Directed by

Felix Fuchssteiner
Made by

Bayerischer Banken-Fonds
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Ruby Red (2013). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
A tense chase opens the film as a young man and a woman are pursued by hooded attackers who want a mysterious device they carry. Surrounded, the man reassures his partner that loved ones will be safe, that Grace will protect her, and with a final act, they activate the device and vanish into the past.
Sixteen years later, Gwendolyn Shepherd, Maria Ehrich, is introduced as a sixteen-year-old in an aristocratic London family that scorns anything “common.” The family gathers for a party in honor of Gwen’s cousin Charlotte Montrose, who is a day older and carries a secret genetic mutation that grants her the ability to travel back in time. Gwen is drawn to Gideon de Villiers, Jannis Niewöhner, but he fixates on Charlotte. The party reveals a sharp divide between Gwen’s normal life and the closed, secretive world her relatives inhabit. Charlotte, who has long been the center of attention, suddenly falls ill, and Gideon escorts her to a secret society known as the Order of Count Saint Germain; he appears to be a carrier of the same gene. Believing Charlotte to be the prophesied “Ruby,” the last time traveler, the Order inducts her.
Gwen herself soon falls ill and begins seeing ghosts, and her time jumps grow uncontrolled. She confides in her best friend Leslie, who quickly recognizes that Gwen must be the true inheritor of the time-travel gene rather than Charlotte. Gwen’s powers set off a chain of events that reveals a deep rift between her family and the Order. Grace Shepherd, Veronica Ferres, recognizes Gwen as the Ruby and leads her to the Order for help. Meanwhile, Gwen’s aunt—Charlotte’s mother—doubts Gwen’s story and suspects attention-seeking rather than truth. The Order’s guards fear a conspiracy, especially since decades earlier Grace helped the previous time travelers, Lucy and Paul, escape. Gideon—also known as Diamond—worries about his long history with Charlotte and the mission they have trained for, while Charlotte resents being replaced by Gwen in the group’s plans.
Gwen is eventually confirmed as the so-called Ruby, the final piece in a circle of twelve time travelers, but she remains wary of the Order, their mission, and the Chronograph, a device the Order could use to control their time traveling. Lucy Montrose, Josefine Preuß, had previously helped steal the Chronograph out of fear of its power. To complete a second device, the Order needs blood samples from all past carriers, but Lady Tilney, Gwen’s great-great-grandmother, will only cooperate with Gwen and no one else. The team travels to 1912 to seek her help, where Lucy and Paul suddenly appear to warn Gwen about dangers ahead. Gideon and Gwen barely escape with the help of Mr. George, Rüdiger Vogler, and return to the present, where Gwen treats Gideon to a taste of the world Gwen’s life has opened up—that of a place Gwen calls “common” by contrast.
Back at the Order’s headquarters, only Gwen believes Lucy and Paul’s sincerity, while the Guardians suspect a centuries‑old scheme between rival factions—the Florentine Alliance and the Count of Saint Germain. Falk de Villiers, Uwe Kockisch, the lodge’s grandmaster, worries about Gwen’s curiosity, and Gideon begins to doubt how blindly he’s followed the Order’s rules. Charlotte taunts Gwen about her growing closeness with Gideon, and Gwen dares to break the Order’s vows by sharing what she’s learned with her friend Leslie. In turn, Charlotte enlists a teacher who is secretly a member of the Order to foil Gwen’s progress. A sleek limousine upgrade impresses Gwen’s schoolmates when Gideon arrives to pick her up.
Gwen eventually travels to 1782 to meet the Count of Saint Germain, who can read minds but is unimpressed by Gwen’s claims. He probes her about the Ruby’s true power and warns her not to break the unwritten rules. Gwen questions Gideon about his unquestioning obedience to the Order and what they truly aim to achieve. On the way back, a carriage in Hyde Park is attacked. Gwen saves Gideon’s life, forcing him to rethink how he views Gwen and the Order’s control over them. She longs to walk away, but Gideon insists they cannot because the Order “owns” them. He finally chooses to stand with her and help uncover the truth, a decision Charlotte observes from a window with a mix of envy and resolve.
