Different for Girls

Different for Girls

Year: 1996

Runtime: 97 mins

Language: English

Director: Richard Spence

ComedyRelationship comedyMoving relationship storiesEmotional LGBTQ relationshipsEmotional teen coming-of-age stories

When Paul and Kim’s cars crash, a spark of attraction ignites between them. Paul is immediately drawn to Kim’s beauty, unaware that they shared a childhood bond at a Catholic boys’ school. Years earlier, Kim was known as Karl before transitioning, adding a surprising layer to their reunion.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Different for Girls (1996)

Trace every key event in Different for Girls (1996) 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

Friendship forged in school

In secondary school, Paul Prentice defends Karl Foyle from violent classmates who taunted him for being effeminate. Paul stands up for Karl, shielding him from attacks and earning his loyalty and trust. That early bond foreshadows the later, more complicated relationship they will navigate.

During their school years Secondary school
2

Reunion on the street

Years after their school days, Paul, a motorcycle courier, collides with the cab Karl is riding in—now Kim after gender transition. He is surprised to recognize the person inside and they begin to reconnect. The reunion rekindles the old affection, though their lives have diverged.

Years later City street
3

First date awkwardness

Paul asks Kim out to re-establish their friendship. Their first date goes badly, and Kim assumes Paul is nervous about being seen with her. The awkward start signals that their relationship will require adjustment and empathy.

Early in their renewed acquaintance
4

Flowers at work

Paul brings flowers to Kim at her workplace, where she writes verses for a greeting card company. The thoughtful gesture helps break the tension from their first date and leads to another outing.

Following the first date Kim's workplace
5

Second date and connection

Their second date goes better and they end up back at Paul's place listening to music. They realize there is a deeper pull between them.

After the first date Paul's apartment
6

Learning to ride together

Over the next weeks, they continue to spend time together, and Paul teaches Kim how to ride a motorcycle. The lesson brings them closer and adds playfulness to their relationship.

During their dating period City streets
7

Disastrous dinner and exposure

Their next dinner at Kim's place is disastrous; Paul drinks too much and ends up in the courtyard outside her apartment, exposing himself. The scene sets off a cascade of consequences for both of them.

That evening Kim's apartment courtyard
8

In the police van

In the police van, a crude officer makes remarks about Kim and places his hand under her skirt, and Paul intervenes, getting beaten by the officer. The incident amplifies the miscarriage of justice they face.

Shortly after the arrest Police van
9

Arrest and separation

At the police station, Paul is charged with assaulting the officer while Kim, terrified, remains silent and eventually flees to her sister's home. The night marks the start of their separate struggles against the system.

That night Police station
10

Trial and verdict

During the trial, Kim gathers her courage and testifies on Paul's behalf. Paul is convicted but receives only a token fine, a muted vindication amid the chaos.

Shortly after the arrest Courthouse
11

Media pressure rejected

A reporter at the courthouse tries to buy their story, but Paul and Kim refuse to sensationalize their lives.

Immediately after the trial Courthouse
12

Romantic reunion

After refusing to sell their story, they return to Kim's place, realizing they are sexually as well as emotionally compatible, and they make love.

After the trial Kim's place
13

Tabloid deal

Desperate for money after his motorcycle is repossessed, Paul sells Kim's and his story to a London tabloid.

After the trial London tabloid offices
14

Backlash and support

The tabloid story is published; Kim fears she will be fired from the greeting-card company, but her boss stands behind her.

After publication Kim's workplace
15

Ending and arrangement

The film ends with Kim and Paul living together, and it is revealed that Kim suggested selling the story.

End of film Kim's home

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 08:47

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Different for Girls Summary

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Different for Girls Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Different for Girls

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Different for Girls

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More About Different for Girls

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