Native Son

Native Son

Year: 2019

Runtime: 104 min

Language: English

Director: Rashid Johnson

Drama

Living in poverty in 1930s Chicago, Bigger Thomas struggles to find his place in a society rife with racial tensions. When he takes a job as a chauffeur for a wealthy white family, his life takes a dramatic turn. An accidental death sends him spiraling into a desperate fight for survival, forcing him to confront the systemic inequalities and social forces that shape his existence and threaten his freedom.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Native Son (2019)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Native Son (2019). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary

Set in the modern era, the movie reflects current social issues, especially regarding race relations and socio-economic challenges. The contemporary setting emphasizes the ongoing struggle for equality and the impact of historical injustices that continue to resonate today.

Location

Chicago

The movie takes place in contemporary Chicago, known for its rich cultural history and significant African-American community. It serves as a backdrop for the complex dynamics of class and race, illustrating both the opportunities and challenges faced by its residents. Chicago's urban landscape plays a crucial role in shaping the characters' experiences and interactions.

🏙️ City 🌆 Urban Environment

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:40

Main Characters – Native Son (2019)

Meet the key characters of Native Son (2019), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Bigger Thomas (Ashton Sanders)

Bigger is a complex character embodying the struggles of a young African-American man in a racially charged environment. His conflicting desires for personal success and societal acceptance lead him into a downward spiral of choices, culminating in tragic events. His character reflects the burdens of systemic oppression and the desperate quest for identity.

👨‍🦱 Protagonist 🏃‍♂️ Desperate 🎭 Complex

Mary Dalton (Margaret Qualley)

Mary represents the contradictions of privilege and radical ideals, unintentionally becoming a catalyst for Bigger's tragic journey. Her carefree spirit brings hope and complicates Bigger's life, culminating in a devastating encounter that alters their fates forever. Mary’s character embodies the complexities of allyship and the consequences of obliviousness to privilege.

👩‍🎤 Trendy 💃 Compassionate 🎭 Idealistic

Bessie (KiKi Layne)

Bessie is Bigger's girlfriend, caught in the crossfire of his tumultuous life. She desires a better future for them but ultimately faces heartbreak as Bigger's choices lead to devastating consequences. Bessie's character represents the impact of systemic prejudice on personal relationships and the emotional toll of living in fear.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Supportive 😟 Vulnerable 🎭 Tragic

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:40

Major Themes – Native Son (2019)

Explore the central themes of Native Son (2019), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Injustice

The film deeply explores systemic racial injustice and the bias inherent in the justice system. Bigger's tragic fate exemplifies how societal structures can dictate the outcomes of individuals based on race. The narrative forces the audience to confront uncomfortable truths about discrimination and its far-reaching consequences.

💔 Despair

Despair permeates Bigger's journey as he grapples with immense pressure from his environment, leading to disastrous choices. The theme underscores the psychological toll of living under oppression, illustrating how desperation can cloud judgment and result in tragic outcomes.

🌍 Identity

Bigger's quest for identity amidst societal expectations and prejudices serves as a central theme. The character's navigation through personal aspirations and external judgments highlights the struggles faced by African-American individuals in discovering their true selves in a prejudiced society.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:40

Unlock the Full Story of Native Son

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

Native Son Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Native Son, 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.

Native Son Summary

Native Son Timeline

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

Native Son Timeline

More About Native Son

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Native Son: 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 Native Son

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