Everything Must Go

Everything Must Go

Year: 2011

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Director: Dan Rush

DramaComedy

After losing his job and being evicted by his wife, a once-successful salesman finds himself with all his possessions dumped on his front lawn. Determined to regain control, he decides to hold a massive yard sale. What begins as a desperate attempt to sell his belongings evolves into a strange and unusual way of coping with his sudden downfall, attracting an eclectic mix of neighbors and unexpected customers.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Everything Must Go (2011)

Trace every key event in Everything Must Go (2011) 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

Nick's Career End

Salesman Nick Halsey faces a devastating downfall as his 16-year career abruptly comes to an end. The incident in Denver marks a low point in his life, while his struggles with alcoholism exacerbate his situation.

Denver
2

Return to Arcadia

Nick returns to his home in Arcadia only to discover that his wife, Catherine, has disappeared. He finds a letter detailing her departure, which deepens his sense of loss and highlights the turmoil within his personal life.

Arcadia
3

The Lawn as a Reflection

As he observes his overgrown lawn, Nick reflects on his failed marriage and the emotional scars it carries. The familiar surroundings evoke memories of better times, now overshadowed by despair and regret.

Nick's backyard
4

Connection with Samantha

During dusk, Nick forms an unexpected bond with his pregnant neighbor, Samantha, who has also faced her own hardships. Their connection deepens as they share their struggles and isolation from the world around them.

Arcadia
5

Kenny's Friendship

Nick meets a young boy named Kenny who becomes an ally during his difficult times. Their friendship develops as Kenny offers to help with Nick's belongings in exchange for promises of baseball lessons and some cash.

Arcadia
6

Severed Connections

Nick discovers the harsh realities of his situation as he realizes that his access to credit, joint bank accounts, and communication services have been cut off. The repossession of his company car leaves him stranded and vulnerable.

Arcadia
7

Seeking Help from Frank

In his moment of desperation, Nick turns to Detective Frank Garcia, his supportive AA sponsor. Frank's guidance proves invaluable as he helps Nick secure a permit for a yard sale, offering him temporary relief.

Arcadia
8

The Yard Sale

Nick holds a yard sale over three days, using the opportunity to regroup and confront the realities of his addiction. Each item sold serves as a reminder of the life he once had, while old friends like Delilah offer encouragement.

Arcadia
9

Confronting Addiction

As withdrawal symptoms begin to take hold, Samantha encourages Nick to face his issues directly. She draws parallels between their struggles, emphasizing the need for him to deal with his alcoholism to find hope.

Arcadia
10

Kenny's Organization

Nick wakes up to find that Kenny has meticulously organized his possessions for the yard sale. This act symbolizes their shared acknowledgment of their difficult circumstances and their decision to move forward.

Arcadia
11

Apology to Samantha

After a heartfelt apology to Samantha about his past actions, she reveals her own struggles with her husband's drinking. This shared vulnerability marks a turning point in their growing relationship as they begin to understand each other better.

Arcadia
12

Dinner with Tension

Nick and Samantha go out for dinner where they encounter Gary, which brings back memories of a brewing incident from Denver. The meeting is tense, forcing Nick to face the consequences of his past decisions.

Restaurant in Arcadia
13

Choosing Sobriety

In a pivotal moment, Nick resists the urge to drink beer offered by Gary, choosing sobriety over indulgence. This decision signifies a critical step towards reclaiming control over his life and overcoming addiction.

Arcadia
14

Confrontation with Frank

Nick confronts Frank in search of guidance, only to receive shocking news that Catherine has been staying with him. This revelation leads to a heated argument and prompts Nick to recognize that Catherine deserves better.

Frank's residence
15

Moving Forward

As Nick connects with Kenny to settle their agreement, Samantha presents him with a significant photograph and a fortune cookie message of hope. It dawns on Nick that while his life is changing, everything is not yet lost.

Arcadia

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 15:28

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Everything Must Go Summary

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Everything Must Go Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Everything Must Go

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