Beautiful Boy

Beautiful Boy

Year: 2018

Runtime: 120 min

Language: English

Director: Felix Van Groeningen

BiographyDrama

A teenager's life takes a tragic turn as he struggles with crystal meth addiction, shattering the stability of his family. His father desperately tries to mend their lives and confront the harsh realities of addiction, revealing a powerful story of love, resilience, and the profound impact of substance abuse on a family's well-being. It's a poignant exploration of sacrifice and the difficult path to recovery.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Beautiful Boy (2018)

Trace every key event in Beautiful Boy (2018) 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

David's Desperation

Journalist David Sheff finds himself seeking help from addiction specialist Dr. Brown, driven by desperation to comprehend his son Nic's struggles. Instead of a routine interview, David is on a personal quest to understand the devastation caused by addiction in his family.

Dr. Brown's office
2

Family Life in San Francisco

Flashbacks reveal David's family life in San Francisco with his wife Karen and their children, including Nic. These memories showcase the warmth of family intertwined with the darker shadows of addiction that begin to emerge.

San Francisco
3

The Night Nic Goes Missing

A pivotal moment occurs when Nic fails to return home one night, triggering a heated confrontation between David and Nic’s mother Vicki. This incident illustrates the profound frustration and pain their family experiences due to Nic's addiction.

Home
4

Realization of Nic's Condition

When Nic finally returns home, David notices alarming changes in his son’s behavior. This ignites David's determination to seek help for Nic, who is trapped in the relentless cycle of addiction.

Home
5

Seeking Help

Desperate to help his son, David consults a rehab counselor who offers hope through a program with an 80% success rate. This meeting marks a significant turn in David's fight against Nic's addiction as he strives to reconnect with his son.

6

Touching Reunion

A heartfelt moment occurs when David and Nic share their feelings for one another, reinforcing their bond with the utterance of 'everything.' This signifies the deep connection that exists despite Nic's struggles.

7

Nic's Setback

After initial success in rehab, Nic expresses a desire to pursue recovery over college. However, this victory quickly turns into despair when he goes missing from the halfway house, prompting David's frantic search.

Halfway house
8

Finding Nic in Distress

In an emotional encounter, David finds Nic distressed and using drugs in an alley. This moment encapsulates the depth of Nic's addiction and the relentless fight David must face to save his son.

Alley
9

Signs of Improvement

Hope is reignited when Nic shows signs of improvement and expresses a desire to attend college. This rekindling of their bond offers David a glimpse of what recovery could mean for their family.

10

The Thanksgiving Encounter

During a Thanksgiving celebration, Nic encounters drugs again, leading to a painful relapse. This incident starkly illustrates the challenges of maintaining sobriety, spiraling the family further into turmoil.

Thanksgiving celebration
11

Candid Conversation with Dr. Brown

In a pivotal meeting with Dr. Brown, David confronts the harsh realities of addiction, realizing the slim chances of recovery. This conversation underscores the weight of despair that addiction carries.

12

David's Soul-Searching Journey

David embarks on a journey to understand what Nic is experiencing, attempting to bridge the emotional gap caused by addiction. His efforts reflect a parent's struggle to connect with a child lost in dependency.

13

Heartbreaking Reunion

During a tense reunion, Nic erupts in erratic behavior and refuses to return home. This moment culminates in David learning about Nic's overdose in New York, marking a devastating low point.

New York
14

Glimmer of Hope

Despite the struggles, a meeting at a diner signifies a potential turning point when Nic expresses a desire to get clean. This tiny spark of hope is accompanied by a poignant flashback, reaffirming the depth of their bond.

Diner
15

The Continued Battle

As David and Vicki seek support through Al-Anon, Nic's path darkens further, culminating in another near-fatal overdose. Their journey exemplifies the unrelenting battle against addiction, ending with a bittersweet hope for sobriety.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 21:53

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Beautiful Boy Summary

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Beautiful Boy Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Beautiful Boy

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Beautiful Boy

More About Beautiful Boy

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