Trash Fire

Trash Fire

Year: 2016

Runtime: 91 min

Language: English

Director: Richard Bates Jr.

HorrorComedyRomance

Owen and Isabel’s passionate relationship faces challenges as they navigate the complexities of their pasts and prepare for the arrival of their child. Guided by his grandmother’s unusual influence and haunted by the mysterious Pearl, they must confront the deep-seated darkness within their family. As they struggle to reconcile their individual traumas, the family risks being consumed by the very forces they try to overcome.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Trash Fire (2016)

Trace every key event in Trash Fire (2016) 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

Owen's Haunted Past

Owen Roberts grapples with the trauma of his childhood, which is overshadowed by the devastating fire that destroyed his family home. The loss of his parents and the scars borne by his younger sister, Pearl, serve as constant reminders of that tragic night.

Childhood Childhood Home
2

Struggles with Mental Health

Owen's mental health deteriorates as he battles severe depression and guilt stemming from his past. His condition is exacerbated by relentless flashbacks and seizures, which often plunge him back into the horrors he experienced as a child.

3

Relationship Tensions

Despite attempts to move forward, Owen's self-destructive behavior alienates those closest to him, including Isabel and her friends. This strained environment sets the stage for escalating conflict, particularly when Isabel reveals her pregnancy.

4

Indifference Towards Pregnancy

Isabel's news of her pregnancy is met with Owen's cold indifference, as he pressures her for an abortion without considering her feelings. This lack of empathy showcases the depth of Owen's internal struggles and the couple's deteriorating relationship.

5

Owen's Desire for Change

In a surprising twist, Owen experiences a change of heart and a genuine desire to start a family, hoping to atone for his past. However, Isabel insists that he must confront his estranged grandmother, Violet, and Pearl, both of whom he abandoned after the fire.

6

Confronting Violet

As Owen agrees to confront Violet, he warns Isabel about her abrasive temperament. Upon arrival, Violet's frosty reception manifests in belittling insults directed at Isabel, heightening the already tense atmosphere.

Violet's House
7

Pearl's Silent Struggles

While Owen and Isabel navigate their troubled relationship with Violet, Pearl remains emotionally distant, refusing to acknowledge Owen's presence. This strained familial bond underscores the destructive consequences of Owen's past decisions.

8

Unexpected Connection

As tensions rise, Isabel unexpectedly begins to form a bond with Pearl. This developing relationship offers Isabel understanding and compassion amidst the turmoil, suggesting a glimmer of hope for healing within the family.

9

Violet's Manipulations

Violet's malevolence escalates as she starts tampering with Owen's medication, pushing him deeper into despair. Her sinister actions highlight her unstable mental state, which culminates in a confessional visit to Pastor Sterling.

Pastor Sterling's Office
10

Stealing the Rattlesnake

After revealing her dark thoughts to Pastor Sterling, Violet steals a rattlesnake from his aquarium and vanishes into the night. This act signifies her complete descent into chaos as she engages in eerie rituals at her home.

Violet's Home
11

Owen's Return to the Past

Owen visits the site of his childhood home, a heart-wrenching journey that serves as a painful reminder of the abandonment and loss he caused. This moment deepens his internal struggle as he faces the consequences of his past actions.

Former Family Home
12

Confrontation with the Serpent

Isabel's discovery of the rattlesnake in her grandmother's bathroom incites panic, leading to Pearl confronting the snake with bare hands. This tense encounter illustrates both the escalating dangers surrounding them and Pearl's fierce resolve.

Grandmother's Bathroom
13

Violet's Deadly Scheme

Violet coerces Owen into a cramped crawlspace under her house under the pretense of repairs, but her true intentions are sinister. She plans to ignite a fatal fire with him trapped inside, showcasing her malicious intent.

Violet's Crawlspace
14

Revelation and Resistance

During a charged moment, Pearl reveals her feelings of resentment towards Owen for his abandonment, highlighting the emotional turmoil within the family. This confrontation is abruptly interrupted when Violet, armed with a gun, confronts them.

15

Tragic Conclusion

In a heartbreaking turn, Owen collapses from his altered medication, leaving Isabel in shock over the situation. Pearl's fierce determination leads her to take action against both Violet and Owen, marking a tragic end to the cycle of pain.

16

A Bittersweet Moment

With the chaos subsiding, Pearl gently rests her head on Isabel's pregnant belly, offering a bittersweet smile. This moment signifies a fragile hope for the future amidst the profound loss and trauma they have endured.

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 13:54

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Trash Fire

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Trash Fire

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