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Clear History (2013) movie poster

Spoiler-Free Summary

Clear History (2013) Spoiler-Free Summary – What It's About

Release, runtime and language
2013 · 100 mins · English
Directed by
Greg Mottola
Starring
Amy Landecker, Michael Keaton, Bill Hader, Amy Ryan, JB Smoove, Jon Hamm

Nathan Flomm, desperate to conceal a significant professional failure, adopts a new identity and relocates to Martha’s Vineyard. His carefully constructed life is thrown into turmoil when his former business partner unexpectedly moves to the same exclusive community. Seeking retribution for past grievances, Nathan schemes to undermine his partner, leading to a complex web of deception and unexpected consequences.

On this page (5)
  1. 1 What it is about
  2. 2 Is it worth watching?
  3. 3 After you watch
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Every angle

Spoiler-free summary · safe to read

What Is Clear History About? (No Spoilers)

The plot of Clear History (2013) without spoilers: what it is about, who it follows and where it takes place, told without the twists or the ending. Enough to decide whether it is your next watch, not enough to ruin it.

In a sun‑kissed enclave where wealth and old‑world charm mingle with the salty breath of the Atlantic, a quiet community hides stories that never quite stay buried. The island’s manicured lawns and breezy cafés offer an illusion of permanence, yet the very exclusivity that draws its residents also sharpens the edges of ambition, resentment, and hidden pasts.

Nathan Flomm arrives on the shore with a freshly minted name—Rolly DaVore—and a resolve to rewrite the narrative of a career that once spiraled into public ridicule. Having walked away from a high‑stakes venture that once promised a fortune, he now seeks the simple comforts of a new identity: close friendships, casual conversation over board games, and the rhythm of a life unshadowed by his former fame. The island’s close‑knit social circle welcomes him with a blend of curiosity and understated scrutiny, setting the stage for an uneasy peace.

The tranquil veneer cracks when Will Haney, the former business partner whose fortunes have only multiplied, chooses the same seaside haven as his new retreat. Their paths cross in a town where gossip travels faster than the tide, and old professional wounds begin to fester beneath polite smiles. As both men navigate the same circles, the island becomes a chessboard of glances, half‑spoken histories, and the subtle art of maneuvering around old debts—both financial and personal.

Against this backdrop of picturesque scenery and undercurrents of rivalry, the story balances darkly comic undertones with a palpable sense of suspense. The audience is invited to wonder how far a man will go to protect the life he’s built, and whether the idyllic setting can contain the simmering tensions that surface when past failures and present ambitions collide.

Last updated: September 26, 2025 at 04:35

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What to expect

Is Clear History Worth Watching? What It Feels Like

Is it dark, sad, slow, intense or confusing? The mood of Clear History (2013) in a few tags, without a word about how it ends. Each tag opens a list of movies that feel the same.

After you watch

Seen Clear History? Now Read the Spoilers

Once you have watched Clear History (2013), come back for the full story: the plot summary with spoilers, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning.

Movie threads

More Movies Like Clear History, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Clear History tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Cringe social satire movies like Clear History

Stories where deeply flawed characters create painfully awkward situations. If you liked the anxious, cringey humor of Clear History, explore more movies where socially awkward or cynical characters bumble through life. These films blend satire with cringe-comedy, featuring protagonists who dig themselves into deeper holes with every well-intentioned but flawed plan.

  • cringey
  • satirical
  • awkward
  • irreverent
  • anxious
  • cynical
  • Tone: satirical, irreverent, cringey
  • Pacing: steady, character-focused
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread typically follow a protagonist whose personality flaws or cynical worldview directly cause a series of escalating social blunders. The plot hinges on misunderstandings, failed schemes, and the mounting tension of watching a character repeatedly make the worst possible choice in any given situation.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread are grouped by their shared reliance on cringe-inducing humor derived from social awkwardness and character-driven folly. They share a tone that is both funny and uncomfortable, often using satire to highlight the absurdities of social norms through the lens of a misfit.

Revenge stories with consequences like Clear History

Schemes for payback that unravel in unexpected and consequential ways. Fans of Clear History's tale of a botched revenge scheme will enjoy these movies about plans for payback that spiral out of control. These stories explore themes of hubris, regret, and comeuppance, where the quest for revenge often hurts the seeker most of all.

  • bitter
  • regretful
  • satirical
  • cynical
  • anxious
  • consequential
  • Tone: dark, cynical, bittersweet
  • Pacing: steady, deliberate build-up
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a protagonist, motivated by past injury or pride, who meticulously devises a plan for retaliation. However, the plan is built on a fragile foundation of deception or misunderstanding, leading to a climax where it collapses, often harming innocent parties and ensuring the protagonist faces severe repercussions.

Why they belong together: These movies are united by the thematic exploration of revenge as a self-destructive force. They share a mixed or bleak ending feel, a medium-to-high emotional weight from the consequences, and a tone that is often darkly comedic or satirical, highlighting the folly of the central vendetta.

Every angle

Clear History (2013) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Clear History in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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