Keeping Mum

Keeping Mum

Year: 2006

Runtime: 103 min

Language: English

Director: Niall Johnson

ComedyCrime

In the quiet village of Little Wallop, Vicar Walter Goodfellow is preoccupied with his sermons, oblivious to his wife’s affair and the turmoil within his family. His life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of Grace, a new housekeeper who promises to bring order to the chaotic household. However, her presence inadvertently triggers a chain of comical events that threaten to unravel the Goodfellow family and expose their secrets.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Keeping Mum (2006)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Keeping Mum (2006). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary, with flashbacks to the past

The movie is set in a contemporary timeline, juxtaposing the lives of the Goodfellow family with flashbacks to the events surrounding Rosie Jones's past. This time frame reflects modern societal issues such as infidelity, familial responsibilities, and mental health, while also serving as a canvas for the film's dark humor and satirical take on such themes.

Location

Little Wallop

Little Wallop is a quaint and picturesque village that serves as the backdrop for the film's darkly comedic events. Known for its close-knit community and serene surroundings, the town contrasts sharply with the chaotic lives of its residents. The charming village atmosphere provides an ironic setting for the unfolding drama, where secrets are buried just beneath the surface.

🏡 Small Town 🕊️ Community ⚓ Countryside

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:29

Main Characters – Keeping Mum (2006)

Meet the key characters of Keeping Mum (2006), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Walter Goodfellow (Rowan Atkinson)

Walter Goodfellow is a well-meaning, oblivious vicar whose focus on his sermon prevents him from seeing the turmoil in his family. His naivety turns into comedic tragedy as he remains largely unaware of his wife's infidelity and the chaos brewing at home. Despite his shortcomings, Walter showcases a determined and earnest quality, embodying the struggle to maintain faith in both life and love.

👨‍⚖️ Faith 🤷‍♂️ Oblivion 🎤 Sermon Preparation

Gloria Goodfellow (Kristin Scott Thomas)

Gloria is the frustrated wife driven to infidelity due to her unfulfilled desires and her husband's obliviousness. She embodies a complex character torn between longing for connection and the moral dilemmas of her actions. As the story unfolds, Gloria’s struggles lead her to confront the chaos surrounding her, adding depth to her character.

💔 Heartbreak 🎯 Desire 😔 Frustration

Grace Hawkins (Maggie Smith)

Grace Hawkins, the new housekeeper, is a charismatic and cunning character manipulator, reveling in the chaos she creates within the Goodfellow family. With a dark sense of humor and a hands-on approach to solving problems, Grace adds both turmoil and comic relief, making her a quintessential figure in the film's exploration of morality and consequences.

🔍 Manipulation 😂 Dark Humor 🧠 Cunning

Rosie Jones

Rosie Jones is a complex character whose dark past heavily influences the film's events. Her tragic history intertwines with the Goodfellow family, revealing themes of crime and redemption. Having served time in a psychiatric facility, she embodies a troubled yet resilient spirit as she navigates her relationships and past mistakes.

🔒 Redemption 🤔 Past Trauma 🌪️ Turmoil

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:29

Major Themes – Keeping Mum (2006)

Explore the central themes of Keeping Mum (2006), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Infidelity

Infidelity is a central theme in 'Keeping Mum,' driving the actions and motivations of several characters. Walter's obliviousness to his wife's desires and Rosie’s revenge on her unfaithful husband showcase the emotional turmoil that accompanies betrayal. Ultimately, the film explores how infidelity complicates relationships and leads to darkly comedic outcomes.

🌪️ Chaos

The movie is rife with chaos, stemming from family secrets and misunderstandings among its characters. Grace Hawkins's entry into the Goodfellow household catalyzes a whirlwind of darkly comedic events, as hidden truths and suppressed emotions clash. This theme highlights how chaos can emerge from the most ordinary situations, turning everyday life into an unpredictably tumultuous experience.

🤫 Secrets

Secrets play a significant role in shaping the narrative of 'Keeping Mum.' The characters grapple with their hidden pasts and unspoken truths, leading to a cascade of lies and repercussions. This theme emphasizes the weight of keeping secrets and the lengths individuals will go to protect themselves and their loved ones from the truth.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:29

Unlock the Full Story of Keeping Mum

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

Keeping Mum Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Keeping Mum, 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.

Keeping Mum Summary

Keeping Mum Timeline

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

Keeping Mum Timeline

More About Keeping Mum

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Keeping Mum: 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 Keeping Mum

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