Loyalties

Loyalties

Year: 1986

Runtime: 98 mins

Language: English

Director: Anne Wheeler

Drama

Lily moves with her three children to join husband David, a doctor in Alberta. Their son arrives later from boarding school. David hides a secret that forced them to leave England. They befriend neighbor Rosanne, who throws out her abusive boyfriend. Lily hires half‑Native Rosanne as housekeeper; friendship is tested when David's secret resurfaces.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Loyalties (1986)

Trace every key event in Loyalties (1986) 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

Opening violence witnessed by a quiet boy

The film opens with a violent struggle that is witnessed by a young boy, hinting at the fraught dynamics beneath the surface. The scene cuts away before the full intensity is shown, creating a sense of looming trouble. This moment sets a grim mood that threads through the story as the family departs for Canada.

opening
2

Arrival in Lac La Biche, Canada

The small plane lands in Lac La Biche, Alberta, bringing Lily and her children to join David. Lily explains to the pilot that they are moving from England to be with her husband who has settled there. The arrival marks a new chapter and the start of the complex dynamics among the three families.

arrival in Canada Lac La Biche, Alberta
3

Reunion with David

David appears happy to see Lily and the children, signaling relief at their reunion. He welcomes them warmly and begins to integrate them into his routine in town. The moment suggests a seemingly prosperous family life, masking underlying tensions.

shortly after arrival Lac La Biche, Alberta
4

Rosanne is assaulted in a bar; doctor attends

A young waitress, Rosanne, is assaulted by her boyfriend Eddy at the bar, establishing a thread of violence beyond the Suttons. Doctor Sutton tends to Rosanne's injuries and consoles her, strengthening his connection to the local community. Rosanne reveals she lost her job because of the fight, intensifying her precarious position.

early in the story bar
5

David offers help; Rosanne joins the household

David encounters Rosanne and her family sleeping outside after missing a ride and offers them a lift home. He then invites Rosanne to help Lily with their home and children, giving her a chance at steadier work. The arrangement deepens cross-family ties and foreshadows closer proximity between the two households.

after the bar incident outside (in town)
6

Outdoor barbecue and tensions surface

The families attend an outdoor barbecue so Lily can meet new people, and David seems more at ease than Lily at first. When questions surface about David's past, he insists they leave, revealing a protective, wary side. Lily gradually warms to the social circle, while David remains uneasy about town gossip.

following the job arrangement outdoor barbecue
7

Warning about Britain-connected relatives

David warns Lily not to befriend the couple who have relatives in Britain, signaling how heritage and past loyalties complicate their social circle. Lily's curiosity about the locals challenges David's guarded stance. The warning foreshadows ongoing strains in their relationship.

same period barbecue scene
8

Jessie's questions and Eddy's apologies

Rosanne's young son Jessie asks about Eddy and notes that he has apologized, highlighting how the family navigates past hurt. Rosanne's response mixes concern with a reluctant patience, showing how she balances loyalty and love. The exchange underscores the growing but fragile ties between Rosanne's family and Lily's household.

early period Rosanne's home
9

Shared chores and a thunderstorm

Laundry becomes a point of friction as the two households share chores, heightening Lily and David's tension. A violent thunderstorm drives David to drink outside, intensifying marital strain. Rosanne apologizes to Lily for the intrusion while reaffirming her support.

during storm night Sutton home
10

Mother histories and confidences

Lily and Rosanne discuss their relationships with their mothers, revealing insecurities and the weight of family histories. Lily opens up about her marriage problems, breaking her usual reticence. The moment deepens their bond as two women seek solidarity amid pressure.

evening inside the homes
11

Beach time, a somber dinner, and family dynamics

Rosanne and Lily cultivate their evolving friendship as the Suttons and Ladouceurs spend time at the beach, while Lily's mother recounts historical injustices faced by Indigenous families. Robert expresses unhappiness about school, complicating Lily's attempts at connection. The day ends with a formal dinner that highlights David's discomfort with social expectations.

afternoon to evening beach and dinner location
12

Robert's resistance and rising tension

Robert tells Lily he is unhappy at school and resents her for sending Eddy away, creating an emotional rift. Eddy returns, and Rosanne and Lily clash over money and status, testing their fragile alliance. David's gaze lingers on Eddy and Rosanne as tensions threaten to boil over.

later period home and around town
13

Pow Wow and Lily's birthday celebration

The two families attend a Pow Wow together to socialize, with Rosanne planning a birthday outing for Lily. She invites Lily to the bar and enlists Leona, her eldest daughter, to babysit so they can celebrate. Everyone sings Happy Birthday, underscoring the tenuous sense of community.

Lily's birthday day Pow Wow location and bar
14

The night of assault and Lily's departure

David returns early from a fishing trip and assaults Leona, threatening her if she lies about what happened. Lily and Rosanne intervene, and Lily ultimately chooses to leave David, with Rosanne offering shelter for her and the children. The police inform Rosanne that Lily has pressed charges against David, setting the stage for Lily to start anew away from her husband.

night Forest area and Rosanne's home

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:39

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Loyalties

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