Nobel Son

Nobel Son

Year: 2008

Runtime: 110 min

Language: English

Director: Randall Miller

DramaThrillerComedyCrime

Barkley, the difficult son of a Nobel Prize winner, finds himself a captive of Thaddeus, a brilliant and resentful man claiming to be his half-brother. Thaddeus manipulates Barkley into participating in a risky scheme to blackmail their father. Driven by a desire for revenge and a complex family history, the brothers embark on a dangerous extortion plot with far-reaching consequences.

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Timeline – Nobel Son (2008)

Trace every key event in Nobel Son (2008) 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

Eli's Nobel Prize Announcement

Eli Michaelson, a chemistry professor, receives the thrilling news of his Nobel Prize win. This momentous occasion inflates his ego dramatically, reflecting his overwhelming self-absorption and ambition.

2

Verbal Assault on Family

Emboldened by his recent achievement, Eli unleashes a series of hurtful comments toward his family. His wife Sarah, son Barkley, and girlfriend bear the brunt of his inflated pride, leading to growing tensions within the household.

3

Departure to Sweden

The Michaelson family embarks on a journey to Sweden to celebrate Eli's Nobel Prize. However, Barkley is conspicuously absent from the flight, setting in motion a chain of events that will change their lives forever.

Departure day Airport
4

Barkley's Career Choice

Barkley chooses to pursue anthropology over chemistry, causing a rift with Eli. His father's constant disparagement of his career path deepens the conflict, as Barkley strives to define his own identity apart from Eli's shadow.

5

Barkley Kidnapped

In a surprising twist, Barkley is kidnapped by Thaddeus James, who claims to be Eli's illegitimate son. This shocking event reveals the unexpected depths of familial conflict and deceit.

Michaelson's garage apartment
6

Ransom Demand

Thaddeus demands a ransom of $2 million from Eli, raising the stakes of their situation. This desperate act explodes into a psychological drama as Eli confronts his perceived failures.

7

Thaddeus Moves In

Thaddeus takes residence in the Michaelson family garage, charming Eli with his chemistry knowledge. This twist complicates the already strained family dynamics as Thaddeus tries to position himself favorably.

Michaelson's garage apartment
8

Conflict Between Barkley and Thaddeus

The tension escalates between Barkley and Thaddeus as they vie for Eli's approval. Their rivalry intensifies, revealing deeper family issues and insecurities.

9

Thaddeus's Downfall

Tragedy strikes as Thaddeus meets a tragic end, culminating in his commitment to a mental institution. This event serves as a significant turning point in the family's chaotic narrative.

Mental institution
10

Barkley's Unpredictable Behavior

Barkley's behavior becomes erratic as he decides to kidnap Eli, threatening to reveal his father's scientific fraud. This shocking act of defiance alters the family dynamics dramatically.

11

Sarah's Ultimatum

Finally fed up with Eli's antics, Sarah declares her desire for a divorce. Her newfound respect for Barkley's intelligence and cunning becomes evident as she navigates this critical juncture in her life.

12

Max and the Summer Sun

Meanwhile, Sarah, Barkley, and police detective Max Mariner enjoy a tropical getaway. Max, aware of the family's troubles, seeks reconciliation with Sarah, despite the turmoil surrounding them.

Tropical location
13

Eli's Isolation

As the chaos of his family's unraveling continues, Eli is left alone in his classroom. Surrounded by the remnants of his former glory, he reflects on the loss of his Nobel Prize and the eroding fabric of his life.

Classroom
14

Eli's Final Defiance

In a last act of defiance, Eli shamelessly flirts with another student. This moment signifies Eli's deeper moral decay as he grapples with his failures and the devastation of his personal life.

Classroom

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 11:45

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Nobel Son Summary

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Nobel Son Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Nobel Son

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Nobel Son

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