Brothers

Brothers

Year: 2005

Runtime: 117 min

Language: Danish

Director: Susanne Bier

DramaWar

Amidst the conflict in Afghanistan, Danish officer Michael is missing, presumed dead. His brother, Jannik, steps in to support the family, offering comfort to Michael's wife, Sarah, and their children. As Jannik becomes increasingly involved in their lives, an unexpected connection develops. However, the family's fragile equilibrium is shattered when Michael surprisingly returns home, forcing them to confront complicated emotions and challenging loyalties that threaten to unravel their relationships.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Brothers (2005)

Trace every key event in Brothers (2005) 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

Sam Cahill prepares to deploy to Afghanistan

USMC officer Sam Cahill is about to be sent to war in Afghanistan in 2007. He is married to Grace and has two young daughters, Isabelle and Maggie. The impending deployment sets the stage for the film's personal and emotional tensions.

2007, just before deployment Cahill family home
2

Tommy is released from prison days before Sam's departure

Tommy Cahill is released on parole from prison a few days before Sam heads to war. He has a troubled past with armed robbery. The reunion is tense and foreshadows conflicts to come.

2007, days before deployment Cahill family home
3

Family dinner exposes tensions

During a family dinner, Hank belittles Tommy for his criminal past and lack of understanding of duty. The insult exposes deep-seated resentments between Hank, Sam's father, and Tommy. The moment foreshadows long-standing family tensions.

2007, before deployment Cahill family home
4

Sam and Joe are shot down and captured

While on deployment, Sam's helicopter is shot down and he and Private Joe Willis survive. They are captured by the Taliban and later declared killed in action back home. The news of Sam's presumed death devastates Grace and the family.

During deployment Afghanistan
5

Tommy responds to presumed death

After learning of Sam's presumed death, Tommy berates Grace for letting Sam go to Afghanistan. He seeks to support the family while wrestling with guilt and anger. The absence of Sam deepens Tommy's bond with the family.

Shortly after Sam's presumed death Grace's home
6

Tommy bonds with Grace and kids; remodel

Tommy helps Grace remodel their kitchen and starts building a closer relationship with the girls. He slowly becomes a stabilizing presence in the household and makes strides to mend fences with Hank. The family becomes emotionally intertwined with his presence.

Between capture and Sam's return Grace's home – kitchen
7

Grace and Tommy kiss

Grace and Tommy kiss, acknowledging mutual attraction but choosing not to pursue more. They remain protective of the fragile family dynamic. The moment fuels Sam's tensions when he returns.

Before Sam's return Grace's home
8

Sam and Joe tortured; Sam kills Joe

Sam and Joe are tortured by captors; Sam is eventually forced to kill Joe with a metal pipe to survive. This brutal act becomes a defining trauma for Sam. The violence haunts him long after he returns home.

During captivity Taliban prison camp
9

Sam returns home with PTSD

Several months later, Sam is rescued and returns to his family and the world. He struggles to readjust, showing signs of severe PTSD. The family fears him and he isolates himself, even lying about Joe's death.

Several months after capture Home
10

Isabelle's birthday turmoil and false affair claim

During Maggie's birthday party, Tommy arrives with Tina and Isabelle blurts that Sam and Grace have an affair. The party chaos exposes the fragility of the family's relationships. Sam's anger erupts when he pops a balloon, and the lie escalates tensions.

Maggie's birthday party Grace's home
11

Standoff begins

Sam confronts Grace about what happened with Tommy and becomes enraged, destroying the kitchen with a crowbar. He holds Tommy at gunpoint as police approach, leading to a standoff. Tommy tries to calm Sam and talk him down.

Evening after party Grace's home – kitchen
12

Standoff and surrender

DOD police arrive and demand Sam surrender. He shoots into the air and ultimately aims the gun at his own head, admitting he is drowning and surrendering. Tommy's intervention helps de-escalate the situation as Sam lowers the weapon.

Same night Grace's home
13

Sam is arrested and hospitalized

Sam is arrested and admitted to a Veterans' Affairs hospital for treatment and evaluation. Grace reads the letters Sam wrote to her, seeking guidance on their future. The couple's bond is strained but still present as they face the consequences.

After surrender Veterans Affairs hospital
14

Truth revealed and family contemplates a future

Grace visits Sam in the hospital and gives him an ultimatum: tell the truth or lose his family. Sam finally confesses to killing Joe, and they embrace. The revelation leaves them devastated but hopeful that they can move forward together.

Later VA hospital

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:57

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Brothers Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Brothers

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