection, intensifying his feelings of isolation.
Aimless Through the City
In a moment of despair, Tomas rides his bicycle aimlessly through the city after the rejections from both Martin and Agathe. This act symbolizes his search for meaning and belonging.
Explore all characters from Passages (2023). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Tomas Freiburg (Franz Rogowski)
Tomas is a passionate German filmmaker searching for fulfillment within his relationships. His actions often stem from a deep-seated dissatisfaction with his current life and love, leading him to make impulsive decisions that affect those around him.
Martin (Ben Whishaw)
Martin is Tomas's husband, an English printer who grapples with feelings of betrayal and confusion as his partner seeks affection elsewhere. His struggle highlights the complexities of love and commitment in modern relationships.
Agathe (Léa Boublil)
Agathe is a young primary school teacher who becomes the object of Tomas's affection. Her character represents innocence and the desire for love, yet she finds herself entwined in a web of romantic complications.
Learn where and when Passages (2023) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
The story is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern relationships and societal norms. The dynamics of love, infidelity, and personal growth resonate within the context of today's world.
Location
Paris, Country House
The film takes place primarily in Paris, a vibrant city known for its rich culture, art, and romantic ambiance. The country house represents a more tranquil setting, serving as a contrast to the bustling life of the city, where pivotal character discussions unfold.
Discover the main themes in Passages (2023). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Love & Betrayal
The film explores complex themes of love and betrayal through Tomas's relationships. His emotional turmoil reflects the struggles of balancing love for both Martin and Agathe, showcasing the intricacies of human desires and choices.
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Identity & Change
Tomas's journey is marked by struggles with self-identity and the hardships of change. As he navigates his feelings, he confronts his relationship with Martin and his infatuation with Agathe, leading to significant personal revelations.
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Parenthood
The theme of impending parenthood is central to the film. Agathe's pregnancy adds layers of complexity to Tomas's relationships and decisions, prompting deep discussions about family, responsibility, and the nature of love.
Unravel the ending of Passages (2023) with our detailed explanation. Understand the final scenes, character fates, and unresolved questions.
At the end of Passages, the complex web of relationships reaches a breaking point. Tomas, a vulnerable and self-absorbed director, has been manipulating those around him, craving attention and control. His affair with Agathe, a woman who entered his life after her breakup, initially seemed to be casual, but Tomas’s need for dominance turned it into something more obsessive. As the story unfolds, Tomas’s desire to be the center of attention becomes painfully evident. His interference in Martin’s relationship with Agathe and his constant intrusion into Martin’s life reveal his inability to accept losing control.
Martin, Tomas’s husband, is portrayed as more mature, trying to hold steady and analyze the situation. Yet, beneath his calm exterior, he is deeply hurt by Tomas’s betrayal. When Tomas announces that Agathe is pregnant, the underlying tensions explode. Tomas’s manipulation intensifies when he involves Martin in the chaos, even pretending that the three of them might make a family work, despite the clear imbalance. This culminates in Agathe’s decision to have an abortion after a night of emotional chaos at the cottage, as she recognizes the toxicity of the relationship and her own need to escape from Tomas’s destructive cycle.
In the final moments, the characters’ choices culminate in heartbreak. Martin, overwhelmed by betrayal, finally chooses to leave Tomas, refusing to go to Venice with him and seeking emotional reconciliation with Agathe. Tomas, on the other hand, is left lost in the streets, desperately searching for someone to listen to him or be there for him, too self-absorbed to see the pain he causes others. The ending leaves us with a stark reflection on self-destructive behavior, the need for genuine connection, and the pain of manipulative love. It shows how Tomas’s relentless pursuit of attention and control ultimately isolates him, leaving him alone, still searching for the validation he craves but unable to recognize that true fulfillment can’t be found in control or manipulation.
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