The Connection

The Connection

Year: 2015

Runtime: 135 min

Language: English

Director: Cédric Jimenez

ActionThrillerCrime

A dedicated magistrate, Pierre Michel, leads an elite task force determined to dismantle a vast international heroin network known as the French Connection. Facing the elusive and formidable kingpin, Tany Zampa, Michel finds himself in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. As the investigation intensifies, he must make a difficult choice between protecting his family and upholding his pursuit of justice, knowing that Zampa is always one step ahead.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Connection (2015)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Connection (2015). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

September 1984

The movie takes place during the mid-1980s, a time when the cocaine epidemic was beginning to rise in the United States. This era saw a cultural shift with an increasing interest in drug use among young people, particularly among affluent teenagers. The backdrop of this time significantly influences Toby's choices and the overall narrative of the film.

Location

Sage Hall, Columbia, New York City

Sage Hall is an elite preparatory school known for its wealthy students and high academic standards. Located in a seemingly different world from Toby's lower-class background, it serves as the backdrop for his struggles with acceptance and identity. The film also briefly explores Colombia, the center of the drug trade Toby becomes involved in, highlighting the contrast between his life in America and the dangerous allure of the drug world.

🏫 School 🌍 Columbia 🏙️ City

Last Updated: February 26, 2025 at 09:00

Main Characters – The Connection (2015)

Meet the key characters of The Connection (2015), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Tobias 'Toby' Hammel (Thomas Mann)

Toby is a seventeen-year-old scholarship student who struggles to fit in at an elite preparatory school. Initially an outsider, his desperate desire for acceptance leads him to start dealing drugs, which ultimately dismantles his moral compass and life. Throughout the film, Toby's character demonstrates the complexities of identity and belonging amid the backdrop of adolescence and addiction.

👦 Student 🎭 Struggler 💔 Outsider

Ingrid Hammel (Amy Hargreaves)

Toby's mother, Ingrid, is a well-meaning but overwhelmed parent who dreams of a better life for her son. She represents the pressures that societal expectations place on families, particularly in contrast with Toby's choices. Her character highlights the impact of family dynamics on personal struggles and aspirations.

👩‍👦 Mother 💖 Supportive 😢 Worried

Fidel (Guillermo Arribas)

Fidel is Toby's sympathetic classmate, who becomes an unexpected ally in Toby's journey at Sage Hall. As another outsider, he provides insight into the dynamics of privilege and friendship, ultimately expressing disillusionment with Toby's motivations for dealing drugs. His character serves as a moral compass for Toby, reflecting the consequences of their choices.

🌍 Outsider 👦 Friend 💔 Disillusioned

Alex Hayes (Lucy Fry)

Alex is a beautiful and charismatic student who captures Toby's heart. Her character embodies the complexities of adolescent love and the intoxicating allure of the party lifestyle. As their relationship develops against the backdrop of drug use, Alex represents both desire and the ultimate consequences of choices made by those seeking acceptance.

💕 Love Interest 😍 Beautiful 🎉 Partygoer

Last Updated: February 26, 2025 at 09:00

Major Themes – The Connection (2015)

Explore the central themes of The Connection (2015), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Isolation

The movie explores themes of isolation and the desperate need for belonging as Toby navigates the treacherous social waters of Sage Hall. Feeling like an outsider, his attempts to fit in lead him down a dark path involving drug trafficking. His journey reflects the desperation that many feel in seeking acceptance, ultimately highlighting the emotional toll of his choices.

💊 Addiction

Addiction is a central theme in 'The Connection,' depicting the allure and dangers of drug use among teenagers. As Toby becomes increasingly involved in the drug trade, the film illustrates how quickly fun can turn into an obsession that ultimately spirals out of control, leading to devastating consequences for him and his peers.

🚫 Consequences

The film emphasizes the serious consequences of choices, particularly in the context of drug use and illegal activities. Toby's journey ultimately leads to severe repercussions, not just for himself but for those around him. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the far-reaching effects of one's decisions and the harsh realities that accompany them.

Last Updated: February 26, 2025 at 09:00

Unlock the Full Story of The Connection

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

The Connection Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Connection, 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.

The Connection Summary

The Connection Timeline

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

The Connection Timeline

More About The Connection

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Connection: 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 The Connection

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