Closet Monster

Closet Monster

Year: 2016

Runtime: 90 min

Language: English

Director: Stephen Dunn

Drama

Oscar, nearing adulthood, embarks on a surreal and poignant journey of self-discovery. Burdened by troubling memories and fueled by artistic aspirations, he seeks release from the confines of his hometown. Guided by a mysterious coworker and comforted by his hamster Buffy, Oscar confronts his inner struggles and the challenges of growing up, ultimately striving to find meaning and hope for his future.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Closet Monster (2016)

Trace every key event in Closet Monster (2016) 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

Oscar's Parents' Divorce

Eight-year-old Oscar Madly learns that his parents are getting divorced, which shatters his childhood innocence. In response, he retreats into a vivid fantasy world filled with joyful memories and conversations with his talking hamster, Buffy.

2

Witnessing a Hate Crime

One night, Oscar witnesses a brutal homophobic assault on a teenage boy, which leaves a lasting impact on him. The attackers commit a horrific act by driving a metal rod through the victim, deepening Oscar's fears and confusion.

3

Oscar's High School Graduation

Fast forward ten years, Oscar is now eighteen and preparing to graduate. He dreams of attending a special effects make-up school in New York City, indicating his aspirations and desire for escapism.

New York City
4

Job at the Hardware Store

To distance himself from his immature and homophobic father, Oscar takes a job at a local hardware store. Here, he meets Wilder, a charming coworker, but struggles with a distressing pain in his stomach whenever he thinks about him.

5

Developing Feelings for Wilder

As Oscar and Wilder's friendship grows, Oscar experiences moments of joy mixed with confusion about his feelings. His talking hamster, Buffy, hints at Oscar's budding love, although he quickly dismisses the thought.

6

Rejection from School

Oscar receives heartbreaking news about being rejected from the only school he applied to. This setback deepens his emotional struggles just as he prepares to attend Wilder's farewell costume party after Wilder is let go from the hardware store.

7

Confrontation with His Father

In a moment of vulnerability, Oscar tries on his mother's old clothes at home, leading to a fierce confrontation with his father. This explosive argument escalates to the point where Oscar locks his dad in a closet, signaling a breaking point in their relationship.

8

Assault at the Party

At the farewell party, uncertainty about Wilder's sexuality weighs heavily on Oscar. The night takes a dark turn when he is assaulted by another guest, Andrew, plunging him into terrifying hallucinatory visions.

9

Revival by Wilder

After losing consciousness, Oscar is revived by Wilder, who brings him to his treehouse. In a moment of intimacy, they discuss Oscar's awareness of his sexuality, leading to an important confession and their first kiss.

Treehouse
10

Waking Up Alone

Upon waking up alone the next day, Oscar realizes that Wilder has disappeared. To escape his issues at home, he visits his mother and confronts her about her absence during the divorce.

11

Return to Father's House

Oscar anxiously returns to his father's house, desperately searching for his beloved hamster, Buffy. He discovers that his belongings have been wrecked and, amidst a heated argument, finds Buffy's lifeless body.

12

Hallucinations of Fury

Devastated by the loss of Buffy, Oscar experiences a hallucination where he perceives a metal rod emerging from his body. This spirals into a fit of rage as he threatens his father, reflecting his inner turmoil and despair.

13

Moving to Fogo Island

While at his mother's house, Oscar shares the news of his college rejection. She encourages him to channel his creativity by exploring an artist's colony on Fogo Island, suggesting a hopeful new direction for his life.

Fogo Island
14

Final Talk with Buffy

Upon arriving at Fogo Island, Oscar has a poignant conversation with Buffy, where she reveals a shocking truth about her identity. He learns that she is not the original hamster, and after their emotional farewell, he releases her into the sea.

Fogo Island
15

Reflection on Memories

After saying goodbye to Buffy, Oscar returns to his room to reflect on his childhood memories. He grapples with the complex feelings surrounding his relationship with his father and the blissful times they once shared.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 15:54

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Closet Monster Summary

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Closet Monster Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Closet Monster

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Closet Monster

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