Reservation Road

Reservation Road

Year: 2007

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Director: Terry George

DramaThriller

A tragic hit-and-run accident on Reservation Road irrevocably changes the lives of two families. When Ethan Learner's son Josh is killed, his life is shattered. Simultaneously, Dwight Arno, struggling with his own hardships, desperately flees the scene of the accident. As the investigation unfolds, both men are forced to confront difficult truths and make agonizing decisions that will haunt them forever, exploring themes of grief, guilt, and the complexities of justice.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Reservation Road 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 – Reservation Road (2007)

Trace every key event in Reservation Road (2007) 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

Celebration of Talent

Ethan Learner and his wife Grace attend their son Josh's musical recital, celebrating his talent and hard work. This moment is filled with joy and pride, embodying the hope of a bright future for their family.

2

A Trip to the Gas Station

After leaving the recital, the Learner family makes a pit stop at a gas station on Reservation Road for their young daughter Emma. This brief stop takes a tragic turn, as they head home filled with joy.

Reservation Road
3

The Tragic Accident

In a devastating moment, Josh is struck and killed by an SUV while on the road. The chaos of the event leaves Ethan and Grace heartbroken, marked by the sudden loss of their beloved son.

Reservation Road
4

The Fleeing Driver

The driver of the SUV, Dwight Arno, hesitates for a moment but ultimately succumbs to panic and flees the scene. His decision sets off a chain reaction of emotional turmoil for both families involved.

5

Police Investigation Begins

The state police are called to investigate the hit-and-run incident. As they start piecing together the events, both families grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy while seeking justice.

6

Dwight's Troubled Conscience

Dwight, a divorced attorney, struggles with his conscience as he deals with the chaotic relationship with his ex-wife Ruth over their injured son, Lucas. The weight of his actions leaves him deeply conflicted.

7

Ethan Takes Action

In a desperate bid for answers, Ethan joins an online support group for parents of hit-and-run victims. He hires an attorney, unaware that the lawyer he trusts is actually Dwight, the man responsible for his son's death.

8

Family Under Strain

Grace attempts to hold the family together but slowly slips into neglect and sadness. Her decision to dispose of Josh's toys ignites a fierce argument with Ethan, illustrating their different coping mechanisms.

9

Ethan's Suspicion Grows

Ethan's grief leads him to suspect a nearby damaged SUV could be linked to his son's death. As he attempts to gather evidence, his actions lead to his unexpected arrest for trespassing.

10

Confronting the Truth

At a school event honoring Josh, Ethan finally connects with Dwight. Recognition dawns on Ethan as he realizes the man responsible for his son's death is standing right in front of him.

11

Vengeance Unleashed

With newfound evidence in hand, Ethan sets out on a dangerous quest for vengeance. His confrontation with Dwight escalates, filled with emotions of loss, anger, and a desperate plea for accountability.

12

An Unexpected Disruption

During the confrontation, Dwight's son Lucas innocently intervenes, unintentionally halting the tension-filled moment. This interruption causes Ethan to reassess his intentions and choices.

13

A Choice for Redemption

In a moment of profound realization, Ethan spares Dwight's life, choosing compassion over revenge. Both men toss their weapons aside, symbolizing a shared burden of guilt and the complexity of their circumstances.

14

A Heartfelt Goodbye

The film concludes with Lucas watching a heartfelt video from Dwight, encapsulating the emotions surrounding guilt, loss, and forgiveness. This moment reflects the intricate relationships shaped by tragedy.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 14:13

Unlock the Full Story of Reservation Road

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

Reservation Road Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Reservation Road, 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.

Reservation Road Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Reservation Road

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Reservation Road

More About Reservation Road

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Reservation Road: 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 Reservation Road

Similar Movies to Reservation Road

Discover movies like Reservation Road 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.