Revolutionary Road

Revolutionary Road

Year: 2008

Runtime: 119 min

Language: English

Director: Sam Mendes

DramaRomance

In 1950s Connecticut, Frank and April Wheeler appear to have it all: a beautiful home and a promising future. However, their carefully constructed life begins to unravel as they question their choices and yearn for something more. Dissatisfied with the conformity of suburban life, they grapple with a desperate plan that tests the limits of their marriage and forces them to confront the stifling pressures of societal expectations. Their pursuit of a different life becomes a struggle against both external constraints and their own internal conflicts.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Revolutionary 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 – Revolutionary Road (2008)

Trace every key event in Revolutionary Road (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

Frank and April Meet

In the late 1940s, Frank Wheeler meets April at a vibrant party, sparking an immediate attraction. Both dream of brighter futures; Frank aspires to be a cashier while April hopes for a successful acting career.

Late 1940s Party
2

Marriage

After developing their relationship, Frank secures a sales position at his father's former company. This achievement leads to them marrying, marking a pivotal moment as they embark on their life together.

3

Moving to Suburbia

By 1955, the Wheelers settle into a suburban home at 115 Revolutionary Road in Connecticut, preparing for their first child's arrival. This move embodies the quintessential American dream of the era, but sets the stage for underlying tensions.

1955 115 Revolutionary Road, Connecticut
4

Life in Suburbia

As they settle into suburban life, Frank and April raise their two children, Michael and Jennifer. They form friendships with their realtor, Helen Givings, and neighbors, seemingly portraying the ideal family to those around them.

Suburban Neighborhood
5

Cracks in the Marriage

Beneath the facade of perfection, Frank and April's marriage starts to fracture. April's failed acting aspirations and Frank's growing dissatisfaction with his monotonous job contribute to escalating tensions between them.

6

Dream of Paris

April, yearning for a change, recalls Frank's nostalgic stories about Paris. Believing that a move to Paris could rekindle their love and solve their problems, she introduces the idea to Frank.

Paris
7

Meeting John

During this turbulent time, April connects with John, Helen's troubled son, whose mental health struggles resonate with her own feelings of despair. Their meeting provides a glimpse of understanding amidst the chaos of their lives.

8

Frank's Revelation

As hopes for a fresh start build, Frank reflects on his life choices. Inspired by thoughts of Paris, he submits a piece of work to his boss that unexpectedly earns him a promotion, creating further complexity in their plans.

Frank's Workplace
9

Unexpected Pregnancy

April's unexpected pregnancy adds to the already strained marriage, causing a rift when she confides her thoughts about abortion. This revelation leads to a confrontational argument, highlighting their conflicting desires.

10

A Jazz Bar Encounter

A night out at a jazz bar brings chaos when April and Shep share a passionate dance. This event triggers Frank to admit to an affair in a desperate bid to reconnect, revealing the deep divisions in their relationship.

Jazz Bar
11

Dinner with the Givings

During a dinner with the Givings, the gathering spirals into confrontation as John challenges Frank's treatment of April, accusing him of stifling her dreams. This confrontation lays bare the struggles hidden beneath their suburban life.

Dinner Table
12

Tragic Decision

In the wake of their escalating tensions, Frank is stunned the next morning to find April returning to a semblance of normalcy. However, as he leaves, April prepares for her abortion, leading to devastating consequences.

Kitchen
13

Loss and Mourning

Frank faces unbearable loss as April dies following her abortion. Overwhelmed with grief and guilt, he struggles to process the impact of her decision, forever altering the course of his life.

Hospital
14

Life After April

In the aftermath, Frank retreats to the city to care for their children, carrying the weight of his choices. As new residents move into their home, old friends share the bittersweet memories of the Wheelers, hinting at their tragic story.

115 Revolutionary Road, Connecticut
15

Reflection on the Past

As the new couple settles in, Milly recounts the story of Frank and April to them, while Howard dismisses their memory as whimsical. Helen's remarks signify a collective desire to forget the Wheelers' tragic end.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 22:59

Unlock the Full Story of Revolutionary Road

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

Revolutionary Road Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Revolutionary 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.

Revolutionary Road Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Revolutionary Road

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Revolutionary Road

More About Revolutionary Road

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

Similar Movies to Revolutionary Road

Discover movies like Revolutionary 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.