Krystal

Krystal

Year: 2018

Runtime: 90 min

Language: English

Echo Score: 38
DramaComedy

A young man with a heart condition, Taylor Ogburn, seeks connection and romance. To pursue a complicated woman, he pretends to be a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. Their relationship quickly escalates, but is challenged by their individual struggles and hidden pasts. As secrets are uncovered and Taylor's family is impacted, he must face his fears and mature beyond his sheltered upbringing to embrace the future.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Krystal (2018)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Krystal (2018). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Southern United States

The story unfolds in a coastal Southern setting where family life centers around art and poetry. The Ogburns live in a warm, creative environment, with the beach and studio spaces shaping the mood. The town's art gallery scene and AA meetings anchor daily life, highlighting a culture of resilience and neighborly support.

🌅 Southern United States 🏖️ Beach setting 🎨 Artistic community

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:51

Main Characters – Krystal (2018)

Meet the key characters of Krystal (2018), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Krystal Bryant (Rosario Dawson)

A working-class single mother with a troubled past who has beaten addiction and seeks stability for her son Bobby. She becomes Taylor's love interest and a catalyst for his emotional awakening, while navigating her own boundaries and past traumas.

💬 Complex 💪 Resilient 💖 Caring

Taylor Ogburn (Nick Robinson)

An 18-year-old with PAT who is sheltered by his family and obsessed with Krystal. He struggles with fear, impulsivity, and a longing for connection, pushing himself into risky situations and self-improvement attempts through AA and relationships.

🫀 Anxious 🎯 Determined 🧭 Developing

Bobby Bryant (Jacob Latimore)

A teenager who uses a wheelchair after an intoxicated driver accident. He is Krystal's son and a quiet anchor in the family, navigating conflict and danger with caution.

👦 Youth 🛡️ Protective 🎗️ Vulnerable

Campbell Ogburn (Grant Gustin)

Taylor's older brother, a free-spirited artist who challenges his brother's beliefs and introduces him to adult experiences like alcohol and marijuana, complicating his quest for self-control.

🎨 Creative 🗣️ Provocative 🧭 Skeptical

Vera Greenwood (Kathy Bates)

Owner of an art gallery and an insightful observer of love and human weakness. She provides practical advice and steps away for her own AA meeting, modeling resilience and independence.

🧠 Mentor 🏛️ Gallery 🫶 Supportive

Poppy Ogburn (Felicity Huffman)

Taylor's poet mother who often recites new verses, balancing tenderness with sharp criticism. She supports her son even as family tensions rise.

📝 Poet 👪 Family matriarch 🕊️ Caring

Wyatt Ogburn (William H. Macy)

Taylor and Campbell's father, a writer who rationalizes challenges through prayer and meditation. He fosters a sheltered upbringing and emphasizes a 'good guy' image.

🧭 Thoughtful 🗒️ Writer 🏠 Domestic

Dr. Lyle Farley (William Fichtner)

The hospital doctor who treats Taylor's PAT attacks, embodying clinical calm and professional detachment.

🏥 Medical 👓 Analytical 🧩 Supportive

Willie (Willie) (T.I.)

Krystal's ex, a controlling figure who stalks Bobby and plays a dangerous role in the conflict around custody and safety.

🕵️‍♂️ Troubled 🧩 Antagonist 🖤 Menacing

Bo (Rick Fox)

A fellow AA member who embodies a 'bad-boy' image that Taylor tries to imitate, affecting his choices and behavior around Krystal.

🤝 Charismatic 🧭 Influential 🫶 Complicated

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:51

Major Themes – Krystal (2018)

Explore the central themes of Krystal (2018), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

❤️ Love & Redemption

Romantic attraction in the midst of personal struggle drives the plot as Taylor pursues Krystal while wrestling his PAT and fear. The relationship evolves under the weight of past traumas, suggesting that love can offer healing but also complicate safety and identity. Family and friends become judges of this bond, testing its genuineness against hard-won self-control.

🧠 Mental Health

PAT triggers are a constant threat, shaping Taylor's world and his decisions. The film explores panic, fear, and how family routines, therapy, and support groups attempt to provide stability. It also examines how stigma and misunderstanding can push individuals to conceal their vulnerabilities.

🎨 Art & Identity

Art acts as both a backdrop and a catalyst: it binds the Ogburn family, feeds Campbell's artist's mind, and frames Taylor's self-image. The gallery setting and creative conversations reveal a culture that values expression as a form of coping. The film uses visual artistry to explore redemption, boundaries, and personal growth.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:51

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Narratives in this thread often center on a protagonist entering a new environment or relationship while hiding a significant personal struggle. The central conflict arises from the tension between their desire for connection and the risk of their secrets being revealed, forcing them toward genuine growth and self-acceptance.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a sheltered or inexperienced young adult whose pursuit of romance or independence forces them to engage with difficult, real-world problems. Their idealized view of life is challenged, and their coming-of-age arc is defined by learning to accept complexity and responsibility rather than simply rebelling.

Why These Movies?

These films share a specific emotional mix: the hopefulness of youth combined with the anxiety of confronting serious themes. They have a steady pacing that allows for deep character connection and a bittersweet feel that acknowledges growth without offering a perfectly clean resolution.

Unlock the Full Story of Krystal

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Krystal Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Krystal, 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.

Krystal Summary

Krystal Timeline

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Krystal Timeline

Krystal Spoiler-Free Summary

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Krystal Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Krystal

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More About Krystal

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