Explicit Ills

Explicit Ills

Year: 2009

Runtime: 87 min

Language: English

Drama

In the gritty Philadelphia underworld, the lives of several individuals become intertwined. Babo, a young man battling asthma, grows up in a challenging neighborhood with his mother and their eccentric neighbor Demitri, who harbors unusual ambitions. Nearby, Jill grapples with marital problems while her teenage son becomes increasingly focused on achieving a perfect physique. The narrative explores their struggles and unexpected connections within this complex urban landscape.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Explicit Ills 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 – Explicit Ills (2009)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Explicit Ills (2009). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Summer

Set during an eventful summer, the film encapsulates a specific period where the characters navigate their challenges and aspirations. This time frame is crucial as it reflects both the immediacy of youth and the urgency of their struggles. The summer season adds a layer of intensity to the narrative, serving as a catalyst for change and resolution.

Location

Philadelphia

The movie takes place in the gritty streets of Philadelphia, a city known for its rich history and cultural significance. Often depicted as a place of both opportunity and hardship, the film explores the lives of those struggling to survive amid poverty. Philadelphia's diverse neighborhoods serve as the backdrop for the characters' stories, highlighting real societal issues.

🏙️ City 💔 Struggle

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:29

Main Characters – Explicit Ills (2009)

Meet the key characters of Explicit Ills (2009), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Michelle

Michelle is a passionate aspiring artist who finds herself entangled in the struggles of drug abuse. Her journey reflects the internal conflict between her dreams and the harsh realities of her environment. As a representation of youthful ambition, Michelle's story highlights the cost that comes with pursuing artistic endeavors.

🎨 Artist 💔 Struggles

Jacob

Jacob is Michelle's partner and fellow artist, equally facing the temptations of substance use. His character illustrates the tumultuous nature of youthful love and creativity, as well as the precarious balance between inspiration and addiction. His journey raises questions about the sacrifices made in the name of art.

🎭 Romantic 💔 Struggles

Jill

Jill is portrayed as a spiritually strong individual committed to her family despite financial struggles. Her character emphasizes the challenges faced by parents in low-income communities, striving for stability while nurturing their children's potential. Jill's resilience is a beacon of hope in the narrative.

👩‍👧‍👦 Parent 💪 Resilience

Babo

Babo is a young boy living with asthma, watched over by his caring mother. His innocence and vulnerability provide a poignant contrast to the harsher realities depicted in the film. Babo's experiences serve as a reminder of the importance of health and care in every individual's life.

👶 Innocence 🌟 Health

Rocco

Rocco is an aspiring actor struggling to navigate his ambitions amid daily challenges. His character highlights the often unseen burdens faced by those pursuing creative careers, representing the broader quest for identity and success. Rocco's story encapsulates the trials and tribulations associated with ambition.

🎬 Actor 📈 Ambition

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:29

Major Themes – Explicit Ills (2009)

Explore the central themes of Explicit Ills (2009), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌱 Hope

Despite the tough realities faced by the characters, a profound sense of hope permeates the narrative. The film portrays the resilience of individuals striving for a better life, showing that even in dire circumstances, there is a possibility for change. The characters' journey emphasizes that hope can emerge from the darkest of places.

💊 Substance Abuse

The movie addresses the theme of substance abuse through the struggles of aspiring artists caught in drug addiction. It sheds light on the impact of addiction on personal relationships and dreams. This theme serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges many face in their pursuit of artistic fulfillment.

🚶‍♂️ Community

Community plays a significant role in the film, as the characters' lives are intertwined despite their individual struggles. Their collective march for affordable universal health care symbolizes the importance of solidarity in the face of adversity. This theme highlights how communal action can lead to meaningful change.

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:29

Unlock the Full Story of Explicit Ills

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

Explicit Ills Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Explicit Ills, 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.

Explicit Ills Summary

Explicit Ills Timeline

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

Explicit Ills Timeline

More About Explicit Ills

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Explicit Ills: 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 Explicit Ills

Similar Movies to Explicit Ills

Discover movies like Explicit Ills 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.