Been So Long (2018) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Raymond is a recently released ex-con who now works as a street-cleaner in London. While the specific crime isn't detailed in the film, his criminal past creates tension in his developing relationship with Simone, who struggles to trust someone with such a background.

• raymond prison
• ex-con
• released prisoner
• raymond background

Gil is a young, troubled knife-wielder who stalks Raymond, adding significant danger and tension to the story. He represents the dangerous elements from Raymond's past that continue to haunt him even after his release from prison.

Foreshadowing: The threat of Gil looms over Raymond's life from the moment he's introduced, creating underlying tension during his moments with Simone.

• gil character
• raymond stalker
• knife threat
• raymond danger

Kestrel reappears outside Simone's daughter's school, reawakening old wounds and painful memories. His return threatens not only Simone's growing relationship with Raymond but also her friendship with Yvonne, forcing her to confront her fears about letting people back into her life.

• kestrel ex
• simone past
• ex returns
• simone trauma

Wendell is Raymond's old friend from his past, and his reappearance brings Raymond's criminal history back into focus. Together with the threat from Gil, Wendell represents the baggage Raymond carries as he tries to build a new life.

• wendell character
• raymond friend
• past connections

Simone has been emotionally guarded since her difficult relationship with ex Kestrel. As a single mother who prioritizes her daughter's needs, she built walls to protect herself. Her journey involves learning to let people in again, despite her fears.

Foreshadowing: Simone's initial resistance to Yvonne's insistence that she deserves more hints at her underlying fear of vulnerability.

• simone trust issues
• emotional walls
• single mother
• letting go

The kebab shop duet is a pivotal musical moment that crystallizes Simone and Raymond's bond. It serves as the emotional anchor of their romance, symbolizing their connection amid the chaotic urban backdrop of London and representing the vulnerability they share.

• kebab shop duet
• musical scene
• simone raymond romance
• emotional moment

Yvonne is Simone's best friend who pushes her to break out of her routine and meet new people. She also finds her own connection with a courier who helps with childcare. Yvonne remains a supportive lifeline for Simone as she navigates her evolving romance and trust issues.

• yvonne friend
• yvonne support
• childcare help
• simone friend

Bar Arizona is the Camden Town establishment where Simone meets Raymond. Originally a haunt of their old crowd, it's now run by Barney, the late owner's son. The bar serves as the meeting place where Raymond's flirtation with Simone over a game of draughts sparks their romance.

• bar arizona
• camden town
• first meeting
• draughts game

Simone's withdrawal stems from her fear of repeating past mistakes and getting hurt again. When Kestrel returns and threatens her new relationship with Raymond, her instinct is to retreat into her shell rather than face the emotional challenge.

• simone withdrawal
• fear of intimacy
• emotional retreat
• relationship fear

After his release, Raymond works as a street-cleaner in London while trying to rebuild his life. Despite his criminal past, he's shown as a genuinely romantic and decent person who connects with Simone, though his history continues to complicate his present.

• raymond job
• street cleaner
• life after prison
• new beginning