Parenthood

Parenthood

Year: 1989

Runtime: 124 min

Language: English

Director: Ron Howard

DramaComedy

A look at the lives of Gil Buckman and his children, as well as those of his siblings, exploring the joys and struggles of raising a family. Gil, a meticulous man, finds himself challenged by the unpredictable nature of parenting and the complexities of his extended family. The film portrays various family situations, including teenage pregnancy, sibling conflicts, and the process of growing up, offering a relatable and humorous look at the realities of parenthood and the importance of connection.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Parenthood (1989)

Trace every key event in Parenthood (1989) 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

Gil's Struggles as a Father

Gil Buckman grapples with the challenges of being a father. Balancing his career as a sales executive in suburban St. Louis with the needs of his family, he faces self-doubt and fears of becoming the distant parent his own father was.

St. Louis, Missouri
2

Kevin's Emotional Problems

Gil discovers that his eldest son, Kevin, is struggling with emotional issues that warrant therapy according to the school psychologist. This revelation leads Gil to blame himself and question his parenting abilities, deepening his anxiety.

School, St. Louis
3

Pregnancy Announcement

In the midst of his worries, Gil's wife, Karen, reveals that she is pregnant with their fourth child. This news adds to Gil's anxiety about his financial and emotional capacity to support his growing family.

Buckman Household
4

Confronting Work Burdens

Gil faces office politics and dishonest management at work, which further strains his mental health. He fears that he is becoming the very workaholic father he despised.

Gil's Workplace
5

Father-Son Discussion

Towards the film's climax, Gil's father, Frank, seeks his son’s advice regarding Larry, Gil's wayward brother. This moment leads to an emotional conversation where Gil shares his self-doubts, prompting Frank to reassure him.

Gil's Home
6

Gil's New Approach to Parenting

Determined to improve his relationship with his children, Gil begins to adopt a lighter attitude towards life's surprises. His efforts yield positive results as Kevin's emotional issues start to diminish.

Buckman Household
7

Becoming a Cowboy

When a hired cowboy fails to show for his children's birthday party, Gil steps up and dresses as a cowboy himself. This spontaneity delights his children and reinforces his commitment to being a present parent.

Kevin's Birthday Party Buckman Household
8

Helen's Parenting Challenges

Gil's sister, Helen, confronts her struggles as a divorced mother. Her concern for her son Garry grows as she discovers he is hiding a mysterious paper bag, which she fears contains drugs.

Helen's Home
9

Garry's Secret

The contents of Garry's paper bag are revealed to be porn, which signifies his entry into puberty and a normal phase of development. This revelation brings relief to Helen, who realizes her initial fears were misplaced.

Garry's Room
10

Julie and Tod's Relationship

Helen's daughter Julie begins a relationship with Tod, a slacker boyfriend, which stirs up concerns about their future. Despite her mother's worries, they decide to marry and start a family together.

Buckman Household
11

Garry Finds a Friend

In a pivotal moment, Tod helps bridge the gap with Garry by normalizing his obsession with girls and relationships. This bonding experience alleviates Garry's troubles and enhances his emotional well-being.

Helen's Home
12

Susan's Frustrations

Susan, Gil's other sister, feels neglected due to her husband Nathan's fixation on their daughter Patty's development. Her feelings of isolation lead her to seek comfort in junk food and result in a temporary separation.

Susan's Home
13

A Hopeful Reunion

Nathan makes an effort to woo Susan back by serenading her during class, promising to change his ways. His heartfelt gesture rekindles their relationship, allowing Susan to return home.

Classroom
14

Larry's Downward Spiral

Larry, the black sheep of the family, seeks to borrow money from their father, claiming it's for a business venture. However, it becomes evident that he has a gambling addiction, leading to familial distress.

Frank's Home
15

The Family Grows

The film culminates with the birth of a new generation as the Buckmans come together in the hospital. Gil and Karen welcome their fourth child, and past grievances soften as each family member grows in their role.

Hospital

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:36

Unlock the Full Story of Parenthood

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

Parenthood Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Parenthood, 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.

Parenthood Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Parenthood

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Parenthood

More About Parenthood

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More About Parenthood

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