Heaven Knows What

Heaven Knows What

Year: 2015

Runtime: 94 min

Language: English

Director: Joshua Safdie

Drama

In the dark and chaotic depths of New York City, a young woman named Arielle battles a devastating heroin addiction. Driven by desperation, her days are a blur of aimless wandering and impulsive behavior as she navigates a precarious existence with her mysterious boyfriend. They struggle to survive in a world seemingly devoid of hope, facing constant challenges and a relentless cycle of addiction.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Heaven Knows What (2015)

Trace every key event in Heaven Knows What (2015) 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

Harley's Betrayal

Harley, a homeless heroin addict, faces rejection from Ilya, a fellow addict. This rejection stems from a betrayal she committed, leaving her desperate to reconnect with him.

New York City
2

Desperate Measures

In a moment of despair, Harley provocatively asks Ilya if he would love her if she died. His indifferent 'yes' pushes her to buy razor blades with her begging money, leading her to a dark decision.

New York City
3

Suicide Attempt

Harley attempts to take her own life, overwhelmed by the weight of her addiction and rejection. Ilya's panic upon realizing her actions prompts him to call for help.

New York City
4

Admission to Hospital

Harley is admitted to a psychiatric hospital where she receives treatment for her mental health issues. This becomes a turning point for her as she begins to confront her dependencies.

Psychiatric Hospital, New York City
5

Reunion with Mike

After her hospital stay, Harley reconnects with Mike, a small-time drug dealer. She begins relying on him for heroin, which further deepens her addiction.

New York City
6

Difficult Encounter with Skully

While staying with Mike, Harley meets Skully, who persistently pursues her. Feeling uncomfortable, she distances herself from him, illustrating her struggle to maintain boundaries.

New York City
7

Confrontation in the Park

Tensions escalate when Ilya confronts Mike in the park. The altercation results in Ilya injuring Mike’s hand, further complicating the already fraught relationships.

Park, New York City
8

Conflict Over Feelings

In the aftermath of the fight, Harley confesses her feelings for Ilya to Mike. This revelation leads to Mike's frustration, culminating in him leaving Harley, feeling betrayed.

New York City
9

Ilya's Overdose

Harley receives disturbing news that Ilya has overdosed on drugs at a local fast-food restaurant. Driven by love and concern, she rushes to find him, fearing for his life.

Fast-food restaurant, New York City
10

Reconciliation

At the restaurant, Harley manages to revive Ilya, and their passionate reconciliation ignites hope for their future. They decide to board a bus to Miami for a fresh start.

Bus, New York City
11

Tragic Separation

While traveling to Miami, Harley falls asleep on the bus. Unbeknownst to her, Ilya disembarks alone at a vacant house, making a devastating choice that seals his fate.

Vacant House
12

Ilya's Demise

In a moment of despair, Ilya accidentally ignites a candle, leading to a fire that tragically claims his life. This devastating event alters Harley's path forever.

Vacant House
13

Heartbreak and Return

Harley awakens to find Ilya missing, leading to a heartbreaking realization of his death. Overcome by grief, she returns to New York City, lost and alone.

Bus, en route to Miami
14

Haunting Silence

Back in New York, Harley finds Mike recounting their adventures to friends at the fast-food restaurant. She silently listens, embodying the weight of her loss in the shadows.

Fast-food restaurant, New York City

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 16:30

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Heaven Knows What Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Heaven Knows What, 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.

Heaven Knows What Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Heaven Knows What

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Heaven Knows What

More About Heaven Knows What

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