R
Rorschach / Walter Kovacs
An uncompromising masked detective who still operates illegally. His shifting inkblot mask conceals his face, and his journal records the investigation.
ClearStory FILM GUIDE
Watchmen2009
Know the masks. Follow the investigation. Keep the conspiracy hidden.
What you need to know
This guide follows the 3 hour 35 minute Ultimate Cut of Watchmen. Shorter versions omit or rearrange material. In an alternate 1985, the United States and Soviet Union are close to nuclear war. Costumed vigilantes were once celebrated but most were outlawed in 1977. When former government operative Edward Blake is murdered, the illegal masked detective Rorschach believes somebody may be hunting former heroes.
3 hours 35 minutesIncluded with Prime VideoAlternate-history mystery
OPTIONAL REFERENCECharacters, places and useful termsContains story details. Open after watching.
QUICK REMINDER
8 peopleThe only names you need
NO
Nite Owl II / Dan Dreiberg
A retired, technically skilled vigilante and former partner of Rorschach. He owns the owl-shaped flying craft Archie.
SS
Silk Spectre II / Laurie Jupiter
A former vigilante pushed into the role by her mother. She lives with Doctor Manhattan but is increasingly isolated by his detachment.
DM
Doctor Manhattan / Jon Osterman
A physicist transformed in a 1959 accident. He can manipulate matter and experiences past, present and future at the same time.
O
Ozymandias / Adrian Veidt
A retired hero known as the world’s smartest man. He revealed his identity, built a global business and promotes clean energy.
C
The Comedian / Edward Blake
The murdered former hero. A violent government operative whose actions in different decades connect many characters.
SJ
Sally Jupiter / Silk Spectre I
Laurie’s mother and a member of the original 1940s Minutemen. She managed her masked identity as a public celebrity.
HM
Hollis Mason / Nite Owl I
The first Nite Owl and Dan’s mentor. His memoir Under the Hood explains the history of the early masked heroes.
DURING THE FILM
Recap as you go
Choose only a scene you have completed. If you are unsure, wait until you finish watching.
Optional story focusContains story details. Open after watching.
AFTER WATCHING
Key story points
This section contains major spoilers, including the ending.
Content note: Graphic violence and gore, sexual assault, sex and nudity, child murder, suicide, domestic abuse, war crimes, nuclear threat, strong language and mass death.
An unofficial, independently written viewing companion for the 3 hour 35 minute version of Watchmen (2009) currently listed on Prime Video. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Warner Bros., Paramount, DC, Prime Video or the filmmakers. No official images, logos or film artwork are used.