The King of Staten Island

The King of Staten Island

Year: 2020

Runtime: 136 min

Language: English

Director: Judd Apatow

Echo Score: 68

Budget: $35M

DramaComedy

A struggling young man grapples with childhood trauma and a lack of direction in his life. When his mother begins a new relationship, he's forced to confront his grief and embark on a path of self-discovery. Surrounded by his loyal, eccentric friends and navigating complex relationships, he begins to find purpose and move forward from his past.

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Timeline & Setting – The King of Staten Island (2020)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The King of Staten Island (2020). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The story unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal issues. It illustrates the challenges faced by millennials navigating their paths amidst personal and social pressures.

Location

Staten Island, New York City

Staten Island, one of New York City's five boroughs, is often viewed as a suburban enclave. Known for its parks and waterfront areas, it provides a mix of urban and natural experiences. The Staten Island Ferry also offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, connecting the island to the bustling city life.

🏖️ Beach 🏙️ Urban

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:05

Main Characters – The King of Staten Island (2020)

Meet the key characters of The King of Staten Island (2020), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Scott Carlin

Scott is a 24-year-old high school dropout who is trying to find his way in life after the loss of his father, a firefighter. Struggling with Crohn's disease and ADHD, he often resorts to marijuana to cope. His journey is marked by insecurities, particularly in his relationships, and a deep desire to prove himself as an artist.

🧑🏻‍🎨 Artist 🏠 Unemployed 💔 Grief

Margie Carlin

Margie is Scott's nurturing mother, balancing her grief over the loss of her husband with the need to support her children. As she explores a new romantic relationship, she embodies resilience and the challenges of moving on. Her dynamic with Scott highlights the struggles of letting go while seeking happiness.

❤️ Mother ✨ Resilient

Ray Bishop

Ray is a firefighter and the father of Harold. Initially, Scott resents him due to his father's legacy, but as they bond over their shared experiences, Ray becomes a mentor figure to Scott. His character highlights themes of understanding and fatherhood in the face of loss.

🔥 Firefighter 🤝 Mentor

Kelsey

Kelsey is a significant figure in Scott's life, embodying both potential love and challenge. She desires a deeper commitment from Scott but is also aware of his insecurities. Their relationship reflects the complexities of young love and the fear of vulnerability.

❤️ Love Interest 🌱 Growth

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:05

Major Themes – The King of Staten Island (2020)

Explore the central themes of The King of Staten Island (2020), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎨 Personal Growth

The theme of personal growth is central to Scott's journey, as he grapples with his identity and aspirations. His struggles with grief, mental health, and relationships compel him to confront his past and envision a healthier future. The film showcases the importance of self-discovery and emotional resilience.

💔 Loss and Grief

Scott's loss of his father profoundly shapes his worldview and relationships. The impact of this loss on his mental health and his interactions with others illustrates how grief can manifest in various ways. The narrative captures the intricate process of dealing with such a significant absence in one's life.

🌆 Family Dynamics

Family dynamics play a crucial role as Scott navigates his relationships with his mother and sister. As they face transitions, such as Claire leaving for college, the film examines the complexities of familial love, support, and the pressures that come with change.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:05

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Messy slacker stories of self-discovery like The King of Staten Island

Directionless characters confronting their past to find a future.Movies like *The King of Staten Island* that follow quirky, unpolished protagonists on a journey from stagnation to tentative purpose. If you enjoyed Scott's raw and eccentric path through grief, you'll find similar heartfelt dramedies about finding direction.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a protagonist, often stuck in a comfortable but unfulfilling rut, whose world is disrupted by an external force (a new relationship, a family demand, a personal failure). This disruption forces them to confront deep-seated emotional issues, leading to a non-linear, character-driven arc of self-discovery that prioritizes authenticity over tidy resolutions.

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These movies are grouped by their shared focus on realistic, flawed characters, a balance of humor and emotional weight, and a narrative that values character growth over plot. They often feature a specific, grounded setting that acts as a character itself.

Bittersweet coming-of-age dramedies like The King of Staten Island

Hopeful journeys of maturation that acknowledge life's complexities.If you liked the balance of humor and heart in *The King of Staten Island*, explore similar coming-of-age stories. These films feature characters grappling with grief and family while finding their way, leading to endings that are hopeful yet realistically bittersweet.

bittersweethopefulintrospectivefamily dynamicsfinding purposegrieffriendship

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist, often older than a typical teen, undergoing a delayed or complicated maturation. The journey is catalyzed by confronting a significant personal or familial issue. The resolution is bittersweet, acknowledging real growth and hope while also accepting that some scars remain and the future is still uncertain.

Why These Movies?

They share a specific emotional mix: a hopeful core tempered by the acknowledgment of life's difficulties. The pacing is steady, allowing for character development, and the tone expertly weaves comedy into moments of significant emotional weight, resulting in an authentic and grounded viewing experience.

Unlock the Full Story of The King of Staten Island

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

The King of Staten Island Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The King of Staten Island, 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 King of Staten Island Summary

The King of Staten Island Timeline

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

The King of Staten Island Timeline

The King of Staten Island Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of The King of Staten Island? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

The King of Staten Island Ending Explained

The King of Staten Island Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The King of Staten Island 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 King of Staten Island Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The King of Staten Island

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More About The King of Staten Island

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