The Roads Not Taken

The Roads Not Taken

Year: 2020

Runtime: 85 min

Language: English

Director: Sally Potter

Drama

Leo, portrayed by Javier Bardem, and his daughter Molly, played by Elle Fanning, embark on a poignant journey through New York City. As they travel, Leo’s fractured memories and mental state create a dreamlike atmosphere, revealing alternate versions of his life and the choices that shaped them. Molly, a bright and observant young girl, must grapple with her own aspirations and contemplate the possibilities that lie ahead, understanding the impact of decisions and the weight of the roads not taken.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Roads Not Taken (2020)

Trace every key event in The Roads Not Taken (2020) 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

Phone and Doorbell Disturbance

Leo is endlessly disturbed by the ringing phone and buzzing doorbell, yet he remains in a state of ignorance about the chaos outside his bedroom. His daughter Molly eventually arrives, confronting Leo’s confusion as he struggles to understand his surroundings.

2

Dentist Visit Gone Wrong

During an ill-fated visit to the dentist, Leo’s refusal to comply with simple instructions leads to a distressing incident. Molly, feeling disheartened, tries to manage both her father's situation and her disappointment at the day’s unexpected turn.

dentist office
3

Taxi Incident

As Molly hails a taxi for Leo, his fading awareness causes him to fall out of the car, hitting his head. The concerned taxi driver immediately calls for an ambulance, rushing Leo to the emergency room to address his injuries.

taxi
4

Shopping Trip to Costco

Hoping for a better outing, Molly takes Leo to Costco, but things go awry when he wanders off while she is on a work call. To her shock, he returns clutching a dog he believes is his long-lost pet, leading to accusations of theft from an angry woman and a chaotic scene.

Costco
5

Misunderstanding at Costco

The security team intervenes as Molly explains Leo's confusion due to his dementia. Although Leo is released, the incident leaves him visibly shaken and highlights the struggles they face in public.

Costco
6

Optometrist Appointment

Molly's next attempt to help her father involves an appointment with the optometrist. Unfortunately, Leo struggles once again to follow basic directions, further testifying to Molly's patience and escalating her stress.

optometrist
7

Work Project Takeover

That evening, Molly's boss delivers disheartening news: her project has been reassigned to someone else. This crushing reality weighs heavily on her, making her realize the limitations of her current situation and her father's condition.

evening office
8

Leo's Escape

In a moment of desperation after hearing the shocking news, Leo sneaks out of their apartment. His unplanned adventure through the streets prompts Molly to panic as she embarks on a frantic search for her father.

city streets
9

Kind Rescue by Taxi Drivers

Leo's wandering comes to a halt when he is fortunately found and rescued by two compassionate taxi drivers. Their kindness provides a moment of solace in the midst of the chaos that has engulfed both father and daughter.

city streets
10

Encounter with Dolores

At home, Dolores urges Leo to wake up and embrace the day. However, Leo's confusion leads to a clumsy encounter with her, igniting his distress and prompting him to flee the car, feeling utterly disoriented.

home
11

Maize Truck Ride

After exiting the vehicle, Leo finds himself wandering along a desolate road, eventually hitching a ride on a maize truck. This act of escape symbolizes his struggle to navigate the turmoil in his mind.

desolate road
12

Day of the Dead Celebration

As night falls, Leo unexpectedly finds himself at a lively Day of the Dead celebration in a cemetery, serving as a backdrop to his emotional turmoil. With Dolores by his side, he confronts the pain of losing their son, Néstor, in a poignant moment of shared grief.

night cemetery
13

The Tavern Encounter

The following day, Leo seeks solace at Mikael's tavern by the sea, where he meets Anni, a captivating tourist who resembles Molly. Their engaging conversation reveals Leo's unfinished novel, reflecting his inner conflicts between home and the allure of escape.

Mikael's tavern
14

Chasing the Party Cruise

That evening, Anni and her friends embark on a festive party cruise, and Leo, filled with envy, attempts to follow them in his rowboat. His relentless pursuit ultimately leaves him isolated, adrift in the dark sea.

evening sea
15

Discovery of Leo's Body

The following morning, fishermen stumble upon Leo's unresponsive body in his boat, searching for clues about his identity and the events that led to his tragic state. This discovery adds another layer to the narrative of loss and connection.

ocean

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 18:54

Unlock the Full Story of The Roads Not Taken

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The Roads Not Taken Summary

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The Roads Not Taken Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Roads Not Taken

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Roads Not Taken

The Roads Not Taken Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of The Roads Not Taken? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

The Roads Not Taken Ending Explained

More About The Roads Not Taken

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More About The Roads Not Taken

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