Handsome Devil (2017) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Conor was forced to hide his sexuality because he had already experienced bullying at his previous school after being outed as gay. When Pascal discovered this information through Weasel, he used it as leverage to blackmail Conor, threatening to expose his secret unless he distanced himself from Ned and complied with the rugby coach's demands.

Foreshadowing: Earlier scenes show Conor becoming visibly uncomfortable when teammates make homophobic comments, hinting at his internal struggle.

• conor sexuality
• gay
• bullying
• blackmail
• pascal

Pascal instructed Weasel to investigate Conor's past, discovering that Conor had gotten into fights at his previous school after being outed as gay. Pascal used this information to threaten Conor, warning him that if he continued his friendship with Ned, his secret would be revealed to the entire school.

Foreshadowing: Pascal's early interest in Conor's background and his suspicion of the Ned-Conor friendship plant the seeds for this manipulation.

• pascal
• blackmail
• weasel
• conor past
• threats

Ned acted impulsively during a moment of desperation and hurt after Conor publicly rejected him at the rugby rally. Overwhelmed by frustration and feeling betrayed, he shouted that Conor was gay in front of the entire team, an act he immediately regretted.

Foreshadowing: The tension between the two friends had been building throughout the film, with Ned becoming increasingly frustrated by Conor's distance.

• ned
• conor
• secret revealed
• team
• betrayal

Conor was blackmailed by Pascal, who threatened to expose his secret if he didn't stop spending time with Ned. Under immense pressure and fear, Conor chose to skip the talent show, leaving Ned confused and heartbroken, though Conor genuinely wanted to perform.

Foreshadowing: The buildup to the talent show shows increasing tension, with Pascal making his move right before the performance.

• talent show
• conor
• ned
• pascal
• missing

Weasel discovered that Conor had been forced to transfer schools after getting into fights. The fights occurred because Conor was outed as gay and had to defend himself against bullies, giving Pascal the damaging information he needed for blackmail.

Foreshadowing: Weasel's suspicious behavior and absences from scenes hint at his investigation into Conor's background.

• weasel
• conor fights
• school transfer
• bullying
• past

Ned went searching for Conor when he realized how much he had hurt him and how wrong his actions were. He found Conor and brought him back to the stadium, where they stood together united, confronting Pascal and the team to proclaim that being gay doesn't diminish one's dedication to rugby.

Foreshadowing: Ned's regret and empty seat in the stadium foreshadow his determination to make things right.

• ned
• conor
• reconciliation
• team
• acceptance

Mr. Sherry decided to come out during the championship match as an act of courage and solidarity with Ned and Conor. After witnessing their fight for acceptance and seeing the positive impact of their truth-telling, he felt empowered to live openly himself and help change the school environment.

Foreshadowing: Mr. Sherry's presence at the gay bar with his partner earlier in the film established his sexuality, making this revelation feel like a natural progression.

• mr sherry
• headmaster
• coming out
• school
• bravery

Ned writes his essay titled "Handsome Devil" as a reflection on his journey and the transformative friendship he formed with Conor. The title represents the unexpected beauty and power of their friendship - how two seemingly opposite people found connection and acceptance in each other.

Foreshadowing: The phrase "handsome devil" appears earlier in the film as a term of affection between the two friends.

• essay
• handsome devil
• ned
• friendship
• reflection

Conor was reluctant because he was deeply closeted and feared any association that might suggest he was anything other than the stereotypical rugby player. His previous school experience, where he was outed and beaten up, made him wary of any close relationships that could draw attention to his true self.

Foreshadowing: Conor's initial coldness and suspicion toward Ned reflects his need to maintain his carefully constructed public image.

• conor
• ned
• reluctance
• rugby
• image

Pascal was motivated by maintaining control over his rugby program and the traditional culture of Wood Hill College. He saw the growing friendship between Ned and Conor as a threat to the rigid hierarchy and image of the rugby team, viewing any deviation from the norm as potentially destabilizing his authority.

Foreshadowing: Pascal's early hostility toward Ned and his constant emphasis on rugby tradition establish his resistance to change.

• pascal
• control
• rugby
• tradition
• homophobia