Seven Pounds

Seven Pounds

Year: 2008

Runtime: 123 min

Language: English

Director: Gabriele Muccino

Budget: $55M

Drama

Haunted by a tragic past, Ben Thomas seeks atonement by secretly orchestrating a plan to help seven people. His mission to improve their lives takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Emily, a woman battling a serious heart condition. As Ben helps Emily and others, he finds himself developing feelings for her, leading to a complex and emotional journey of self-discovery and redemption.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Seven Pounds (2008)

Trace every key event in Seven Pounds (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

Tim's Tragic Call

The story begins with Tim making a shocking call to 911 to report his suicide. This haunting moment sets the tone for his journey of redemption following a devastating event from two years prior.

2

The Catastrophic Accident

Two years earlier, Tim Thomas sends a text message while driving, resulting in a catastrophic car accident. Tragically, this accident claims the lives of seven individuals, including his fiancée, Sarah Jenson.

3

Pursuit of Redemption

In an effort to atone for his past mistakes, Tim embarks on a mission to save seven deserving people. The significance of this mission becomes clearer to him as he reflects on the lives he affected during the film's conclusion.

4

Donation to His Brother

One year after the accident, Tim donates a portion of his lung to his brother Ben, who works for the IRS. This act of kindness represents the first step in Tim's journey towards helping others.

One year post-accident
5

Helping Holly

Six months later, Tim donates part of his liver to Holly, a dedicated social services worker. Motivated by a profound desire to aid others, Tim continues to seek out those in need.

Six months later
6

Identifying George

Tim identifies junior hockey coach George as another potential organ recipient. He donates a kidney to him, realizing that his mission extends beyond mere contrition; it is about providing a second chance at life.

7

Helping Nicholas

In a further act of compassion, Tim donates bone marrow to a young boy named Nicholas. This donation underscores Tim's commitment to saving lives and atoning for his past.

8

Investigation of Potential Recipients

Utilizing unlawful IRS credentials, Tim investigates potential organ recipients by visiting their workplaces and homes. This undercover approach allows him to assess their worthiness for his life-saving donations.

9

Stewart's Unethical Practices

Tim discovers that Stewart Goodman, a manager at an assisted living facility, is engaged in unethical practices. Disturbed by his behavior, Tim decides against helping Stewart, realizing that not everyone is deserving of his sacrifices.

10

Meeting Connie

Tim reaches out to Holly for recommendations and is introduced to Connie, a woman trapped in an abusive relationship. After an initial rejection, their paths cross again after a violent incident, prompting Tim to offer her a safe haven.

11

Connie's Escape

Following an act of desperate violence at home, Connie reaches out to Tim, eventually moving into his beach house with her children. This act of kindness showcases Tim's growing sense of responsibility and compassion.

12

Evaluating Ezra Turner

Tim evaluates Ezra Turner, a blind meat salesman skilled in playing the piano. After a test of character, where he attempts to provoke Ezra, Tim is impressed by his calm demeanor and decides he is worthy of receiving help.

13

Support for Emily Posa

Tim becomes drawn to Emily Posa, a greeting card designer struggling with a heart condition. Under the guise of being from the IRS, he helps alleviate her tax burdens while fostering a strong, supportive bond.

14

Emily's Hospitalization

As Emily's health deteriorates, she is admitted to the hospital, compelling Tim to act quickly with his final donation. This race against time heightens the stakes of his mission and reveals the depth of his commitment.

15

Tim's Fateful Decision

In a heart-wrenching conclusion, Tim fills a bathtub with ice water to preserve his organs before ending his life. His sacrifice grants new life to others, with his organs going to intended recipients, setting the stage for new beginnings.

Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 21:11

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Movies about Redemptive Sacrifice like Seven Pounds

Characters atoning for a tragic past through a profound, life-altering sacrifice.If you were moved by the profound sacrifice in Seven Pounds, explore these movies about characters seeking atonement. These dramas feature heavy emotional journeys, driven by guilt and culminating in a redemptive, often bittersweet, finale that leaves a lasting impact.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a linear or flashback-driven structure, revealing a protagonist's tragic mistake that fuels a driven, secretive mission. The narrative builds steadily towards a climactic act of self-sacrifice, which provides salvation for others and a complex form of redemption for the protagonist, blending profound loss with a legacy of hope.

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Emotionally draining journeys through profound loss, regret, and the search for peace.For viewers who appreciated the heavy emotional tone of Seven Pounds, this list features similar melancholic dramas. Discover movies that delve into themes of grief, guilt, and tragic pasts, offering a steady, intense, and emotionally weighty viewing experience with complex character journeys.

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The narrative pattern involves a protagonist grappling with an unshakable, life-defining trauma. The plot often unfolds at a measured pace, allowing the audience to fully absorb the character's emotional state. While a glimmer of hope or connection may appear, the overarching journey is one of confronting and processing immense pain, leading to an ending that acknowledges the scars while offering a fragile sense of resolution.

Why These Movies?

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Seven Pounds Summary

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Seven Pounds Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Seven Pounds

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Seven Pounds

Seven Pounds Spoiler-Free Summary

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