The Simian Line 2001

Drama

Box Office

$20K

Runtime

106 min

Language

English

Directed by

Linda Yellen

Made by

Ardustry Home Entertainment

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Simian Line (2001). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

In the whimsical romantic comedy Simian Line, an eccentric palm reader throws a wrench into the lives of couples at an intimate dinner party with a troubling prediction: one partner will end their relationship before the year concludes. This intriguing premise unfolds within a star-studded ensemble featuring Lynn Redgrave, Jamey Sheridan, Harry Connick Jr., Cindy Crawford, Tyne Daly, William Hurt, Monica Keena, Dylan Bruno, Samantha Mathis, and Eric Stoltz.

The story follows a fateful October night when Katherine, portrayed by Lynn Redgrave, a middle-aged divorcee, and her younger boyfriend, Rick, played by Harry Connick Jr., host a festive dinner for two other couples: Marta, brought to life by Monica Keena, and Billy, played by Dylan Bruno, as well as Sandra, depicted by Cindy Crawford, and Paul, characterized by Jamey Sheridan. What begins as a joyful gathering suddenly shifts as Rick’s unexpected guest, Arnita, a quirky palm-reader played by Tyne Daly, disrupts the harmony with her ominous foretelling.

The atmosphere becomes charged with uncertainty as the prediction looms over their evening. Adding to the complexity are two ghostly figures—spirits Edward, portrayed by William Hurt, and Mae, played by Samantha Mathis. Edward is Katherine’s deceased great-grandfather, who cannot leave his beloved home without his wife by his side. Meanwhile, Mae brings a lively, flirtatious energy as a socialite from the 1920s, unwilling to embrace her eternal rest.

As autumn transitions into winter, the two spirits observe the unraveling relationships around them with a mix of humor and melancholy. Marta and Billy, both ambitious musicians, confront the unexpected reality of parenthood, while Sandra and Paul face challenges tied to unfulfilled dreams and financial strife. Meanwhile, Katherine grows increasingly concerned about Rick’s affections, questioning his loyalty as she perceives his interest in younger women.

With the New Year approaching and relationships intertwining like the changing seasons, the couples’ destinies hinge on choices made amidst their doubts and fears, reminding us that ultimately, their futures rest quite literally in the palm of their hands. Will they be able to navigate the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery before the year runs out?

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of The Simian Line (2001) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Dinner Invitation

In October, Katherine, a middle-aged divorcee, invites two couples to her home for a festive dinner party. The invitees include Marta and Billy, and Sandra and Paul, creating an atmosphere of intimacy and celebration.

October Katherine's home

Unexpected Guest

As the evening unfolds, Rick introduces an unexpected guest, Arnita, a quirky palm reader. Her presence disrupts the joyful ambiance with her ominous prediction about one of the couples ending their relationship by the year's end.

Night of the dinner Katherine's home

The Ominous Prediction

Arnita's prediction creates a wave of confusion and doubt among the couples at the dinner. This unsettling moment sets the stage for introspection and tension in their relationships as they grapple with the implications of her words.

During dinner Katherine's home

Uninvited Guests

The dinner party takes on a surreal twist with the appearance of ghostly guests, Edward and Mae. Edward, Katherine's deceased great-grandfather, and Mae, a vivacious socialite from the 1920s, provide humorous commentary on the mortal couples' dilemmas.

During the party Katherine's home

Marta and Billy's Challenge

Marta and Billy, a lively couple, find themselves facing the unexpected reality of unplanned parenthood. Their playful nature is soon challenged as they deal with the responsibilities and anxieties that come with impending parenthood.

Sandra and Paul's Struggles

Socialites Sandra and Paul are confronted with the weight of their unrealized dreams and financial struggles. Their discussions highlight the difficult balance between their social lives and financial realities.

Katherine's Doubts

Amidst the dinner party chaos, Katherine begins questioning Rick's devotion. Her suspicions are compounded when she witnesses Rick's seemingly yearning gaze towards younger women, leading her to reassess their relationship.

During the gathering Katherine's home

Ghosts Observing Relationships

As the spirit couple, Edward and Mae, watch over the living, they reflect on their own ghostly existence. Their insights offer both comedic and poignant observations about love and relationships, revealing the struggles faced by the dinner guests.

Throughout the evening Katherine's home

Autumn to Winter Transformation

As the season shifts from autumn to winter, the couples' relationships show signs of strain. The cold weather parallels their growing tensions and uncertainties as they inch closer to the predicted deadline of separation.

Autumn to Winter

Intertwining Lives

With the New Year approaching, the lives of the couples become increasingly intertwined. Their experiences and interactions bring them closer together, despite the underlying doubts and issues that have arisen.

Before New Year

Facing True Destinies

As the year draws to a close, the couples find themselves at a crossroads, facing their true destinies. Each couple must confront their individual challenges and decide their paths moving forward, heavily influenced by Arnita's earlier prediction.

End of the year

Resolution of Relationships

In the final moments leading to the New Year, the characters reflect on their relationships and choices. The outcome of the prediction lingers in the air as they navigate their fates and seek clarity in their lives.

New Year’s Eve

Characters

Explore all characters from The Simian Line (2001). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Katherine (Lynn Redgrave)

Katherine is a middle-aged divorcee who invites her friends for a dinner party. Torn between her desire for companionship and her insecurities about her younger boyfriend, Rick, she represents the complexities of facing one’s past while embracing potential futures. Her journey is one of self-discovery and questioning devotion.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Love 🤔 Introspection 🎭 Complexity

Rick (Harry Connick Jr.)

Rick is Katherine's charismatic younger boyfriend, grappling with societal expectations and personal desires. His interaction with the other couples and his supposed longing for youth lead to tensions during the dinner, reflecting the theme of commitment versus temptation. His character raises questions about the nature of love and loyalty.

💼 Ambition 💘 Relationship 🤷‍♂️ Uncertainty

Arnita (Tyne Daly)

Arnita is the quirky palm reader whose prediction sparks the evening's tension. Her eccentric demeanor adds humor, while her foresight forces the guests to confront their realities. She embodies the theme of fate versus free will.

🔮 Mystery 🎉 Humor 🚪 Insight

Setting

Learn where and when The Simian Line (2001) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

October to December

The events of the movie unfold from October through to the New Year, radiating the spirit of autumn and winter festivities. This transitional period not only symbolizes the shifts in relationships among the characters but also presents the looming question of their futures. The seasonal changes enhance the emotional tone of the story, highlighting themes of introspection and change.

Location

Katherine's House

The movie takes place mostly in Katherine's home, where she hosts an intimate dinner party. This setting creates a cozy atmosphere for discussions about love, relationships, and destiny. The house also serves as a backdrop for ghostly encounters, emphasizing its connection to the past.

🏠 Home 🎉 Celebration

Themes

Discover the main themes in The Simian Line (2001). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🔮

Predictions

The theme of predictions is central to the plot, initiated by a palm reader's ominous forecast. This leads to doubt and confusion among the couples as they navigate their relationships. It serves as a catalyst for deep reflection on their love and commitment.

💔

Relationships

Various relationships are explored throughout the film, highlighting the complexities of love, commitment, and personal growth. As the couples face their fears and insecurities, they learn that their destinies might be intertwined in unexpected ways. The film poignantly portrays the fragility of connection.

👻

Ghosts

The presence of ghostly characters adds a whimsical yet poignant layer to the narrative. Edward and Mae's spirits represent unresolved issues and the lingering effects of past relationships. Their comedic yet touching interactions serve as a reminder of what it means to truly let go.