What Is Suspiria About?
The premise of Suspiria in 272 words, with nothing given away. The full story and the ending follow below.
In the shadowed streets of 1970s West Berlin, a city still echoing with political unrest, a prestigious dance academy stands as a beacon of artistic excellence. Its marble corridors and vaulted rehearsal halls exude a timeless elegance, yet the lingering chill of an uneasy era seeps through the windows, giving the school an almost otherworldly ambience. The academy’s reputation draws talent from across Europe, but beneath the polished façade whispers of forgotten rituals and a history that refuses to stay buried.
When Susie Bannion steps off the train, she carries the restless energy of a young American dancer hungry for mastery. Gifted with a raw, magnetic presence, she is eager to prove herself in a world where precision meets passion. The invitation from the enigmatic Madame Blanc feels like a promise of destiny, and Susie’s early encounters with fellow students hint at a tightly knit community where every movement is watched and every secret held close.
As Susie settles into the academy’s demanding routine, the atmosphere tightens around her. She becomes aware of Patricia, a troubled newcomer whose frantic warnings hint at something far darker than competitive ambition. Together with the observant Dr. Klemperer, whose quiet curiosity mirrors the audience’s own, Susie glimpses the unsettling undercurrents that pulse through the institution. Beneath the glitter of performances lies the suggestion of a hidden coven, a secretive sisterhood whose presence is felt more than seen. The film balances the intoxicating beauty of dance with an ever‑growing sense of dread, inviting viewers to wonder what lies beyond the stage’s bright lights and whether the art itself can become a doorway to something far more sinister.
What Happens in Suspiria?
The complete story of Suspiria, from the first scene to the last, in 680 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
The film unfolds against the backdrop of 1970s West Berlin during a tumultuous period known as the German Autumn, where real-world events such as the hijacking of an airplane by the PLAF and the imprisonment of RAF members serve as a chilling context. It begins with a frantic teenage girl named Patricia, portrayed by Chloë Grace Moretz, as she races through the streets to her psychologist’s office. There she meets Dr. Klemperer, an elderly physician played by Tilda Swinton under the pseudonym Lutz Ebersdorf. Patricia brings forth disturbing allegations that the instructors at her dance academy are witches intent on hijacking her body. Skeptical, Dr. Klemperer listens but is left astonished as Patricia bolts from his office, inadvertently leaving behind her bag of personal belongings.
Meanwhile, American ballerina Susie Bannion, brought to life by Dakota Johnson, arrives in Berlin fresh off a train. Intent on pursuing her passions, Susie makes her way to the dance academy, eager to audition after receiving an invitation from the esteemed dancer Madame Blanc. During her audition, Susie captivates the room with her raw talent; unbeknownst to her, Madame Blanc can feel her remarkable presence from a distance, appearing almost to teleport into the audition space to observe. With Patricia’s untimely departure from the academy, Susie is promptly admitted, a decision that sets in motion a series of haunting events.
That evening, as the instructors convene, it is revealed that they are not merely teachers but a coven of witches. In a chilling vote, they discuss replacing their ailing leader, Mother Markos, who is absent due to her failing health. It becomes evident that they intend to continue the sinister rituals initiated with Patricia by finding a new vessel—Susie. In the midst of this darkness, Susie meets fellow dancer Sara, played by Mia Goth, who aids her in settling into the academy. As Susie becomes more intertwined in their web, she is told of Patricia’s supposed alliance with radical revolutionaries.
As the plot unfolds, the tension escalates when Susie’s dancing inadvertently causes the disfigurement of another student, Olga, who is then brutally disposed of by the coven. Dr. Klemperer, suspecting something deeper at play, begins reading Patricia’s diary, unveiling her theories of the school’s instructors as witches and discovering their links to ancient, malevolent forces—three witches known as Mother Lachrymarum, Mother Tenebrarum, and Mother Suspiriorum. His skepticism begins to wane as incidents around him increase in strangeness and horror.
