The Ringer

The Ringer

Year: 2005

Runtime: 94 min

Language: English

Director: Barry W. Blaustein

SportComedy

A man decides to pose as someone with Down syndrome to help his brother's basketball team, aiming to help them win a championship. His elaborate scheme leads him into the world of the Special Olympics, where he unexpectedly finds himself confronting his own values and the true meaning of competition. He learns that genuine connection and purpose are found not through deception, but through embracing authenticity and celebrating the abilities of others.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Ringer (2005)

Trace every key event in The Ringer (2005) 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

Promotion and firing

Steve Barker is promoted at his company and is forced to fire his friend Stavi, a hardworking immigrant janitor. He reluctantly does so but then offers Stavi a job around his apartment to keep him employed. The firing sets off a chain of difficult moral choices for Steve as he tries to balance loyalty and opportunity.

Day of promotion Company office
2

Stavi's accident and fundraising

While working around Steve's apartment, Stavi loses three fingers in a lawnmower accident. He reveals that he does not have health insurance, triggering Steve's vow to raise 28,000 dollars within two weeks for surgery. The urgent need forces Steve to pursue a drastic plan to save his friend's hand.

Two weeks window after the accident Steve's apartment/workspace
3

Uncle Gary's debt plan

Steve's Uncle Gary confesses a $40,000 gambling debt and suggests they fix the Special Olympics in San Marcos, Texas to solve both of their problems. The scheme would let Gary place a large bet on the outcome. Steve is reluctant but begins to consider the high-stakes plan as a possible path to help Stavi.

Shortly after the accident Gary's home
4

Jeffy Dahmor enters the Olympics

Steve enters the Special Olympics under the guise of 'Jeffy Dahmor,' a high-functioning young man with a developmental disability. He hopes to influence the results, anticipating that Jimmy Washington will not win. Gary bets $100,000 that Jimmy will lose, raising the pressure on Steve and the plan.

During preparation and competition San Marcos, Special Olympics venue
5

A spark with Lynn

During the competition, Steve starts to fall for Lynn, a volunteer. Their growing connection complicates his ruse and adds personal stakes to the scheme. The romance also deepens Steve's emotional conflict about what he is risking for Stavi.

Early in the competition Special Olympics venue
6

The truth comes out to the contestants

Six other contestants see through Steve's act, challenging the deception. He chooses to tell them the truth about Stavi and why he got involved in the first place. The group reacts with a mix of anger, surprise, and reluctant sympathy, reshaping the competition's dynamics.

During the competition Competition venue
7

An unexpected alliance

The contestants urge Steve to stay and help Stavi despite the deception. He agrees, forming an unlikely alliance with the participants who want to see Jimmy lose and to support his friend. Together they begin training and supporting each other for the finals.

After the truth is revealed Special Olympics venue
8

Friendship, theater, and trouble with Lynn

Steve befriends the other contestants and encourages Thomas to pursue a girl he likes, even taking the group to see Dirty Dancing. He also discovers that Lynn is seeing David, and that David has been cheating, which strains his relationship with Lynn.

During preparation and events Theaters and local venues
9

Confession and rejection

Overwhelmed by guilt, Steve confesses his deception in a church, but the priest rejects him, even punching him out of the confession booth. The brutal moment deepens Steve's sense of shame and resolve to make things right. He contemplates whether to continue with the ruse or come clean.

Mid-campaign Church confession booth
10

Final competition and revelation

In the final competition, Glen wins first while Steve finishes third behind Jimmy. At the medal ceremony, Steve reveals that he is not developmentally disabled and shares his real name, expressing accountability for his actions. He even gives his medal to Thomas, who finished fourth.

Final competition day Competition arena
11

Aftermath and consequences

Lynn is upset and rebuffs Steve after the revelation, while Uncle Gary still wins the bet because Jimmy's loss satisfies the condition. The fallout underscores the personal cost of Steve's deception and the fragile nature of trust.

Immediately after finals Medal ceremony or arena
12

Six months later: a new life

Six months later, Steve quits his job and begins a career in theater, producing a play with his friends and Stavi, who has had his fingers reattached. The new path centers on friendship, art, and the possibility of redemption.

Six months later Theater
13

Forgiveness and reconciliation

Lynn forgives Steve after learning from Stavi why he pretended to be developmentally disabled, and the two share a kiss. The reconciliation signals emotional healing and a hopeful future together.

After six months later Theater or backstage
14

Mid-credits celebration

In the mid-credits scene, Steve and his friends dance onstage with the Kids of Widney High as they perform the song 'Respect.' The upbeat moment provides a playful coda and celebrates the community they've built.

Mid-credits Stage

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:58

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