Appropriate Behavior

Appropriate Behavior

Year: 2015

Runtime: 86 min

Language: English

Director: Desiree Akhavan

Comedy

Shirin, a young Iranian woman living in the United States, grapples with the conflicting pressures of her family's traditional expectations and her own bisexuality. As she tries to balance these opposing forces, her relationships become increasingly complicated. Seeking to define her identity and reconcile her desires with her cultural heritage, Shirin explores a path of self-discovery and liberation.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Appropriate Behavior 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 – Appropriate Behavior (2015)

Trace every key event in Appropriate Behavior (2015) 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

Shirin's Breakup

Shirin, a young woman living in Brooklyn, experiences a painful breakup with her girlfriend, Maxine. This event disrupts her life significantly, leading her to become both homeless and unemployed, prompting a major change in her circumstances.

Brooklyn
2

Moving In With New Roommates

After her breakup, Shirin seeks solace in the company of her friend Crystal, who encourages her to find new living arrangements. Shirin decides to move in with a group of unconventional roommates, marking the beginning of her journey toward self-discovery.

3

Teaching Filmmaking

Embracing her new circumstances, Shirin starts teaching the art of filmmaking to a group of enthusiastic five-year-olds in Park Slope. This job not only helps her regain her footing but also allows her to reconnect with her creative passions.

Park Slope
4

Parents' Confusion

As Shirin adjusts to her new life, her affluent Persian immigrant parents express confusion and concern over her sudden living situation. They remain unaware of Shirin's bisexuality and her relationship with a woman, highlighting the traditional values that shape their perspectives.

5

Attempting to Reconnect

In an effort to regain some control over her life, Shirin tries to reach out to Maxine, who has moved on and started a new relationship with Tibet. This attempt to reconnect is fraught with emotions as Shirin grapples with her feelings of loss and longing.

6

Coming Out to Her Brother

Determined to live her truth, Shirin courageously comes out to her brother, who responds with overwhelming support. This moment of acceptance is pivotal for Shirin, reinforcing her resilience and willingness to embrace her identity openly.

7

Confronting Her Mother

Shirin plans to confront her mother about her sexuality, acknowledging the importance of this conversation for her personal growth. While on a subway ride, she confides in Crystal about her intentions, revealing her deeper struggles with family acceptance.

Subway
8

Spotting Maxine

During her subway commute, fate intervenes as Shirin spots Maxine on the platform. Their unexpected encounter is filled with unspoken possibilities, giving Shirin a glimmer of hope amidst her chaotic life.

Subway Station
9

Maxine's New Romance

As Shirin processes her feelings, she learns that Maxine has moved on and is now in a relationship with Tibet, a fellow teacher. This revelation adds complexity to Shirin’s emotions and underscores the challenges of letting go.

10

Navigating New Relationships

Shirin's journey involves navigating her relationships with her roommates and her students, as well as the dynamics of her previous romance. Each interaction enriches her understanding of connection and community in her life.

11

Inner Reflection

Throughout her experiences, Shirin embarks on a path of inner reflection, contemplating her desires, aspirations, and the realities of her identity. This period of introspection is crucial for her healing and future endeavors.

12

Embracing Independence

As time passes, Shirin finds strength in her independence, learning to advocate for herself and express her true self. Her journey symbolizes a powerful statement about finding one's place in the world while balancing personal and cultural expectations.

13

Support from Friends

Amidst the complexities, Shirin's friendship with Crystal serves as a source of support and motivation. This connection helps Shirin solidify her identity and discover empowerment in the face of adversity.

14

A New Beginning

As Shirin adapts to her new life and teaching role, she embarks on what feels like a fresh start. Her journey exemplifies the power of resilience and the importance of nurturing relationships that support her authentic self.

15

Moving Forward

By the film's conclusion, Shirin has made significant strides towards finding peace with her past and paving a way toward a hopeful future. The timeline of her struggles and growth reflects her journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 17:27

Unlock the Full Story of Appropriate Behavior

Don't stop at just watching — explore Appropriate Behavior in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Appropriate Behavior is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Appropriate Behavior Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Appropriate Behavior, 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.

Appropriate Behavior Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Appropriate Behavior

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Appropriate Behavior

Appropriate Behavior Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Appropriate Behavior that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Appropriate Behavior Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Appropriate Behavior

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Appropriate Behavior: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Appropriate Behavior

Similar Movies to Appropriate Behavior

Discover movies like Appropriate Behavior that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.