While Sara and Susie investigate the dark secrets of the academy, they grow closer. However, Sara’s curiosity leads her to confront terrifying truths and ultimately discover disturbing remnants of their fellow students, including the tormented souls of Patricia and Olga. Dr. Klemperer’s desperate attempts to extricate himself from the witches’ grasp culminate in chilling stakes as the coven intensifies its ritualistic pursuits.
As the climax approaches, Susie’s fate intertwines with that of Madame Blanc who seems both a mentor and an enigma, fostering a bond that is laden with the weight of ancient powers. During an ominous recital, each character’s hidden truths and the full extent of the witches’ plans unfold in a harrowing display. Susie’s enlightening revelation leads to visceral confrontations with Mother Markos, ultimately revealing her true identity as Mother Suspiriorum herself.
In an explosive resolution, Susie reclaims her agency, summoning forth Death to exact retribution on the coven that sought to manipulate her. As horrors unfold within the catacombs, Susie shows compassion to those trapped in torment, marking a grim but definitive end to the witches’ reign. In a poignant denouement, Susie visits the ailing Dr. Klemperer, revealing the tragic fate of his wife—her narrative serving as a haunting reminder of sacrifice amidst horror.
By dawn, the remnants of the previous night’s ordeal fade into eerie normalcy, setting the stage for Susie’s haunting legacy as the new leader of the coven. As she stands before Dr. Klemperer one last time, she assures him of the love that persisted even in anguish, before the credits roll, and we glimpse Susie, now imbued with formidable power, smiling enigmatically as she stares off into the unknown.
Suspiria Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Patricia's Disturbing Allegations” to “Legacy of Susie”. 12 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
Patricia's Disturbing Allegations
The film opens with Patricia, a frantic teenage girl, rushing to her psychologist's office in West Berlin. She brings forth allegations that the instructors at her dance academy are witches attempting to hijack her body, leaving Dr. Klemperer astounded as she flees without her belongings.
When:1970s Where:Berlin
- 2
Susie's Arrival in Berlin
American ballerina Susie Bannion arrives in Berlin, excited and determined to pursue her dreams of dancing. She heads straight to the dance academy after receiving an invitation from the esteemed Madame Blanc, eager to prove her talent.
When:1970s Where:Berlin
- 3
The Audition
Susie's audition for the dance academy is a pivotal moment where she captivates the judges with her raw talent. This impresses Madame Blanc, who seems to appear from thin air to observe Susie's performance, sealing her fate at the academy.
When:1970s Where:Dance Academy, Berlin
- 4
The Coven's Secret
That evening, the dance instructors meet and reveal themselves as a coven of witches. They discuss the need to replace their ailing leader, Mother Markos, hinting at their sinister plans that involve Susie becoming the new vessel for their dark rituals.
When:1970s Where:Dance Academy
- 5
The Bond with Sara
Susie begins to bond with fellow dancer Sara as they navigate life at the academy. Sara provides support and insight into the strange happenings around them, deepening Susie's connection to the academy and the web of witchcraft surrounding it.
When:1970s Where:Dance Academy, Berlin
- 6
Patricia's Fate
As the narrative unfolds, Patricia's connection to radical revolutionaries becomes a chilling subplot. Her fate intertwines with the academy's dark rituals, leaving Susie in a precarious position as she is drawn into the coven's ominous plans.
When:1970s
- 7
Susie's Dark Influence
An incident occurs when Susie's dancing inadvertently disfigures another student, Olga, who is then brutally disposed of by the coven. This horrifying event sets off a cascade of tensions, as Dr. Klemperer starts to investigate the dark legacy of the academy.
When:1970s Where:Dance Academy
- 8
Dr. Klemperer's Investigation
Dr. Klemperer, disturbed by the recent events, begins reading Patricia's diary. His investigation reveals her theories that the instructors are witches linked to ancient, malevolent forces, causing him to question his initial skepticism as strangeness envelops him.
When:1970s
- 9
Sara's Discovery
Sara's curiosity drives her to uncover the dark secrets of the academy. She discovers remnants of their fellow students, including the tortured souls of Patricia and Olga, deepening the horror of what lies beneath their artistic facade.
