Bad Tales

Bad Tales

Year: 2021

Runtime: 98 min

Language: Italian

Directors: Damiano D'Innocenzo, Fabio D'Innocenzo

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.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Bad Tales 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 – Bad Tales (2021)

Trace every key event in Bad Tales (2021) 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

Introduction to the Suburb

The film opens with a dark and surreal depiction of a seemingly modern suburb. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the lives of families in this setting are fraught with unease and disillusionment.

Suburb
2

Children's Unsettling Awareness

Parents in the suburb exhibit crude behavior, revealing a world that their pubescent children, aged 8 to 13, are disturbingly aware of. This toxic environment shapes the children’s perception of reality and forces them to confront the irresponsible actions of their guardians.

Suburb
3

Irresponsible Father Figure

One father stands out for his particularly irresponsible parenting, as he teaches his 12-year-old son to drive a dilapidated car. He goes further by providing him with condoms and even allows him to drink beer, showcasing a troubling form of mentorship.

Father's Home
4

Influence of a Deranged Teacher

The narrative transitions to the school where a deranged teacher influences a small group of children. His teachings result in the children learning how to create dangerous homemade bombs, introducing a darker element to their youthful curiosity.

School
5

Acquisition of Toxic Materials

Under the teacher's guidance, the children gain knowledge on where to obtain inexpensive insecticides. These toxic substances contain dangerous poisons that affect the nervous system, symbolizing the twisted guidance they receive.

Local Store
6

Discovery of Bombs

Before the children can follow through with their plans, the homemade bombs are discovered. This moment captures the tension between youthful innocence and the consequences of adult recklessness.

Children's Hideout
7

Escapism for Father and Son

The father and son choose to escape their mundane and distressing existence. This act of escape highlights the bond between them amid the overwhelming chaos of their suburban life.

Suburb
8

Tragic Consequences for Other Children

While the father and son find their way out, the remaining children face a grim fate. Alone in their despair, some tragically resort to suicide, underlining the pervasive darkness of their environment.

Suburb
9

Revisiting the Diary's Content

The film frequently reflects on the mysterious diary that inspired its story. It raises questions about the credibility and impact of the girl's entries, emphasizing the blurred lines between reality and fiction.

10

Echoes of the Past

The closing scenes serve as a somber reminder of the events that transpired. The narrative leaves viewers pondering the echoes of the past and the tragic consequences of a childhood tainted by adult choices.

Suburb
11

Exploration of Family Dynamics

Throughout the film, the dynamics within these families are explored, revealing deep-rooted issues and dysfunction. The children's experiences reflect their attempts to navigate a world filled with adult hypocrisy and neglect.

Families' Homes
12

The Children’s Bond

Despite the turmoil, the children form bonds over their shared experiences. This camaraderie becomes a vital aspect of their attempts to cope with the chaos around them as they search for meaning in their lives.

13

The Climax of Despair

As the narrative approaches its climax, the manifestations of despair become starkly apparent. The children’s dreams fade into nightmares, culminating in tragic decisions that underscore the film’s dark themes.

Suburb
14

Final Reflection on Childhood

The film concludes with a chilling reflection on the nature of childhood in a fractured society. It leaves the audience to grapple with the harsh realities faced by these children and the lasting impact of their childhood experiences.

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 00:40

Unlock the Full Story of Bad Tales

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 Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Bad Tales, 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.

Bad Tales Summary

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

More About Bad Tales

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Bad Tales: 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 Bad Tales

Similar Movies to Bad Tales

Discover movies like Bad Tales 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.