No Such Thing

No Such Thing

Year: 2002

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Director: Hal Hartley

DramaFantasyHorrorComedy

Consumed by grief and fueled by rage, James and Darnell find themselves locked in a violent confrontation across the streets of Syracuse. Their animosity escalates into a brutal reckoning, revealing long-held secrets and exposing the dark forces responsible for the attacks on them both. The confrontation forces them to confront painful truths and the sinister connections that bind them.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – No Such Thing (2002)

Trace every key event in No Such Thing (2002) 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

Beatrice Receives a Cryptic Message

Beatrice, a resilient young woman, stumbles upon a mysterious message from her fiancé, Jim. The message, shrouded in enigma, hints at a dangerous force lurking in the wilderness of Iceland, urging her to take action.

2

Journey to Iceland

Determined to uncover the truth and save Jim, Beatrice persuades her formidable boss to grant her permission for the journey. She embarks on a perilous trip to the icy landscapes of Iceland, filled with both hope and trepidation.

Iceland
3

Plane Crash

Tragedy strikes as Beatrice's plane crashes, leaving her as the sole survivor of the catastrophic event. The crash marks the beginning of her grueling journey into survival and mystery as she battles against the odds.

4

Recovery with Dr. Anna

During her harrowing recovery process, Beatrice forms a crucial alliance with Dr. Anna, a compassionate doctor. Dr. Anna supports Beatrice physically and emotionally, helping her navigate the challenges ahead.

5

Arrival at Isolated Village

Beatrice arrives in an isolated village steeped in ancient customs and superstitions. Here, she is caught in a bizarre ritual that leaves her vulnerable as she becomes an unwitting offering to the terrifying Monster.

Isolated Village
6

Confrontation with the Monster

Beatrice faces the Monster, a grizzled creature who has taken many lives, including that of her fiancé. In this face-off, she musters the courage to confront her fears and seek the truth behind Jim's disappearance.

7

Unusual Partnership Proposal

In a desperate maneuver to break the cycle of loss, Beatrice proposes to the Monster an unusual partnership. She offers to help him find Dr. Artaud, the only one who can unlock the mystery of the Monster's strength.

8

Monster in New York

The Monster travels with Beatrice to New York, where his presence creates a media sensation. This unexpected fame brings chaos and intrigue, captivating the public's attention and blurring the lines between reality and entertainment.

New York
9

The Boss's Sinister Scheme

Beatrice's boss forges a dark alliance with a government scientist to exploit the Monster's unbreakable physique. Their experiments delve into the Monster's resilience, but they remain baffled by his inability to absorb new information.

10

Humiliation and Loyalty

Amidst a series of humiliating trials, the Monster's loyalty to Beatrice never falters. Despite the torment he endures, he clings to the hope of their bond, fighting to resist the base instincts that threaten to overwhelm him.

11

Encounter with Dr. Artaud

Fate intertwines as Beatrice encounters Dr. Artaud, who maneuvers through hidden agendas. This meeting complicates Beatrice's journey as she suddenly finds herself deeper in a world of deceit.

12

Plan to Escape

Motivated by a desire for freedom, Beatrice devises a plan to escape the government's stifling grasp. Joined by her former colleague Margaret, she prepares to return to Iceland with the Monster by her side.

13

Pursuit by Government Forces

As Beatrice and the Monster attempt their daring escape, they find themselves relentlessly pursued by government forces. The tension mounts as they struggle to evade capture while uncovering truths about their predicament.

14

Dark Ambition of Dr. Artaud

Dr. Artaud reveals a darker side as he aims to create a weapon to eliminate the Monster. This ambition adds an unnerving layer to the pursuit, further complicating Beatrice's mission and deepening the stakes.

15

Final Farewell

In a tearful farewell, Beatrice bids goodbye to the Monster, their eyes locking in a poignant moment. Their connection, filled with complexity and emotional weight, resonates as the screen fades to black, leaving a haunting echo of their journey.

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 11:16

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Bleak allegorical journeys like No Such Thing

Characters navigate hostile worlds that mirror the sickness of society.For viewers who like movies similar to No Such Thing, this thread gathers grim, allegorical stories where characters undertake difficult journeys through worlds that reflect societal ills. These films blend darkness with absurdity, offering cynical critiques of media, science, and human nature.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives often follow an outsider or a grief-stricken protagonist on a quest through a world that is metaphorically broken. The plot serves a dual purpose, telling a personal story while functioning as a larger commentary on contemporary issues, leading to a conclusion that is more poignant than triumphant.

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They are grouped by their shared function as modern fables, employing a consistently dark and cynical tone to explore complex, uncomfortable themes. The experience is defined by a feeling of grim melancholy mixed with moments of absurdist humor, creating a uniquely unsettling and thought-provoking vibe.

Movies where the monster is a mirror like No Such Thing

Where the real monster is humanity, and the creature is a reflection.If you liked the portrayal of the Monster in No Such Thing, this thread finds similar movies where monstrous characters serve as a mirror to humanity's darkness. These films are emotionally heavy dramas or dark fantasies that question who the real monster is, often with bittersweet conclusions.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative centers on the complex relationship between a human and a misunderstood, often tormented, non-human entity. The conflict arises from the hostile human world, forcing an unlikely bond to form. The story arc is less about defeating a beast and more about confronting painful truths, leading to an emotionally resonant and bittersweet parting.

Why These Movies?

They share a core theme of inverting the traditional monster trope to explore humanity's capacity for monstrosity. The tone is consistently dark and philosophical, blending elements of horror, drama, and dark comedy to create a poignant and thought-provoking experience centered on alienation and empathy.

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No Such Thing Summary

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No Such Thing Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in No Such Thing

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Characters, Settings & Themes in No Such Thing

No Such Thing Spoiler-Free Summary

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No Such Thing Spoiler-Free Summary

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