Labor Day

Labor Day

Year: 2013

Runtime: 111 min

Language: English

Director: Jason Reitman

Budget: $18M

Drama

A teenage boy, Henry Wheeler, cares for his withdrawn mother, Adele, as he comes of age. Their quiet lives are disrupted when they offer shelter to Frank Chambers, a charming but mysterious man who is actually on the run from the law. Over a long Labor Day weekend, an unexpected connection forms between them, leading to a series of events that changes their lives in profound ways.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Labor Day yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Labor Day (2013)

Trace every key event in Labor Day (2013) 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

Adele's Life in 1987

In 1987, Adele Wheeler is introduced as a troubled single mother living in a rural home with her 13-year-old son, Henry. The weight of her past experiences and numerous pregnancy losses casts a shadow over their daily life, illustrating her struggles with anxiety and depression.

1987 Rural Home
2

Encounter with Frank Chambers

Adele and Henry's mundane errands take a dramatic turn when they meet a bloody stranger named Frank Chambers. After a brief yet intense interaction, they decide to help him and bring him back to their home, unaware of the impact he will have on their lives.

3

Frank's Troubling Past

Through flashbacks, we learn about Frank's harrowing history as a Vietnam veteran. He married his girlfriend, Mandy, but after a violent confrontation, tragedy strikes as Mandy dies, leading to Frank's imprisonment for her murder.

4

Adele's Confession

During their time together, Adele opens up to Frank about her past traumas, including several miscarriages and the stillbirth of her baby girl. This heart-wrenching revelation showcases the emotional scars that Adele carries with her.

5

Bonding through Dance and Skills

As Frank becomes a part of their lives, he teaches Henry valuable skills, such as car repairs and baking a peach pie, while Adele shares her passion for dance with both of them. This mutual nurturing brings a sense of joy and connection to their previously isolated lives.

6

Dreaming of Escape

With Labor Day approaching, Adele and Frank begin planning a future together, dreaming of escaping to Canada with Henry. They prepare for their departure by packing their belongings, filling their hearts with hope for a new beginning.

Before Labor Day
7

Henry's Friendship with Eleanor

Henry forms a friendship with a girl named Eleanor, who manipulates him into questioning Adele and Frank's intentions. This connection complicates their plans, leading to a strained dynamic as Henry grapples with conflicting emotions.

8

The Note

On the day they are set to leave, Henry writes a note for his father, expressing his feelings and intentions. This seemingly innocent gesture inadvertently triggers a series of events that jeopardize their escape plan.

9

Tension Builds

As the day unfolds, heightened tension arises when Henry encounters a suspicious policeman who intervenes upon seeing their packed car. Simultaneously, Adele's attempt to withdraw her savings at the bank raises further concerns.

10

The Police Arrive

Chaos ensues when Henry's father learns about the note, leading to police sirens and a frantic atmosphere. In a desperate attempt to protect Adele and Henry, Frank resorts to tying them up before surrendering to the authorities.

11

Frank's Arrest

With tensions running high, Frank is arrested while their future remains uncertain. The sower of the report that led to Frank's arrest is kept a mystery, leaving characters in suspense as they face the consequences of their actions.

12

Years Later

Fast forward to the future, an older Henry now owns a pie shop, reminiscing about his past while moving on with his life. Out of the blue, he receives a call from Frank, who is about to be released from prison and wishes to reconnect.

13

Rekindling Relationships

Henry arranges a meeting between Frank and Adele, initiating a poignant reconnection. Both of them navigate their autumn years, rekindling their past love while reflecting on the trials they have faced.

14

A New Beginning

In a touching resolution, Henry finds comfort in the knowledge that Adele will not be alone anymore. The rekindled relationship between Frank and Adele marks a significant turning point in their lives, as they embrace a new chapter together.

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 01:36

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Movies about bittersweet connections like Labor Day

Stories where lonely souls find profound but complicated connections.For viewers who liked the tender, complicated bond in Labor Day, this thread gathers movies about lonely people forming profound connections. If you enjoy melancholic dramas exploring found family and second chances with a bittersweet feel, you'll find similar emotional journeys here.

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Tense stories where an outsider disrupts a fragile home life.If you liked the anxious tension of a stranger entering a fragile home in Labor Day, this thread finds similar movies. These slow-paced dramas and thrillers focus on psychological unease and moral dilemmas within a domestic setting, perfect for fans of quiet, character-driven suspense.

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Narrative Summary

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Movies in this thread share a specific vibe of quiet, building anxiety within a home. They are united by a slow pace that amplifies psychological tension, a medium intensity that balances dread with character moments, and themes of isolation, secrets, and the fragility of domestic safety.

Unlock the Full Story of Labor Day

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

Labor Day Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Labor Day, 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.

Labor Day Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Labor Day

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Labor Day. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Labor Day

Labor Day Spoiler-Free Summary

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Labor Day Spoiler-Free Summary

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Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Labor Day: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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