C.R.A.Z.Y. 2022
Directed by
Jean-Marc Vallée
Made by
Genius Products
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of C.R.A.Z.Y. (2022). 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.
Born on Christmas in 1960, Zac is one of initially four brothers, later a fifth joins the family: there’s the studious Christian (played by Maxime Tremblay), the rebellious Raymond (portrayed by Pierre-Luc Brillant), the sporty and gassy Antoine (represented by Alex Gravel), and then there’s Yvan. Zac enjoys a unique bond with his father Gervais (played by Michel Côté), but their relationship takes a turn when Zac’s more sensitive, non-traditional behaviors come to light. The bond officially fractures when Gervais discovers Zac dressed in his mother’s clothing, leading to an unspoken declaration of war on masculinity between them.
During a festive Christmas party in 1975, Zac sparks his interest in his cousin Brigitte’s boyfriend, Paul, after sharing a joint. Even though his friend Michelle (portrayed by Natasha Thompson) tries to kiss him, Zac prevents the moment, claiming it’s for the sake of their friendship. Later, upon learning that Brigitte is single again, Zac’s recklessness shows when he runs a red light on his motorcycle, ultimately getting hit by a car and requiring hospitalization. To his surprise, he finds out that Brigitte has rekindled things with Paul.
Zac finds a temporary escape in a relationship with Michelle, which pacifies Gervais for a while—until a fateful encounter reveals Zac emerging from a car with a male classmate, adjusting his pants. In a fit of rage, Gervais forces Zac into therapy aimed at “curing” him of what he perceives to be homosexuality. The therapist claims Zac made a “subconscious deliberate mistake,” as if he wished his father to discover his true self.
Fast forward to the Christmas dinner in 1980, Zac and Michelle’s relationship has intensified. During Christian’s wedding reception, Zac shares another moment with Paul, but this outside rendezvous is misinterpreted as a kiss by an onlooker. Gervais catches wind of the gossip, leading to a dramatic confrontation in the rain where, amidst the chaos, Zac openly declares his feelings, exclaiming that while he wasn’t kissing Paul, he “wished he had been.” This leads to a heartbreaking moment as a distraught Michelle overhears and Gervais orders Zac to leave, prompting him to escape to Jerusalem.
In the throes of self-loathing after an impromptu encounter in the gay scene, Zac walks into the desert and collapses from exhaustion, only to be rescued by a compassionate Bedouin who helps him recover.
Upon returning home, tragic news awaits. Zac learns that his second eldest brother is in the hospital following a heroin overdose, and he passes away the very next day. After the funeral, in an unexpected moment of closeness, Gervais embraces Zac, showing signs of emotional growth. Reflecting a decade later, Zac notes how Gervais has once again become a father figure in his life, even going as far as welcoming his lover into their home.
Timeline
Track the key events of C.R.A.Z.Y. (2022) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Zac's Birth
Zac is born on Christmas Day in 1960, marking the beginning of his journey through life in a family with four brothers. Each brother has a distinct personality, setting the stage for contrasting relationships within the household.
Family Dynamics
As Zac grows up, he develops a strong bond with his father, Gervais. However, this connection becomes strained when Zac begins exhibiting behaviors that Gervais struggles to understand, culminating in a pivotal moment when Gervais finds Zac dressed in women's clothing.
Christmas Party Revelation
During a festive Christmas party in 1975, Zac experiments with a joint and finds himself interested in his cousin Brigitte's boyfriend, Paul. This sparks a chain of events leading to moments of recklessness and the questioning of his identity.
Hospitalization Accident
Zac's life takes a dangerous turn when he runs a red light on his motorcycle, resulting in a collision with a car that sends him to the hospital. His recovery is bittersweet as he learns Brigitte has resumed her relationship with Paul during his recuperation.
Temporary Relationship
In an attempt to pacify his father, Zac begins a relationship with Michelle that initially appeases Gervais. However, the ruse falls apart when Gervais discovers Zac in a compromising situation with a male classmate, igniting a fierce conflict over Zac's sexual orientation.
Forced Therapy
Gervais' rage leads him to force Zac into therapy intended to change him. The therapist's declaration that Zac made a 'subconscious deliberate mistake' indicates the immense pressure Zac faces from both his father and society regarding his identity.
Christmas Dinner Confrontation
By 1980, tensions escalate during Christmas dinner, especially as Zac's relationship with Michelle deepens. At Christian's wedding reception, Zac shares a moment with Paul that leads to mistaken interpretations and gossip among family members.