When:1970s Where:Dance Academy
- 10
Confrontation with Madame Blanc
The relationship between Susie and Madame Blanc deepens, revealing complexities as Susie grows closer to her mentor. During an ominous recital, Susie comes to devastating realizations about the witches' true intentions and her own emerging powers.
When:1970s Where:Dance Academy
Show the other 5 events of Suspiria Hide the last 5 events
- 11
The Climactic Showdown
As events escalate, Susie's fate collides with that of Mother Markos during the coven's final ritual. In a confrontation filled with revelations, Susie discovers her true identity as Mother Suspiriorum, taking her place in the dark legacy.
When:1970s Where:Catacombs
- 12
Retribution Against the Coven
In a climactic moment, Susie takes command over the powers bestowed upon her, summoning Death to exact vengeance on the coven. A horrific confrontation ensues, liberating the many tormented souls trapped by the witches.
When:1970s Where:Catacombs
- 13
The Aftermath
As dawn breaks after the harrowing events, the academy returns to a haunting sense of normalcy. Susie, now carrying significant power, emerges as the new leader of the coven, but not without bearing the weight of her experiences and sacrifices.
Where:Dance Academy
- 14
Final Meeting with Dr. Klemperer
In a poignant moment, Susie visits the ailing Dr. Klemperer to reveal the tragic fate of his wife. This encounter serves as a haunting reminder of love and loss amidst the darkness, linking their fates in an unforgettable way.
When:Dawn Where:Berlin
- 15
Legacy of Susie
The film concludes with Susie embracing her powerful legacy, gazing enigmatically into the unknown. Her transition from a naive dancer to a formidable leader encapsulates the thematic depth of sacrifice and the haunting nature of her journey.
When:Dawn
Who Are the Main Characters in Suspiria?
4 characters, among them Dr. Klemperer (Tilda Swinton), Susie Bannion (Dakota Johnson) and Patricia (Chloë Grace Moretz): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Dr. Klemperer (Tilda Swinton)
Played by Tilda Swinton
Dr. Klemperer serves as a skeptical yet pivotal figure, embodying the rational perspective amidst the chaos of the witches' activities. His character evolves in response to the increasing strangeness surrounding him, leading him to confront unsettling truths that challenge his understanding of reality.
- 👨⚕️ Doctor
- 🧠 Rationality
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Susie Bannion (Dakota Johnson)
Played by Dakota Johnson
Susie is an ambitious and gifted ballerina whose journey into the depths of the dance academy reveals her latent power. As she grapples with the coven's dark intentions, she emerges as a complex character torn between vulnerability and a growing sense of agency, ultimately transforming into a formidable force.
- 👗 Ballerina
- 🌌 Transformation
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Patricia (Chloë Grace Moretz)
Played by Chloë Grace Moretz
Patricia, the frantic teenager, initiates the narrative's exploration of horror with her harrowing experiences at the academy. Her descent into madness and her attempt to warn Klemperer highlight the theme of desperation and the dire consequences of the witches' insidious nature.
- 😱 Troubled
- 🕵️♀️ Warning
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Sara (Mia Goth)
Played by Mia Goth
Sara embodies both curiosity and trepidation within the enigmatic environment of the dance academy. As she forms a bond with Susie, her character becomes a catalyst for uncovering the academy's terrifying truths, ultimately sealing her fate in the pursuit of knowledge.
- 🩰 Dancer
- 🕵️♀️ Investigator
Where and When Is Suspiria Set?
Suspiria is set in West Berlin (1970s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1970s
The 1970s were a tumultuous period in West Germany, defined by extreme political activism, domestic terrorism, and social upheaval. This era, particularly known for incidents like the hijacking by the PLAF and the actions of the Red Army Faction, contributed to a tense atmosphere that amplified the film's central themes of fear and paranoia.
Where
West Berlin
West Berlin during the 1970s serves as a politically charged backdrop for the film, characterized by the socio-political unrest known as the German Autumn. The city was a cultural melting pot, marked by divided allegiances and turbulent ideologies, with the influences of modernity clashing against the remnants of historical strife.
