Trolls (2016) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

The Bergens are naturally gloomy creatures who cannot experience happiness on their own. They discovered that consuming a Troll grants them momentary happiness, which is why they established the annual tradition of Trollstice, where they feast on Trolls to feel joy.

Foreshadowing: Earlier in the movie, the Bergens explain that nothing brings them joy, setting up the desperate need that drives their behavior.

• bergens
• trolls
• happiness
• trollstice
• eating trolls
• joy

Branch is pessimistic because he experienced severe trauma as a child. When Chef attacked the Trolls during the first Trollstice, his grandmother sacrificed herself to save him, and she was eaten by the Bergens. This loss haunts him, causing him to isolate himself in a bunker and reject happiness to protect himself from further pain.

Foreshadowing: Branch's refusal to join the celebration and his grey color hint at his traumatic past throughout the early parts of the movie.

• branch
• grey troll
• trauma
• grandmother
• chef
• pessimistic

The Trolls escaped by creating elaborate wooden dolls with outlandish hair as decoys while they hid underground. When Chef prepared to serve Poppy to the Bergens, she discovered the Trolls had already vanished, replaced only by these wooden figures. This successful escape led King Gristle's father to banish Chef from Bergen Town.

Foreshadowing: The Trolls' knowledge of underground tunnels and their talent for creative solutions are established early in the film.

• trollstice escape
• wooden dolls
• underground
• chef
• banished

When Chef captures the Trolls and prepares to sacrifice them, Creek betrays his friends to save his own life. He reveals information to Chef in exchange for mercy, which devastates Poppy when she discovers his treachery. This moment represents one of the film's lowest points where hope seems lost.

Foreshadowing: Creek's earlier calm demeanor during captivity hints at his willingness to prioritize survival over loyalty.

• creek
• betrayal
• captured
• chef
• sacrifice
• save himself

After Poppy loses her vibrant color due to Creek's betrayal and falls into despair, Branch sings "True Colors" to her. This heartfelt song reminds the Trolls that happiness comes from within and that Branch truly cares about them despite his grumpy exterior. His vulnerability and genuine emotion restore their hope and vibrancy.

Foreshadowing: Branch's initial reluctance to sing and his emotional walls set up this moment of breakthrough.

• true colors
• song
• branch
• hopelessness
• color restore
• vibrancy

The Bergens stop eating Trolls after witnessing Gristle find genuine happiness through his connection with Bridget, without consuming anyone. The Trolls crash the feast and demonstrate that happiness can come from friendship, love, and dancing together. This inspires the other Bergens to realize they don't need to eat Trolls to be happy.

Foreshadowing: Bridget's transformation and her growing relationship with Gristle plant the seeds for this realization.

• bergens
• trolls
• happiness
• dance party
• gristle
• bridget
• stop eating

After the Trolls help Bridget win Gristle's affection, she returns the favor by assisting their escape from Chef's clutches. When Chef discovers the Trolls have fled and blames Bridget, Bridget throws a wooden spoon at Chef, causing chaos that allows the Trolls to board their skateboards and escape. She also refuses to let them leave her behind.

Foreshadowing: Bridget's secret affection for Gristle and her gratitude for the Trolls' help establish her as an ally.

• bridget
• escape
• chef
• gristle
• skateboards
• help

Poppy is crowned queen because of her leadership throughout the crisis. She bravely rescues her captured friends, inspires Branch to overcome his pessimism, helps Bridget find happiness, and ultimately brings peace between Trolls and Bergens. Her unwavering optimism and courage earn her the honor of leading the Trolls into a new era.

Foreshadowing: Poppy's leadership qualities and her refusal to give up are established from the beginning of the movie.

• poppy
• queen
• crown
• leadership
• trolls
• peace

Chef was banished from Bergen Town after failing to capture any Trolls during the first Trollstice. King Gristle's father ordered her exile, and she spent two decades obsessively tracking the Trolls through the forest. Her humiliation and anger fueled her relentless pursuit, making her more disheveled and desperate over time.

Foreshadowing: Chef's appearance has noticeably deteriorated from her time in the wilderness, reflecting her obsession.

• chef
• hunt
• 20 years
• banished
• obsession
• revenge

The Hugging Hour is when the Trolls' wristbands glow, signaling to each other where they are hiding. Poppy and Branch follow these glowing wristbands to locate their captured friends inside Bergen Castle. It serves as a way for Trolls to find one another during dangerous situations.

Foreshadowing: The wristbands are introduced early as part of Troll fashion, later gaining practical importance.

• hugging hour
• wristbands
• glow
• rescue
• signal

The Trolls have several hiding methods: they retreat underground through tunnels, they blend into their colorful forest surroundings, and they use creative disguises like the wooden dolls during the first escape. Their small size and ability to stay quiet help them remain hidden from the Bergens.

Foreshadowing: The underground tunnel system and Branch's bunker demonstrate their established hiding infrastructure.

• trolls hide
• underground
• tunnels
• bergens
• disguise
• forest

In the final comedic twist, Chef and Creek both end up on top of a creature in the wilderness. As they try to escape together, the creature opens its mouth and swallows them whole in a humorous gag, leaving their fate ambiguous but played for laughs.

Foreshadowing: The film maintains a light, comedic tone throughout, making this dark humor appropriate.

• chef
• creek
• ending
• monster
• swallowed
• comedy