Graduation

Graduation

Year: 2017

Runtime: 128 min

Language: Romanian

Director: Cristian Mungiu

DramaCrime

In a Romania grappling with widespread corruption, a father's hopes for his daughter’s future are shattered when she is violently assaulted shortly before a crucial exam that would guarantee her a scholarship. Determined to protect her and ensure her opportunities aren't taken away, he embarks on a relentless pursuit of justice, navigating a complex web of deceit and moral ambiguity as he fights for what he believes is right.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Graduation (2017)

Trace every key event in Graduation (2017) 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

Eliza is assaulted near her school

Eliza is assaulted near her school, leaving her shaken with a sprained wrist. She reveals that the attacker attempted to rape her but did not succeed, setting off a crisis that will affect her exams and future plans.

Day of the attack Near Eliza's school
2

Headmaster tries to exclude Eliza during first exam

The headmaster attempts to exclude Eliza from her first exam because of the cast on her wrist, fearing she could hide notes. Sandra intervenes and defends Eliza, but the cast slows her writing and threatens her chance at a near-perfect score.

The day after the assault School
3

Prosecutors propose fixing exams for favors

At the police station, the chief inspector suggests a quid-pro-quo: fix Eliza's exam results in exchange for expediting a liver transplant for a corrupt official, Mr. Bulai. The plan injects corruption into Eliza's future and Romeo's professional life.

Soon after the assault Police station
4

Magda rejects the plan to fix the exams

That evening, Magda rejects Romeo's plan to help Eliza through corrupt means, fearing the corruption will taint Eliza's fresh start at Cambridge. Romeo argues the exams are just a formality, but Magda remains unmoved.

That evening Home
5

Romeo presents the plan to Eliza

Romeo presents the plan to Eliza and urges her to accept help to secure a brighter future. She listens but does not commit, telling him to decide what she thinks is best before he leaves to let her rest.

That evening Home
6

Romeo views CCTV and ponders the attack

The next day, Romeo goes to the police to view CCTV from the attack, hoping for clues. He also waits at the school for Eliza to complete her second exam and talks with her boyfriend, Marius, about what happened that morning.

The following day Police station; School
7

Eliza and Marius ride off together

Eliza and Marius leave together on his motorbike, heading to her next exam. The ease of their moment contrasts with the mounting pressures around her future.

That morning On the road near the school
8

Eliza confronts family about the affair

Eliza fetches Romeo from Sandra's place after her mother collapses and threatens to skip her exams unless her father tells Magda about the affair. She suspects other grades may have been fixed and demands honesty.

That evening Sandra's place; Home
9

Magda asks Romeo to move out

Back at home, Magda admits she knew about the affair and asks Romeo to move out, pushing for a resolution that preserves Eliza's integrity and future. The household atmosphere grows tense and fractured.

That evening Home
10

Prosecutors push Romeo for cooperation

The next day at the hospital, prosecutors want to interview Romeo about Bulai's corrupt activities and remind him that both he and Eliza could face charges if the exams were fixed. Romeo weighs the risk of crossing powerful interests.

The next day Hospital
11

Chief inspector reassures lineup progress

Romeo visits the chief inspector, who assures him that Eliza's attacker will soon be identified in a lineup. The promise provides a sense of forward movement amid the unfolding investigations.

That day Police station
12

Eliza fails to identify attacker in lineup

That evening, Eliza fails to identify any attacker from the lineup, leaving unanswered questions about who assaulted her. The case remains unresolved, adding to the family's stress.

That evening Police station
13

Romeo follows a lineup suspect and babysits

On a bus, Romeo spots a man from the lineup and follows him to Sandra's place. He agrees to babysit Sandra's son the next morning, balancing personal duty with the mounting legal and ethical pressures.

Evening Sandra's place
14

Bulai dies; investigation continues; plan to cooperate

Mr. Bulai dies of a heart attack, and prosecutors say the investigation will continue. Romeo agrees to cooperate with them, planning to meet again the following Monday to answer questions and face potential charges.

Next day Hospital
15

Eliza graduates; potential Cambridge future clarified

Eliza graduates, and though she may not go to England, her teachers have given her extra time to complete the exam. She asks Romeo to take a photo with her graduating class, marking a bittersweet milestone amid the turmoil.

Graduation day Graduation ceremony

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 16:25

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Graduation

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