Our Idiot Brother

Our Idiot Brother

Year: 2011

Runtime: 90 min

Language: English

Director: Jesse Peretz

Comedy

Three sisters find themselves unexpectedly needing to help their good-hearted but clueless brother, Ned. After a breakup and losing his family farm, Ned moves in with each sister in turn, disrupting their carefully constructed lives. Despite his lack of practical skills and occasional lapses in judgment, Ned's genuine nature and unwavering optimism force his sisters to confront their own insecurities and re-examine the foundations of their relationships, ultimately teaching them valuable lessons about honesty and loyalty.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Our Idiot Brother 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 – Our Idiot Brother (2011)

Trace every key event in Our Idiot Brother (2011) 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

Ned's Kindness

Ned, a laid-back hippie, witnesses a young girl at the farmer's market enjoying a strawberry. He compassionately gifts her a pint of strawberries, showcasing his gentle spirit, but this kind act stirs unforeseen trouble.

Farmer's Market
2

Encounter with Police

Shortly after his act of kindness, a uniformed police officer approaches Ned, asking for marijuana. Despite his initial refusal, Ned gives in and provides the officer with a small bag, thinking it harmless.

Farmer's Market
3

Unexpected Arrest

Ned's casual day turns disastrous when the officer turns serious and arrests him during a sting operation. This unfortunate twist teaches Ned a tough lesson about the consequences of his actions.

Farmer's Market
4

Introducing the Women

The narrative shifts to feature three women in Ned's life: Miranda, who interrupted her neighbor's intimate moment after a dull date; Natalie, performing risqué comedy; and Liz, trying to rekindle excitement with her disinterested husband, Dylan.

5

Ned's Release

After spending eight months behind bars, Ned is released and returns to his farm. However, he discovers that his girlfriend, Janet, has moved on with a new partner named Billy, complicating his attempts to reconnect.

Ned's Farm
6

Living with Ilene

With his life turned upside down, Ned is forced to live with his neurotic mother, Ilene. This new living situation exposes him to the dynamics of his sisters and their varied life paths, highlighting family tensions.

Ilene's House
7

Parole Officer's Guidance

Ned navigates the challenges of adjusting to life after prison, under the watchful eye of his parole officer. Meanwhile, he grapples with personal relationships made more complex by family dinners that reveal underlying strife.

8

Babysitting River

Ned moves in with Liz and takes on the role of babysitter for her son, River. His attempts to bond result in comedic mishaps, such as accidentally breaking River's finger during a basketball game.

Liz's House
9

Late-night Movie Marathon

A late-night movie marathon with River ends up ruffling the feathers of Liz and her husband. Ned tries to navigate these familial tensions while still trying to bond with River amidst the chaos.

Liz's Living Room
10

Natalie's Emotional Turmoil

As Ned manages his challenges, Natalie finds herself tangled in her own emotional struggles due to her attraction to an artist named Christian. This subplot adds layers of drama to the evolving narrative.

Comedy Club
11

Crisis Among Sisters

The film reaches a turning point when rumors of infidelity cause rifts among the sisters. Tensions flare as Ned is drawn into the ensuing familial disputes, revealing deep-seated issues.

12

Back Behind Bars

Amid the chaos of emotional turmoil and misunderstandings, Ned finds himself in trouble again, leading to an unexpected return to jail. This moment serves as a stark reminder of his past mistakes.

Jail
13

Ned's Transformation

Through humorous and heartfelt moments, Ned's journey evolves as he strives to fit into his mismatched family. The challenge of claiming his rightful place becomes central to his character development.

14

New Beginnings

In a grand finale, Ned embraces change by deciding to pursue a simpler life and opens a handmade candle shop with Billy. This newfound direction signifies hope and a fresh start for him.

15

Finding a Loyal Companion

As Ned steps into his new chapter, he heads out to find his loyal dog, Willie Nelson. This encounter with another dog owner presents the possibility of a budding relationship, hinting at new adventures.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 14:10

Unlock the Full Story of Our Idiot Brother

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

Our Idiot Brother Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Our Idiot Brother, 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.

Our Idiot Brother Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Our Idiot Brother

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Our Idiot Brother

More About Our Idiot Brother

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Our Idiot Brother: 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 Our Idiot Brother

Similar Movies to Our Idiot Brother

Discover movies like Our Idiot Brother 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.