Bad Tales

Bad Tales

Year: 2021

Runtime: 98 min

Language: Italian

Directors: Damiano D'Innocenzo, Fabio D'Innocenzo

Echo Score: 66
DramaMysteryThriller

During a summer in a Rome suburb, a seemingly peaceful community masks deeper issues. Behind closed doors, families struggle with domineering parents, emotional distance, and a general lack of connection. The children, feeling ignored and misunderstood, harbor resentment that eventually erupts, exposing the fragility of the families and leading to dramatic and far-reaching consequences for everyone involved.

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Bad Tales (2021) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Bad Tales (2021), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

This film presents a dark and surreal narrative, allegedly inspired by entries found in a young girl’s discarded diary. The authenticity of these diary entries remains questionable, creating an air of mystery. The story unfolds through a series of brief, two-minute vignettes that collectively dive into the unsettling lives of families living in a seemingly modern suburb.

Within this suburb, families are raising pubescent children, ranging from the ages of 8 to 13. These kids are unnervingly aware of the adult world, largely due to the crude behavior and deplorable antics of their parents, who openly indulge in foul language and unfiltered conversations in front of their impressionable offspring. One especially irresponsible father teaches his 12-year-old son, portrayed by Justin Korovkin, to drive their dilapidated car, offers him condoms, and even allows him to drink beer.

The film delves into the lives of a small group of children who recognize the despair surrounding their parents. Under the influence of a deranged school teacher, played by Lino Musella, they learn to create two crude yet dangerous homemade bombs. They also acquire knowledge on where to obtain inexpensive insecticides, which contain a toxic poison that affects the nervous system.

Though the bombs are discovered before they can be detonated, the film’s dark themes persist. Ultimately, the story culminates in the father and son escaping their humdrum existence, while some of the other children left behind in the suburb tragically turn to suicide. The narrative acknowledges its roots, reminding us that the harrowing events that conclude this somber tale are drawn from the pages of a young girl’s diary, leaving us to ponder the truth behind her words.

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 00:40

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Stories where the sterile facade of suburbia hides a rot of dysfunction.If you were captivated by the oppressive atmosphere of 'Bad Tales', explore more movies like it that delve into the dark secrets and psychological decay hidden beneath the surface of suburban life. These similar dramas and thrillers expose the fragility of families and communities.

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Narratives often unfold through interconnected stories or a central family unit, slowly peeling back layers of normalcy to reveal profound neglect, abuse, or emotional turmoil. The conflict arises from the clash between public appearance and private reality, building towards a climax that shatters the community's illusion of peace.

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These films are grouped by their shared setting and thematic focus. They create a powerful, unsettling mood by using familiar, everyday environments as a backdrop for intense psychological drama, making the descent into darkness feel both shocking and inevitable.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative structure prioritizes atmosphere and character psychology over plot twists. The story unfolds gradually, focusing on small, telling details and strained interactions that accumulate weight. The journey is defined by a foreboding sense of inevitability, where the emotional devastation of the ending feels earned by the careful, unsettling groundwork.

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These films are united by their specific pacing and emotional arc. They offer a challenging, immersive experience defined by a patient build-up of psychological unease and a commitment to a deeply somber or tragic resolution, leaving a lasting emotional impact.

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Don't stop at just watching — explore Bad Tales 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 Bad Tales is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Bad Tales Timeline

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Bad Tales Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Bad Tales

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Bad Tales

Bad Tales Spoiler-Free Summary

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Bad Tales Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Bad Tales

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