🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Henry Alex Rubin
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
- Release year: 2012
- Runtime (length): 1h 55min
- IMDb rating: 7.5/10 (80k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 69%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
People stare at screens, bad things happen, and suddenly everyone realizes maybe they should talk to each other for once.
🍿 Disconnect: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Boyd Family: Cyberbullying’s Toll
Rich Boyd, a lawyer glued to his phone, is distant from his family. His son, Ben, an introverted teenager, becomes the victim of severe cyberbullying. Two classmates, Jason and Frye, create a fake online persona to trick Ben into sending a compromising photo, which they then distribute widely. This leads to devastating consequences for Ben.
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The Hulls: Identity Theft and Grief
Derek and Cindy Hull are a married couple struggling with the loss of their child. Cindy seeks solace in an online support group, unaware of the dangers lurking online. They become victims of identity theft, leading to financial ruin and exposing their personal secrets. Desperate, they hire a private investigator, Mike Dixon, to track down the culprit.
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Nina and Kyle: Exploitation and Ambition
Nina Dunham, an ambitious journalist, sees an opportunity to advance her career by investigating online sex sites. She focuses on Kyle, a young man performing on an adult-only site. As she delves deeper into his world, she grapples with the ethical implications of her work and the potential harm she could cause to Kyle.
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⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Rich Boyd (Jason Bateman): A workaholic lawyer struggles to connect with his family, especially after his son becomes a victim of cyberbullying.
- Ben Boyd (Jonah Bobo): An introverted teenager is humiliated and driven to a desperate act after being cyberbullied.
- Mike Dixon (Frank Grillo): A former cop turned private investigator grapples with his son’s involvement in cyberbullying and his own strict parenting.
- Jason Dixon (Colin Ford): A mischievous teenager, driven by complex emotions, engages in cyberbullying with devastating consequences.
- Cindy Hull (Paula Patton): A grieving mother seeks solace online, only to become a victim of identity theft and further marital strain.
- Nina Dunham (Andrea Riseborough): An ambitious journalist’s pursuit of a story about online sex work leads to ethical dilemmas and personal repercussions.
- Kyle (Max Thieriot): A young man turns to online adult entertainment, finding himself exploited and caught in the crosshairs of an ambitious reporter.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Mike Dixon: “Everything you do, someone out there can see.” – This serves as a warning about the lack of privacy in the digital age.
- Cindy Hull: “I just wanted someone to talk to.” – Cindy’s expression is when trying to come to terms that she was catfished and identity theft.
- Rich Boyd: “I’m his father! I should have known.” – Rich cries out in anguish when he realizes he’s failed to notice his son’s suffering.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $10,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $1,436,900
- Worldwide Gross: $3,428,048
💥 Disconnect Reviews
Personal Review
Wow, Disconnect really hit me hard. Seeing how easily people can get hurt online was terrifying. I was especially moved by Ben’s story; it made me think about the impact of cyberbullying and the importance of being there for our kids. The ending wasn’t neatly tied up, which honestly made it feel more real. I left the movie feeling like I needed to unplug and connect with the people I care about.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of drama movies that tackle social issues”
- “Viewers interested in the impact of technology on society”
- “Those who appreciate ensemble casts and interconnected storylines”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Deals with sensitive topics such as cyberbullying, identity theft, and online exploitation”
- “Contains mature themes, strong language, and some disturbing scenes”
- “May not be suitable for younger viewers without parental guidance”
Professional Reviews
- Rotten Tomatoes: “Disconnect is a timely and relevant film that explores the dangers of our increasingly digital world. However, its interconnected storylines feel somewhat contrived, preventing it from reaching its full potential.
- IMDb: “A compelling and thought-provoking drama that explores the dark side of online interactions. The film’s performances are strong, and its message is timely and important, though it occasionally veers into melodrama.
- Metacritic: “Disconnect offers a sobering look at the potential consequences of our digital lives. While the film’s interconnected stories are somewhat predictable, its strong performances and relevant themes make it a worthwhile watch.
Audience Reactions
Jason Bateman’s dramatic performance was a surprising and powerful highlight.: Viewers praised the film’s relevant themes, strong performances, and thought-provoking message about the dangers of the internet.
The film’s interconnected stories kept viewers engaged and on the edge of their seats.: Many viewers found the film to be a timely and important reminder of the need for human connection in an increasingly digital world.
Overall Consensus: Disconnect is a thought-provoking drama that explores the dangers of our digital lives. While its interconnected stories may feel somewhat contrived, its strong performances and relevant themes make it a worthwhile watch.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Jason Bateman has stated that Disconnect is his favorite film he has ever worked on.”
- “Director Henry Alex Rubin is known for his documentary work, which lends a realistic feel to the film’s portrayal of online interactions.”
- “The film explores the theme of how technology, intended to connect people, can paradoxically lead to isolation and disconnection.”
- “Several storylines in the movie are loosely based on true events, adding a layer of authenticity and impact.”
🖥️ How to Watch Disconnect?
Disconnect is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu for rent or purchase. Check your local cable provider for on-demand options as well. Availability may vary by region.
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🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Disconnect, you might like these similar films:
- Crash (2004): Both films feature multiple interconnected storylines exploring complex social issues and human connections.
- The Social Network (2010): Explores the impact and consequences of social media on relationships and society.
- Trust (2010): Deals with the dangers of online relationships and the exploitation of minors.
- Searching (2018): A modern thriller that uses technology and social media to tell a story about family and secrets.
- Men, Women & Children (2014): Explores the impact of internet, technology and social media on relationships.
🛒 Disconnect Related Products
- Privacy Screen Protector 2 Pack for Laptop: Protect your sensitive information from prying eyes with this privacy screen protector. Perfect for laptops and helps maintain visual security in public settings. Reduces blue light and glare.
- Ethical Hacking: A Hands-On Introduction to Breaking In: Learn the fundamentals of ethical hacking and cybersecurity. Gain practical skills to protect yourself and others from cyber threats.
- Disconnect [Blu-ray]: Own the movie that explores the dangers of our digital lives on Blu-ray. Experience the strong performances and relevant themes in high definition.
- Laptop Camera Cover Slide, [6 Pack]: Webcam Cover Slide for Laptop, Ultra Thin Camera Blocker for Computer, Phone, iPad, MacBook Pro, iMac, PC, Privacy Protection – Black
🎧 Soundtrack
Disconnect features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
While not directly based on one specific event, Disconnect draws inspiration from numerous real-life cases of cyberbullying, identity theft, and online exploitation. The filmmakers researched these issues extensively to create a realistic portrayal of the dangers of the internet.
Disconnect explores the themes of isolation, communication breakdown, and the impact of technology on human relationships. It serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of the internet and the importance of fostering genuine connections in the real world.
Disconnect features an ensemble cast including Jason Bateman, Hope Davis, Frank Grillo, Paula Patton, Alexander Skarsgård, Andrea Riseborough, and Max Thieriot.
🔥 Bonus Content
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Ever wondered why there’s no ‘E’ grade? This short video explains it! It’s super interesting and something I never thought about before.
Why Marines Holds Shotguns Upside Down #shorts
Have you ever noticed how marines sometimes hold shotguns upside down? This video explains why! It’s actually a pretty smart tactic and makes a lot of sense.
Why Your Car’s Speedometer Goes Up To 160 mph 🤯 (EXPLAINED)
Have you ever wondered why your speedometer goes so high, even if you’ll never actually drive that fast? This video has the answer! I was surprised by the real reason, honestly.
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