Wonderland

Wonderland

Year: 2003

Runtime: 104 min

Language: Finnish

Director: James Cox

DramaMysteryThrillerCrime

During the sweltering summer of 1981, a series of violent murders gripped Wonderland Avenue in Los Angeles’s Laurel Canyon. The investigation into the crimes reveals a complex and disturbing narrative of addiction, exploitation, and the dark side of fame. The case becomes entangled with the life of John C. Holmes, a notorious figure known for his dominance in the city's adult film industry and his involvement in a world of excess and hidden secrets.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Wonderland (2003)

Trace every key event in Wonderland (2003) 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

Introduction of Dawn Schiller

On June 29, 1981, we are introduced to Dawn Schiller, the teenage girlfriend of adult film star John Holmes. Dawn, underage at the time, is depicted as being on the streets after breaking up with Holmes before being picked up by a woman named Sally.

June 29, 1981 Los Angeles
2

Reunion at the Apartment

Following her pickup, Dawn calls Holmes to come and get her. When he arrives, they share an intimate moment in the bathroom that involves drug use before they flee from Sally's apartment, marking a chaotic reunion.

3

Drug Run to Wonderland Avenue

After a drug deal at Wonderland Avenue in Laurel Canyon, Holmes and Dawn check into a motel where their drug use escalates. They spend the night freebasing and snorting cocaine, illustrating their downward spiral.

June 29-30, 1981 Laurel Canyon
4

Dawn's Isolation

On the morning of June 30, Holmes leaves Dawn alone at the motel to check his messages. As she remains isolated, she is haunted by unsettling visions of violence, foreshadowing the coming events.

June 30, 1981 Motel Room
5

News of the Wonderland Murders

That same day, while watching TV, Dawn is shocked to see a newscast revealing that four people were murdered at Wonderland Avenue. This news brings terror as she realizes the location ties back to her and Holmes.

June 30, 1981 Motel Room
6

Holmes Returns

Holmes finally returns to the motel looking disheveled and refuses to discuss where he has been. His arrival after the murder news only heightens Dawn's anxiety about their situation.

June 30, 1981 Motel Room
7

Detectives Begin Investigation

Two detectives, Nico and Cruz, start looking into the Wonderland murders. Their investigation leads them to interact with Holmes, who claims to know nothing, while bringing further suspicion on him.

8

David Lind Learns of the Murders

David Lind, at a bar, hears about the murders at Wonderland and realizes his girlfriend was one of the victims. This shocking revelation pulls him deeper into the chaos surrounding the events.

June 30, 1981 Bar
9

Planning the Robbery

Holmes convinces the Wonderland Gang to rob Eddie Nash, a notorious gangster. They plan the heist carefully, with Holmes drawing a map, revealing the depths of his entanglement with crime.

June 30, 1981 Holmes's Location
10

The Robbery of Eddie Nash

On June 29, 1981, the robbery of Eddie Nash's house takes place, orchestrated by the Wonderland Gang. They steal over a million dollars in cash, jewelery and drugs, showcasing the violent climax of their criminal activities.

June 29, 1981 Eddie Nash's House
11

Nash Chases Down Holmes

Following the robbery, Nash discovers Holmes had facilitated the crime. In retaliation, he brutally assaults Holmes, threatening to murder his loved ones if he does not cooperate.

June 30, 1981 Eddie Nash's House
12

Retaliation at Wonderland

In the early hours of July 1, Nash's henchmen brutally attack the Wonderland house. Holmes is forced to witness the carnage where several members of the gang are murdered while he is coerced into participating.

July 1, 1981 Wonderland Avenue
13

Holmes's Confession

After the murders, Holmes confides in his estranged wife Sharon about witnessing the horrific events. His confession reveals the depth of violence and betrayal entwined in their lives.

Early July 1, 1981 Sharon's House
14

Holmes's Arrest

Just days after the murders, Holmes and Dawn are arrested. During intense questioning, Holmes spins a tale of coercion, but detectives remain skeptical of his version of events.

July 3, 1981 Police Headquarters
15

The Aftermath

The aftermath of the murders leads to various legal repercussions for Holmes, with conflicting accounts from him and Lind. Their fates intertwine as tragic consequences unfold following the Wonderland incident.

Last Updated: January 13, 2025 at 13:49

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Wonderland Summary

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Wonderland Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Wonderland

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Wonderland

More About Wonderland

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