A Home at the End of the World

A Home at the End of the World 2004

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of A Home at the End of the World (2004). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


It’s the 1960s, a time when young Bobby enjoys a close relationship with his older brother, who treats him as an equal and serves as a significant role model. Tragically, his brother dies in a freak accident during a party at their home, walking through a closed plate glass door, leaving Bobby with an unfillable void. In school, Bobby encounters a boy named Jonathan, who bears a striking resemblance to his lost brother. Bobby, a quiet and musical soul drawn to pot, grapples with the recent loss of his mother and the inadequate parenting from his father, forcing him to navigate through life on his own.

Jonathan comes from a traditional home; his mother is a homemaker, while his father runs a movie theater. Although they live together, the family conceals their discontent, each longing for a different existence. Bobby introduces Jonathan to the liberating experiences of pot and rock music, while Jonathan invites Bobby to move in with his family after Bobby’s father passes away. In Jonathan’s home, Bobby finds the love and support he has desperately missed since losing his brother.

Jonathan develops strong feelings for Bobby, admiring his confidence and carefree nature. One fateful evening, while sharing a moment of intimacy, their connection evolves. The boys occasionally explore their physical relationship, but their bond remains primarily brotherly. Bobby’s influence also extends to Jonathan’s mother, Alice, as he introduces her to pot, breathing warmth back into her often mundane life. Bobby’s joyous demeanor and appreciation for her cooking talents spark a renewed passion in Alice, who begins teaching Bobby culinary skills to alleviate her boredom.

As years pass, Bobby continues to flourish while Jonathan heads off to college. Bobby finds employment at a local bakery and stays with Alice and her husband, Ned. When Ned’s health declines, the couple decides to relocate to a drier climate in the desert, prompting them to encourage Bobby to find his own path. Bobby reaches out to Jonathan, now in NYC, seeking a place to stay.

Fast forward to the early 1980s, Bobby arrives in the bustling West Village of NYC, reunited with Jonathan after years apart. Jonathan has embraced his sexuality and engages in fleeting encounters with various men. He shares his living space with Clare, an artist with a free spirit, trapped in an unrequited love for Jonathan. Together, they express unconventional ideas about family and fulfillment, creating a unique living dynamic. Bobby quickly integrates himself into their lives, maintaining his job at a bakery as the trio shares moments of joy.

However, the harmony fades when Clare, affected by a change in her feelings towards Bobby, takes him by surprise. She initiates an unexpected romance with him, leading to jealousy and confusion for Jonathan, feeling left out as he navigates his feelings towards both of them. Soon after, Bobby receives news that Ned has passed away, and he flies out to the desert to confront loss once again, with Jonathan grappling with feelings of inadequacy.

After a tumultuous series of events leading to a candid confrontation about love and loyalty, the trio navigates complex emotions. With Clare expecting Bobby’s child, they find themselves in a tender but complicated situation. They opt for a fresh start away from the city to the historic town of Woodstock, NY, where life revolves around the birth of their daughter and the opening of their restaurant, “Home.”

As Clare immerses herself in motherhood, she experiences loneliness and solitude, creating a rift in their idyllic lives. The boys foster their companionship, yet the emergence of Jonathan’s health concerns casts a shadow over their future. When Bobby discovers a sore on Jonathan’s hip, he offers comfort, despite knowing the reality it signifies—Jonathan’s battle with AIDS is beginning. As Clare embarks on a visit to her mother, the feeling that she might not return engulfs their home with tension.

They share a moment of significant closure as Jonathan and Bobby spread Ned’s ashes together, facilitating a bittersweet conversation about mortality and unresolved affection. Ultimately, the film closes with Bobby and Jonathan, in their own unconventional way, affirming their commitment and the unique bond they share, inviting viewers to reflect on the complexities of love, friendship, and loss.

Timeline

Track the key events of A Home at the End of the World (2004) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Bobby's Close Bond with His Brother

In the 1960s, young Bobby enjoys a deep and meaningful relationship with his older brother, who acts as a significant role model and equal companion. Their bond is characterized by shared experiences and mutual respect, making Bobby's world brighter and more secure.

1960s

The Tragic Loss

Bobby's life is shattered when his brother dies in a freak accident during a party at their home. The loss occurs suddenly when his brother walks through a closed plate glass door, leaving Bobby with an unfillable void and forcing him to confront the reality of life without his brother.

Bobby's home

Meeting Jonathan

While navigating his grief at school, Bobby meets Jonathan, a boy who bears a remarkable resemblance to his deceased brother. This connection offers Bobby a glimmer of hope as he grapples with the loss of both his mother and brother.

School

Bonding Over Music and Pot

Bobby introduces Jonathan to the world of pot and rock music, two liberating experiences that create a strong bond between them. Their friendship is a source of comfort for Bobby, who finds solace in Jonathan's company amid his troubled home life.

Moving In Together

During difficult times following Bobby's father's death, Jonathan invites Bobby to move in with his family. Living together allows Bobby to experience the love and support he has sorely missed since his brother's passing.

