Treacle Jr.

Treacle Jr.

Year: 2010

Runtime: 80 mins

Language: English

Director: Jamie Thraves

ComedyDrama

Tom, a middle‑aged man, abandons his wife and baby and lives on the streets of London. After thugs assault him, he is taken to A&E, where he meets Aidan, a relentlessly upbeat, fast‑talking stranger. Though Tom tries to keep his distance, Aidan clings to him, dragging him into his chaotic world with a volatile girlfriend, Linda, and personal problems Aidan’s blind optimism overlooks.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Treacle Jr. (2010)

Trace every key event in Treacle Jr. (2010) 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

Opening scene: Tom's day in the city

The film opens with Tom eating with his family, then driving to Birmingham and boarding the London train. He spends the day wandering through the city and finally sleeps outside a shop. This opening establishes Tom's fragile grip on everyday life.

Opening Birmingham; city streets
2

Morning decision: phone and cards discarded

That morning, Tom discards his phone in a lake and bins his bank cards, preserving only a fragile family photo and a chunk of money. He pockets the remaining cash, trying to sever ties with his former life.

Morning City lake area
3

Night attack in the park

That night, after a drink in the park, Tom is attacked by a gang of youths. He tries to flee but crashes into a tree and injures himself, leaving him more vulnerable. The incident foreshadows the danger that follows him.

Night Park
4

A&E morning and introduction to Aidan

The next morning, Tom waits in A&E as he is called for examination. Aidan behaves disruptively at first, then starts talking to Tom, beginning an uneasy connection between them.

Morning A&E
5

Escaping and following

Walking together, Aidan tries to lead Tom away from him. Aidan goes to urinate, Tom tries to escape, and after a brief moment he spots a couple having sex. He then encounters Aidan again, and Tom feigns fainting outside Aidan's flat, who invites him inside and offers a beer.

Day City streets; Aidan's flat
6

Linda arrives and the flat erupts

Inside, Linda—Aidan's girlfriend—arrives home, startling Tom and showing displeasure that Aidan earned little money. She punches Aidan and tells him to throw Tom out.

Evening Aidan's flat
7

The café cat-caper and money concerns

Tom leaves to buy tea, but returns to discover his pocket is empty. Linda denies knowledge and smirks, heightening Tom's paranoia. Later, at a café, Aidan arrives with a cat carrier and offers to help with mouse-catching; the shop manager leads them to the back, and they witness a disturbing incident involving the neighbour's cat.

Afternoon Cafe/backroom
8

Drum kit dream and money misdirection

Aidan shows Tom a drum kit he's saving for, dreaming of fame. Tom admits he cannot cope with people and offers £200 to stay; Aidan then tells Linda that Tom has paid £100, keeping the rest for the drum kit, and they celebrate. Later, drunk, Aidan confesses the truth to Linda, triggering her realization that Tom is 'Mr. Moneybags' and she masturbates him.

Evening Aidan's flat
9

Horniman Museum music day

The next day, Aidan takes Tom to the Horniman Museum where they enjoy making music with public instruments. Later, Aidan withdraws his savings but is seen by a man who may be following him, and as he walks home the man mugs him.

Day Horniman Museum; city streets
10

Linda's return and the kitten's discovery

Linda returns home with designer clothes, allergic to cats, and finds the kitten hidden in the wardrobe; she attacks Aidan. Tom protests, and Linda threatens him with retaliation by her gangster friends.

Evening Linda's home
11

The knife confrontation and fallout

Tom confronts Linda, threatening her with a knife and demanding she confess to stealing the money. Linda has an asthma attack; the inhaler falls under the fridge and is recovered after Aidan helps. Linda is left unconscious as they eject her from the apartment.

Night Linda's home
12

The drum kit sold and Tom's departure

Aidan goes to the shop to see the drum kit, only to find it has been sold, which heightens his distress. He returns home to discover Tom has gone, heightening his sense of loss.

Evening Shop; Aidan's flat
13

The ending: kit, drums, and the train home

Entering his bedroom, Aidan finds the kit Tom bought for him. The film ends with Aidan drumming and Tom walking to a train station, boarding and taking the train home.

Ending Aidan's flat; train station

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 16:57

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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.

Bittersweet Urban Character Studies like Treacle Jr.

Stories of unlikely bonds and personal struggles in the gritty heart of the city.If you enjoyed the heartfelt, gritty realism of Treacle Jr., explore more movies like it. This thread features character-driven dramas set in urban environments, focusing on unlikely friendships, personal redemption, and bittersweet endings that mirror the complex beauty of human connection.

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Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread typically follow individuals facing personal crises or isolation within a city. Through an often chaotic series of events, they form an unexpected, transformative bond with another person. The story unfolds at a steady pace, prioritizing character development over complex plotting, and concludes with an emotionally resonant, bittersweet resolution that acknowledges growth without offering a perfectly tidy ending.

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Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on realistic, emotionally grounded character arcs set against a gritty urban backdrop. They consistently blend melancholy with moments of hope, featuring a steady pacing and a medium emotional intensity that makes the journey engaging without being overwhelming.

Movies about Found Family like Treacle Jr.

Where fractured souls find connection and care outside traditional boundaries.Looking for more films about found family like Treacle Jr.? This collection highlights stories where lonely or broken characters form deep, transformative bonds with unlikely people. These movies explore themes of friendship, support, and creating a home where you least expect it, often with a bittersweet feel.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern revolves around a central character, often emotionally closed-off or in crisis, who is reluctantly pulled into the orbit of a more open, if chaotic, individual or group. The initial resistance gives way to a deepening bond as they navigate shared struggles. The 'family' is tested, ultimately leading to a poignant conclusion that solidifies their connection, even if the future is uncertain.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by the powerful theme of found family. They share a specific emotional mix: the bleakness of isolation contrasted with the warmth of connection. The mood is a blend of chaotic, melancholic, and hopeful, focusing on the redemption and meaning that comes from caring for others.

Unlock the Full Story of Treacle Jr.

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Treacle Jr. Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Treacle Jr., 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.

Treacle Jr. Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Treacle Jr.

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Treacle Jr.. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Treacle Jr.

Treacle Jr. Spoiler-Free Summary

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Treacle Jr. Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Treacle Jr.

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