That night, Gwen and Gideon sneak into the Order’s archives to uncover an ancient prophecy about their bond, but the crucial documents have been moved to a bank. With a note from Gwen’s grandfather, they convince Mr. George to help them travel to 1942 to access the missing records. In 1942, they read a prophecy predicting Gwen’s icy death in the snow, which would complete the circle of twelve travelers. The final fragment of the prophecy is missing, and security guards chase the lovers as Gwen falls from a high observatory into a snowy courtyard. She wakes in a pool of her own blood, the Count appearing in spirit form to challenge her fate. Meanwhile, Gideon is imprisoned, and the ghost of a little boy Gwen has seen all along helps her realize that Lucy’s talisman is the key she needs to stay alive.
Back in the present, Gwen is found unconscious from hypothermia. Falk de Villiers quotes the prophecy to discourage any rescue attempts, but Gideon defies orders and carries Gwen to safety. As she recovers, he pledges to protect her no matter what. Gwen learns that the ghostly boy is her grandfather’s deceased brother, revealing that her ability to see spirits may be the legendary “magic of the raven.” At the big school ball, Gwen arrives in Lucy’s dress and is escorted by Gideon. A family photo confirms the boy’s identity, and Gwen realizes that this spectral presence is part of her unique gift. The moment is sealed with a kiss between Gwen and Gideon as a ghost dances nearby, and the film closes with Paul and Lucy escaping once more from their pursuers.
Follow the complete movie timeline of Ruby Red (2013) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Escape and disappearance
A young man named Paul and his companion are chased by hooded men who want a mysterious device they carry. As danger closes in, Paul reassures his companion that Gwendolyn will be safe and Grace will protect her. In a final act of defiance, they activate the device and disappear from sight.
Gwen's world and Charlotte's ruby
Sixteen years have passed since that moment. In an aristocratic London home, Gwen's family gathers for Charlotte's birthday party. Charlotte, who carries a secret genetic mutation, is celebrated as the Ruby—someone who can travel through time. Gideon is drawn to Charlotte, while the Order of Count Saint Germain prepares to recruit her as a key traveler.
Gwen's first time jump
Shortly after the party, Gwen falls ill and begins seeing ghosts. She unexpectedly time travels into the nineteenth century, the first uncontrollable jump. Leslie, Gwen's best friend, quickly recognizes that Gwen is the time traveler and confirms her suspicion.
Grace discovers Gwen's gift and seeks help
Grace, Gwen's mother, realizes that Gwen is the Ruby and must learn to control the gift. She brings Gwen to the Order for training, hoping they can safeguard her from danger. The Order's guards fear a conspiracy, especially since Grace helped the previous travelers escape.
Gwen confirmed as the Ruby
Gwen is confirmed as the Ruby, the last of twelve time travelers. The Order grants her an unlimited spending account but warns about possible romance between rival time-traveling families. Gideon, loyal to Charlotte, grows wary of Gwen as she becomes a central figure in the Order's plans.
Blood samples, 1912 meeting with Lady Tilney
To complete the Chronograph, blood samples must be drawn from all carriers, but Lady Tilney refuses to cooperate. When Gwen and Gideon visit Lady Tilney in 1912, Lucy and Paul suddenly appear, warning them of the danger and the Count's plans to sacrifice Gwen.
Return to present and restaurant revelation
Gideon overpowers Paul and the butler and escorts Gwen back to the present day. In the modern world, Gwen treats Gideon to a new experience, taking him to a common Indian restaurant.
Gwen defies the Order and adds Leslie to confidences
Back at the Order, the guardians suspect a conspiracy, and Charlotte taunts Gwen about her closeness to Gideon. Gwen breaks the Order's vows of secrecy by sharing her experiences with Leslie. Later, Gideon comes to pick her up from school in a limousine, signaling a shift in their relationship.
