Trash

Trash

Year: 2015

Runtime: 114 min

Language: French

Directors: Christian Duurvoort, Stephen Daldry

AdventureDramaMysteryThrillerComedyCrime

In the impoverished favelas of Rio de Janeiro, two resourceful young scavengers discover a wallet containing a valuable secret. Their find unexpectedly plunges them into a dangerous situation involving corrupt police officers and a complex web of deceit. Forced to confront their own values and the hidden truths within the wallet, they struggle to survive and uncover the full story before it’s too late.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Trash (2015)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Trash (2015). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

While the specific time period is not mentioned, the movie reflects contemporary issues present in Brazilian society, particularly concerning political corruption, poverty, and the struggles of underserved communities. The depiction of police brutality and social injustice resonates with current events, emphasizing the ongoing fight for rights and equality in Brazil.

Location

Brazil, Cavo prison, St Francis cemetery, rag-picker colony

The film takes place in Brazil, primarily focusing on the harsh realities faced by the rag-picker colony living near a garbage dump. The dump itself serves as a critical location where the children scavenge for valuable items amidst the waste. Cavo prison represents a place of injustice, housing political prisoners like lawyer Joao Clemente, while St Francis cemetery becomes a surprising focal point for the film's climax.

🇧🇷 Brazil 🚮 Garbage Dump 🏛️ Cemetery

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:46

Main Characters – Trash (2015)

Meet the key characters of Trash (2015), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jose Angelo

Jose is a devoted father whose desperate actions put his family at risk. His past as a trusted man of a corrupt politician reveals the complexities of his character, showcasing his struggle against a corrupt system to protect his daughter, Pia. His tragic fate underscores the impact of systemic injustice.

👨‍👧 Father 🔒 Protector 🚨 Victim

Raphael

Raphael is one of the central teenage characters who embodies resilience in the face of adversity. As a rag-picker, he faces numerous challenges but remains determined to uncover the truth about the wallet and protect his friends. His stubbornness in the face of torture showcases his bravery and commitment.

🧑‍🦰 Courageous 💪 Determined 🍂 Teenager

Gardo

Gardo is intelligent and resourceful, often taking the lead in their efforts to discover the secrets behind the wallet. His character exemplifies loyalty and courage, as he risks his safety to support Raphael and uphold their collective mission. Gardo provides moral support to the group, revealing the strength of their friendship.

🤝 Loyal 🔑 Resourceful 👦 Teenager

Rat

Rat is the cleverest of the three boys, living in the sewers due to his contagious skin disease. His intellect and street-smarts play a pivotal role in deciphering the clues they find. Rat represents the marginalized yet resourceful youth, highlighting the struggles faced by children in dire circumstances.

🐭 Smart 🌧️ Isolated 👦 Teenager

Father Juilliard

Father Juilliard serves as a mentor and protector to the boys, representing hope and moral integrity in their corrupt environment. He is dedicated to helping the rag-picker community and emphasizes the importance of compassion and social justice. His support deeply influences the boys' actions.

🙏 Mentor 💖 Compassionate ⛪ Priest

Olivia

Olivia is an NGO-worker who genuinely cares for the children, assisting them in their quest for justice. Her role signifies the impact of social work and advocacy in uplifting the marginalized. As an ally, she empowers the boys by providing them resources and guidance.

🌍 Advocate 💼 Worker 👩‍💼 Supportive

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:46

Major Themes – Trash (2015)

Explore the central themes of Trash (2015), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Corruption

Corruption is a central theme, highlighting the abuses of power by both police and politicians. The film illustrates how these corrupt forces exploit the vulnerable, as seen in the exploitation of the rag-picker community. The children's battle against a corrupt system reinforces the corrupting influence of money and greed.

🤝 Friendship

The theme of friendship is illustrated through the bond between the three boys, Raphael, Gardo, and Rat. Their loyalty to one another inspires collective action against oppressive forces. Through their teamwork, they learn the importance of solidarity in overcoming both personal and systemic challenges.

💰 Justice

Justice serves as a driving motivator for the characters, culminating in their quest to uncover the truth about the stolen money. The boys’ determination to seek justice, not only for themselves but for their community, highlights the need for accountability and social change. Their actions ultimately lead to significant repercussions for corrupt individuals.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:46

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Thrillers with Underdog Heroes Like Trash

Marginalized heroes use their wits to expose powerful corruption against all odds.Discover gritty thrillers and crime dramas featuring teenage protagonists or marginalized heroes fighting corrupt systems. If you liked the desperate chase and high stakes of 'Trash', you'll find similar movies about resourceful characters uncovering dangerous secrets against powerful adversaries.

tenseurgentgrittyanxiousdesperatehopefulsuspenseful

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically begins with an ordinary discovery that reveals a vast conspiracy, often involving political or police corruption. The protagonists, usually under-resourced and outmatched, are forced on the run, using their unique knowledge of their environment to outsmart their pursuers. The plot is a tense cat-and-mouse game where survival hinges on exposing the truth to the public.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a high-tension, fast-paced structure where the central conflict pits the powerless against the powerful. They evoke feelings of anxiety, desperation, and cautious hope, united by themes of social injustice and the triumph of resourcefulness over brute force.

Gritty Teen Survival Dramas Like Trash

Young protagonists navigate harsh realities and danger, forging their own family and morality.Explore dramatic and thrilling movies like 'Trash' that focus on teenage protagonists surviving against the odds. These films blend heavy emotional themes of poverty and injustice with the tension of a thriller, following young characters who form bonds and confront adult dangers.

grittydesperatehopefultenseemotionalanxiousurgent

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows young characters whose innocence is challenged by a harsh world. They are forced to mature quickly, relying on their loyalty to each other and their street-smart skills to navigate dangers typically faced by adults. The journey is emotionally heavy, marked by sacrifice and a bittersweet loss of innocence, but often concludes with a hard-won sense of hope and justice.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their focus on the resilience of youth in extreme circumstances. They share a heavy emotional weight, a tense and gritty tone, and a central theme of teenagers confronting systemic injustice, creating a powerful and anxious viewing experience.

Unlock the Full Story of Trash

Don't stop at just watching — explore Trash in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Trash is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Trash Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Trash, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Trash Summary

Trash Timeline

Track the full timeline of Trash with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Trash Timeline

Trash Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Trash that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Trash Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Trash

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Trash: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Trash

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