The Ref

The Ref

Year: 1994

Runtime: 97 min

Language: English

Director: Ted Demme

DramaComedyCrime

In this witty and poignant caper, a cat burglar's plans are foiled when he finds himself trapped with a bickering couple (Judy Davis, Kevin Spacey) in their idyllic Connecticut home. As tensions rise, the trio's lives become intertwined in a hilarious and heartwarming exploration of love, marriage, and redemption.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Ref (1994)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Ref (1994). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Christmas Eve

The story takes place on Christmas Eve, a time traditionally associated with joy and family gatherings. However, in this narrative, it serves as a backdrop for familial strife, conflict, and unexpected criminal activity. The holiday setting intensifies the dramatic tension, highlighting the dissonance between festive expectations and personal turmoil.

Location

Connecticut, Chasseur residence

The movie is set in the charming town of Connecticut, characterized by delicate, fluttering snowflakes during Christmas Eve. The Chasseur residence serves as the focal point of the drama, where family conflicts and unexpected situations unfold. This idyllic town contrasts sharply with the rising tensions and chaos introduced by the unwelcome presence of the cat burglar.

🏡 Home ❄️ Winter 🎄 Christmas

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:22

Main Characters – The Ref (1994)
Meet the key characters of The Ref (1994), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lloyd (Kevin Spacey)

Lloyd is a man caught in a tumultuous marriage with Caroline, marked by bitter arguments and unresolved issues. He seeks to assert himself throughout the evening but often falls short due to their longstanding conflicts. His character navigates moments of vulnerability and courage as the night unfolds.

🏠 Husband 😠 Frustrated 💼 Professional

Caroline (Christine Baranski)

Caroline is portrayed as a conflicted wife grappling with the consequences of her infidelity. Her character is complex, driven by both her desires and her frustrations with Lloyd, leading to intense confrontations. As the night progresses, her emotional journey becomes pivotal in the story.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Wife 😢 Emotional 💔 Unfaithful

Gus

Gus, the sharp-witted cat burglar, inadvertently becomes trapped in the Chasseur household. His character serves as a catalyst for events, forcing the family to confront their issues while also revealing his own insights into their lives. He embodies the unexpected nature of the holidays and the chaos that can ensue.

🏴‍☠️ Burglar 😂 Sarcastic 🎭 Intruder

Jesse (Robert J. Steinmiller Jr.)

Jesse is a teenager caught between family drama and his own schemes. He appears detached initially, but as the night unfolds, his involvement in a blackmail plot highlights his struggles with identity and family expectations. His character reflects the complexities of youth amid familial chaos.

👦 Son 🤔 Conflicted 🎒 Student

Lt. Huff

Lt. Huff is the local police chief who remains rather unfazed by the surrounding chaos. His demeanor suggests a calm in the storm, possibly indicative of the town's larger issues being overlooked. He represents the authoritative figure trying to maintain order amidst rising tensions.

👮‍♂️ Police Chief 🔍 Investigative 🚓 Calm

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:22

Major Themes – The Ref (1994)
Explore the central themes of The Ref (1994), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Family Conflict

The film explores the theme of family conflict, particularly through the strained marriage of Lloyd and Caroline. Their arguments reveal deeper issues within their relationship, exacerbating the chaos of the night. The presence of Gus exposes these conflicts, forcing the couple to confront their problems amidst the dramatic and humorous circumstances.

🔒 Secrets

Secrets play a critical role in the storyline, from Caroline's infidelity to Jesse's blackmail scheme. These hidden truths surface during the tense night, complicating relationships and leading to revelations that change the dynamics within the Chasseur family. The theme underscores how secrets can both bind and tear families apart.

💡 Self-Discovery

Throughout the chaos, characters navigate their paths toward self-discovery. Gus challenges Jesse to reconsider his life choices, while Lloyd and Caroline are forced to confront the reality of their relationship. These moments of reflection allow them to reassess their values and choices against the backdrop of their familial responsibilities.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:22

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