Solitary Man

Year: 2010

Runtime: 90 min

Language: English

Directors: Brian Koppelman, David Levien

Budget: $15M

DramaComedy

Ben Kalmen is a successful car dealer whose life takes a dramatic turn, leading to a devastating downfall fueled by his own hubris and reckless decisions. Stripped of his lavish lifestyle, he's forced to adjust to a more modest existence and face the consequences of his past choices. While navigating this new reality, he unexpectedly takes Jordan’s daughter on a college tour in Boston, and the experience offers him a chance at redemption and a potential path towards rebuilding his life.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Solitary Man 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 & Setting – Solitary Man (2010)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Solitary Man (2010). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:27

Main Characters – Solitary Man (2010)

Meet the key characters of Solitary Man (2010), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:27

Major Themes – Solitary Man (2010)

Explore the central themes of Solitary Man (2010), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:27

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Melancholic character studies like Solitary Man

Intimate portraits of flawed individuals grappling with the consequences of their own choices.If you liked the introspective, character-driven depth of Solitary Man, explore other movies that focus on flawed individuals facing the consequences of their actions. These similar drama films share a melancholic tone and a steady pace, offering nuanced portraits of moral failure and the difficult path toward possible redemption.

melancholicintrospectiveregretfullonelycynicalcharacter studymidlife crisis

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread follow a central character's downfall, often self-inflicted through arrogance or reckless behavior. The story methodically explores the aftermath, as the protagonist is stripped of their status and forced to confront their failings. The climax is not a dramatic rescue but a quiet moment of self-awareness, often leading to an ambiguous ending that questions whether true change is possible.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here because they share a core focus on a single, complex character navigating a midlife crisis or existential dread. They create a similar viewing experience through their melancholic mood, moderate intensity, and contemplative pacing, making them perfect for viewers seeking thoughtful, character-focused dramas.

Movies about ambiguous redemption like Solitary Man

Stories where a chance at change is offered, but the outcome remains uncertain.For viewers who appreciated the realistic, uncertain hope at the end of Solitary Man, this collection features dramas about downfall and potential recovery. Discover similar movies where characters are offered a path to redemption after a personal collapse, but the ending remains thoughtfully ambiguous, reflecting the complexity of real change.

redemptionambiguoushopefulregretfulbittersweetdownfallsecond chancefamily

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a clear downfall arc, followed by a period of adjustment to a diminished life. A catalyst—often an encounter with a younger generation or a simple act of kindness—presents a glimmer of hope. The story builds towards a crossroads for the character, but concludes without a definitive resolution, emphasizing that redemption is a choice, not a destined outcome.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their exploration of redemption as a difficult, uncertain process rather than a foregone conclusion. They share a bittersweet or ambiguous ending feel, a medium emotional weight, and themes of reconciliation and existential dread, creating a coherent vibe of realistic hope tempered by past failures.

Unlock the Full Story of Solitary Man

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

Solitary Man Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Solitary Man, 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.

Solitary Man Timeline

Track the full timeline of Solitary Man with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Solitary Man Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Solitary Man that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About Solitary Man

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Solitary Man: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to Solitary Man

Discover movies like Solitary Man 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.