Downhill

Downhill

Year: 2020

Runtime: 86 min

Language: English

Director: Jim Rash

DramaComedy

When a trusted medic's world unravels, a downward spiral ensues as he confronts the treachery of those closest to him. As his reputation crumbles, so does his sense of self, plunging him into a dark comedy of errors and desperation.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Downhill yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Downhill (2020)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Downhill (2020). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

While the specific time period isn't mentioned, the film reflects contemporary themes of family dynamics and modern socia media influences. The interactions and experiences resonate with present-day challenges faced by families on vacation, particularly in how they cope with stress in a scenic yet perilous environment.

Location

European alpine resort, Austria

The movie takes place in a picturesque European alpine landscape, famous for its breathtaking winter scenery and ski resorts. This enchanting location is known for attracting families seeking adventure and relaxation amidst snow-capped mountains. The charm of the village, combined with its inviting ski slopes, sets a perfect backdrop for both joy and tension.

🏔️ Travel 🏂 Skiing

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:39

Main Characters – Downhill (2020)
Meet the key characters of Downhill (2020), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Pete (Will Ferrell)

Pete is the father figure who struggles between his responsibilities and the desire to enjoy a carefree holiday. His fixation on social media reflects a disconnect with his family during critical moments, revealing underlying insecurities regarding his role as a husband and father. Despite his playful nature, he grapples with unresolved grief and guilt.

👨‍👧‍👦 Family 🎭 Humor

Billie (Julia Louis-Dreyfus)

Billie embodies a mix of warmth and anxiety, demonstrating the complicated emotions of trying to create a perfect family experience while dealing with her husband's emotional distance. Her profession as an attorney hints at her assertive nature, particularly when confronting issues head-on, especially in light of the avalanche incident.

💼 Career 💔 Grief

Zach (Zach Woods)

Zach provides comic relief as a free-spirited friend to Pete. He represents a carefree lifestyle, contrasting sharply with Pete’s tightening grip on family matters. His updates on social media pull Pete away from the present, illustrating the distractions that modern technology brings to personal relationships.

📱 Social Media 😂 Friendship

Charlotte (Miranda Otto)

Charlotte is the welcoming resort employee whose quirky charm adds a lighthearted element to the family's vacation. Her encouragement of self-acceptance resonates with Billie, highlighting the contrast between the two women's approaches to personal growth and coping with their respective predicaments.

🏡 Hospitality 🌟 Inspiration

Guglielmo (Giulio Berruti)

Guglielmo, the charming ski instructor, offers Billie a fresh perspective on her life and decisions. His flirtatious and adventurous spirit serves as a catalyst for Billie’s self-discovery amidst her emotional turmoil, symbolizing the allure of stepping outside one’s comfort zone.

⛷️ Adventure ❤️ Attraction

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:39

Major Themes – Downhill (2020)
Explore the central themes of Downhill (2020), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Grief

The theme of grief is central to the narrative, particularly through the character of Pete, who is dealing with the recent loss of his father. This sorrow permeates his interaction with family members, reflecting the complexities of moving forward after loss. The avalanche serves as a metaphor for the unexpected turmoil that can arise when one least expects it.

⚠️ Crisis

Crisis emerges during the avalanche incident, shaking the family's perception of safety and forcing them to confront their underlying tensions. This pivotal moment reveals how individuals react differently to emergencies, thereby highlighting the fragility of familial bonds under pressure.

👨‍👩‍👦 Family Dynamics

The film explores family dynamics as the Stantons navigate through their vacation experiences. Each family member deals with stress and conflict differently, showcasing their individual journeys of growth and understanding. The tension between Pete and Billie reflects how relationships can evolve in the face of life's challenges.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:39

Similar Movies to Downhill
Discover movies like Downhill that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.