21 Grams

21 Grams

Year: 2003

Runtime: 124 min

Language: english

Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu

DramaThrillerCrime

Three strangers' lives become unexpectedly intertwined following a devastating car accident. Paul Rivers, a professor facing a terminal illness, finds his world irrevocably altered. Ex-con Jack Jordan and Cristina Peck, whose husband is involved, also experience profound changes. As the investigation unfolds and hidden truths surface, each character confronts their past and searches for meaning in the wake of loss and unexpected connections.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – 21 Grams (2003)

Trace every key event in 21 Grams (2003) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Jack's Redemption

Jack Jordan, a reformed ex-convict, seeks to rebuild his life by embracing a newfound religious faith. This faith serves as a pillar of strength in his ongoing struggles with drug addiction and alcoholism.

2

Paul's Dire Situation

Paul Rivers, a mathematics professor, confronts a bleak reality with a fatal heart condition. He must find a suitable organ donor within weeks to survive, increasing the tension in his already strained marriage.

3

Cristina's New Life

Cristina Peck, a dedicated mother and recovering addict, enjoys a peaceful life in the suburbs with her husband and two children. This starkly contrasts her previous chaotic life consumed by addiction.

4

The Hit-and-Run Incident

One fateful evening, Jack's reckless driving leads to a tragic hit-and-run accident that claims the lives of Cristina's husband and children. This event intertwines the fates of Jack, Paul, and Cristina in catastrophic ways.

5

Cristina's Heartbreak

In the aftermath of the hit-and-run, Cristina is left devastated and turns back to drugs and alcohol to numb her unimaginable pain. Her life spirals downward as grief takes hold.

6

Paul's New Heart

After receiving a heart transplant, Paul clings to hope for a new beginning while struggling with his wife's pressure for sperm donation. This leads to deeper issues in their marriage, worsening their connection.

7

Conflict and Grief

A shocking revelation about an abortion during their separation causes a rift between Paul and his wife. Paul, feeling betrayed, begins to distance himself from her, and their marriage becomes increasingly fragile.

8

Jack's Guilt

Haunted by guilt from the hit-and-run, Jack grapples with his conscience. Despite his wife's urging to remain silent, he decides to confess his sin, believing his duty is to God.

9

Jack's Release

After Cristina chooses not to press charges against Jack, he is released from prison. Struggling to reintegrate into society, he becomes a wandering laborer, haunted by his past actions.

10

Paul and Cristina's Connection

Paul tracks down Cristina, revealing how their lives are deeply intertwined. As they share their pain, they begin to form a connection, united by their mutual suffering.

11

Vengeance Plan

Cristina, consumed by grief, persuades Paul to help her orchestrate Jack's murder. Their shared desire for vengeance brings them even closer despite the moral implications of their plan.

12

The Confrontation

Paul arranges a meeting with Jack at a motel, armed with a gun to confront him. However, he falters at the crucial moment and instructs Jack simply to 'just disappear.'

Motel
13

The Tragic Outcome

Following the confrontation, Jack unexpectedly reappears at Paul and Cristina's motel. An ensuing struggle leads to Paul suffering a heart attack, during which he accidentally shoots himself in a frantic escape attempt.

Motel
14

The Race to the Hospital

In desperation, Jack and Cristina take the injured Paul to the hospital. In a last-ditch effort to protect himself, Jack claims responsibility for the shot, but he is soon released due to lack of evidence.

Hospital
15

A New Beginning

After Paul's death, Cristina discovers she is pregnant, leading her to tentatively embrace the prospect of motherhood once again. She begins preparing a room filled with memories of her daughters, reflecting on her hopes and fears.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 23:24

Unlock the Full Story of 21 Grams

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21 Grams Summary

Read a complete plot summary of 21 Grams, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

21 Grams Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in 21 Grams

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Characters, Settings & Themes in 21 Grams

More About 21 Grams

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