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Timeline

The Boss (2016) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2016 · 99 min · English
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Directed by
Ben Falcone
Budget
$29M

Following a prison sentence, ambitious CEO Michelle Darnell must adjust to a life far removed from the corporate world. Stripped of her power and prestige, she navigates the challenges of incarceration while plotting a return to dominance. With the assistance of her former employee, Claire, and fueled by a love for baking, Michelle aims for a remarkable comeback, encountering unexpected hurdles along the way and learning valuable lessons about humility and second chances.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like The Boss
  6. 6 Categories
  7. 7 Every angle
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15 events in order · contains spoilers

The Boss Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of The Boss (2016) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Michelle's Tough Childhood

    Michelle Darnell, as an orphan, faced rejection from every family that tried to adopt her, which laid the foundation for her tenacity and ambition. This challenging upbringing shaped her character and drive to succeed in the business world.

  2. Rise to Power

    Against all odds, Michelle rises to become the CEO of multiple companies. Through her fierce determination and business acumen, she secures her position as the 47th richest woman in the world.

  3. Complicated Rivalry

    Michelle's rivalry with Renault begins to fester, rooted in a personal history from the 90s where she previously undermined him to gain a promotion. This backdrop of competition fuels their animosity as they face off in the business world.

    When
    1990s
  4. Accusations and Arrest

    Tensions escalate when Renault accuses Michelle of insider trading after she thwarts his acquisition plans. The SEC intervenes, leading to Michelle's arrest and the subsequent collapse of her business empire.

  5. Time in Prison

    Following her arrest, Michelle spends five months in prison, reflecting on her life choices and the consequences of her actions. Upon her release, she finds herself without a home or support, facing the fallout of her previous decisions.

    Where
    Prison
  6. Seeking Refuge

    After her release, Michelle is welcomed into the home of Claire, her former PA, who is feeling overwhelmed by her new boss. Michelle stays with Claire and her family as she tries to rebuild her life and reputation.

    Where
    Claire's Home
  7. Ideas for Redemption

    While struggling to adjust, Michelle attends a local Dandelions cookies meeting and discovers unethical practices in their sales approach. This revelation inspires her to create a new initiative, Michelle's Darlings, aimed at empowering young girls to sell cookies.

  8. Launching Michelle's Darlings

    Michelle's Darlings begins slowly, but with hard work and commitment, they start to gain traction and generate impressive profits. This venture provides a new focus for Michelle and offers hope for her future.

  9. Conflict with Claire

    As Michelle and Claire grow closer through their business efforts, tensions rise between them. Misunderstandings drive a wedge in their relationship, leading Michelle to reconsider her role in Claire's life.

  10. Opening a Commercial Kitchen

    With the support of her mentor Ida, Michelle opens a commercial kitchen to boost cookie production. This move signals her serious commitment to the business and her desire to regain her entrepreneurial spirit.

  11. Betrayal and Falling Out

    Michelle misinterprets a conversation between Claire and Renault as a betrayal. Hurt and angry, she decides to sell the cookie business to her rival, resulting in heartbreak for Claire and the young girls they have worked so hard to support.

  12. Realization of Regret

    After taking time to reflect on her choices, Michelle feels deep regret for abandoning Claire and the project. She finds the courage to reconcile, urging Claire and Rachel to join her in reclaiming their dreams and ambitions.

  13. Confrontation with Renault

    Michelle orchestrates a stealthy return to Renault's office to confront him about the contract. An intense showdown ensues that culminates in a surprising moment: a passionate kiss that rekindles old feelings and conflicts.

    Where
    Renault's Office
  14. Tearing Up the Contract

    In a powerful act of solidarity, Claire rips up the contract Michelle planned to rescind. Together, they embrace a new beginning as they decide to move forward with their plans, united in spirit and purpose.

  15. Celebration of Success

    Eight months later, Michelle and Claire celebrate their achievements in their new home, funded by the thriving cookie business. Their journey reflects resilience, friendship, and the power of second chances.

    When
    Eight months later
    Where
    New Home

Last updated: November 08, 2024 at 04:43

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Timeline questions answered

The Boss Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of The Boss (2016): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why was Michelle Darnell arrested?

Michelle was arrested by the SEC on charges of insider trading. The arrest occurred after her business rival Renault accused her of the crime when she blocked his acquisition plans by buying shares of his target company. This confrontation led to the collapse of her business empire and her subsequent prison sentence.

Foreshadowing: Earlier context establishes Renault's deep resentment toward Michelle stemming from a 1990s incident where she undermined him to secure a promotion.

  • michelle darnell
  • arrest
  • insider trading
  • sec
  • renault
  • prison
Q2

What is the history between Michelle and Renault?

Michelle and Renault share a complicated rivalry that began in the 1990s when Michelle undermined him to secure a promotion. Renault's resentment grew over the years, and when he attempted to acquire a company, Michelle blocked him by buying shares of the target company. This act directly triggered his accusation of insider trading, leading to her arrest.

Foreshadowing: The timeline establishes that their rivalry festered over decades, building toward the events of the movie.

  • renault
  • rivalry
  • 1990s
  • promotion
  • business rivalry
Q3

How did Michelle end up living with Claire after prison?