- 🏙️ City
- 🕰️ 1970s
What Are the Themes of Suspiria?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Witchcraft, Sacrifice and Sisterhood.
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01
Witchcraft
The theme of witchcraft is central to 'Suspiria', reflecting both literal and metaphorical elements of power and manipulation. The film explores how the coven's ancient practices intertwine with the characters' fates, showcasing the sinister allure of power and the dangers it poses to individual agency and autonomy.
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02
Sacrifice
Sacrifice plays a poignant role in the narrative, revealing the tragic costs of ambition and desire. Characters endure profound losses and make grave choices, often as a means to navigate the treacherous dynamics within the dance academy, illuminated by Susie's ultimate transformation and the burden of power she inherits.
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03
Sisterhood
Sisterhood emerges as a complex theme throughout the film, colored by trust, betrayal, and the bonds shared among the dancers. While the relationship between Susie and Sara showcases the potential for solidarity and strength, the darker aspects reveal how these connections can be exploited by malevolent forces.
How Does Suspiria End?
The last act of Suspiria and what it means, in 426 words. The ending lands as ambiguous. Big spoilers: read the plot summary first if you have not seen it.
The final act, in full
In the tense and supernatural climax of “Suspiria,” Susie fully embraces her true identity as the reincarnation of Mother Suspiriorum, one of the Three Mothers—mysterious, powerful figures who have existed long before humans. Throughout the film, Susie’s journey seems predetermined; her arrival at the Marko Dance Academy and her obsession with its ritual performances appear to be part of a larger destiny. In the final scenes, Susie joins a ritual dance with other dancers, who are revealed to be the possessed followers of the academy, performing a sinister ceremony. Behind them stands Markos, who claims to be Suspiriorum, but it is Susie who ultimately demonstrates her true power. When she reveals her identity as the real Mother Suspiriorum, a figure of death manifests, kills Markos, and destroys the corrupt forces within the academy in a bloody rampage. Susie then shows mercy by easing the suffering of Patricia, Olga, and Sara—tormented victims who wish for death—granting them painless releases. She also restores Josef’s consciousness, only to wipe his memory of the horrors, suggesting a kind of cruel mercy.
This ending implies that Susie has been destined for this role all along, possibly from her birth, as her troubled relationship with her religious mother hints at a connection to the dark legacies of the Three Mothers. The film leaves open the question of whether Susie was fully aware of her purpose from the start or if she gradually uncovered her true identity over time. Some interpretations suggest she might have been born to serve as Suspiriorum, and her arrival at the academy was no coincidence, but rather an inevitable fulfillment of her fate. The act of destroying Markos and her supporters signals a reassertion of her power, but also raises questions about her potential for abuse. Her gesture of freeing the tormented girls and wiping Josef’s mind shows she might wield her immense power either as a just force or as someone capable of repeating the cycle of control and violence.
Ultimately, the film explores themes of power, control, and the corrupting influence of authority, leaving viewers pondering whether Susie will use her new power responsibly or fall into the same patterns of abuse. The moment suggests a rebirth of the ancient goddess figure of Suspiriorum, but whether this marks a new, just reign or a dangerous cycle remains to be seen. The story ends with a sense of ominous ambiguity, emphasizing that power—whether divine or human—can be wielded for good or ill, and that such forces are often intertwined with inescapable themes of motherhood, faith, and transformation.
What Kind of Film Is Suspiria?
Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a complex story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Complex
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Ambiguous
A deeply unsettling and atmospheric descent into a sinister dance academy, this horror film maintains a steady, oppressive dread as it explores witchcraft and power through visceral horror and psychological tension.
- oppressive
- nightmarish
- unsettling
- claustrophobic
- sinister
- melancholic
- witchcraft
- power and control
- good versus evil
- identity and destiny
Content notes: graphic violence, body horror, witchcraft and occult rituals, psychological torture, rotting corpses.
Quiz
How well do you remember Suspiria? Test yourself on the story.
