The Butterfly

The Butterfly

Year: 2003

Runtime: 85 min

Language: English

Director: Philippe Muyl

DramaComedy

A charismatic burlesque performer, Evelyn, unexpectedly connects with Al, a single father, and his teenage son, Fin. As the three navigate their evolving relationships, hidden truths about Fin’s mother’s death emerge. The story explores themes of love, loss, and the possibility of redemption as they grapple with the past and forge new connections.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Butterfly 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 – The Butterfly (2003)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Butterfly (2003). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1990s - 2000s

The narrative spans a crucial time period from the 1990s into the early 2000s, a transformative era characterized by shifting societal norms and a growing awareness of mental health issues. The experiences during this time significantly shape the characters' lives and the outcomes of their relationships.

Location

New York City, Childhood Neighborhood

The movie traverses through New York City, a vibrant metropolis known for its bustling life and cultural significance. It also dives into Evan's childhood neighborhood, a place marked by innocence and later overshadowed by tragedy, where friendships formed and traumatic experiences unfolded.

🌆 City 🏡 Neighborhood

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:09

Main Characters – The Butterfly (2003)

Meet the key characters of The Butterfly (2003), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Evan Treborn

Evan is the central character, deeply affected by his childhood traumas and the responsibilities of his time-traveling abilities. His determination to protect his friends is marred by the dark consequences of his choices, ultimately leading him on a quest to alter the past.

🧠 Protagonist ⏳ Time Traveler

Kayleigh Miller

Kayleigh is Evan's childhood friend, whose life is tragically influenced by the events surrounding her family. Her struggle with addiction and her connection to Evan highlight themes of love and loss, ultimately culminating in her devastating fate.

💔 Lost Love 😢 Tragic

Lenny Kagan

Lenny is Evan's loyal friend, whose mental health deteriorates under the weight of their shared trauma. His character illustrates the ripple effects of their past experiences, leading to momentous decisions during Evan's attempts to rewrite fate.

👫 Friend 🌀 Trauma Survivor

Tommy Miller

Tommy is Kayleigh's brother, whose fragile mental state is pushed to the brink by the traumatic events they endure. His actions reflect the consequences of their shared past, culminating in a heart-wrenching sacrifice.

😞 Sacrificial 👦 Brother

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:09

Major Themes – The Butterfly (2003)

Explore the central themes of The Butterfly (2003), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⏳ Time Travel

Time travel serves as a central theme, allowing Evan to revisit and alter his past. However, each alteration reveals the unpredictability of consequences, highlighting the complexities and often tragic outcomes of attempting to change fate.

💔 Loss & Grief

The theme of loss permeates the film, as characters grapple with the deaths of loved ones and the impact of their traumas. This emotional weight drives Evan's desperate attempts to reshape the past and avoid further heartache.

🌀 Psychological Trauma

Psychological trauma is intricately woven into the characters' lives, stemming from childhood experiences of abuse and tragedy. The film explores how these traumas manifest throughout their lives, influencing their choices and mental health.

❤️ Friendship

Friendship plays a crucial role in the story, showcasing how bonds formed in childhood can endure the tests of time and trauma. Evan's relationships with Lenny, Kayleigh, and Tommy illustrate the protective and destructive aspects of friendship.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:09

Unlock the Full Story of The Butterfly

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

The Butterfly Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Butterfly, 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 Butterfly Summary

The Butterfly Timeline

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

The Butterfly Timeline

The Butterfly Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Butterfly 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.

The Butterfly Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Butterfly

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

Similar Movies to The Butterfly

Discover movies like The Butterfly 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.