Curfew

Curfew

Year: 2012

Runtime: 19 mins

Language: English

Drama

At the lowest point of his life, Richie gets a call from his estranged sister asking him to look after his nine-year old niece, Sophia, for a few hours.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Curfew (2012)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Curfew (2012). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Bowling Alley, Old Rundown Building, Richie's Apartment/Bathroom

The story unfolds in a dimly lit urban locale, centering on a crowded bowling alley and a crumbling former home that Richie used to share with his sister. The juxtaposition of lively public spaces and neglected private rooms mirrors the film's tension between outward appearances and inward fragility. These settings create an intimate backdrop for fragile conversations and life-altering decisions.

🏙️ Urban setting 🕰️ Contemporary time 🎭 Family drama

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 20:03

Main Characters – Curfew (2012)

Meet the key characters of Curfew (2012), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Richie (Shawn Christensen)

A troubled, emotionally guarded man who once cared deeply for his family but has spent years detached. He battles with the urge to end his life, yet his night with Sophia reveals a capacity for care and growth, as he reconsiders his past mistakes and attempts to connect meaningfully with his niece.

🎭 Complex 💔 Trauma 🧭 Redemption

Maggie (Kim Allen)

Richie's estranged sister who is protective of Sophia and wary of letting the past repeat itself. She embodies practical boundaries and a desire to shield her daughter, while subtly acknowledging the complicated history that shapes their current dynamics.

👩‍👧 Family 🛡️ Protective

Sophia (Fatima Ptacek)

Richie’s reluctant yet resilient niece who initially keeps him at a distance but gradually draws him out. Her curiosity and emotional intuition catalyze Richie's self-reflection and potential for change throughout the night.

👧 Curious 💖 Resilient

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 20:03

Major Themes – Curfew (2012)

Explore the central themes of Curfew (2012), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤝 Family Reconciliation

A night of babysitting becomes a doorway for mending a fractured relationship between Richie and Sophia. The film traces small, fragile moments of trust as they bridge years of absence. Through conversation and shared memory, the characters confront past hurt and choose to care for one another.

🧠 Mental Health

The narrative centers on Richie's struggle with despair and the impulse toward self-harm, established in a tense opening and revisited through his fragile state. Sophia's presence exposes his vulnerability and nudges him toward seeking meaning instead of retreat. The story treats mental health as a family concern, not a solitary burden.

🪞 Truth and Idols

Richie's reverence for his sister and his protective role are laid bare as the night unfolds. The arc moves from idolizing a troubled family figure to accepting flawed humanity and accountability. The restraining order and Maggie's return underscore that genuine redemption requires honest acknowledgment of past mistakes.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 20:03

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about fragile redemption like Curfew

Where a tentative human connection offers a lifeline during a personal crisis.If you liked Curfew's exploration of finding light in profound darkness, you'll appreciate these other films. This list features movies like Curfew where characters on the brink of collapse find a chance at redemption through a meaningful, often fragile, human connection.

redemptivemelancholichopefulrawintimatedesperatesomber

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern often begins with a character in a state of deep crisis or despair. An external interruption, frequently an unexpected responsibility or a chance encounter, forces them out of their isolation. The story then unfolds through quiet, character-driven moments, charting a hesitant journey from despair toward a fragile, often ambiguous, hope.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together because they share a core emotional journey from a heavy, melancholic starting point toward a bittersweet or ambiguous ending imbued with the possibility of change. The pacing is typically deliberate, allowing the emotional weight and character development to resonate deeply with the viewer.

Guardianship stories with heavy themes like Curfew

Stories of reluctant caretakers finding connection while facing past trauma.Looking for more movies like Curfew that explore the complex relationship between a troubled adult and a child? This list features films with similar high-stakes guardianship plots, where characters grapple with their past while trying to protect a young charge, creating an intimate and emotionally raw dynamic.

tenseintimatefragilerawresponsibilitytraumaconnection

Narrative Summary

The plot typically hinges on an unstable or estranged individual being suddenly entrusted with the care of a child, often for a short, defined period. This forces the adult to confront their own demons and shortcomings. The narrative is built around intimate, high-tension moments between the two characters as they navigate danger, vulnerability, and the slow, tentative building of trust.

Why These Movies?

These movies are united by their central character dynamic and the high emotional stakes of the situation. They share a raw, intimate feel and often deal with heavy themes like trauma and mental health. The pacing is usually slow to medium, focusing on the emotional beats of the relationship rather than a fast-paced plot.

Unlock the Full Story of Curfew

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

Curfew Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Curfew, 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.

Curfew Summary

Curfew Timeline

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

Curfew Timeline

Curfew Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Curfew that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Curfew Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Curfew

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Curfew: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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