Nebraska

Nebraska

Year: 2013

Runtime: 115 min

Language: English

Director: Alexander Payne

AdventureDrama

An aging and stubborn man believes he’s won a sweepstakes and is determined to claim his prize in Lincoln, Nebraska. His son, burdened by years of responsibility, agrees to drive him from Montana. The journey reveals the impact of such a potential windfall on their small town, exposing the hopes and sometimes unsettling reactions of the community, while also exploring the complicated relationship between a father and son.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Nebraska (2013)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Nebraska (2013). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Nebraska captures a contemporary time period, exploring themes of aging, family dynamics, and the quest for meaning in later life. The film paints a picture of modern American life, touching on economic struggles and the impact of past decisions on present relationships.

Location

Billings, Montana, Lincoln, Nebraska, Hawthorne, Nebraska

The movie takes place primarily in Billings, Montana, where Woody's journey begins after being found wandering the streets. His destination is Lincoln, Nebraska, known for its vibrant culture and historical significance. Along the way, they stop in Hawthorne, a small town that's rich in family history and serves as a backdrop for Woody's nostalgic memories and family reunions.

🏙️ City 🌾 Rural

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:04

Main Characters – Nebraska (2013)

Meet the key characters of Nebraska (2013), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Woody Grant

Woody Grant, portrayed by Bruce Dern, is a determined and stubborn elderly man fixated on claiming what he believes to be a million-dollar sweepstakes prize. His obsession reveals deeper issues related to his sense of honor and respect, showcasing a man yearning for significance in his waning years.

👴 Elderly 💰 Obsession 🚶‍♂️ Determined

David Grant

David Grant, played by Will Forte, is Woody's son who struggles to manage his father's delusions while maintaining his own life. His character embodies familial duty and the emotional toll of caring for an aging parent, highlighting the conflict between kindness and frustration.

👨‍💼 Son 💔 Caring 🎭 Complex

Kate Grant

Kate Grant, portrayed by June Squibb, is Woody's wife who feels exasperated by her husband's fixation on the nonexistent sweepstakes. She often provides comic relief while also serving as a voice of reason amidst the chaos, displaying frustrated love and protective instincts towards her family.

👩‍👦‍👦 Wife 😂 Humor 🤦‍♀️ Frustration

Ross Grant

Ross Grant, played by Bob Odenkirk, is Woody's other son who contributes to the family dynamic with his local news background. His interactions highlight the complexities of sibling relationships and the burden of familial expectations, often adding a layer of practicality to the family's issues.

📰 Reporter 💼 Practical 👫 Sibling

Ed Pegram

Ed Pegram, portrayed by Stacy Keach, is Woody's old business partner, embodying unresolved tensions and past grievances that add to the family drama. His presence serves as a catalyst for emotional confrontations and exposes Woody's vulnerabilities.

🤝 Business Partner 🔥 Tension 🕰️ Past

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:04

Major Themes – Nebraska (2013)

Explore the central themes of Nebraska (2013), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Family Struggles

The theme of family struggles permeates the film as Woody's obsession with the sweepstakes money creates tension and divisiveness among family members. David's protective nature toward his father contrasts with the frustrations expressed by other family members, highlighting the complexities of familial love and loyalty.

🏆 Dreams and Disillusionment

Woody's quest for the 'million-dollar' prize symbolizes the pursuit of dreams, but it ultimately leads to disillusionment as he realizes the scam. This theme explores the idea of hope and the lengths individuals will go to chase something that may not exist.

🍻 Alcoholism

The film addresses the theme of alcoholism, particularly through Woody's past and current struggles with drinking. This theme not only sheds light on Woody's character but also affects family relationships, as past behaviors resurface, creating conflict and necessitating confrontations.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:04

Unlock the Full Story of Nebraska

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

Nebraska Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Nebraska, 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.

Nebraska Summary

Nebraska Timeline

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

Nebraska Timeline

More About Nebraska

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

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