Indignation

In the summer of 1951, Newark, New Jersey, mourns the loss of a classmate who died in the Korean War. This event deeply resonates with Marcus Messner, highlighting the gravity of the conflict and the impact it has on young men like him.

Marcus receives a scholarship to Winesburg College, a conservative Christian institution, allowing him a reprieve from the draft. His family's hopes rest on his academic success, yet tension simmers between him and his father over the war.

His father, a kosher butcher, becomes increasingly paranoid about the war's toll on Marcus. This anxiety exacerbates their already strained relationship, creating a difficult environment for Marcus as he prepares for college.

Upon arriving at Winesburg College, Marcus feels alienated from his peers and struggles with the conservative atmosphere. His introversion makes it challenging for him to form connections, contributing to his sense of isolation.

Marcus meets Olivia Hutton, a French literature major, whose sophistication intrigues him. Both share a profound feeling of alienation, setting the stage for a complex relationship that challenges Marcus's understanding of intimacy.

During their first date, Olivia surprises Marcus by performing oral sex on him, leaving him shocked and confused. Struggling with his feelings and inexperience, he avoids her for weeks, unsure how to process the encounter.

As their relationship develops, Marcus learns of Olivia's troubled past, including her struggles with alcoholism and a prior suicide attempt. These revelations deepen his feelings for her while complicating their bond.

Seeking a single room amidst his chaotic living situation, Marcus meets with Dean Caudwell. The meeting turns hostile as the Dean probes into Marcus's beliefs, leading to an abrupt health crisis that results in appendicitis surgery.

While hospitalized, Marcus receives troubling news: Olivia has been intimate with others on campus. Additionally, his mother shares the distressing news of her impending divorce from Marcus's increasingly unhinged father.

Olivia visits Marcus in the hospital, bringing flowers but unintentionally revealing her scars from past trauma. This moment heightens the emotional complexity of their relationship and deepens Marcus's concern for her wellbeing.

Upon his return to campus, Marcus finds that Olivia has vanished, having experienced a nervous breakdown. The shocking realization forces Marcus to confront the fragility of human connections and the depths of Olivia's struggles.

When the Dean inquires about whether Marcus harmed Olivia, he becomes furious, leading to an investigation into his past attempts to circumvent mandatory college requirements. The fallout results in his expulsion from the college.

Amidst the ongoing Korean War, Marcus serves bravely yet suffers a grave bayonet wound in battle. His life flashes before his eyes, especially his feelings for Olivia, as he grapples with his fate on the bloody battlefield.

As Marcus falls to the ground, he clings to a thought of reassurance for Olivia, expressing that she was loved despite their turbulent relationship. This reflection underlines the profound connection they shared amid chaos.

The narrative fast-forwards to reveal an older Olivia residing in a nursing home, reflecting on her past. Gazing at rose-patterned wallpaper, she finds solace in the memories of love, hinting at enduring hope despite her struggles.