Upstream Color

Upstream Color

Year: 2013

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Sci-FiDrama

A young woman's life is profoundly altered by an unusual and inexplicable experiment. Lost and struggling to understand her altered state, she unexpectedly connects with another person who seems to share a similar, inexplicable experience. Together, they navigate a surreal and perplexing journey to uncover the truth behind their shared circumstances and find a path toward recovery and connection.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Upstream Color (2013)

Trace every key event in Upstream Color (2013) 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

The Thief's Experiment

The film opens with a character known as the 'Thief,' who engages in a sinister experiment involving a peculiar larva. This larva is notorious for its bizarre effects on the human psyche when ingested, setting the stage for the disturbing events that follow.

2

Kris's Abduction

Kris, portrayed by Amy Seimetz, is abducted in a nightclub after being unexpectedly tasered by the Thief. This event marks the beginning of her descent into a nightmare where she becomes a pawn in the Thief's manipulative game.

Nightclub
3

Mind Manipulation

After forcing Kris to ingest the larva, the Thief uses hypnotic suggestion to control her. He distracts her with mindless tasks while secretly directing her actions, leading her to liquidate assets and further manipulate her financial situation.

4

Unsettling Awakening

Once released from the Thief's control, Kris experiences a disturbing awakening at her home. She finds herself surrounded by filth, only to discover unsettling movements beneath her skin, revealing the physical toll of her trauma.

Kris's home
5

The Sampler's Intervention

A character known as the 'Sampler' takes Kris to his farm, where he performs a secretive transfusion to transfer a worm from her body into a pig. This bizarre and unsettling operation further intertwines their fates.

Sampler's Farm
6

Memory Loss and Confusion

Kris wakes up disoriented in an abandoned SUV, struggling to remember the events that transpired. Upon returning home, she is haunted by the remnants of her trauma but feels powerless to seek help from anyone.

Abandoned SUV
7

Job Loss and Financial Ruin

After cleaning her home, Kris heads to work only to find herself fired for her unexplained absence. A visit to the grocery store shocks her with the realization that she is completely broke, a direct result of the Thief's manipulation.

Grocery Store
8

A Year Later: Finding Connection

A year later, Kris encounters Jeff on a train, and they form a connection over their shared traumas. As their relationship deepens, they discover they both have undergone mysterious medical procedures, marked by identical surgical scars.

One year later Train
9

Unraveling Health Issues

Kris' visit to the doctor reveals a shocking health issue: she has been treated for endometrial cancer, rendering her infertile. This diagnosis adds another layer of emotional turmoil to her already complicated life.

Doctor's Office
10

Piglets and Chaos

As the Sampler's pig gives birth to piglets that he callously discards, Kris and Jeff's emotional turmoil escalates. This act mirrors their internal chaos, prompting Kris to recklessly search for lost aspects of her life while Jeff confronts his coworkers in anger.

11

Preparation for Turmoil

Kris and Jeff reunite at her home to prepare for the chaos they sense coming. Armed with supplies, including a gun, they take refuge in her bathroom, clinging to hope amid the feelings of despair and uncertainty.

Kris's Bathroom
12

Connecting Their Histories

Kris and Jeff begin to intertwine their personal histories, with moments of shared trauma surfacing during their conversations. This connection intensifies as Kris recites *Walden* while swimming, reflecting their deepening bond.

13

Confrontation at the Table

The film reaches a climax as Kris, Jeff, and the Sampler meet in a stark, surreal setting. During this encounter, Kris acknowledges her awareness of the Sampler, only for the situation to take a sudden turn with the Sampler suffering a heart attack.

White Room
14

Establishing a New Haven

In the aftermath, Kris and Jeff gather others who have suffered similar fates at the hands of the Thief and transform the farm into a sanctuary for pigs. This act symbolizes their desire to break free from the Thief's grasp and heal.

Pigs' Farm
15

A Serene Conclusion

The film concludes on a hopeful note with Kris cradling a baby pig, a symbol of innocence and renewal. This serene moment encapsulates her resilience and the possibility of starting anew after a harrowing journey.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 15:56

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Upstream Color Summary

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Upstream Color Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Upstream Color

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Upstream Color

More About Upstream Color

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