Tomboy

Tomboy

Year: 2011

Runtime: 82 min

Language: English

Director: Céline Sciamma

Drama

A spirited 10-year-old girl named Laure adopts the identity of "Mikael" when she moves to a new neighborhood. She wants to fit in with the local boys and becomes captivated by the group's leader, Lisa. Laure’s invented persona allows her to experience a sense of freedom and connection, but she must also conceal her true identity from her family and new friends. The film explores themes of friendship, identity, and belonging as Laure balances her two worlds.

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Timeline – Tomboy (2011)

Trace every key event in Tomboy (2011) 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

Move to a new Paris address

Laure's family moves to a new address in Paris, kicking off a summer of adjustment. The change unsettles Laure, who searches for belonging in a new neighborhood. She begins to explore the streets and people around her.

Summer Paris, France
2

Laure meets Lisa and is mistaken for a boy

On their first days in the new area, Laure meets Lisa and is mistaken for a boy. To fit in, Laure adopts the name Mickaël and starts presenting as a boy around the neighborhood. Lisa introduces Mickaël to the other kids, and he is quickly drawn into their group.

Summer Laure's new neighborhood, Paris
3

Mickaël joins the neighborhood friends

Mickaël becomes part of the circle of Lisa and the neighborhood boys, and they play soccer together. Laure feels included by the group, even as the adult world remains unaware of the true identity. The summer pace quickens as friendships form.

Summer Neighborhood streets near the apartment
4

Mickaël tests his disguise at the pool

When invited to go swimming, Mickaël improvises his appearance to seem more male and joins in the activity. The episode shows Laure testing how far she can push the disguise while the kids accept him as one of their own. It marks an early exploration of gender presentation within the group.

Summer Swimming area with friends
5

Close bond and a kiss

Over time, Lisa and Mickaël grow closer and share intimate moments, including a kiss. The budding connection complicates Laure's sense of self and her fear of being discovered. The friendship remains central to their summer world.

Summer Neighborhood
6

Makeup and parental reaction

During a moment of makeup, Lisa comments that Mickaël looks good as a girl, intensifying Laure's internal conflict. Laure's mother later expresses support for the feminine look, adding pressure to her secret. The family dynamic becomes a delicate balance around the masquerade.

Summer Laure's home
7

Jeanne discovers and allies with Laure

Lisa visits and Jeanne, Laure's precocious six-year-old sister, quickly realizes Laure has been presenting as a boy. Laure promises to take Jeanne along on her outings for the rest of the summer, making Jeanne feel like having a big brother. Jeanne even helps trim Mickaël's hair to look more boyish and commits to keeping the secret.

Summer Laure's home and Jeanne's circle
8

Confrontation after a playground fight

After a fight with one of the boys who pushes Jeanne, the boy and his mother come to Laure's door to report the incident to Laure's mother. Laure's mother understands the situation and pretends along, but afterwards scolds Laure for pretending to be a boy. The episode reveals the fragility of the disguise and the pressure to keep it hidden.

Summer Laure's door, apartment
9

Exposure and Lisa's reaction

Laure's mother forces Laure to wear a dress and takes her to visit the boy and to Lisa's apartment, exposing the ruse. Lisa is stunned to see Mickaël in a dress and runs away in silence, leaving Laure humiliated. The incident deepens Laure's fear of being exposed and the strain on their friendships.

Summer Laure's home and Lisa's apartment
10

Retreat to the woods and the verdict

Deeply embarrassed, Laure retreats to the woods, removing the dress and choosing a tank top with boyish shorts. From the trees, she overhears the other children speculating about whether Mickaël is a girl. Lisa defends Mickaël, but the others demand proof; Lisa finally looks and is shaken, leaving Mickaël in tears.

Summer Woods near the neighborhood
11

A baby changes the family dynamic

Back home, Laure learns that her mother has given birth to a baby boy, changing the family's dynamics. The new baby adds another layer of tension and belonging for Laure as she remains wary of going outside. The family bond remains a constant undercurrent through the summer.

Shortly after Laure's family home
12

Final reveal and a quiet hope

Near the end of summer, Laure spots Lisa waiting outside the window and feels drawn to her. A long silence follows before Lisa asks for Laure's real name, and Laure finally answers that her name is Laure. The moment ends with a quiet smile, signaling a fragile acceptance and a glimmer of connection.

End of summer Outside Laure's home, by the window

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 16:25

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Tomboy Summary

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