Sidewalls

Sidewalls

Year: 2011

Runtime: 95 min

Language: Spanish

Director: Gustavo Taretto

Drama

Martin, a man recovering from a debilitating fear, and Mariana, recently out of a painful relationship, find themselves living in neighboring buildings in Buenos Aires. Unaware of each other’s existence, they grapple with personal struggles and attempt to rebuild their lives amidst the city’s lively atmosphere. The narrative explores themes of isolation, heartbreak, and the possibility of unexpected connections, subtly questioning the role of chance encounters in shaping human destiny.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Sidewalls (2011)

Trace every key event in Sidewalls (2011) 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

Strangers in Buenos Aires

In the bustling city of Buenos Aires, Martín and Mariana live isolated lives in nearby shoebox apartments. Martín is a web designer with a knack for photography, while Mariana is an aspiring architect returning to her old apartment after a breakup.

Buenos Aires
2

A Chaotic Street Incident

Their lives briefly intersect when they witness a chaotic scene outside involving a dog jumping from a balcony. This incident results in a series of unexpected accidents, including a taxi collision and a heart attack, creating an adrenaline-filled moment in their everyday lives.

Street outside their apartments
3

Martín's Diagnosis

Following the incident, Martín is diagnosed with a harmless case of discarthrosis. In an unexpected twist, he decides to care for his ex-girlfriend's abandoned dog, adding an element of companionship to his otherwise solitary existence.

4

Mariana and the Mannequins

In the wake of her breakup, Mariana finds herself talking to the mannequins she arranges at her job as a window dresser. This peculiar behavior illustrates her deepening feelings of loneliness and her struggle to connect with the world around her.

5

A Nostalgic Discovery

Amid her reflections, Mariana discovers a cherished copy of **Where's Wally?**. The book serves as a metaphor for her unresolved puzzles in life and her ongoing struggle with moving on from her past relationship.

6

Navigating New Relationships

Martín, frustrated with online dating, encounters disappointment when his date with Marcela falls flat. Meanwhile, he also finds temporary comfort in a budding relationship with Ana, a dog walker who ultimately ghosts him due to an existing commitment.

7

Mariana's Frustrating Date

Mariana reluctantly agrees to a dinner date with Lucas at a high-rise restaurant. Overwhelmed by anxiety, she avoids the elevator and faces her fears by taking the stairs, ultimately leaving Lucas frustrated and the date cut short.

Skyscraper restaurant
8

Finding Martín's Old Chair

During her routine, Mariana stumbles upon Martín's old office chair on the street, symbolizing the diverse lives they both lead. Despite their proximity, they remain unaware of their shared experiences and connections.

9

Changes and Transformations

As the seasons change, Mariana decides to get a lip piercing, symbolizing her quest for self-transformation amidst her routine. Simultaneously, both she and Martín opt for new windows in their apartments, reflecting a desire for new perspectives.

10

Shared Moments of Melancholy

In a touching coincidence, Mariana and Martín listen to the same song, **'True Love Will Find You in the End,'** while watching the movie *Manhattan*. This emotional moment illustrates their parallel journeys and unrecognized connection.

11

The City-wide Blackout

During a city-wide blackout, Martín and Mariana unknowingly end up at the same store purchasing candles. Their brief encounter features an unexpected static shock, adding a comedic element to their intertwined stories, yet they go their separate ways.

Local store
12

A Chance Meeting

Later, while looking out her window, Mariana notices Martín walking his dog in a red-and-white striped sweater reminiscent of Where's Wally? This sight stirs a spark of courage within her to finally confront her fears.

13

The First Meeting

Mariana conquers her fear of elevators and rushes outside to meet Martín in person, leading to their long-awaited first encounter. This moment is filled with the potential for connection and mutual understanding, marking a pivotal change in both their lives.

14

A Joyful New Beginning

As the film concludes, a whimsical YouTube video reveals Martín and Mariana happily lip-syncing to **'Ain't No Mountain High Enough,'** illustrating their newfound happiness together. Their journey from loneliness to love symbolizes hope in the digital age.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 18:27

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Movies about urban loneliness and chance encounters like Sidewalls

Stories of isolated souls in the city, finding hope through chance encounters.If you liked the gentle, serendipitous romance of Sidewalls, this list features similar movies about quiet characters rebuilding their lives in the city. Find more hopeful dramas exploring urban isolation, anxiety, and the possibility of unexpected connections that feel just like Sidewalls.

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The narrative pattern is one of slow, internal progression. The plot is secondary to the character's emotional journey, which involves confronting fears, processing past pain, and taking small, meaningful steps forward. The central question is not about external achievement, but about whether the character can find the courage to heal and connect again.

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These films are grouped by their shared focus on a very specific character arc: the quiet, non-linear process of healing. They possess a medium emotional weight, balancing the sadness of the past with the hope for the future, and are defined by their contemplative, slow pacing that mirrors the real-life difficulty of personal growth.

Unlock the Full Story of Sidewalls

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

Sidewalls Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Sidewalls, 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.

Sidewalls Summary

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Sidewalls

Sidewalls Spoiler-Free Summary

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Sidewalls Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Sidewalls

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