Gwen travels to 1782 to meet the Count
Gwen travels to 1782 to meet the Count of Saint Germain, who can read minds and is unimpressed with her. He probes for the Ruby's magic and warns Gwen not to break the Order's rules. The Count's cool skepticism makes Gwen question what the Order is truly seeking.
Hyde Park attack; Gwen saves Gideon
On the journey back, the carriage is attacked in Hyde Park. Gwen saves Gideon's life, forcing him to rethink his loyalty to the Order. Charlotte watches the rescue from a window and Gwen and Gideon share a kiss, cementing their connection.
Archives for prophecy; 1942 expedition
Gwen and Gideon sneak into the Order's archives but learn that the original documents were moved to a bank. They recruit Mr. George to help them travel to 1942 to retrieve the prophecy and finish the Chronograph.
1942 prophecy and the Raven; fall and survival
In 1942 they read a prophecy foretelling Gwen's icy death; The last part of the prophecy is torn away. Security breaks in and Gwen tumbles from the observatory tower into the snow, unconscious and bleeding. The ghost of a little boy helps Gwen realize that Lucy's talisman is a key to staying alive, while the Count's spirit confronts her.
Present-day rescue and vow to protect Gwen
Back in the present, Gwen is found unconscious from hypothermia. Falk de Villiers quotes the prophecy to prevent any attempt to save her life, but Gideon defies him and carries Gwen to the hospital. She recovers, and Gideon promises to always take care of her.
The ball and revelations
Gwen attends the school ball wearing Lucy's dress and learns from a family photo that the ghost boy is her grandfather's late brother, explaining her ability to see ghosts as the Raven's magic. A ghost dances nearby as Gwen and Gideon share a kiss at the ball, amid a hush of otherworldly presence.
Epilogue: Paul and Lucy escape again
The film closes with Paul and Lucy escaping once more from pursuers who want the Chronograph, hinting at a continuing cycle of danger for the travelers.
Explore all characters from Ruby Red (2013). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Gwendolyn Shepherd (Maria Ehrich)
Aristocratic London teen who discovers she carries the time-travel gene and can jump across centuries. She evolves from wary participant to determined traveler who must decide between family duty and personal freedom. Her journey reveals she can see ghosts and uncovers hidden family secrets tied to the Raven prophecy.
Gideon de Villiers (Jannis Niewöhner)
A fellow time traveler and trained member of the Order who starts off loyal to the group but grows to question its goals after developing feelings for Gwen. He is intelligent, guarded, and brave, navigating dangerous loyalties as he helps Gwen uncover the truth behind the Chronograph.
Grace Shepherd (Veronica Ferres)
Gwen's mother, protective and pragmatic. She recognizes Gwen's power and guides her through the implications of time travel. Grace's past actions—assisting Lucy and Paul to escape—show a willingness to challenge the Order to protect her family.
Charlotte Montrose (Laura Berlin)
Gwen's cousin who appears to be the rightful 'Ruby' with a secret gene of her own. Initially favored by the Order, she is competitive and taunts Gwen, driving conflict while remaining a complex figure tied to the prophecy and the history of their families.
Lucy Montrose (Josefine Preuß)
A cunning traveler who previously helped steal the Chronograph and escape danger. She reappears across eras as a wary ally, carrying a talisman and guiding Gwen with hard-won knowledge about the risks of their mission.
Graf von St. Germain (Peter Simonischek)
The enigmatic grandmaster of the Order who can read minds and seeks to control Gwen's power. He embodies the pursuit of power over time and presents a formidable moral and strategic obstacle for Gwen and Gideon.
Learn where and when Ruby Red (2013) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
Multi-era (1782, 1912, 1942, and present-day 21st century)
The film jumps across several historical periods: the late 18th century (1782), the early 20th century (1912), the World War II era (1942), and contemporary present-day settings. Each era introduces new dangers, technologies, and social norms that influence the characters’ choices. Time travel itself stands as the central mechanism driving the plot and shaping personal destinies across centuries.
