Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself (2004) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Harbour reveals to Alice that Wilbur carries deep guilt over their mother's death. This psychological burden is the driving force behind Wilbur's repeated suicide attempts throughout the film. The guilt stems from some unresolved feeling that he could have done something to prevent or save her, though the exact details are left somewhat ambiguous.

Foreshadowing: Earlier scenes show Wilbur withdrawing from family responsibilities and the bookshop, hinting at his emotional disconnection.

• wilbur guilt
• mother death
• suicide attempts
• family trauma

Harbour, who has been hiding a terminal illness throughout the film, ultimately chooses to end his life by overdosing in his hospital room. Rather than continuing treatment that would separate him from his new family, he decides to take control of his death. Before dying, he makes a heartfelt request to Wilbur to look after Alice and Mary, ensuring they will be cared for after he's gone.

Foreshadowing: Harbour receives troubling news about his health early on but refuses to stay in the hospital, prioritizing his relationship with Alice and Mary instead.

• harbour suicide
• terminal illness
• end of movie
• death scene

Harbour proposes to Alice during a dinner at an Asian restaurant after taking a tip from Wilbur about winning over women. Despite the seemingly abrupt nature of the proposal, Harbour is likely acting on a sense of urgency given his terminal diagnosis. He wants to solidify his connection with Alice before his health declines further, creating a family unit while he still can.

Foreshadowing: The proposal happens early in their relationship, suggesting Harbour understands his time is limited.

• harbour alice proposal
• marriage
• relationship timing

Wilbur begins the film actively seeking to end his life, making multiple suicide attempts. Through his interactions with Alice, his growing connection with Mary, and witnessing Harbour's health decline, Wilbur gradually finds a reason to live. He ultimately decides against jumping from a building and instead steps up to care for Alice and Mary after Harbour's death, choosing responsibility over despair.

Foreshadowing: The turning point comes when Wilbur realizes he must care for Mary, which gives him a purpose that counteracts his suicidal thoughts.

• wilbur character arc
• recovery
• mental health journey

Wilbur awkwardly pursues Moira, a nurse who becomes infatuated with him, as a way to distract himself from his feelings for Alice. Recognizing that Alice is with Harbour, Wilbur attempts to suppress his attraction by pursuing someone else. This awkward romantic detour highlights his emotional confusion and inability to process his feelings healthily.

Foreshadowing: Earlier in the restaurant, Wilbur dismisses Sophie awkwardly after she licks his ear, showing his discomfort with romantic situations.

• wilbur moira
• love triangle
• emotional confusion

Harbour receives a terminal diagnosis, though the specific illness is not explicitly named in the summary. He avoids hospitalization and treatment for much of the film, choosing to focus on building a life with Alice and Mary instead. His health progressively deteriorates until he ultimately decides to take his own life rather than continue suffering.

Foreshadowing: The tension around Harbour's health builds gradually, with his refusal to seek treatment causing tension with Alice.

• harbour illness
• terminal diagnosis
• health decline

At the last moment during his desperate attempt to leap from a building, Wilbur realizes he is not ready to leave life behind. This pivotal decision marks his turning point toward recovery. The realization likely comes from his developing bonds with Alice, Harbour, and especially Mary, who give him a reason to keep living.

Foreshadowing: Throughout the film, small moments of connection with Alice and his growing care for Mary hint at his underlying will to live.

• wilbur jump
• suicide attempt
• last minute decision

The bookshop, inherited from their father, represents family legacy and responsibility. While Harbour dedicates himself to managing it, Wilbur initially shows disinterest, reflecting his detachment from family ties. Eventually, Wilbur takes over the shop as Harbour's health declines, symbolizing his acceptance of responsibility and his commitment to the new family unit.

Foreshadowing: The brothers settling into the apartment above the bookshop immediately establishes it as a central location tied to their childhood and family.

• bookshop
• family legacy
• responsibility
• Wilbur takes over

After Harbour dies by suicide, Alice and Mary are left in Wilbur's care. The film ends with the three of them standing at Harbour's grave, united in their grief. Despite the tragedy, they are bound together through their shared loss and love for Harbour, suggesting they will face the future as a family.

Foreshadowing: Harbour's final request to Wilbur is to look after Alice and Mary, establishing this outcome.

• alice mary
• aftermath
• family unit
• grief

Wilbur and Alice share a moment of affection, but Wilbur attempts to apologize for it later. This reflects Wilbur's emotional turmoil and fear of further complicating his relationships. He recognizes the kiss is inappropriate given her relationship with Harbour, yet his genuine feelings for Alice create internal conflict.

Foreshadowing: Their emotional connection develops gradually through Alice's presence in the bookshop and her support during Wilbur's crises.

• wilbur alice kiss
• emotional conflict
• love triangle