Gone Girl, directed by David Fincher and adapted from Gillian Flynn’s novel, masterfully employs a non-linear narrative that oscillates between the past and present, unraveling complexities of its plot. The film introduces audiences to Nick Dunne (portrayed by Ben Affleck) as he arrives home on the day of his fifth wedding anniversary only to find his wife, Amy (played by Rosamund Pike), missing. This gripping opening thrusts the local police, as well as viewers, into the heart of the central mystery. Yet, intriguingly, the story unfolds out of sequence, revealing pivotal moments from the couple’s past that ultimately lead to Amy’s self-abduction.
Rosamund Pike’s portrayal of Amy Dunne is nothing short of exceptional, earning her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Her fierce and chilling performance as a wife who orchestrates her own disappearance to enact vengeance on Nick captivates audiences. Flynn’s screenplay remains true to her original material, retaining shocking twists while ensuring a carefully constructed timeline that pieces together vital information, allowing viewers to solve the mystery alongside the characters. Below is a chronological breakdown of some key events throughout the story.
January 8, 2005: Nick Dunne & Amy Elliott Meet
On a winter evening in New York City, Nick Dunne meets Amy Elliott at a party, changing the course of their lives forever. The two writers quickly connect over their shared passion for storytelling. Shortly after, Amy captures their encounter in her diary, which intrigues Nick, as he learns she inspired her parents’ renowned children’s book series, Amazing Amy. Their initial spark soon blossoms into a deep romance.
February 24, 2007: Nick & Amy Get Engaged
Fast forward to February 24, 2007, when Nick and Amy decide to take their relationship to the next level and get engaged. Amy feels secure enough with Nick to commit, and during their courtship, she discloses that the Amazing Amy character is a flawless version of herself, devoid of any real flaws. Nick, oblivious to the impending turmoil these imperfections will bring, eagerly agrees to marry her.
Summer 2010: Nick & Amy Move to Missouri
As the recession complicates Nick’s financial stability and his mother battles breast cancer, the couple relocates to Missouri—a decision that largely drives a wedge between them. The move is intended to ease financial burdens and provide familial support, but it becomes a source of bitterness for Amy. She chronicles her resentments in her diary, expressing her discontent at leaving the vibrant life in New York City for Nick’s small-town origins.
January 2011: Nick Begins an Affair with His Student
In January 2011, Nick engages in an affair with Andie Fitzgerald (played by Emily Ratajkowski), one of his students. This betrayal exacerbates the emotional distance in his marriage. The novel expands on Amy’s awareness of Nick’s infidelity; she not only knows about the affair but also meticulously monitors Andie’s online presence.
October 1, 2011: Amy Starts to Fear Nick
On October 1, 2011, Amy conveys her growing fear of Nick in her diary. When she suggests starting a family, the conversation turns confrontational, culminating in Nick physically shoving her during their dispute. Amy’s diary entries, which later surface during her investigation, reveal her troubling concerns about Nick’s temperament, painting him in a precarious light as the plot develops.
Early 2012: Amy Prepares for Her Disappearance
In the months leading up to her disappearance, Amy manipulates Nick into increasing her life insurance policy to a substantial $1.2 million and accumulates considerable credit card debt in his name. This sets the stage for Nick to be framed as her killer when she is found missing.
July 5, 2012: Amy Disappears
On the evening of their anniversary, July 5, 2012, Amy makes her infamous disappearance. In a state of panic upon realizing she is missing, Nick alerts the authorities, who soon uncover diary entries that paint him as a suspect. These entries, crafted by Amy, serve to cleverly incriminate her husband in a chilling act of deception.
July 6-11, 2012: Nick Begins an Attempt to Clear His Name
In the aftermath of Amy’s vanishing, Nick attempts to portray himself as a sympathetic husband during a press conference. However, media scrutiny intensifies when a photo of him with a local woman surfaces. His public attempts to honor Amy fail as he continues his affair with Andie while grappling with mounting pressure. Despite legal assistance from attorney Tanner Bolt (Tyler Perry), who advises him on media presence, the stakes continue to rise amidst Amy’s calculated deception.
July 24-30, 2012: Amy Stays with Desi Collings & Ultimately Kills Him
While staying with Desi Collings (played by Neil Patrick Harris) after her disappearance, Amy fabricates a story about escaping Nick’s abuse. Their manipulative encounters are closely watched, especially as Nick’s debts come to light. Following a sequence of events, Amy murders Desi in a horrific moment and contrives a narrative that places the blame on him for her abduction.
August 4, 2012: Amy Comes Home
Upon her return, Amy fabricates a self-defense claim regarding Desi’s death, painting herself as a victim and ensuring Nick is cleared of suspicion. She convinces investigators of her traumatic experience, citing past restraining orders against Desi to bolster her credibility. Despite Detective Boney’s (Kim Dickens) cautious inquiries into her implausible story, Amy manipulates the narrative, evading consequences.
September 23, 2012: Nick & Amy Decide to Stay Together for Their Baby
As Nick suspects that Amy’s return is filled with lies, he contemplates a live TV interview to expose her deceptions. However, the plan takes a turn when Amy reveals she has inseminated herself with his sperm, trapping Nick in a web of paternal responsibilities. In the end, he decides to forsake his plan to unveil her crimes, opting instead to announce her pregnancy in a final twist of loyalty bound by obligation.
Timeline Differences in the Gone Girl Book
While Gone Girl remains largely faithful to Gillian Flynn’s novel, some differences are evident in its cinematic adaptation. Notably, the film omits the details around Nick’s proposal, leaving his formal offer ambiguous. Additionally, the movie does not depict Amy caring for Nick’s ailing mother, a significant emotional arc in the book.
Moreover, the differences extend to how Desi’s death is portrayed; the film offers a more vivid and brutal interpretation than the source material. In the book, Amy drugs Desi before his murder, while the film portrays a harrowing confrontation during their intimate moments. These adaptations made by Flynn and Fincher enhance the storytelling, balancing gruesome imagery with the psychological thriller’s underlying themes.