Adoration

Adoration

Year: 2009

Runtime: 100 min

Language: French

Director: Atom Egoyan

Drama

A French class assignment unexpectedly triggers a deep connection for Simon, who begins to question a past family tragedy. He reimagines a terrorist's story as his own, leading him to suspect his father's death wasn't an accident. As Simon investigates, a fabricated online persona exposes a startling revelation and ultimately leads to an unexpected, evolving family relationship.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Adoration (2009)

Trace every key event in Adoration (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

Simon’s Hospital Visit

The film opens with young Simon visiting his dying grandfather in the hospital. This poignant moment is captured as Simon films their conversations, showcasing the bond they share and highlighting the grandfather's caring nature.

Hospital
2

Uncle Tom's Perspective

Through Simon's eyes, his grandfather is wise and nurturing, contrasting sharply with Uncle Tom's racist views. This duality sets the stage for the familial tensions that Simon will have to navigate as the story unfolds.

3

Grandfather's Accusation

Simon's grandfather harbors deep resentment towards Simon’s father, claiming he intended to harm Simon’s mother during the car crash. This revelation introduces a complex layer of family history shrouded in anger and blame.

4

Revelation of the Accident

The film reveals that Simon's father's eye condition was the true cause of the crash, rather than the malicious intent his grandfather implied. This pivotal moment in the narrative connects the characters' perspectives and highlights the importance of understanding one’s past.

5

French Class Assignment

In high school, Simon's French teacher assigns a translation exercise based on a news article about an attempted airplane bombing. This assignment emerges as a catalyst for Simon to explore complicated themes of family, identity, and tragedy.

High School
6

Creating His Story

Inspired by the article, Simon decides to rewrite it from the viewpoint of the child in the womb. This creative choice emphasizes Simon's desire to connect with his own lost family narrative and showcase his unique perspective.

7

Presentation to the Class

Simon presents his story in class, portraying himself as the unborn child of the woman involved in the bombing attempt. The reaction from his classmates varies, showcasing their mixed feelings about the dark narrative he creates.

High School Classroom
8

Internet Response

Simon's story goes viral online, provoking responses of sympathy, anger, and even support. The diverse reactions he receives exacerbate his sense of alienation but also push him to confront his own identity.

Internet
9

Teacher's Silent Struggle

Simon's French teacher remains silent about her connection to Simon's late father, contributing to the complexity of their interactions. This aspect of her character reveals hidden layers of grief and the impact of their shared past.

10

Intertwining Narratives

The intertwining of Simon's fabricated story with the truth of the car crash provides a means for all characters to confront their pasts. This merging of narratives serves as a powerful method for healing and understanding within the family.

11

Simon's Alienation

Simon experiences intense alienation as he grapples with the online responses to his made-up story about his father. This feeling ultimately prompts him to step away from the digital world and reassess his real-life connections.

12

Facing the Past

Choosing to disconnect from his online persona, Simon embarks on a journey to face the real issues he experienced as a child. This decision marks a crucial turning point in his quest for self-discovery and connections within his family.

13

Reconnecting with Family

The culmination of Simon's journey is marked by the piecing together of his fragmented family history. By revisiting painful memories, Simon and his relatives are able to confront their shared trauma and begin the healing process.

14

Conclusion of the Story

The film concludes with a powerful sense of resolution as Simon unites the disparate threads of his family's story. This Egoyanesque conclusion reinforces the importance of understanding and reconciling with one’s past.

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 20:30

Unlock the Full Story of Adoration

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Adoration Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Adoration, 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.

Adoration Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Adoration

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Adoration

More About Adoration

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More About Adoration

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