Detachment

Detachment

Year: 2012

Runtime: 97 min

Language: English

Director: Tony Kaye

Drama

A substitute teacher named Henry Barthes emotionally distances himself from others, struggling to form meaningful connections. While working at a school where teachers and students alike are experiencing burnout, he unexpectedly becomes a source of inspiration for his students. He develops an unusual connection with a teenage runaway, and together they navigate a world that often feels devoid of warmth and hope, seeking moments of beauty and understanding.

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Timeline & Setting – Detachment (2012)

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

Time period

The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal issues related to education, mental health, and personal struggles. The characters navigate their challenges in an environment where pressures of academic performance and personal history collide.

Location

High School, Care Facility, Park

The movie predominantly takes place in a struggling high school, known for its low-performing students and challenging environment. It also features a care facility where the main character visits his ailing grandfather, reflecting on the care of the elderly. A local park serves as a backdrop for significant emotional discussions between the characters.

🏫 School 🏥 Care 🌳 Park

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:49

Main Characters – Detachment (2012)

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

Henry Barthes

Henry is a substitute teacher who grapples with his own past while trying to connect with his troubled students. His compassionate nature is evident as he navigates the complexities of his work and personal life, often reflecting on his own feelings of isolation and responsibility.

👨‍🏫 Teacher 😔 Isolation 🧠 Compassion

Erica

Erica is a young sex worker who crosses paths with Henry and becomes intertwined in his life. Her vulnerability contrasts with Henry's struggles, as she seeks stability and connection while dealing with her harsh realities.

🚺 Vulnerability 🏙️ Street Life 💔 Relationship

Meredith

Meredith is a student who battles her own emotional turmoil, often feeling unnoticed. Her artwork and actions reveal her deep struggles, ultimately culminating in tragic consequences, which highlight the film's themes of mental health.

🎨 Creativity 😢 Tragedy 🏫 Student

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:49

Major Themes – Detachment (2012)

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

🕯️ Isolation

Isolation is a central theme in this film, illustrated through Henry's disconnection from both his students and personal relationships. The stories of his students and his own familial struggles depict how isolation can come from various aspects of life, leading to tragic outcomes.

💔 Mental Health

Mental health issues are a critical topic in the movie, showcased through the characters' struggles, including suicidal ideation and the impact of trauma. The film emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding in addressing mental health challenges.

🎓 Education

The film tackles the theme of education, not just as an academic pursuit but as a means of understanding and connecting with youth. It portrays the struggles teachers face when their efforts seem futile amidst systemic failures in the school system.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:49

Unlock the Full Story of Detachment

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

Detachment Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Detachment, 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.

Detachment Summary

Detachment Timeline

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

Detachment Timeline

More About Detachment

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

More About Detachment

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