After her five-month prison sentence, Michelle had nowhere to go because her support network had been undermined by Renault. Her former employee Claire, who was fed up with her new micromanaging boss, reluctantly allowed Michelle to stay at her home after Claire's daughter Rachel insisted on helping the fallen titan.

Foreshadowing: Claire's dissatisfaction with her current job sets up her willingness to take in Michelle.

  • claire
  • michelle
  • prison
  • home
  • Claire's house
  • homeless
Q5

Why did Michelle sell the cookie business to Renault?

Michelle misinterpreted a conversation between Claire and Renault as a betrayal. Believing Claire had betrayed her trust, Michelle decided to sell the cookie business to Renault as an act of revenge, devastating Claire and the young girls they had worked to support.

Foreshadowing: Tensions had been building between Michelle and Claire as they grew closer, making Michelle more sensitive to perceived betrayals.

  • sell business
  • renault
  • betrayal
  • cookie business
  • revenge
Q6

What caused the conflict between Michelle and Claire?

The conflict arose when Michelle discovered Claire in conversation with Renault and misinterpreted it as betrayal. This misunderstanding, combined with the growing tensions from their close working relationship, led Michelle to accused Claire of betrayal and ultimately sell the business to Renault.

Foreshadowing: Their growing closeness paradoxically made Michelle more suspicious and vulnerable to misunderstandings.

  • conflict
  • misunderstanding
  • claire
  • renault
  • betrayal
  • argument
Q7

Why did Michelle kiss Renault at the end?

During their confrontation in Renault's office, Michelle and Renault shared an unexpected kiss. This moment suggested unresolved romantic tension between them, despite their bitter business rivalry. The kiss marked a turning point that led to Claire tearing up the contract and the trio reconciling.

Foreshadowing: Their complicated history included personal elements beyond business rivalry.

  • kiss
  • renault
  • romance
  • confrontation
  • office
Q9

Who was Ida Marquette and how did she help Michelle?

Ida Marquette was Michelle's mentor who provided her with capital to open a commercial kitchen. This investment allowed Michelle to scale up cookie production and demonstrate her serious commitment to the business, though it ultimately contributed to the misunderstanding with Claire.

Foreshadowing: Ida's support showed that Michelle still had valuable connections despite her fall from grace.

  • ida marquette
  • mentor
  • capital
  • kitchen
  • investment
Q10

Why did Michelle become so driven and ambitious?

Michelle's ambition stemmed from her tough childhood as an orphan who was rejected by every family that tried to adopt her. This rejection shaped her tenacious character and fueled her determination to rise to become the 47th richest woman in the world through her business empire.

Foreshadowing: The movie establishes early on that Michelle's past directly influenced her aggressive business tactics.

  • ambition
  • orphan
  • childhood
  • rejection
  • CEO
  • rich

Movie threads

More Movies Like The Boss, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes The Boss tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies about comedic redemption arcs like The Boss

Arrogant elites get a reality check and find a better path with unlikely allies. If you liked watching Michelle Darnell's humbling fall and funny comeback in The Boss, you'll enjoy these other movies. This list features similar comedies about arrogant characters who get a reality check and find a more authentic path to success with the help of unexpected friendships.

  • comedic
  • redemptive
  • uplifting
  • lighthearted
  • feel-good
  • triumphant
  • Tone: light, humorous, uplifting
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: This thread follows a clear pattern: a successful but arrogant character experiences a humiliating downfall, forcing them to rebuild from scratch. Their journey involves shedding their ego, forming a bond with a more grounded character, and often finding success in a new, quirkier venture that leads to personal growth and a happy, triumphant ending.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their shared focus on a specific character arc—the humbling and redemption of a comedic anti-hero. They balance business rivalry and comeback stakes with a consistently lighthearted tone, ensuring the journey is more funny than heavy, and ultimately delivers a feel-good, uplifting conclusion.

Feel-good business comedy movies like The Boss

Unlikely partnerships turn a quirky passion project into a successful, heartwarming business. Fans of The Boss will enjoy this selection of movies about quirky small businesses and the found families that run them. These lighthearted comedies share a similar vibe of energetic collaboration, female-driven ventures, and the joyful triumph of an underdog idea, perfect for a fun, uplifting watch.

  • feel-good
  • uplifting
  • quirky
  • collaborative
  • entrepreneurial
  • found-family
  • Tone: lighthearted, energetic, feel-good
  • Pacing: steady, upbeat
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Narratives in this thread often begin with a unique idea or skill, like baking, that becomes the foundation for a new business. The central conflict involves building this venture against the odds, with the core emotional journey being the development of strong, supportive relationships among the partners, culminating in a success that feels earned and heartwarming.

Why they belong together: This grouping captures a specific, cozy vibe found in comedies where the business itself is a character. The movies share a light tone, steady pacing, and a focus on collaboration over intense rivalry. The dominant mood is energetic and feel-good, driven by themes of female empowerment, friendship, and the satisfaction of building something unique together.

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Movies Like The Boss

Similar movies to The Boss: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

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Categories

Movie Lists Featuring The Boss

The Boss appears in these hand-built movie categories. Each one groups movies by a specific mood, theme or story type, with their plot summaries and endings explained.

View all movie categories

Every angle

The Boss (2016) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about The Boss in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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