Brick

Brick

Year: 2006

Runtime: 110 min

Language: English

Director: Rian Johnson

DramaMysteryCrime

Following the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend, teenage loner Brendan Frye finds himself drawn into a dangerous mystery. To uncover the truth, he must venture into the complex world of high school cliques and confront a network of ruthless individuals. His search leads him to a notorious drug dealer known as "the Pin," forcing Brendan to navigate a perilous and unfamiliar landscape.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Brick (2006)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Brick (2006). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The story unfolds in a contemporary setting, encapsulating the struggles of youth in a modern high school environment. Themes of drug culture and social isolation permeate, reflecting ongoing issues faced by adolescents today. The narrative showcases the urgent realities of addiction and the quest for belonging among teenagers.

Location

High School, Drainage Tunnel, Coffee and Pie, Oh My

The movie takes place mainly in a high school setting, which serves as a microcosm of teenage life and social hierarchies. The drainage tunnel is a dark and foreboding location, symbolizing the hidden dangers that lurk beneath the surface. Coffee and Pie, Oh My is a local hangout spot for the upper crust of the school, where secretive deals unfold.

🏫 School 🌆 Urban 🚧 Underground

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:30

Main Characters – Brick (2006)

Meet the key characters of Brick (2006), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Brendan (Joseph Gordon-Levitt)

Brendan is a determined and resourceful high school student who embarks on a quest to solve the mystery of Emily's death. He is portrayed as both emotionally complex and gritty, dealing with feelings of grief, anger, and betrayal. Brendan's transformation from a passive observer to an active investigator highlights his resilience and unwillingness to accept injustice.

🕵️‍♂️ Detective 💔 Grief 🥊 Resilience

Emily (Emilie De Ravin)

Emily represents the tragic consequences of addiction and social pressures among teenagers. Her character is marked by vulnerability, and her attempts to fit in ultimately lead to dire circumstances. Despite her limited screen time, Emily's impact resonates throughout the story as the catalyst for Brendan's journey.

👧 Tragic 💔 Vulnerability 🌪️ Chaos

The Pin (Lukas Haas)

The Pin is a local drug dealer, embodying the dangers of the underground drug culture. He is cunning and manipulative, willing to maintain his power at any cost. His interactions with Brendan reveal the dark dynamics of high school life, where violence and intimidation reign.

💊 Drug Dealer 🔥 Dangerous 🐍 Cunning

Laura (Nora Zehetner)

Laura plays a duplicitous role in the story, appearing to be a friend yet hiding dark secrets. Her actions are pivotal in advancing the plot and reveal the theme of betrayal. As the narrative unfolds, her motivations and manipulations showcase the consequences of trying to escape one's own guilt.

😈 Manipulative ❤️‍🩹 Deceptive ⚡ Tension

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:30

Major Themes – Brick (2006)

Explore the central themes of Brick (2006), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal is a central theme as various characters exploit one another for personal gain. Brendan is deceived by those he trusted, including Laura and Tug. The emotional impact of betrayal is starkly highlighted when Brendan discovers Laura's true intentions and her role in Emily's fate.

🚬 Addiction

Addiction plays a critical role in the plot, with Emily's struggle highlighting the destructive effects of substance abuse. The film illustrates how addiction can lead to desperate decisions and tragic outcomes. The presence of heroin in the narrative exposes the dark underbelly of teenage life and the consequences of getting involved with drugs.

🔍 Mystery

The film thrives on a sense of mystery as Brendan unravels the secrets surrounding Emily's death. The investigation involves multiple characters and intertwining plots that keep the audience engaged. Brendan's relentless pursuit of the truth drives the narrative, showcasing the impact of curiosity and determination.

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:30

Unlock the Full Story of Brick

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

Brick Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Brick, 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.

Brick Summary

Brick Timeline

Track the full timeline of Brick with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Brick Timeline

More About Brick

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

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