Turn the River

Turn the River

Year: 2008

Runtime: 92 min

Language: English

Drama

Kailey Sullivan, a woman with a past as a skilled pool player, is determined to reconnect with her son, from whom she’s been separated for a decade. To achieve this, she devises a risky plan: win a substantial amount of money playing pool and use it to obtain false passports, allowing them to start a new life in Canada. Along the way, she receives help from Quinette, an experienced mentor, as she navigates the intense competition and secretly arranges meetings with her son.

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Timeline & Setting – Turn the River (2008)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Turn the River (2008). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The story is set in contemporary times, reflecting the modern-day struggles of single parenthood and the emotional ramifications of divorce. It explores themes of resilience and the pursuit of a better life amid complex personal challenges.

Location

Canada, United States

The movie unfolds primarily across the United States, highlighting a pool bar where Kailey Sullivan organizes high-stakes games to fund her escape. Canada serves as a symbol of hope and a fresh start, representing Kailey's desire to find safety and a better future for her son.

🌍 Location 🎱 Pool Bar

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:48

Main Characters – Turn the River (2008)

Meet the key characters of Turn the River (2008), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Kailey Sullivan (Famke Janssen)

Kailey Sullivan is a resilient and determined woman shaped by the adversities she faces as a single mother. Her fierce love for her son drives her actions, as she navigates the challenges imposed by her abusive ex-husband and the complexities of her past. Throughout the film, she transforms from someone constrained by her circumstances to a figure of defiance and strength.

👩‍👧‍👦 Single Parenthood 💪 Resilience 🎱 Pool Shark

Gulley

Gulley, Kailey's son, is a victim of emotional abuse and bullying, embodying the innocence that is often marred by familial conflict. His relationship with his mother is a source of hope, as their secret correspondence underscores the bond that fuels Kailey's drive to escape their difficult situation. His character represents the vulnerability of children in troubled homes.

👶 Victim 💌 Hope 🏫 Bullying

Teddy Quinette

Teddy Quinette is Kailey's supportive friend who helps her pursue her escape plan by creating opportunities for high-stakes pool games. He stands by her side throughout her journey, symbolizing unwavering friendship and loyalty in the face of adversity. Teddy's encouragement plays a pivotal role in Kailey’s quest for freedom.

🤝 Friendship 🎱 Support 🕹️ Pool Games

David

David is the antagonistic ex-husband whose actions create significant barriers for Kailey and Gulley. His abusive behavior and manipulation generally serve as the catalyst for Kailey's drastic measures. David represents the complexities of toxic relationships and their impact on children.

🚫 Abuse ⚔️ Antagonist 🏠 Toxic Relationships

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:48

Major Themes – Turn the River (2008)

Explore the central themes of Turn the River (2008), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Maternal Instincts

The theme of maternal instincts is prominently featured as Kailey Sullivan's determination to protect her son drives the narrative. Her fierce love fuels her bold endeavors to rescue him from an abusive environment, illustrating the lengths a mother will go to safeguard her child.

🎱 Redemption Through Skill

Kailey's exceptional talent as a pool shark serves as a crucial element of her journey, providing her with the means to escape her troubled life. This theme underscores the idea that personal skills and resilience can enable individuals to change their circumstances and seek redemption.

🔒 Confrontation

The theme of confrontation is pivotal as Kailey faces her ex-husband to reclaim her power and secure her future. This clash not only brings tension but also signifies her transformation from a victim into a determined agent of change.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:48

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Turn the River Summary

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Turn the River Summary

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Turn the River Timeline

Turn the River Spoiler-Free Summary

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Turn the River Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Turn the River

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More About Turn the River

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