Northern Borders

Northern Borders

Year: 2015

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: Jay Craven

Drama

In 1956 Vermont, ten-year-old Austen Kittredge spends the summer at his grandparents’ secluded farm. There, he inadvertently creates disruption and begins to uncover long-held secrets. Surrounded by the eccentric inhabitants of Kingdom County, Austen finds himself caught between his grandparents' decades-long feud and the challenges of a new environment. Initially feeling isolated, he gradually learns to understand the complexities of family and belonging as he experiences a transformative summer.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Northern Borders yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Northern Borders (2015)

Trace every key event in Northern Borders (2015) 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

Arrival in Kingdom County

In 1956, young Austin arrives in Kingdom County, Vermont, by train. He is greeted by his grandfather, Austin Sr., who picks him up in a weathered truck, setting the stage for his new life with his grandparents.

1956 Kingdom County, Vermont
2

Meeting Austin Sr.

Upon meeting Austin Sr., it becomes clear that he presents himself as the meanest person in the county. Despite his tough exterior and colorful language, glimmers of warmth hint at the underlying affection he has for his family.

3

Arrival at Home

Austin is introduced to his grandmother, Abiah, who initially appears kinder than her husband, but also has a stern side. Their home lacks electricity, showcasing a strong resistance to modern conveniences despite the difficulties they face.

Austin's Home
4

Abiah's Stubbornness

Abiah's refusal to embrace electricity creates challenges in their daily life as they contend with persistent flies. Yet, it is revealed that Austin Sr. is open to modernizing the sawmill to benefit his business, revealing complexity in his character.

Austin's Home
5

Life on the Farm

Austin finds himself immersed in the responsibilities of farm life, attending to livestock like cows and chickens, and helping his grandmother with the apple orchard. These chores, including dreaded hunting trips with Austin Sr., contribute to his growing sense of responsibility.

Farm
6

Family Dynamics

As Austin observes the complex dynamics between his grandparents, he learns they have cohabitated for fifty years, often in silence. The emotional backdrop of their lives hints at a shared but unspoken history, including the impact of Austin Sr.'s past relationship with an Inuit woman named Mira.

7

Abiah's Nickname

Abiah takes to calling Austin 'Tut,' likening him to the young Egyptian king due to his resemblance. This nickname reflects her fascination with Egypt and perhaps hints at her desires for her family, desires dismissed by Austin Sr.

8

Education Disputes

Education becomes a point of contention in the household, as Austin Sr. disapproves of the teaching profession and believes schooling detracts from practical hard work. This clash reflects deeper generational divides as Austin spends more time with his grandparents.

9

Befriending Theresa

During his time in Kingdom County, Austin attends school and befriends Theresa, a cheerful girl from a struggling family. Their friendship introduces him to different perspectives and social realities outside of his grandparents' farm.

School
10

Prejudice and Politics

Austin Sr.'s prejudiced views towards the Dubois family, stemming from their French background, create tension in the community. His disdain for political figures, particularly Adlai Stevenson, further illustrates the conservative beliefs that permeate his outlook.

11

Maple Festival Rivalry

A significant moment arises during the maple festival when Austin's grandparents enter a friendly competition in the syrup contest. Their rivalry not only showcases their skills but also brings lightheartedness to their complex relationship.

Maple Festival
12

Lessons in Growth

Throughout his experiences in Kingdom County, Austin grapples with the intricacies of family dynamics and the concept of responsibility. He learns life lessons that balance humor and sorrow, shaping his understanding of what it means to be part of a family.

13

Confronting Reality

As Austin navigates life with his grandparents, he faces moments that challenge his perceptions of life and family. The blend of laughter and poignant realities invites him to grow on multiple levels, marking a pivotal period in his youth.

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 08:48

Unlock the Full Story of Northern Borders

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

Northern Borders Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Northern Borders, 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.

Northern Borders Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Northern Borders

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Northern Borders. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Northern Borders

More About Northern Borders

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

Similar Movies to Northern Borders

Discover movies like Northern Borders that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.