Location
London, England
The story unfolds within an aristocratic circle in London, with social events and strict class boundaries shaping the characters. Key settings include the fashionable party scenes, the quiet streets around Hyde Park, and a hidden headquarters where the Order of Count Saint Germain operates. The city serves as a backdrop that contrasts tradition with the secret, time-bending ambitions of its inhabitants.
Discover the main themes in Ruby Red (2013). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
🕰️
Time Travel
Time travel drives the entire narrative, forcing characters to confront how past actions shape present consequences. The ability to jump between eras reveals that personal destiny can be negotiated, not fixed. The Chronograph and the prophecy create moral tension over who should control time and why.
🗝️
Legacy
A powerful family lineage governs who can time travel, creating a web of secrets and rivalries across generations. Gwen must navigate inherited duties and the pressure to fit a predetermined role as the 'Ruby.' The story shows how lineage can grant both privilege and burden, shaping identity and choices.
💘
Romance
Gwen and Gideon's relationship unfolds across centuries, challenging loyalty codes and secrecy. Their bond grows amid mounting dangers from the Order and competing expectations from family rivals. Love becomes a catalyst for doubt, courage, and defiance of imposed roles.
⚖️
Control vs Freedom
The Order aims to harness Gwen's power with secrecy and a dangerous device, highlighting a struggle between control and personal autonomy. The prophecy and the threat of sacrifice raise the stakes about who gets to decide one's fate. The narrative continually questions whether power over time should be used or resisted.

Coming soon on iOS and Android
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.
Explore the mobile appDiscover the spoiler-free summary of Ruby Red (2013). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In the opulent world of turn‑of‑the‑century London, the Shepherd family clings to a rigid notion of aristocratic purity, dismissing anything that feels “common.” On the cusp of adulthood, Gwendolyn Shepherd discovers that her inherited gene—long whispered about within the family—grants her the uncanny ability to slip through moments of time. The revelation thrusts her into a hidden layer of society where lineage and destiny intertwine, and where the promise of a mysterious “Ruby” traveler looms over every gathering.
Within the glittering halls of a privileged birthday celebration, Gideon de Villiers appears as a charismatic yet enigmatic outsider, his own connection to the time‑travel lineage hinting at deeper loyalties. Across the room, Charlotte Montrose—the cousin whose very existence has centered family expectations—carries a secret mutation that has long set her apart. As whispers of an ancient Order dedicated to safeguarding these chronal gifts circulate, Grace Shepherd emerges as a guiding presence, urging the young heir to confront the shadowy responsibilities that accompany her newfound power.
The film balances the lavish aesthetic of high society with a lingering, almost wistful sci‑fi undercurrent, inviting viewers to wonder how a world steeped in tradition copes with the ripple of temporal possibilities. Beneath the polished veneer, unseen forces—ghostly visions, cryptic prophecies, and a covert brotherhood—suggest that the stakes are far greater than personal ambition. As Gwendolyn navigates the delicate dance between familial duty and a destiny that promises both wonder and peril, the story promises a richly textured exploration of identity, legacy, and the timeless allure of stepping beyond the present moment.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
SAT Sphere
Build confidence for the Digital SAT.
Mori Atlas
Discover wild places worth protecting.
Luntero
Search smarter for a home in Amsterdam.
Plot Explained
Unravel movie endings and hidden clues.
Pokechamp
Dive into Pokémon data and battle logic.
Driving Theory
Get ready for your European theory test.
Movie Dust
Plan your next cinema trip with ease.
Musemap
Find art and culture as you travel.
Selkobase
Compare credentials before committing.
Local Manual
Turn an unfamiliar country into practical next steps.
Lernavi
Compare school systems before your next move.
GymRoam
Find a workout stop wherever your plans take you.
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2026)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
Best Concert Films & Music Documentaries
Movie Collections and Curated Lists
© 2026 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy