King of California

King of California

Year: 2007

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

Director: Mike Cahill

DramaComedy

A sixteen-year-old girl's carefully constructed world is disrupted when her father unexpectedly returns from a mental institution. He’s fixated on finding the lost treasure of Spanish explorer Juan Florismarte Garces, and convinces her to join his quest. Their unusual search for gold leads them on an adventure that takes them as far as a local Costco, challenging Miranda's independence and forcing both of them to deal with unresolved issues from their past.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – King of California (2007)

Trace every key event in King of California (2007) 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

Miranda's Abandonment

At just sixteen years old, Miranda faces the emotional turmoil of being abandoned by her mother. This life-altering event forces her to drop out of school and take on adult responsibilities much earlier than her peers.

2

Life at McDonald's

In order to survive, Miranda starts working at McDonald's. This job becomes her lifeline, helping her make ends meet while navigating the complexities of her shattered family.

McDonald's
3

Charlie's Mental Health Struggles

Miranda's father, Charlie, is revealed to be in a mental institution during her struggles. His absence and mental health woes add to the emotional strain on Miranda as she attempts to build her life.

Mental Institution
4

Charlie's Return

Charlie is released from the mental institution and returns home, but his return disrupts the already fragile balance of Miranda's life. His presence brings both joy and chaos as he navigates his newfound freedom.

5

Obsession with Treasure

Upon returning, Charlie becomes fixated on the belief that the treasure of Father Juan Florismarte Garces is buried nearby. This obsession leads him to dig through treasure-hunting literature while ignoring the realities of their lives.

Suburban California
6

The Costco Discovery

Charlie believes that the treasure lies right beneath the local Costco. His wild ideas and passion for treasure hunting become a focal point of their lives, drawing them deeper into his fantasies.

Costco
7

Job at Costco

To keep her father motivated, Miranda takes a job at Costco, aligning herself with Charlie's treasure hunt ambitions. This job serves as a springboard for them to brainstorm and plan their treasure-digging endeavors.

Costco
8

Joining the Adventure

Initially skeptical of her father's plans, Miranda begins to embrace the adventure. She starts to see the treasure hunt as a chance to bond with her father and restore some semblance of hope in their lives.

9

Questionable Decisions

As the quest for treasure unfolds, Miranda and Charlie make a series of questionable decisions. These decisions drive the narrative into darkly comedic territory, highlighting the absurdities of their situation.

10

The Search for Hope

Throughout their exploits, Miranda finds a sense of hope and purpose. The pursuit of the American dream becomes a metaphor for their journey to heal their fractured family relationships.

11

Lessons in Family Dynamics

The duo's quirky treasure-hunting escapades reveal deeper themes within modern family dynamics. Their experiences serve to explore the complexities of love, support, and resilience in the face of adversity.

12

A New Understanding

By the end of their journey, both Miranda and Charlie gain a new understanding of themselves and each other. Their shared experiences help them confront their past, creating stronger bonds between father and daughter.

13

Embracing the Future

As the film concludes, Miranda looks to the future with hope. The adventure encourages her to believe in possibilities beyond treasure, symbolizing a fresh start for her and her father.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 23:36

Unlock the Full Story of King of California

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King of California Summary

Read a complete plot summary of King of California, 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.

King of California Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in King of California

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Characters, Settings & Themes in King of California

More About King of California

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More About King of California

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