35 Shots of Rum

35 Shots of Rum

Year: 2009

Runtime: 100 min

Language: French

Director: Claire Denis

Drama

A widower’s quiet life with his daughter Josephine is upended when she prepares to leave for college. The arrival of their neighbor, Noe, further complicates matters, stirring up feelings of loss and uncertainty for the father. As Josephine embraces her independence, he grapples with the bittersweet reality of letting go and the changing dynamics of their relationship. The film explores themes of love, family, and the challenges of watching someone you cherish grow and move on.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen 35 Shots of Rum yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – 35 Shots of Rum (2009)

Trace every key event in 35 Shots of Rum (2009) 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

Lionel's Daily Life

Lionel is a dedicated widower working on RER trains in Paris. He leads a simple life with his daughter Josephine in the suburbs, cultivating a nurturing atmosphere primarily for her upbringing.

Present Day Paris
2

Josephine's Growth

Josephine, an anthropology student, matures into a young woman while being supported by her father, Lionel. Their bond is deep, with Josephine reflecting a strong commitment to their relationship.

Present Day Apartment Building
3

Community Ties

Within their apartment complex, Lionel and Josephine have formed a loose community. This includes Gabrielle, a cab driver with a romantic past with Lionel, and Noé, a moody young man who has feelings for Josephine.

Present Day Apartment Complex
4

Retirement Party Reflection

At a retirement party for a close colleague, Lionel abstains from the traditional 35 shots of rum. Witnessing his colleague's sorrow, he reflects on the transient nature of life and his current lack of purpose.

Evening Retirement Party
5

Car Breakdown Incident

After an outing with Gabrielle and Noé, their car breaks down, prompting them to seek shelter in a closed bar. This event fosters deeper connections among the group, particularly highlighting Noé's feelings for Josephine.

Evening Closed Bar
6

Visit to Noé's Apartment

During a visit to Noé's apartment, hints arise that Josephine might be contemplating marriage. Noé's job opportunity in Gabon adds pressure to their relationship, highlighting the impending changes in Josephine's life.

Afternoon Noé's Apartment
7

Tragic Discovery

Lionel faces a devastating moment when he stops his train upon discovering the lifeless body of his former colleague on the tracks. This tragic event starkly illustrates the fragility of life and the impact of loss.

Morning RER Tracks
8

Road Trip to Germany

In the wake of the tragedy, Lionel and Josephine embark on a long road trip to Germany. Their purpose is to pay respects at her mother's grave, further solidifying their bond during this reflective journey.

Post-Tragedy Germany
9

Josephine's Wedding

In an emotional culmination, Josephine marries Noé, who is both nervous and joyful. The wedding marks a significant transition in their lives, as Josephine steps forward into a new chapter.

Daytime Wedding Venue
10

Celebration Revelry

During the celebration following the wedding, Lionel indulges and successfully consumes 35 shots of rum, surprising everyone around him. This act leaves the audience contemplating whether it stems from joy for his daughter or sorrow for his loneliness.

Evening Celebration Venue
11

Return to Solitude

After the celebration, Lionel returns to his empty home, starkly contrasting the joyful event. This marks a poignant moment as he faces the reality of his solitude in the world.

Night Lionel's Home

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 14:51

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Melancholic family dramas about letting go like 35 Shots of Rum

Gentle, melancholic stories about parents learning to release their children.If you appreciated the gentle, bittersweet tone of 35 Shots of Rum, you may enjoy these movies that explore similar themes of parents navigating the emotional challenge of their children's independence. These character-driven stories prioritize mood and emotional realism over plot, capturing the quiet ache and acceptance of family evolution.

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Narrative Summary

This thread groups movies centered on a pivotal moment of separation within a family, often between a single parent and an only child. The narrative is less about external events and more about an internal emotional shift, unfolding slowly as the characters grapple with the bittersweet reality of change. The story culminates in a quiet act of acceptance.

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Movies with a quiet, slow-cinematic feel like 35 Shots of Rum

Observational films where life's quiet rhythms reveal profound emotions.For viewers who connected with the patient, atmospheric pacing of 35 Shots of Rum, this collection features movies that share a similar slow-cinematic style. These films use extended takes, minimal dialogue, and a focus on mundane details to create a powerful sense of intimacy and emotional resonance.

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Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread are often simple and linear, unfolding in real-time or over a short period. Conflict is internal or interpersonal, arising from the friction of everyday life rather than high-concept plots. The journey is one of gradual emotional revelation, where the audience discovers the characters' depths through observation rather than exposition.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared cinematic language: a deliberate slow pace, low intensity, and a preference for showing rather than telling. They create a specific, immersive mood—often melancholic or reflective—that prioritizes emotional authenticity and atmospheric realism over conventional narrative drive.

Unlock the Full Story of 35 Shots of Rum

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35 Shots of Rum Summary

Read a complete plot summary of 35 Shots of Rum, 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.

35 Shots of Rum Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in 35 Shots of Rum

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape 35 Shots of Rum. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in 35 Shots of Rum

35 Shots of Rum Spoiler-Free Summary

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35 Shots of Rum Spoiler-Free Summary

More About 35 Shots of Rum

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