Disconnect

Disconnect

Year: 2013

Runtime: 115 min

Language: English

Director: Henry Alex Rubin

DramaThriller

In Nairobi's frenetic dating landscape, a circle of singles navigate the highs and lows of romance, while two close friends grapple with the possibility that their bond may be something more profound.

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Timeline & Setting – Disconnect (2013)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Disconnect (2013). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

While no specific time period is mentioned, the film reflects contemporary society's issues with technology, particularly in the digital age. This timeframe captures the rise of social media, cyberbullying, and the profound effects on personal relationships and mental health that accompany the proliferation of communication technologies.

Location

Various locations, chat-room

The film takes place in various urban settings, where modern communication technology permeates daily life. Notably, the world of online chat-rooms serves as a backdrop, highlighting the anonymity and dangers of virtual interactions. These environments are depicted as both alluring and treacherous, encapsulating the dual nature of contemporary communication.

🏙️ City 💻 Technology

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:49

Main Characters – Disconnect (2013)
Meet the key characters of Disconnect (2013), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Nina (Paula Patton)

Nina is an ambitious journalist navigating the ethical dilemmas of modern media. Her initial drive to expose the truth becomes complicated as she grapples with the consequences her actions have on Kyle's life. Torn between her career ambitions and her emotional investment in Kyle, she embodies the conflict between personal morality and professional duty.

👩‍💻 Reporter 🧠 Ethical dilemmas

Kyle

Kyle is a young video chat-room stripper caught in a web of exploitation and manipulation. His character reflects the vulnerabilities of youth in the digital age, as he struggles between the allure of quick money and the desire for freedom. His relationship with Nina reveals his hope for a better future, despite the risks involved.

👦🏽 Youth 🕵️‍♂️ Exploitation

Rich (Jason Bateman)

Rich is a dedicated father whose life's mission becomes uncovering the truth behind his son's traumatic experience with cyberbullying. His character transitions from a passive observer to an active investigator, demonstrating the lengths a parent will go for their child's wellbeing. His emotional journey reveals the broader implications of technology on family dynamics.

👨‍👧‍👦 Father 💔 Concerned parent

Cindy

Cindy represents the emotional toll of loss, as she copes with the recent death of her child. Her character seeks connection and understanding in an online support community, highlighting the power of collective grief and the danger of perceived anonymity. Cindy's interactions reveal the fragile nature of trust in physical and digital spaces.

👩‍🍼 Grief 🤝 Support

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:49

Major Themes – Disconnect (2013)
Explore the central themes of Disconnect (2013), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

📱 Cyberbullying

The theme of cyberbullying is central to the narrative, focusing on the consequences of online harassment and the impacts it has on young individuals. Through the story of Ben, the film showcases the devastating effects that a seemingly harmless action, like sending a private image, can have when shared without consent. This theme serves as a cautionary tale about the need for responsibility in digital communications.

💔 Loss and Grief

Another profound theme is loss and grief, illustrated through the experiences of Cindy and Derek, who navigate the aftermath of their child's death. Their journey emphasizes the struggle to maintain connections in the face of personal tragedy and identity theft, showcasing how grief can lead individuals to seek solace in online support groups—and sometimes, vulnerable situations.

🔗 Disconnection

The film poignantly explores the idea of disconnection, paradoxically highlighting how modern technology both connects and isolates people. Despite numerous interactions facilitated by digital means, the characters experience emotional distances that challenge their relationships. The ending signifies a hopeful return to deeper connections with loved ones, suggesting the need for authenticity in an increasingly virtual world.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:49

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