Indignation Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Jewish atheist goes to college in Ohio, argues with everyone, gets a sexually active girlfriend, and then dies in Korea because conformity.

🍿 Indignation: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Marcus’s Escape to College

In 1951, Marcus Messner, a bright Jewish student from Newark, NJ, seeks to avoid the Korean War draft by attending Winesburg College in Ohio. His father, a kosher butcher, is increasingly anxious and overprotective, leading Marcus to crave independence. Winesburg, however, presents its own challenges with its conservative Christian environment.

Encounter with Olivia

At Winesburg, Marcus meets Olivia Hutton, a captivating and sexually liberated student. Their connection is immediate and intense. However, Olivia’s troubled past and mental health issues create complications. Their first date involves a sexual encounter that shocks Marcus, highlighting his naivete and the societal norms of the time.

Conflicts and Confrontations

Marcus’s atheism and intellectualism clash with the college’s conservative values, leading to a tense confrontation with Dean Caudwell. This scene showcases the era’s restrictive social mores and the clash between individual freedom and institutional authority. Marcus’s refusal to conform to mandatory chapel attendance further exacerbates the conflict.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Marcus Messner (Logan Lerman): A bright, idealistic, and stubborn Jewish student from Newark, NJ, who clashes with the conservative atmosphere of Winesburg College in Ohio.
• Olivia Hutton (Sarah Gadon): A beautiful and enigmatic student with a troubled past, who captivates Marcus and challenges his worldview.
• Dean Caudwell (Tracy Letts): The rigid and conservative Dean of Winesburg College, who embodies the stifling social norms of the 1950s.
• Max Messner (Danny Burstein): Marcus’s overprotective and anxious father, a kosher butcher whose worries foreshadow the tragic events to come.
• Esther Messner (Linda Emond): Marcus’ loving but conflicted mother who influences his decisions regarding his relationship with Olivia.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Marcus Messner: “It is important to understand about dying, that even though in general you do not have a personal choice in the matter, it is going to happen to you when it happens to you.” – This is the opening narration, reflecting on the inevitability and randomness of death, framing the story as a reflection on choices.
• Dean Caudwell: “Mr. Messner, are you always this combative?” – The Dean poses this question to Marcus during their contentious meeting, highlighting Marcus’s defiant nature and unwillingness to conform.
• Esther Messner: “The world is full of young women who have not slit any wrists.” – Marcus’s mother says this to him, expressing her disapproval of Olivia and fear for her son’s well-being.
• Marcus Messner: “It’s okay, whatever it is. ‘Cause someone did love you. At least, I think that’s what it was.” – These are Marcus’s dying thoughts, expressing his final feelings for Olivia and a sense of acceptance.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $16,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $3,401,155
• Worldwide Gross: $3,924,527

💥 Indignation Reviews

Personal Review

I was really drawn into this movie! It feels like a thoughtful and powerful story. The scene where Marcus argues with the Dean is just incredible – the way they go back and forth with their ideas is intense and really got me thinking. I also felt a real connection to Marcus and Olivia, the actress playing Olivia did a wonderful job of conveying both confidence and vulnerability. However, the ending hit me really hard, it was just very sad.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Philip Roth’s novels”
  • “Viewers interested in historical dramas”
  • “Audiences who appreciate character-driven stories”
  • “Those interested in themes of social injustice and personal conviction”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Suicide attempt”
  • “Mental illness”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Strong language”
  • “War violence”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “James Schamus’s adaptation of Philip Roth’s novel is a thoughtful and well-acted drama that explores themes of identity, repression, and the clash between individual freedom and societal expectations. Logan Lerman delivers a standout performance as Marcus Messner, capturing the character’s intellectual rigor and emotional vulnerability. The film’s measured pace and emphasis on dialogue may not appeal to all viewers.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A beautifully realized adaptation of Philip Roth’s novel, ‘Indignation’ boasts strong performances from Logan Lerman and Sarah Gadon. Schamus’s direction is confident, and the film’s exploration of complex moral and philosophical issues is both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging. The film’s intense dialogue and slow burn pace contributes to an engrossing experience that rewards patient viewers.
• The New York Times: “While faithful to Roth’s novel, ‘Indignation’ stands on its own as a compelling drama with strong performances and mature themes. Logan Lerman shines as Marcus Messner, portraying the character’s struggles with authenticity and depth. James Schamus handles complex subjects, offering a sensitive and nuanced portrayal of a pivotal moment in American history. It provides food for thought and emotional resonance.

Audience Reactions

The dialogue is captivating and keeps you invested in the characters and their conflicts.: Viewers appreciate the nuanced and thought-provoking discussions on religion, identity, and societal norms.

Logan Lerman’s performance is praised for capturing the essence of Marcus’s inner turmoil.: Audiences commend the performances of Logan Lerman, Sarah Gadon and Tracy Letts for bringing the characters to life.

Overall Consensus: A thought-provoking and well-acted drama that explores themes of identity, repression, and societal expectations. While its slow pace may not appeal to everyone, the film offers a rewarding experience for those who appreciate nuanced character studies and mature themes.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “James Schamus, the director, is primarily known as a producer and screenwriter, having worked on films like ‘Brokeback Mountain’ and ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’. ‘Indignation’ marked his directorial debut.”
• “The film is based on Philip Roth’s 2008 novel of the same name, with Roth himself being influenced by his own college experiences in the 1950s.”
• “The fictional Winesburg College is a tribute to Sherwood Anderson’s classic collection of interconnected short stories, ‘Winesburg, Ohio’.”

🖥️ How to Watch Indignation?

Indignation is available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability. Some platforms may offer the film as part of a subscription service.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• The Graduate (1967): Explores themes of youthful alienation, societal expectations, and unconventional relationships in a changing America.
• A Serious Man (2009): Shares a similar tone of dark humor and explores themes of Jewish identity, faith, and the absurdity of life’s challenges.
• Goodbye, Columbus (1969): Also based on a Philip Roth novel, it delves into Jewish-American identity, class differences, and the complexities of love and family.
• Dead Poets Society (1989): Focuses on challenging the restrictive norms of a conservative educational institution, albeit with a more inspirational tone.

🛒 Indignation Related Products

• Indignation (Novel by Philip Roth): The original novel by Philip Roth that inspired the film. A must-have for fans who want to delve deeper into the story and characters.
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower (DVD): Another coming-of-age story with Logan Lerman, portraying his versatility as an actor in emotionally complex roles. It’s a film lauded for its sensitive handling of teenage struggles.
• Vintage 1950s Style Clothing: Clothing inspired by the 1950s will allow fans to express their love and appreciation for a movie set in the decade.
• Anti-Semitism in America: This book will explore the topic of anti-Semitism in America.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Is It Love” – performed by Jay Wadley featuring Jane Monheit
• “Main Title” – performed by Jay Wadley
• “Korea” – performed by Jay Wadley

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Indignation Official Trailer #1 (2016) – Logan Lerman, Sarah Gadon Movie HD

Want to get a feel for the story? Check out the official trailer that gives a glimpse of the emotional and intellectual challenges faced by the protagonist. I think you’ll be hooked by the raw emotion and thought-provoking themes!

✨ Rate