Beginners

Beginners

Year: 2011

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

Director: Mike Mills

Drama

As his mother passes away, Oliver's world is turned upside down when his terminally ill father, Hal, reveals a shocking secret: his true identity. Years later, as grief and regret consume him, Oliver finds solace in the company of free-spirited Anna, but their budding connection is tested by the fear of embracing vulnerability and commitment.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Beginners (2011)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Beginners (2011). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2003

The film takes place in 2003, a time of significant social change as attitudes towards sexuality and relationships were evolving. This era saw an increasing acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities, which is central to the film's themes and character developments.

Location

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a vibrant city in California, known for its entertainment industry, particularly Hollywood. It is a cultural melting pot with diverse communities and a significant LGBTQ+ presence, which plays a pivotal role in the movie's storyline as it reflects the journeys of its characters.

🌆 City 🏙️ Urban

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:04

Main Characters – Beginners (2011)
Meet the key characters of Beginners (2011), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Oliver Fields

Oliver is a 38-year-old graphic designer grappling with the loss of his father while exploring his romantic prospects. He deeply reflects on his family's past, particularly the intricacies of his parents' marriage, and strives to avoid repeating their mistakes in his own relationships.

🖌️ Creative 🥺 Vulnerable 💖 Romantic

Hal Fields

Hal is Oliver's father, who comes out as gay at 75 after a long marriage with Oliver's mother. His courage to embrace his identity late in life leaves a profound impact on Oliver, showcasing Hal's humor and grace even in the face of terminal illness.

🌈 LGBTQ+ 🎩 Inspirational 🕰️ Reflective

Anna Wallace

Anna is a French actress who enters Oliver's life during a costume party despite dealing with her own emotional baggage. She embodies an adventurous spirit and represents the complexity of love—highlighting both the joy and struggles that come with it.

🎭 Actress 💔 Complex 🌍 International

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:04

Major Themes – Beginners (2011)
Explore the central themes of Beginners (2011), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love & Loss

The film explores the complexities of love, both romantic and familial, and how loss shapes those relationships. Oliver's reflections on his parents' relationship delve into themes of unfulfilled love, while his journey with Anna highlights the pursuit of genuine connection amidst personal insecurities.

🦋 Self-Discovery

Throughout the story, characters navigate their identities and relationships in light of personal experiences and societal expectations. Hal's late-life revelation of his sexual identity and Oliver's quest for true companionship signify a journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:04

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