The Woodsman

The Woodsman

Year: 2004

Runtime: 87 min

Language: English

Director: Nicole Kassell

Drama

As Walter (Kevin Bacon) emerges from 12 years of imprisonment, he's forced to confront the shadows of his past. With secrecy surrounding his true nature, he tentatively rebuilds his life, finding solace in a lumber mill job and tentative romance with a coworker (Kyra Sedgwick). But as his new world begins to crumble, Walter's darkest impulses resurface, threatening to destroy everything he's worked to regain.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Woodsman (2004)
Trace every key event in The Woodsman (2004) 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

Walter's Release

Walter is released from a 12-year prison sentence for being a convicted child molester. Upon returning to Philadelphia, he finds himself ostracized by the community he once knew, with most people turning their backs on him.

Philadelphia
2

Support from Carlos

In the midst of his isolation, Walter's brother-in-law, Carlos, offers him much-needed support. Carlos provides Walter with a lifeline, helping him navigate the difficulties of reintegrating into society.

3

Job at the Lumber Mill

Walter manages to secure a job at a local lumber mill, seeking to rebuild his life. It is here that he meets Vicki, one of the few female coworkers, sparking an initial romantic interest.

Local Lumber Mill
4

Vicki's Hesitation

After an initial fling, Vicki learns about Walter's past and pulls away from him, conflicted by his criminal history. Over time, she starts to see Walter's true character, which leads to a cautious rekindling of their relationship.

5

Encounter with Lucas

Walter faces hostility from Lucas, a verbally abusive cop assigned to monitor him. Lucas's constant scrutiny adds to Walter's sense of alienation as he struggles to maintain a normal life.

6

Living Near the Elementary School

Walter's new home is alarmingly close to an elementary school, which heightens his anxiety about his past. The presence of the school, combined with a young girl named Robin, exacerbates his internal conflicts.

Near Elementary School
7

Suspicious Individual - Candy

Walter becomes increasingly troubled by Candy, a man luring young boys with treats. His growing suspicion about Candy's intentions serves as a trigger for Walter's own painful memories.

8

Revealed History at Work

A coworker at the lumber mill discovers Walter's past and shares it with other employees, leading to heightened discrimination against him. Walter is forced to confront serious social challenges in his attempt to start anew.

Local Lumber Mill
9

Robin's Distress

While at a park, Walter learns that young Robin has been suffering from abuse at home. This discovery acts as a catalyst for Walter, prompting him to confront his own demons and decide to guide her home.

Local Park
10

Confrontation with Candy

In a fit of rage, Walter catches Candy in the act of luring a child and assaults him. This violent act of protection stems from Walter's deep-seated conflicted emotions regarding his past.

11

Lucas's Warning

Following the altercation with Candy, Lucas visits Walter at his apartment to issue a foreboding warning. This confrontation forces Walter to grapple with the potential repercussions of his violent actions.

Walter's Apartment
12

Preparing to Move in with Vicki

Walter makes the decision to move in with Vicki, but the transition is marred by intense emotional struggles regarding his past. This leads to a tense confrontation with his sister, reflecting his familial conflicts.

13

Therapy Session

In a deeply introspective therapy session, Walter reflects on his sister's anger and his past mistakes. Despite the pain, he begins to embrace hope for redemption and a brighter future.

14

Embracing Redemption

As Walter continues his journey, he confronts his transgressions while striving for connection and forgiveness. This newfound understanding signals a pivotal moment in his path toward rebuilding his life.

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 00:56

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