Jonathan's home

Growing Feelings

As their friendship deepens, Jonathan develops strong feelings for Bobby, drawn to his carefree spirit and confidence. Their relationship evolves during moments of intimacy, although they strive to maintain a primarily brotherly bond.

Bobby and Jonathan's Influence on Alice

Bobby's presence introduces warmth into Jonathan's mother, Alice's life, as he shares the experience of pot with her. This rekindles her passion for cooking and she starts teaching Bobby culinary skills, providing both of them with joy.

Jonathan's home

Bobby's New Life Paths

As the years pass, Bobby finds employment in a bakery while Jonathan prepares to head off to college. Jonathan's parents, noticing Ned's declining health, encourage Bobby to find his own way, highlighting the crossroads in their lives.

Bakery

Reuniting in NYC

Fast forward to the early 1980s, Bobby travels to the bustling West Village of NYC in search of Jonathan. Their reunion marks a pivotal moment, as Jonathan has embraced his sexuality, living with an artist named Clare.

1980s West Village, NYC

Clare's Unexpected Romance

Clare begins an unexpected romance with Bobby, causing tension and jealousy for Jonathan, who feels left out. This shift complicates their relationships and tests the bonds formed over the years.

Confronting Loss Again

Bobby receives devastating news about Ned’s passing and journeys back to the desert to confront another loss. Meanwhile, Jonathan grapples with feelings of inadequacy, complicating their emotional landscape.

Desert

Navigating Complex Emotions

As the trio grapples with love and loyalty, Clare becomes pregnant with Bobby's child, creating a tender yet complex situation. They contemplate their future in the face of impending changes.

A New Beginning in Woodstock

Seeking a fresh start, they relocate to the historic town of Woodstock, NY, centered around the excitement of their new family dynamic and the opening of a restaurant named 'Home.' This new chapter emphasizes love and community.

Woodstock, NY

Facing Jonathan's Health Challenges

As Clare embraces motherhood, Jonathan begins to show signs of health concerns that cast a shadow over their lives. Bobby discovers a sore on Jonathan's hip, foreshadowing the onset of his battle with AIDS.

A Moment of Closure

In an emotional moment, Jonathan and Bobby scatter Ned's ashes together, leading to a heartfelt conversation about mortality and their unresolved feelings. This profound experience cements their enduring bond.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring A Home at the End of the World (2004) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Bobby

Bobby is a sensitive and introspective young man whose life is shaped by profound loss and seeking connection. Coming from a troubled family dynamic, he finds solace in music and relationships, particularly with Jonathan. His journey reflects resilience as he navigates love, grief, and the quest for belonging.

🎸 Musician 😌 Sensitive 💔 Grief

Jonathan

Jonathan is portrayed as a thoughtful and caring friend who shares a deep bond with Bobby, evolving from admiration to romantic feelings. Coming from a conventional family, he grapples with his identity against societal expectations. His character embodies the struggle between desire and fear, especially as he faces health issues later in the story.

❤️ Love 🏡 Home 🎭 Identity

Clare

Clare is a free-spirited artist who embodies creativity and warmth but grapples with feelings of loneliness and unrequited love. Her character adds complexity to the dynamics in the trio as she navigates her affection for both Bobby and Jonathan. Clare's development highlights themes of motherhood and companionship amid personal challenges.

🎨 Artist 👩‍👧 Motherhood 💔 Unrequited Love

Setting

Uncover the settings of A Home at the End of the World (2004), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

1960s - Early 1980s

The movie takes place during the transformative decades from the 1960s to the early 1980s. The 1960s were marked by cultural shifts, including the counterculture movement that embraced music and alternative lifestyles. The early 1980s brought societal challenges, particularly concerning the AIDS epidemic, which significantly impacted the LGBTQ+ community and influenced personal relationships.

Location

West Village, NYC, Woodstock, NY

The West Village in New York City is a vibrant area known for its historic architecture and bohemian culture. This neighborhood is a hub of creativity and diversity, often serving as a backdrop for artistic expression. In contrast, Woodstock, NY is known for its rich cultural history, particularly the iconic music festival. This small town is surrounded by natural beauty, providing a serene environment away from the bustling city life.

🏙️ City 🌄 Nature

Themes

Explore the core themes of A Home at the End of the World (2004). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💔

Loss & Grief

The theme of loss permeates the film as characters cope with the deaths of loved ones. Bobby's tragic loss of his brother and later his father shapes his emotional journey, influencing his relationships with Jonathan and Clare. The film explores how grief can both bond and separate individuals as they navigate their connections amidst profound sadness.

🌈

Love & Identity

The exploration of love is central to the narrative, especially the evolving relationship between Bobby and Jonathan. Their bond reflects the complexities of affection, societal pressures, and self-discovery during a time of significant cultural change. The movie highlights the struggle to embrace one’s identity and the different forms love can take, often challenging traditional norms.

🎨

Creativity & Freedom

Throughout the film, there is a strong undercurrent of creativity and the quest for freedom in personal expression. The characters immerse themselves in the arts, music, and culinary pursuits, seeking fulfillment beyond societal expectations. This theme underscores the importance of finding one's passion and the liberating power of art in personal and communal relationships.

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