The Kid with a Bike

The Kid with a Bike

Year: 2012

Runtime: 87 min

Language: French

Directors: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne

Drama

When his father mysteriously vanishes, a young boy desperately searches for his treasured bicycle, which represents the last connection to his parent. Lost and struggling, he encounters a compassionate hairdresser who offers support and understanding. Despite Cyril’s troubled behavior, she remains committed to helping him, forging an unexpected bond as he tries to hold onto hope and find his way.

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Timeline – The Kid with a Bike (2012)

Trace every key event in The Kid with a Bike (2012) 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

Cyril's Father Disappears

Twelve-year-old Cyril feels abandoned when his father, who had promised to return after a month, vanishes without a trace. This sense of betrayal drives Cyril to frantic measures as he yearns for his father’s presence in his life.

Liège
2

Escaping the Children's Home

In a desperate bid to find his father, Cyril orchestrates a violent escape from the children's home. His determination showcases a deep emotional turmoil and a profound sense of loss.

Children's Home in Liège
3

Visit to Father's Empty Apartment

Cyril rushes to his father's building, only to discover that the apartment is empty. This revelation deepens his despair, highlighting the stark reality of his abandonment.

Father's apartment
4

Samantha's Kindness

Samantha, a passing woman, offers support to Cyril and takes him to her own home. This act of kindness becomes a turning point in Cyril's life, providing him with a temporary refuge from his struggles.

Samantha's home
5

Cyril Receives His Bike

Samantha returns to gift Cyril a bike, reinforcing a sense of normalcy and joy in his tumultuous life. Eager to create a bond, Cyril expresses his desire to spend weekends with Samantha and her partner, Gilles.

Samantha's home
6

Discovering the Bike's Fate

Cyril's world shatters when he learns that his father sold the bike he cherished. This betrayal by his father further intensifies Cyril's feelings of loss and abandonment, driving a wedge between him and the new family he's trying to build.

7

Meeting with Cyril's Father

Taking initiative, Samantha attempts to reunite Cyril with his father, who, during their meeting, expresses indifference towards Cyril’s feelings. This encounter leaves Cyril heartbroken and longing for a connection that is no longer there.

Father's apartment
8

Cyril Joins Wesker's Gang

Despite warnings from Samantha and Gilles, Cyril becomes involved with Wesker, a notorious gang leader. His choices lead him down a dangerous path, alienating himself from the caring adults in his life.

9

Tensions with Samantha and Gilles

As Cyril increasingly distances himself from Samantha and Gilles, tensions escalate within their household. Samantha’s concern for Cyril deepens when he starts declining family outings, suspecting he is involved with Wesker.

10

Cyril's Outburst

In a regrettable moment of rage and confusion, Cyril lashes out at Samantha, resulting in a tragic stabbing incident. This painful act symbolizes the depth of his emotional struggle and the catastrophic path he has chosen.

Samantha's home
11

The Robbery

Under Wesker's coercion, Cyril is forced to participate in a robbery, committing an act he knows is wrong. This moment irrevocably changes Cyril's life as he grapples with the consequences of his actions.

12

Returning Stolen Money

Cyril seeks to return the stolen money to his father, only to be met with cold indifference. This encounter reinforces the emotional void left by his father's abandonment, pushing Cyril further into despair.

13

Seeking Forgiveness

Realizing the gravity of his actions, Cyril attempts to seek forgiveness from Samantha. However, the turmoil he has caused leads to a strained relationship, leaving both of them grappling with pain.

14

Near-Death Experience

Cyril finds himself on the run after the robbery, facing a near-death experience when the newsstand owner's son pursues him. This moment of danger shakes him to his core and forces him to confront the chaos he has created.

15

Final Escape on the Bike

After his near-death experience, Cyril chooses to ride away on his cherished bike, symbolizing a final attempt to reclaim his sense of autonomy. Leaving behind a swirl of chaos, he seeks solace in the freedom of cycling.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 18:09

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The Kid with a Bike Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Kid with a Bike

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Kid with a Bike

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