White Material

White Material

Year: 2010

Runtime: 106 min

Language: French

Director: Claire Denis

Drama

In a nation consumed by civil war, Maria, a determined coffee plantation owner, stubbornly remains, refusing to abandon her livelihood. As the conflict escalates and violence spreads, she carefully manages her finances, desperately hoping the nearby mayor, Cherif, can protect her land from the encroaching danger and turmoil gripping the country.

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Timeline – White Material (2010)

Trace every key event in White Material (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

Maria's Determination

Maria Vial, a white French farmer, is fiercely devoted to her family's coffee plantation in an unnamed African nation. Despite the chaos of an ongoing civil war surrounding her, she refuses to abandon her legacy and is determined to keep the plantation afloat.

2

Civil War Threatens

Rebel forces, including armed child soldiers, draw closer to Maria's land as the civil war intensifies. The atmosphere on the plantation becomes increasingly perilous, with constant fear of an imminent attack.

3

Evacuation Order

The French military issues a final warning to Maria, urging her to evacuate for her safety. Defiant, Maria expresses her unwillingness to leave, resolutely clinging to her roots and the hope of a good harvest.

4

Rebel DJ Incites Chaos

A rebel DJ begins broadcasting messages that incite the local rebels against symbols of colonialism. This further escalates tensions in the area, threatening the safety of Maria and her plantation.

5

Workers Begin to Flee

As fear grips the plantation, Maria’s workers begin to abandon their posts one after another. Despite the mass exodus, Maria's determination to stay and harvest the coffee continues to drive her actions.

6

A Dangerous Journey

Maria embarks on a treacherous journey to find workers who can help with the upcoming coffee crop. She navigates through roadblocks filled with armed bandits, risking her life in the process.

7

Collecting Jose

During her journey, Maria stops by a school to collect her son, Jose, whose mother works as a housekeeper for Andre's father. This moment showcases her determination to protect her family amid the turmoil.

8

Andre's Negotiation Attempts

Meanwhile, Andre is negotiating with the local mayor, Cherif, who pressures him to sign over the plantation to settle his debts. This adds another level of stress to Maria's already strained situation.

9

Manuel's Trauma

Back on the plantation, Maria finds her son, Manuel, dazed in bed. After encouraging him to swim, he encounters armed rebels, leaving him traumatized and confused about his reality amidst the chaos.

10

Caring for 'The Boxer'

In a twist of fate, Maria discovers a wounded rebel, known as 'The Boxer,' hiding in her barn. She decides to care for him, believing in humanity's potential for healing even amidst the brutality of war.

11

Violence Erupts

After the workers demand payment, Maria discovers the safe is empty, likely raided by Andre. Tensions escalate as a protest leads to violence, culminating in one of her workers being shot.

12

Manuel's Betrayal

In a shocking turn of events, Manuel betrays his family by guiding the rebels back to their home. This betrayal leads to chaos as the rebels indulge in stolen supplies, marking a tragic turn in the family's fate.

13

Tragedy Strikes

As government troops reclaim control, innocent lives are lost including that of Manuel, who tragically perishes in a fire. This heartbreaking moment underscores the devastating impact of war on families.

14

Confrontation and Rage

In a moment filled with despair and anger, Maria confronts her husband's father, leading to a tragic confrontation in which she kills him. This act is a cathartic release of her pent-up grief and rage over the losses she has endured.

15

Remnants of War

The film concludes with a lone rebel, holding the Boxer’s beret, venturing into the wilderness. This symbolizes the relentless spirit of rebellion amidst the destruction and suffering endemic to the war.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 17:58

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White Material Summary

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White Material Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in White Material

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Characters, Settings & Themes in White Material

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