Beginners 2011
Directed by
Mike Mills
Made by
Focus Features
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Beginners (2011). 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.
Throughout the film, memories of Oliver Fields’ parents are woven into his journey as he navigates a budding relationship with Anna Wallace.
Set in Los Angeles in 2003, the story unfolds just months after the passing of Oliver’s father, Hal, from lung cancer. The 38-year-old graphic designer frequently reflects on his father’s experiences towards the end of his life. Hal, who came out to Oliver six months after the death of Georgia, his wife of 44 years and Oliver’s mother, embraced life as an openly gay man at the age of 75. He was active in the local gay community, found love with a younger man named Andy, and grew closer to Oliver than ever before. Throughout Hal’s cancer treatments, Oliver admired the grace, good humor, and sometimes apparent denial with which his father confronted his terminal illness.
Hal and Georgia’s relationship started in high school, where she believed she could “fix” his homosexuality. Although they married and remained together until her passing, their connection was rather cool, leaving Oliver with memories of a loving but frustrated mother and an emotionally distant father who often prioritized his work as a museum director. Wanting to avoid the pitfalls of his parents’ unfulfilled relationship, Oliver refrains from settling for anything less than passionate companionship, which leaves him accompanied only by Hal’s Jack Russell Terrier, Arthur, who dislikes solitude.
Encouraged by friends, Oliver attends a costume party, where he meets Anna, a French actress. Despite suffering from laryngitis and having to communicate through written messages, an instant spark ignites between them. After sharing a kiss at Anna’s hotel room, she suggests they just sleep instead, and they part ways the next day as she heads to New York for an audition, expressing a desire to see Oliver again upon her return. Motivated by his father’s resilient spirit, Oliver decides to pursue a romance with Anna.
Upon her return, Anna and Oliver quickly fall for each other, and he invites her to move in with him, which she does. However, Anna’s unresolved issues with her depressive father and her history of ending serious relationships lead her to leave her suitcase unpacked, causing tension for Oliver. As both struggle to define their life together, Oliver ultimately feels that cohabitation isn’t right for them, prompting Anna to return to New York City.
As time passes, Oliver finds himself yearning for Anna, but she does not respond to his calls. Determined to talk to her, he drops Arthur off with Andy and travels to New York. After calling her name from outside her apartment, he discovers she never actually left Los Angeles. Upon his return home, Anna visits Oliver, and despite their uncertain future, a sense of hope surrounds their reunion.
Timeline
Track the key events of Beginners (2011) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Hal's Passing
The film begins in 2003, shortly after Oliver Fields loses his father, Hal, to lung cancer. This loss profoundly impacts Oliver, prompting him to reflect on their relationship and his father's final months.
Hal's Revelation
Six months after the death of his mother, Georgia, Hal comes out to Oliver as an openly gay man at the age of 75. This revelation transforms their bond as they grow closer, and Oliver observes his father embracing life anew.
Hal's Cancer Journey
Throughout Hal's battle with cancer, Oliver admires his father's courage and humor. Hal's ability to face his illness with grace becomes a source of inspiration for Oliver in his own life and relationships.
Oliver's Reflections
Oliver reflects on the relationship between his parents, marked by his mother's misguided belief that she could 'fix' his father's homosexuality. The coolness of their connection leaves Oliver with a deep understanding of unfulfilled relationships.
The Costume Party
Encouraged by his friends, Oliver attends a costume party where he meets Anna, a French actress. Despite her laryngitis, they share an instant attraction that sets the stage for a budding romance.
Semblance of a Connection
After a heartfelt kiss at Anna's hotel room, she suggests they simply sleep together instead of indulging further. Their encounter is brief as she prepares for an audition in New York, but she expresses a desire to see him again.
A Decision to Pursue
Inspired by Hal’s resilient spirit, Oliver decides to pursue a romantic relationship with Anna upon her return. He seeks to avoid the pitfalls that characterized his parents' unfulfilled companionship.
Anna Moves In
Upon returning, Anna and Oliver fall quickly for each other. In an effort to solidify their connection, Oliver invites her to move into his home, which she agrees to do amid a whirlwind romance.
Struggles of Co-habitation
As they settle into life together, unresolved issues from Anna's past surface. Her reluctance to unpack her suitcase symbolizes her fears about commitment and complicates their relationship dynamic.
A Difficult Decision
Faced with growing tension and uncertainty, Oliver realizes that their cohabitation isn't working. This realization prompts Anna to return to New York City, leaving Oliver feeling lost and conflicted.
The Longing
As time drags on, Oliver finds himself yearning for Anna’s presence. Despite his attempts to reach her, she remains unresponsive, deepening his sense of loss and regret for their relationship.
The Journey to New York
Determined to confront Anna, Oliver drops off his father's dog, Arthur, with Andy and embarks on a journey to New York. This trip underscores his commitment to resolving their complicated relationship.
A Bittersweet Discovery
Upon arriving in New York, Oliver calls out for Anna outside her apartment, only to discover she hasn't left Los Angeles. This revelation forces him to confront the reality of their relationship and her true whereabouts.
Reunion and Hope
After returning home, Anna surprises Oliver with a visit. Their reunion fosters a renewed sense of hope, even amidst the uncertainty of their future together, suggesting that love still has a chance.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Beginners (2011) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Oliver Fields
Oliver is a 38-year-old graphic designer grappling with the loss of his father while exploring his romantic prospects. He deeply reflects on his family's past, particularly the intricacies of his parents' marriage, and strives to avoid repeating their mistakes in his own relationships.
Hal Fields
Hal is Oliver's father, who comes out as gay at 75 after a long marriage with Oliver's mother. His courage to embrace his identity late in life leaves a profound impact on Oliver, showcasing Hal's humor and grace even in the face of terminal illness.
Anna Wallace
Anna is a French actress who enters Oliver's life during a costume party despite dealing with her own emotional baggage. She embodies an adventurous spirit and represents the complexity of love—highlighting both the joy and struggles that come with it.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Beginners (2011), 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
2003
The film takes place in 2003, a time of significant social change as attitudes towards sexuality and relationships were evolving. This era saw an increasing acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities, which is central to the film's themes and character developments.
Location
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a vibrant city in California, known for its entertainment industry, particularly Hollywood. It is a cultural melting pot with diverse communities and a significant LGBTQ+ presence, which plays a pivotal role in the movie's storyline as it reflects the journeys of its characters.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Beginners (2011). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Love & Loss
The film explores the complexities of love, both romantic and familial, and how loss shapes those relationships. Oliver's reflections on his parents' relationship delve into themes of unfulfilled love, while his journey with Anna highlights the pursuit of genuine connection amidst personal insecurities.
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Self-Discovery
Throughout the story, characters navigate their identities and relationships in light of personal experiences and societal expectations. Hal's late-life revelation of his sexual identity and Oliver's quest for true companionship signify a journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
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