Beginners Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A guy’s dad comes out as gay and dies, then the guy meets a French girl who is also sad, and they bond over shared sadness and a dog that thinks in subtitles.

🍿 Beginners: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Oliver’s Grief and New Beginnings

In 2003 Los Angeles, Oliver Fields is grappling with the recent death of his father, Hal, just five years after his mother, Georgia, passed away. Oliver’s mourning process is complicated by memories of his parents’ emotionally distant marriage and Hal’s revelation, after Georgia’s death, that he was gay. Oliver adopts his father’s Jack Russell Terrier, Arthur, and attends a costume party where he meets Anna, a French actress. Despite her initial inability to speak, they form a connection. Oliver is drawn to Anna’s free spirit as he navigates his grief and reflects on his family’s history.

Hal’s Late-Life Awakening

The film flashes back to Hal’s life after coming out at age 75. He embraces his identity, becomes active in the gay community, and begins a relationship with a younger man named Andy. This period is marked by a newfound joy and openness that contrasts sharply with his earlier, more reserved demeanor during his marriage to Georgia. However, Hal’s happiness is cut short when he is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Oliver supports him through his illness, witnessing his father’s courage and determination to live life fully, even in the face of death.

Oliver and Anna’s Relationship

Oliver and Anna’s relationship develops as they share personal details about their pasts and confront their fears about commitment. Oliver struggles with his past experiences and the impact of his parents’ relationship, while Anna is dealing with her own emotional baggage. Their connection deepens, but their differing lifestyles and emotional challenges create tension. Eventually, Anna moves out, leaving Oliver feeling lost and heartbroken.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Oliver (Ewan McGregor): A graphic artist grappling with the death of his father and struggling to open himself to a new relationship.
• Hal (Christopher Plummer): Oliver’s father, who comes out as gay at age 75 and embraces life with newfound joy.
• Anna (Mélanie Laurent): A free-spirited French actress who connects with Oliver and challenges his emotional barriers.
• Georgia (Mary Page Keller): Oliver’s mother, whose marriage to Hal was marked by unspoken truths and a unique view of life.
• Andy (Goran Visnjic): Hal’s younger boyfriend, who brings a new sense of vibrancy and companionship to his life.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Hal: “I don’t want to have any ‘blah’ years.” – Hal declares his intention to live life to the fullest after coming out, refusing to settle for a dull existence.
• Oliver: “You know, I realized I don’t believe in anything. And that’s why I can’t have a successful relationship.” – Oliver expresses his self-doubt and lack of conviction as a barrier to forming lasting connections.
• Anna: “Why do you leave everyone? Why did you let me go?” – Anna confronts Oliver about his tendency to sabotage relationships due to his fear of commitment.
• Hal: “I’m sorry I wasn’t a better father.” – Hal expresses his regret for not being true to himself and fully present during Oliver’s childhood.
• Oliver: “Well, let’s say that since you were little, you always dreamed of getting a lion. And you wait, and you wait, and you wait, and you wait but the lion doesn’t come. And along comes a giraffe. You can be alone, or you can be with the giraffe.” – Oliver shares this with Anna when trying to explain the reasons why his father and his boyfriend are together.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3.2M
• Domestic Gross: $5.8M
• Worldwide Gross: $14.3M

💥 Beginners Reviews

Personal Review

Beginners really got to me. I loved the way it jumped back and forth in time. It felt like life, with memories flooding in unexpectedly. Christopher Plummer was amazing. The scenes with Ewan McGregor felt so real. I cried when Hal died, and I cheered when Oliver and Anna gave it another shot. The dog Arthur made me laugh and tear up—who knew subtitles for a dog could be so moving? It’s a movie I know I’ll watch again and again.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of indie dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about family and identity”
  • “Those who appreciate quirky and heartfelt films”
  • “People who enjoy films with strong performances”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Mature themes including cancer, death, and sexuality”
  • “Brief depiction of drug use”
  • “Implied sexual content”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Beginners finds emotional honesty in its unconventional narrative, carried by strong performances from McGregor, Laurent, and Plummer. While the film’s quirky elements may not appeal to all, its heartfelt exploration of love and family resonates deeply.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Christopher Plummer delivers a career-defining performance in Beginners, bringing warmth and humor to his portrayal of a man embracing his true self late in life. McGregor and Laurent provide excellent support, making this a touching and insightful film.
• Variety: “Beginners is a quirky but ultimately rewarding film that explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery with sensitivity and intelligence. Mike Mills’ direction is assured, and the performances are uniformly excellent. Its non-linear structure adds depth to the story.

