Chlorine

Chlorine

Year: 2014

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

Director: Jay Alaimo

DramaComedyFamily

Driven by a desire to repair his strained relationship, a man embarks on a risky investment that spirals into a complex and ethically challenging situation. He finds himself increasingly conflicted as he pursues success, ultimately forced to re-evaluate his priorities and the importance of his family amidst the consequences of his choices.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Chlorine (2014) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Chlorine (2014), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

At a local swim meet taking place at the Copper Canyon Country Club, a pivotal moment occurs for Cynthia as she prepares to dive into the pool. Just before her jump, she unexpectedly experiences her first period, leading to her disqualification due to her heartfelt and startled reaction.

Cynthia’s mother, Georgie, arrives fashionably late on her motorcycle, but she manages to calm the situation upon arrival. Meanwhile, Cynthia’s brother, Henry, works in construction but faces challenges when his boss, Ernie, instructs him to space studs incorrectly—36 inches apart instead of the required 18, and to use quarter-inch materials rather than three-quarter-inch, hinting at potential trouble with their work.

On the other hand, Cynthia’s father, Roger Lent, who has dedicated more than two decades to his job at the bank, learns that he has yet again missed an opportunity for promotion. Ted, his boss, insists that the bank isn’t generating enough profit to warrant any raises. Discontent with their current lifestyle, Georgie urges Roger to strive harder and change their circumstances, as their family struggles to maintain membership at the country club while others around them enjoy extravagant lives in mansions.

Among Cynthia’s swim team members is Suzi, her beautiful and enthusiastic friend, who is exhilarated about Cynthia’s recent news and eager to offer relationship and sex advice, presenting herself as someone experienced in such matters. Josh, a fellow swimmer, seems to show interest in Cynthia, while tennis pro Pat, who also acts as Doug’s cocaine supplier, appears to wish for a more intimate connection with Suzi. Despite her desires, Suzi finds herself wanting various luxuries, including an extravagant item from a jewelry store that she doesn’t genuinely need.

In the midst of all this, Doug, who is behind the development of Copper Canyon Estates—where Henry is currently working—plans a lavish party attended by his attractive wife, Katherine. Georgie anticipates that Roger will take this opportunity to network and forge connections. Even though Roger lacks the financial means to invest in the development personally, he could still encourage potential investors.

Having become disillusioned with her previous Wall Street career, Elise is now a golf pro at the country club. She takes Roger aside, warning him about the true nature of the housing development, calling it a Ponzi scheme and a project erected on land sacred to Native Americans.

As these events unfold, Roger finds himself at a crossroads; should he pursue his ambitions, risking his integrity and potential legal consequences, or should he choose to do what is morally right? Similarly, questions linger about whether Henry will follow suit, if Georgie’s dreams for a better life will be realized, whether Cynthia and Josh’s relational journey will flourish, and if Suzi will ultimately achieve all her desires.

Last Updated: May 12, 2025 at 07:04

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Movies about domestic moral conflict like Chlorine

Stories where financial ambition clashes with family obligations, creating deep moral conflicts.If you liked the ethical struggles in Chlorine, explore movies about families grappling with ambition and compromise. These dramas focus on the tense intersection of financial pressure and personal values, offering similar stories of moral conflict in middle-class settings.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically follow a protagonist who, driven by financial need or a desire for a better life, enters into a risky venture. The story unfolds as the initial gamble spirals, creating a web of lies and ethical compromises that strain familial bonds and force a reckoning with personal integrity.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a focus on relatable, domestic-scale ethical crises. They are united by a tense, moderate-intensity tone, a steady pace that builds anxiety, and a thematic core exploring the cost of ambition on family and self.

Family crisis dramas with bittersweet endings like Chlorine

Character-driven dramas exploring family dysfunction amidst personal and financial crises.Fans of Chlorine's portrayal of a strained family will appreciate these character-driven dramas. These movies feature multiple subplots, a moderate complexity, and an ambiguous ending feel, focusing on the emotional fallout of personal crises within a family unit.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread often employ parallel subplots to show how each family member copes with a central crisis, such as financial ruin or parental midlife struggles. The narrative builds steadily towards a point of confrontation or realization, leaving characters changed but their futures uncertain, reflecting the messy reality of family life.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared mood of melancholy and dissatisfaction, their moderate complexity from intertwining character arcs, and their focus on the emotional weight of family dysfunction. They offer a grounded, anxious, yet deeply human viewing experience.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Chlorine

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Chlorine

Chlorine Spoiler-Free Summary

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Chlorine Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Chlorine

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