Native Son (2019) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Bigger's Life in Chicago

Bigger Thomas is introduced as a young African-American man living in Chicago, navigating the challenges of his environment. He struggles with societal expectations, family dynamics, and the weight of his decisions in a racially charged context.

Where

Chicago

Interview Opportunity

Bigger receives an invitation for an interview to become the live-in chauffeur for Mr. Dalton, a wealthy businessman. This opportunity represents a significant potential change in his life, offering him a glimpse into a world of affluence.

Where

Mr. Dalton's residence

Friendship Pressure

As Bigger prepares for his interview, his friend Gus pressures him to participate in a robbery. This conflicting choice emphasizes Bigger's struggle between loyalty to his friends and the desire for a better life.

Successful Interview

Bigger attends the interview with Mr. Dalton and meets both Mrs. Dalton and Mary, the radical daughter. The interview goes exceptionally well, and Bigger begins to envision a promising future as he connects with the Dalton family.

Where

Mr. Dalton's residence

Night Out with Mary and Jan

After work, Bigger drives Mary and her boyfriend Jan to a political rally. The trio forms a bond during the evening, enjoying each other's company and creating a sense of camaraderie that is rare for Bigger.

Where

Political rally

Club Visit

Following the political rally, the three friends visit a local club where they continue to bond over shared experiences. This night marks a turning point for Bigger, showing him moments of joy amidst his struggles.

Where

Local club

The Party Gift

Mary gifts Bigger an album he has always wanted and provides drugs for their party. This act deepens their connection but also leads to unforeseen consequences, setting the stage for a tragic turn of events.

Tragic Accident

During the party, chaos ensues as Mary becomes vulnerable under the influence of drugs. In a tragic moment of panic, Bigger accidentally smothers Mary to death, forever altering the course of his life.

Covering Up

In a panic after the accident, Bigger decides to dispose of Mary's body in the furnace room to hide his crime. This decision marks the beginning of his moral descent and the fear that consumes him.

Where

Furnace room

Detectives Interrogate Bigger

The following day, detectives Calhoun and Rogers question Bigger about Mary's disappearance. As tension rises, Bigger navigates the interrogation while being increasingly aware of his impending doom.

Where

Police station

Discovery of Evidence

A piece of Mary's jewelry is found in the furnace, leading the police to intensify their investigation. This finds Bigger in a desperate situation, forcing him to evade capture as the manhunt begins.

Where

Chicago

Encounter with Jan

In a fateful meeting, Jan encourages Bigger to surrender and face the consequences of his actions. However, Bigger is hesitant, knowing the systemic racism he may face within the justice system.

Fleeing with Bessie

Under pressure, Bigger persuades Bessie to flee with him, hoping to escape their harsh realities. They seek refuge in an abandoned building, where Bigger's choices begin to strain their relationship.

Where

Abandoned building

Confession to Bessie

In a moment of turmoil, Bigger confesses the truth about Mary's death to Bessie. This revelation sends her into a panic, deepening Bigger's isolation and despair during the manhunt.

Bigger's Death

Tragically, during a confrontation with police, Bigger's gesture of reaching into his pocket is misinterpreted as a threat. This misunderstanding leads to his untimely death, encapsulating the film's themes of racial injustice and the fragility of life.