The Wise Kids

The Wise Kids

Year: 2012

Runtime: 91 min

Language: English

Director: Stephen Cone

Drama

A poignant drama set within a Charleston Baptist church, the story follows three young people on the cusp of adulthood. Brea, the pastor’s daughter, wrestles with her faith and growing doubts. Her spirited best friend, Laura, and Tim, a compassionate newcomer, offer support as he struggles to accept his true identity. Facing uncertain futures and the imperfections of their community, the friends must find a balance between personal freedom and the security of tradition.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Wise Kids (2012)

Trace every key event in The Wise Kids (2012) 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

Graduation Nears

As graduation approaches, Brea, Tim, and Laura face the reality of leaving high school behind. This transitional period forces them to confront their beliefs, identity, and relationships, setting the stage for personal growth and conflict.

Senior Year South Carolina
2

Cracks in Faith

The trio's church, once a source of comfort, begins to reveal its fractures. Brea starts to question her faith, which creates tension between her and the steadfastly religious Laura, complicating their longtime friendship.

During Senior Year Baptist Church
3

Cheryl's Influence

Brea meets and bonds with Cheryl, a rebellious outcast who encourages her to push the boundaries of traditional beliefs. This friendship deepens Brea’s skepticism towards the church, transforming her views on faith and doctrine.

Spring Semester
4

Tim's Internal Struggles

Tim wrestles with his sexuality, introducing a new layer of complexity to his relationships, particularly with Laura. Despite the longstanding friendship, Tim's inner turmoil challenges their connection as he seeks to better understand himself.

Spring Semester
5

Austin and Elizabeth's Strain

Elizabeth begins to feel a disconnect in her marriage to music director Austin. The challenges in their relationship add tension to the group's dynamic, showcasing the fragility of personal connections even in seemingly perfect lives.

Spring Semester
6

Exploring Freedom

Tim decides to explore his sexuality and independence by visiting a dance club. This decision marks a significant step in his journey of self-discovery, allowing him to embrace his identity in a liberating environment.

Mid-Spring Dance Club
7

Laura's Loneliness

As graduation approaches, Laura feels increasingly isolated from Brea and Tim, who are preparing to leave. She tries to find ways to connect with them while soliciting the help of April, leading to new friendships.

Weeks Before Graduation
8

New Relationships

During an awkward lunch date arranged by April, Laura meets Patrick, April's cousin. This meeting introduces a new dynamic in Laura's life, potentially altering her social landscape as graduation looms closer.

Weeks Before Graduation
9

Final Celebration

The trio gathers for a final celebration before their respective college journeys. In this bittersweet moment, Laura urges Brea to remain steadfast in her faith, hinting at the diverging paths they each could take.

Night Before Graduation
10

Deeper Connections

After graduation, the bond between Brea, Tim, and Laura deepens through shared experiences. Tim’s father Jerry encourages him to embrace romance, reflecting the evolving dynamics of friendship and family relationships.

Post-Graduation
11

Austin's Confession

In a moment of vulnerability, Austin shares his struggles with same-sex attractions with Tim. This heartfelt exchange deepens Tim's role as a supportive friend and illustrates the importance of acceptance in their lives.

Post-Graduation Evening
12

Church Nativity Scene

The narrative culminates at the church's living nativity scene, where Austin and Elizabeth share a tender moment. Their ability to openly express their love symbolizes the overarching themes of acceptance, love, and friendship throughout the film.

Christmas Season Baptist Church

Last Updated: November 18, 2024 at 21:14

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The Wise Kids Summary

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The Wise Kids Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Wise Kids

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Wise Kids

More About The Wise Kids

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