Being Frank

Being Frank

Year: 2019

Runtime: 109 min

Language: English

Comedy

A teenager's plans for a carefree spring break take an unexpected turn when he discovers his controlling father is leading a double life in a secluded lake town. Philip grapples with the dilemma of exposing his father’s deception or embracing the surreal situation to learn more about family and self-discovery. The revelation challenges his understanding of his father and forces him to confront unexpected truths about identity and the complexities of family relationships.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Being Frank 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 – Being Frank (2019)

Trace every key event in Being Frank (2019) 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

Philip's Aspirations

Seventeen-year-old Philip is nearing the end of his high school years and harbors dreams of becoming a musician. His father, Frank, has other plans, insisting Philip spend his summer interning at their family's ketchup factory and pursuing a state college education.

2

The Festival Request

Feeling nostalgic about his high school life, Philip approaches his mother, Laura, to request permission to attend the Starling Festival at the lake. Despite Laura’s fond memories of the festival, she denies Philip's heartfelt plea, leaving him feeling hopeless and defeated.

3

Acceptance Letter

Philip receives an acceptance letter from NYU, igniting hope for his dreams. However, his father Frank's immediate reaction is dismissive, crushing Philip's aspirations without discussion.

4

Sneaking Out

With his father away on a trip to Japan, Philip decides to sneak out after being advised by his friend, Lewis. The two boys set out towards the lake, seeking an escape from their complicated home lives.

Philip's home
5

Unexpected Destination

Rather than arriving at a luxurious lakeside cabin, Philip and Lewis find themselves at Ross’s modest home, which adds a twist to their getaway. As they spend the day lounging by the pool, Philip’s attention shifts to his high school crush, Allison.

Ross's home
6

Discovery of Frank's Infidelity

Philip and Lewis unexpectedly spot Frank at the pool with a young waitress, igniting their curiosity. They follow him to her home and uncover the shocking truth that Frank has another family, revealing his secret life.

Pool
7

Assuming a New Identity

The next day, Philip cleverly assumes the identity of Richie's son, allowing him to connect with Frank's other children without revealing the truth. This deception leads to an unexpected warmth from his newfound half-siblings.

Ross's home
8

NYU Tuition Negotiation

When Frank returns from Japan, a tense evening results in Philip convincing his father to finance his NYU tuition. This moment solidifies a temporary bond as they share stories and connect as a family.

Ross's home
9

Laura's Concern

Laura, worried about Philip's absence, consults with Lewis' mother who inadvertently reveals that Philip is at the lake. Realizing the urgency, Laura and Lib decide to search for him, leading to potential chaos ahead.

10

Preparing for the Festival

Amidst family disarray and anticipation for the festival, Frank tries to concoct a story to justify his absence from Japan. Both families frantically prepare, blissfully unaware of the looming chaos that awaits them.

11

Race against Time

On the morning of the festival, Frank feels an urge to escape Bonnie's cabin and rush to meet Laura's family. His hasty decision leads to a chaotic intertwining of both families at the festival venue.

Bonnie's cabin
12

The Festival Collision

As Philip and Frank arrive at the festival, everything seems to unravel as both families converge unexpectedly. Philip tries to reach Laura while wrestling with unexpected romantic attention from his half-sister Kelly.

Festival venue
13

The Car Incident

In a moment of chaos, Frank pushes Philip out of harm's way when a car speeds towards them. They narrowly escape injury but end up at the hospital due to Frank’s injuries, complicating their already strained relationship.

Hospital
14

Emotional Confrontation

While recovering in the hospital, the emotional fallout unfolds. Laura leaves abruptly, signifying the fracturing of her marriage with Frank, while Bonnie confronts Frank about his choices, leading to a devastating sense of exhaustion for everyone involved.

Hospital
15

A New Beginning

Months later, Philip settles into his dorm and surprises Kelly, who will be living next door. In an emotional gesture, Frank gifts Philip his father's guitar, symbolizing a new path forward for Philip to pursue his musical dreams.

Dorm Room

Last Updated: November 18, 2024 at 20:44

Unlock the Full Story of Being Frank

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

Being Frank Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Being Frank, 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.

Being Frank Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Being Frank

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Being Frank

More About Being Frank

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Being Frank: 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 Being Frank

Similar Movies to Being Frank

Discover movies like Being Frank 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.