The Vicious Kind

The Vicious Kind

Year: 2009

Runtime: 92 min

Language: English

Director: Lee Toland Krieger

DramaComedy

A construction worker struggling with heartbreak finds his world shaken during a Thanksgiving weekend. Caleb, bitter after a painful breakup, is reluctantly drawn into the romantic pursuits of his brother, who has fallen for a young woman named Emma. While attempting to shield his sibling from potential disappointment, Caleb unexpectedly develops feelings of his own and must face deeply buried emotional wounds.

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Timeline – The Vicious Kind (2009)

Trace every key event in The Vicious Kind (2009) 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

Peter Returns Home

Peter arrives home from college, entering a fraught environment alongside his older brother Caleb. Their relationship is strained, largely due to previous confrontations and differing attitudes toward familial bonds.

2

Tension Over Emma

Caleb drives Peter home, bringing up Peter's new girlfriend, Emma Gainsborough, whom he deeply distrusts. The brothers engage in a tense discussion about Emma's past relationships and Caleb's unsettling rumors about her.

In the car
3

The Family Gathering

At their father Donald's home, family dynamics become increasingly strained as Donald's crude demeanor causes discomfort. Peter and Caleb clash, fueled by underlying resentments and differing family loyalties.

Donald’s home
4

Caleb's Insomnia

Struggling with chronic insomnia, Caleb's mental health deteriorates while haunted by his memories of his ex-girlfriend, Hannah. The pain of his past actions and their consequences begins to manifest in reckless behavior.

5

Unwanted Provocation

In an impulsive act of vengeance against his ex, Caleb leaves provocative pictures at Hannah's doorstep, blurring the lines between his unresolved feelings and his treatment of Emma. This act intensifies Caleb's emotional turmoil.

Hannah's house
6

Chance Encounters

Caleb and Emma's paths cross serendipitously at a local bowling alley and a grocery store, leading to awkward interactions. Caleb's hostility begins to rise as he struggles to process his feelings towards both women.

Bowling alley and grocery store
7

Caleb's Violent Outburst

In response to Peter’s naïve admiration for Emma, Caleb lashes out violently, revealing deep-seated anger and anxiety. His unpredictable behavior raises concerns for both Peter and Emma as underlying tensions escalate.

8

Confession to Emma

Caleb catches Emma observing him, prompting a heated confrontation where he reveals his skepticism about her past. In a moment of honesty, he shares his trauma caused by Hannah, hoping for understanding from Emma.

9

Revelation About Family History

Emma learns from Donald about the tragic loss of Peter’s mother during childhood. This revelation adds complexity to their interactions, as it reveals layers of grief that influence the family's dynamics.

Donald’s home
10

Caleb's Internal Conflict

Caleb assures Emma of his platonic intentions but struggles with his feelings, culminating in a stolen kiss that leaves Emma unsettled. This incident compounds the complications in their relationships.

Local eatery
11

Warning Peter

Caleb takes on the role of protector, warning Peter to be cautious of Emma's fixation on him. However, Peter's earnest love for Emma contrasts sharply with Caleb's suspicions, leading to familial disconnection.

12

Seeking Advice

Caleb seeks advice from a prostitute about love, grappling with the complications of his feelings for Emma and the ideals he constructs versus her reality. This insight reveals his deeper struggles with intimacy.

13

Intense Moment at Window

While attempting to apologize to Emma, Caleb ends up helping her enter her locked house through a window. This close encounter spurns tension despite Emma's directive to halt all communication.

Emma’s house
14

Caleb's Transformation

At a bar, Caleb exhibits a shift in his character by defending a woman against harassment. This marks a pivotal moment of growth for him as he begins to confront his past frustrations.

Bar
15

Confronting Family Dynamics

Caleb reveals deep-seated issues with their father Donald, reflecting on family secrets and his feelings of betrayal. This confrontation hints at a possible reconciliation but leaves the family bonds in jeopardy.

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 15:30

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The Vicious Kind Summary

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The Vicious Kind Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Vicious Kind

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Vicious Kind

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