Audience Reactions

Christopher Plummer’s performance was heartwarming and inspiring.: Viewers praised the film for its honest portrayal of grief, love, and self-discovery.

The non-linear storytelling kept viewers engaged and emotionally invested.: Many loved the quirky and authentic feel of the movie, appreciating its unique perspective on relationships.

Overall Consensus: Beginners is a touching and insightful film praised for its strong performances, quirky narrative, and honest exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery. It’s a unique and rewarding movie experience.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actor)- 2012
2. Golden Globe (Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture)- 2012

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is inspired by director Mike Mills’ own life, specifically his father coming out as gay at the age of 75 after his mother’s death.”
• “To prepare for his role, Christopher Plummer spent time with gay men in their 70s and 80s to observe their experiences and perspectives.”
• “The Jack Russell terrier, Arthur, played a significant role in conveying emotions and adding lightness to the film. The dog’s thoughts are displayed through subtitles, adding a unique element.”
• “The art and design elements in the film, including Oliver’s drawings and the overall aesthetic, reflect Mike Mills’ background as a graphic designer.”

🖥️ How to Watch Beginners?

Beginners is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local cable provider for on-demand options as well. For physical copies, search Amazon for the Blu-ray or DVD.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Beginners, you might like these similar films:

• 500 Days of Summer (2009): Both films explore unconventional relationships and the challenges of finding love in modern Los Angeles, with a focus on personal growth and emotional honesty.
• Thumbsucker (2005): Directed by Mike Mills, ‘Thumbsucker’ shares a similar quirky and introspective tone, dealing with themes of family dynamics and personal identity.
• Adam (2009): Focuses on a character with Asperger’s syndrome navigating love and relationships, similar to ‘Beginners’ exploration of emotional challenges.
• The Kids Are All Right (2010): Deals with family dynamics, particularly exploring LGBTQ+ themes with a touch of humor and heart, much like the father-son relationship in Beginners.

🛒 Beginners Related Products

• Beginners (Blu-ray): Relive the heartwarming story of Beginners with this high-definition Blu-ray edition. Featuring stunning visuals and immersive sound, it’s the perfect addition to any film lover’s collection. Includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
• Ewan McGregor: An Unauthorized Biography: Dive into the life and career of Ewan McGregor, the star of Beginners. This biography explores his journey from Trainspotting to Beginners, offering insights into his acting process and personal life. A captivating read for any McGregor fan.
• Jack Russell Terrier Stuffed Animal: Bring home your own Arthur with this adorable Jack Russell Terrier stuffed animal. Made with high-quality materials, it’s the perfect companion for any fan of the movie. A cuddly reminder of the film’s heartwarming moments.
• Graphic Design Portfolio Template (Digital): Inspired by Oliver’s profession, this graphic design portfolio template is perfect for showcasing your creative work. With a clean and modern design, it’s easy to customize and impress potential clients. Ideal for beginners and experienced designers alike.

🎧 Soundtrack

Beginners features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Clair de Lune” – performed by Claude Debussy
• “I Shall Be Free” – performed by Nina Simone
• “The Lark” – performed by Peter Broderick
• “Stardust” – performed by Hoagy Carmichael

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

BEGINNERS – clip: Ask Me Anything

Take a peek into the intimate and poignant world of ‘Beginners’ with this exclusive clip featuring Ewan McGregor and Melanie Laurent. Their chemistry will leave you wanting more.

Semiotics analysis for beginners! | How to read signs in film | Roland Barthes Media Theory

Uncover the hidden layers of ‘Beginners’ and other films with this enlightening video. Dive into the fascinating world of semiotics and discover how directors use signs and symbols to communicate deeper messages.

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