Public Declaration
When Gervais confronts Zac about the gossip, Zac openly declares his feelings in a rain-soaked confrontation, expressing his wish he had kissed Paul. This declaration results in heartbreak for Michelle and leads to Zac being expelled from his family house.
Escape to Jerusalem
In the wake of his family conflict, Zac escapes to Jerusalem where he faces profound self-loathing. An encounter in the gay scene leads him to a breaking point, prompting him to walk into the desert where he collapses from exhaustion.
Rescue in the Desert
In the desert, Zac is found and rescued by a compassionate Bedouin who helps him recover from exhaustion. This moment serves as a crucial turning point in Zac's journey toward self-acceptance and healing.
Tragic Family News
Upon returning home, Zac learns that his second eldest brother has suffered a heroin overdose and is in the hospital. The family faces heartbreak as his brother passes away the very next day, casting a shadow over Zac's return.
Unexpected Reconciliation
After attending the funeral, a significant moment occurs when Gervais embraces Zac, suggesting a thawing of their previously strained relationship. This moment hints at Gervais' emotional growth as a father.
Decade Reflection
Reflecting a decade later, Zac acknowledges how Gervais has transformed back into a father figure in his life. Gervais even goes as far as welcoming Zac's partner into their home, signifying a strong reconciliation and acceptance.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring C.R.A.Z.Y. (2022) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Zac Beaulieu
Zac is a sensitive and introspective young man navigating the complexities of familial expectations and his sexual identity. He experiences a deep internal conflict as he tries to reconcile his true self with societal norms, facing rejection and misunderstanding from those closest to him. Over the course of the film, Zac’s character development highlights resilience and the search for acceptance.
Gervais Beaulieu
Gervais is a traditional father struggling to understand his son's non-conformity. Initially rigid and antagonistic, he embodies the struggles of accepting change and vulnerability. His character arc evolves as he confronts his fears, leading to a gradual repair of his relationship with Zac, showcasing emotional growth.
Christian Beaulieu
Christian is Zac’s studious brother, representing the more conventional path laid out by familial expectations. Throughout the movie, he symbolizes the contrasting approaches to life that Zac must confront in his quest for acceptance. His presence highlights the pressures of adhering to family norms.
Brigitte
Brigitte is Zac's cousin with whom he shares a complicated romantic tension. She represents both attraction and societal expectations he feels towards traditional relationships. Her presence in Zac's life underscores his struggle to navigate desires amidst familial ties.
Michelle
Michelle is a close friend of Zac who both supports and complicates his emotional journey. She represents a temporary reprieve from Gervais’ rigid expectations and becomes a critical character illustrating friendship's complexities during Zac's confusion over identity and relationships.
Setting
Uncover the settings of C.R.A.Z.Y. (2022), 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
1960-1980
Set from the early 1960s to 1980, this period is marked by social upheavals and evolving understandings of gender and sexuality. The late 1970s saw increasing visibility of LGBTQ+ identities, amidst cultural resistance and personal conflict. Zac's journey unfolds against a backdrop of changing societal norms and familial expectations.
Location
Christmas, Jerusalem, the desert
The movie spans various significant locations including festive Christmas gatherings that provide a backdrop for familial interactions. Jerusalem symbolizes a pivotal escape for Zac, representing a place for self-discovery and reflection. The desert serves as a harsh, yet transformative environment highlighting the struggles and resilience faced by Zac.
Themes
Explore the core themes of C.R.A.Z.Y. (2022). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
💔
Family Dynamics
The film explores complex family relationships, particularly the fraught bond between Zac and his father, Gervais. It highlights the conflicts arising from differing expectations of masculinity and parental love. As the story progresses, it also delves into reconciliation, showcasing the evolution of family ties through understanding and acceptance.
🏳️🌈
Identity and Acceptance
Zac's journey revolves around self-identity and sexual orientation in a context that often promotes conformity. His struggles reflect broader themes of societal acceptance, internal conflict, and the quest for authentic self-expression. The narrative underscores the importance of embracing one's true self and the impact of unconditional love.
🌧️
Struggle and Redemption
The film illustrates Zac's personal struggles with societal expectations, familial pressures, and self-acceptance. His path to redemption is marked by pain, loss, and ultimately, personal growth. Moments of despair are countered by instances of compassion, portraying the journey toward redemption as both challenging and transformative.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.