The Virgin Suicides Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Five sisters, trapped in a 70s suburban nightmare, decide the ultimate teenage rebellion is to collectively ghost their entire lives, leaving a bunch of neighborhood boys forever wondering what happened to their floral wallpaper dreams.

🍿 The Virgin Suicides: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to the Lisbon Sisters

Set in 1970s suburban Detroit, the film introduces the five Lisbon sisters: Therese, Mary, Bonnie, Lux, and Cecilia. They are observed by a group of neighborhood boys who are captivated by their beauty and mystique. The sisters live under the strict, watchful eyes of their religious and overprotective parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lisbon.

Cecilia’s Suicide Attempt and Party

The story takes a dark turn when the youngest sister, Cecilia, attempts suicide by slitting her wrists in the bathtub. Following this incident, the family’s therapist suggests that the Lisbons allow Cecilia to socialize more. In an attempt to lift her spirits, Mr. and Mrs. Lisbon organize a chaperoned party at their house. However, the party ends tragically when Cecilia jumps out of her bedroom window, impaling herself on the fence below, and dies.

Lux and Trip Fontaine

In the new school year, Lux, the most rebellious of the sisters, begins a secret relationship with Trip Fontaine, a popular and charismatic high school heartthrob. Trip convinces Mr. Lisbon to let him take Lux to the Homecoming Dance, promising to arrange dates for her sisters as well. After the dance, Trip and Lux have sex on the football field, but Trip abandons her, leading to serious consequences.

House Arrest and Isolation

As a consequence of breaking curfew, Mrs. Lisbon punishes Lux and her sisters by pulling them out of school and confining them to their house. The girls are isolated from the outside world but maintain contact with the neighborhood boys through secret light signals and by sharing music over the phone. Lux also engages in anonymous sexual encounters on the roof, observed by the boys.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lux Lisbon (Kirsten Dunst): The rebellious and alluring Lisbon sister who tests the boundaries of her strict upbringing and has a brief, impactful relationship with Trip Fontaine.
• Trip Fontaine (Josh Hartnett): The charming and popular high school heartthrob whose brief romance with Lux Lisbon has tragic consequences.
• Mr. Lisbon (James Woods): The introverted and passive father of the Lisbon sisters, struggling to maintain order in his increasingly isolated household.
• Mrs. Lisbon (Kathleen Turner): The overly devout and controlling mother of the Lisbon sisters, whose strict rules contribute to their isolation and eventual suicides.
• Cecilia Lisbon (Hanna Hall): The youngest Lisbon sister whose initial suicide attempt sets in motion a chain of events that haunt the neighborhood boys.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Cecilia: “Obviously, Doctor, you’ve never been a 13-year-old girl.” – Said to her psychiatrist after her first suicide attempt, highlighting the incomprehension adults have for teenage emotions.
• Narrator: “In the end, we had pieces of the puzzle, but no matter how we put them together, gaps remained.” – Reflects the enduring mystery surrounding the Lisbon sisters and the inability to fully understand their motives.
• Trip Fontaine: “I never wanted to hurt you.” – Said to Lux after abandoning her, showcasing the superficiality and carelessness that contributes to her despair.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $9,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $4,906,229
• Worldwide Gross: $10,414,053

💥 The Virgin Suicides Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing this in high school and being completely mesmerized. The way Coppola captured the longing and confusion of being a teenager felt so real. The scene where the boys and girls connect over the phone, playing records for each other, is pure magic, a perfect encapsulation of that feeling of being understood, even if just for a moment. It’s a beautiful, heartbreaking film that still resonates with me years later. This is one of my all time favorites.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Sofia Coppola’s other films”
  • “Viewers interested in coming-of-age stories with a dark twist”
  • “Those who appreciate films with a strong visual style and atmospheric soundtrack”
  • “Audiences who enjoy stories set in the 1970s”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suicide”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Teenage drinking and smoking”
  • “Disturbing themes”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Sofia Coppola’s debut is a haunting, visually arresting exploration of teenage ennui. The film masterfully captures the stifling atmosphere of suburban life and the objectification of young women through the lens of adolescent boys. The performances are nuanced, especially Kirsten Dunst, who embodies the rebellious spirit of Lux Lisbon with a captivating vulnerability.
• The New York Times: “Coppola creates a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film, exploring themes of isolation, repression, and the elusive nature of memory. The film’s dreamy aesthetic and evocative soundtrack perfectly complement the melancholic narrative, making ‘The Virgin Suicides’ a memorable and thought-provoking experience.
• RogerEbert.com: “Coppola avoids easy answers, instead creating a mood piece that lingers long after the credits roll. ‘The Virgin Suicides’ is a poignant meditation on adolescence, loss, and the enduring mystery of the human heart. The film’s strength lies in its ability to capture the ineffable yearnings and frustrations of youth.

