The Beaver

The Beaver

Year: 2011

Runtime: 91 min

Language: English

DramaComedy

Walter Black, a toy company CEO, faces a personal crisis when his marriage fails and he loses his son's affection. Overwhelmed by despair, his life takes an unexpected turn with the discovery of a beaver puppet. Assuming the puppet's persona, Walter confronts his inner demons and begins a journey of self-discovery, attempting to repair his fractured relationships and find a path toward happiness.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Beaver 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 – The Beaver (2011)

Trace every key event in The Beaver (2011) 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

Walter's Despair

Walter Black is engulfed in a profound state of depression, particularly affecting his familial relationships. His mental health issues become unbearable for his family, ultimately leading to significant turmoil at home.

2

Merideth Kicks Walter Out

In an effort to protect herself and their children, Merideth makes the heart-wrenching decision to kick Walter out of their home. This act represents a breaking point for the family, highlighting the severity of Walter's struggles.

3

Walter Adopts the Beaver

In a moment of whimsy and desperation, Walter adopts a beaver puppet as a method of coping with his suicidal thoughts. Initially, it serves as a tool for self-communication, representing his fractured psyche.

4

Communication Through the Beaver

As Walter begins to use the beaver puppet to interact with others, it marks the start of his journey to reconnect with his family and Rediscover his purpose. The beaver becomes a bridge for Walter to express his emotions and fears.

5

Family Dynamics Shift

The use of the beaver puppet allows the family to uncover complexities in Walter's past, leading to deeper discussions and understanding. However, Porter remains skeptical, viewing his father's behavior as extreme and unstable.

6

Porter's Romance with Norah

Porter develops a relationship with Norah, the valedictorian at his school, as they work together on her graduation speech. However, their budding romance takes a turn for the worse when they find themselves engaging in illicit activities together.

7

Dinner Reunion

Merideth invites Walter over for dinner to discuss their family dynamics, aiming for reconciliation. The conversation struggles until Walter reintroduces the beaver, which becomes a pivotal moment in their interaction.

8

Porter's Arrest

The night takes a chaotic turn when Porter is arrested after embarking on a graffiti adventure. This incident catalyzes Merideth's decision to distance herself from Walter and his beaver persona.

9

Beaver's Public Success

The beaver puppet gains significant popularity, including an appearance on the Today Show, where it discusses overcoming depression. This moment translates into newfound understanding for Walter’s family concerning his struggles.

10

Walter's Crisis

Walter's mental state declines further, culminating in a crisis that results in him being hospitalized. This event emphasizes Walter's precarious situation and the emotional toll it takes on his family.

Hospital
11

Porter Mirrors Walter

Amidst these challenges, Porter begins to reflect his father's patterns of despair, caught in a cycle that jeopardizes his future. This mirroring highlights the influence of family dynamics on mental health.

12

Norah's Support

Norah's reentry into Porter's life offers him hope and motivation to mend his fractured relationship with Walter. Her care becomes a source of inspiration for Porter as he navigates his family's complexities.

13

Theme of Renewal

As the story develops, themes of renewal and understanding are revealed, particularly through the family’s efforts to reconcile. Walter's journey through despair significantly impacts the trajectory of each family member.

14

Porter's Realization

By the film's conclusion, Porter comes to understand the critical importance of family reconciliation. This realization underlines the story's emotional core, showcasing the possibility for healing and connection.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 22:58

Unlock the Full Story of The Beaver

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

The Beaver Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Beaver, 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.

The Beaver Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Beaver

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Beaver

More About The Beaver

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Beaver: 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 The Beaver

Similar Movies to The Beaver

Discover movies like The Beaver 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.