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.

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Timeline – Native Son (2019)

Trace every key event in Native Son (2019) 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

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.

Chicago
2

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.

Mr. Dalton's residence
3

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.

4

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.

Mr. Dalton's residence
5

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.

Political rally
6

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.

Local club
7

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.

8

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.

9

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.

Furnace room
10

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.

Police station
11

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.

Chicago
12

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.

13

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.

Abandoned building
14

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.

15

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.

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 00:06

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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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Native Son

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Native Son

More About Native Son

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