Audience Reactions

The dreamy cinematography perfectly captures the nostalgic atmosphere of the 1970s.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s visual style, emotional depth, and haunting soundtrack.

Kirsten Dunst’s performance as Lux Lisbon is a standout, embodying the character’s rebellious spirit.: The acting is amazing, with special recognition to Kirsten Dunst, Josh Hartnett and Kathleen Turner.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that explores themes of isolation, repression, and the elusive nature of memory. While some find the narrative ambiguous, most agree that Coppola’s direction and the performances are exceptional.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Sofia Coppola was initially devastated when she learned another company was already developing an adaptation. However, that company was dissatisfied with their script and ultimately chose to use Coppola’s instead.”
• “The film’s soundtrack, composed by the French electronic music duo Air, perfectly captures the dreamy, melancholic atmosphere of the film and has become a defining feature of its aesthetic.”
• “The recurring motif of Dutch Elm disease subtly symbolizes the decay and hidden rot beneath the seemingly perfect suburban facade.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Virgin Suicides?

The Virgin Suicides is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it on demand via services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, where it is available to rent or purchase. Check your local listings for availability on cable VOD as well. For physical copies, you can purchase the DVD or Blu-ray on Amazon and other major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Virgin Suicides, you might like these similar films:

• Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975): Shares a similar atmosphere of mystery and explores themes of repressed sexuality and the enigmatic nature of young women.
• Heathers (1988): Darkly comedic exploration of teenage angst, suicide, and the pressures of high school social hierarchies.
• Thirteen (2003): Deals with teenage angst and the challenges of growing up, but with a more modern and raw perspective.
• Mysterious Skin (2004): Explores the hidden traumas and complexities of adolescence, with a focus on suppressed memories and unsettling secrets.

🛒 The Virgin Suicides Related Products

• The Virgin Suicides (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A beautifully restored edition of the film with exclusive bonus content, interviews, and essays, offering a deeper dive into the film’s themes and production.
• The Virgin Suicides (Original Motion Picture Score) [Vinyl]: A limited-edition vinyl pressing of Air’s iconic soundtrack, featuring the dreamy and melancholic score that perfectly complements the film’s atmosphere.
• The Virgin Suicides: A Novel: The original novel by Jeffrey Eugenides, offering a deeper exploration of the characters and themes explored in the film. A thought-provoking reading experience.
• The Virgin Suicides Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the film’s iconic poster, perfect for displaying your love of the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Playground Love” – performed by Air
• “Highschool Lover” – performed by Air
• “Hello It’s Me” – performed by Todd Rundgren

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

What a girl should be: a video essay on The Virgin Suicides

“Ever wondered why ‘The Virgin Suicides’ left such a lasting impact? This insightful video essay delves into the film’s themes, inviting you to reconsider its complexities. Prepare to have your perspective challenged!

the male gaze™ in the virgin suicides. a video essay.

Calling all film enthusiasts! This thought-provoking video essay takes you on a journey through ‘The Virgin Suicides’, exploring the complex dynamics of the male gaze and its impact on the film’s narrative. Buckle up for a mind-bending cinematic analysis!

Sofia Coppola Shares Her Rich Film Archival | W Magazine

Curious about the mind behind ‘The Virgin Suicides’? Join Sofia Coppola in this captivating interview as she shares her inspirations, challenges, and the secrets that make her films so unforgettable. This is a must-watch for any fan of her work!

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