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Digging for Fire

Digging for Fire 2015

Directed by

Joe Swanberg

Joe Swanberg

Test your knowledge of Digging for Fire with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Digging for Fire (2015). 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.


Lee, a dedicated yoga instructor, takes a temporary assignment house-sitting for a client alongside her husband Tim, a gym teacher, and their energetic 3-year-old son, Jude. As they explore the secluded property, Tim stumbles upon a gun and a bone in the backyard. Though curiosity tempts him to dig deeper for hidden secrets, Lee dissuades him, suggesting it might lead to trouble.

When Lee and Jude decide to spend the weekend with her parents, Tim seizes the opportunity to invite a few friends over, including Ray](/actor/ray), Phil, Adam, and Paul. Their casual gathering takes a turn when they, inspired by a few drinks, collectively agree to excavate the backyard. They quickly unearth another bone and a license plate. As the evening progresses, Phil, feeling uneasy about their antics, leaves the party with Adam and Paul, while Tim’s friend Billy arrives with call girls, Alicia and Max. Billy pairs up with Alicia, while Ray finds a connection with Max, but Tim remains fascinated with digging and discovers a shoe while the night winds down.

The following day, a concerned neighbor pays Tim a visit, cautioning him against further digging, revealing that the area once housed the “Chicano Hall of Fame.” Shortly after, Max returns to claim her purse and joins Tim in his quest, only to uncover a plastic bag filled with bones. Meanwhile, Lee sets off to visit her sister, Squiggy, and brother-in-law, Bob, expressing her feelings of losing her identity post-motherhood.

Misunderstandings arise when Phil comes back to the house and sees Tim with Max, leading him to suspect infidelity. Tim and Max share a dinner where he opens up about his fears regarding his marriage with Lee, which he believes has fallen apart since having Jude. In a parallel narrative, Lee finds herself at a bar, where she meets Ben, who, after a scuffle, accompanies her to find Alicia to treat his wounds. Tensions flare when Tim and Max smoke marijuana, leading to another layer of complications.

As the evening continues, Tim confides his frustrations about his relationship to Max before Lee and Ben share a meaningful kiss at the beach, heightening the emotional stakes for both couples. Upon returning home, Tim’s unease pushes him back to the backyard, where he discovers a ring and what seems to resemble a human hand. He decides to abandon his digging endeavors, tossing the objects back into the hole and filling it in, before reconnecting with Lee, who patiently waits for him. They share a kiss, signaling a possible rekindling, and the next morning, they prepare to leave, collecting their belongings and getting ready to pick up Jude, reaffirming their commitment to family and each other amidst the unfolding mystery.

Timeline

Track the key events of Digging for Fire (2015) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


House-Sitting Assignment

Lee, a dedicated yoga instructor, embarks on a house-sitting assignment with her husband Tim and their young son Jude. This opportunity presents a chance for the family to explore a new, secluded property.

Secluded Property

Discovery in the Backyard

While exploring the grounds, Tim discovers a gun and a bone in the backyard. Though intrigued, Lee cautions him against digging further, suggesting that it could lead to trouble.

Backyard

Weekend with Parents

Lee and Jude decide to spend the weekend with Lee's parents, leaving Tim alone at the house. This gives Tim the opportunity to invite friends over for a casual gathering.

Lee's Parents' House

Excavation Begins

During the gathering, fueled by drinks and enthusiasm, Tim and his friends agree to excavate the backyard. They unearth another bone along with a license plate, intensifying the thrill of their discoveries.

Evening Backyard

Friends Leave

As the night progresses, Phil starts feeling uneasy about their actions and decides to leave with Adam and Paul. This departure marks a shift in the party's dynamic as Tim's fascination with digging continues.

Late Evening Backyard

Unexpected Guests

Tim's friend Billy arrives with call girls, Alicia and Max, which adds a new level of complexity to the evening. Tim remains preoccupied with digging, while the atmosphere becomes increasingly chaotic.

Late Evening Backyard

Neighbor's Warning

The following day, Tim is visited by a concerned neighbor who warns him against further digging due to the area's history with the 'Chicano Hall of Fame.' This revelation adds a historical context to the ongoing excavation.

Next Day Tim's House

Max Joins the Search

Max returns to retrieve her purse and decides to join Tim in his excavation. Together, they uncover a plastic bag filled with bones, raising questions about the implications of their find.

Next Day Backyard

Lee's Emotional Struggle

During this time, Lee visits her sister and brother-in-law, expressing feelings of losing her identity after becoming a mother. This heartfelt conversation reveals her internal conflict and search for self.

Sister's House

Misunderstandings Arise

When Phil returns and sees Tim with Max, he mistakenly believes Tim is being unfaithful. This misunderstanding creates tension and complicates Tim's already strained marriage.

Tim's House

A Dinner Conversation

Tim and Max share a dinner where Tim opens up about his fears regarding his rocky marriage with Lee. He highlights how their relationship has changed since the birth of their son, adding emotional complexity to the story.

Evening Tim's House

Lee's Unexpected Encounter

At a bar, Lee meets Ben, and after an altercation, he accompanies her to find Alicia to treat his injuries. This introduction of Ben creates a parallel narrative to Tim’s struggles.

Bar

Heightened Tensions

As Tim smokes marijuana with Max, tensions escalate between them, further complicating Tim's feelings about his marriage. This confrontation blurs the lines of friendship and fidelity.

Night Backyard

A Kiss at the Beach

Lee and Ben share a meaningful kiss on the beach, underscoring the emotional stakes for both couples. This moment signifies a potential shift in Lee's perspective and desires.

Beach

Final Discovery and Resolution

Upon returning home, Tim uncovers a ring and what appears to be a human hand in the backyard, prompting him to fill in the hole and abandon his excavating. He reconnects with Lee, sharing a kiss that suggests a possible rekindling of their relationship.

Backyard

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Digging for Fire (2015) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Lee

Lee is a dedicated yoga instructor who finds herself struggling with her identity after becoming a mother. Her emotional journey reflects a quest for understanding and connection, highlighted by her actions and decisions throughout the weekend.

👩‍🏫 Instructor 🧘‍♀️ Self-discovery

Tim

Tim is a gym teacher who becomes increasingly obsessed with digging in the backyard, symbolizing his search for deeper understanding and truth in his life and marriage. His character captures the struggles of a man feeling lost in the throes of parenthood and marital challenges.

🏋️‍♂️ Gym Teacher 🚧 Conflict

Max

Max enters the narrative as a catalyst for tension, merging themes of temptation and infidelity. Her interactions with Tim reveal vulnerabilities in his marriage, showcasing the complexities of human connection.

💃 Intriguing 🔥 Temptation

Ben

Ben's character serves as a pivotal point for Lee's emotional exploration. He signifies a moment of escape and self-discovery amidst her struggles as a mother and partner, portraying the complexities of relationships.

🍻 Companion 🕊️ Freedom

Setting

Uncover the settings of Digging for Fire (2015), 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

The film presents an ambiguous contemporary setting, capturing the day-to-day struggles and dynamics of modern family life. Relationships are tested as the characters navigate their emotions in a casual yet tension-filled environment.

Location

Secluded Property

The movie takes place in a secluded property that offers both tranquility and mystery. It is surrounded by nature, providing a peaceful environment for the characters to explore their inner conflicts. The backyard becomes a pivotal location where buried secrets come to light.

🏡 House 🌄 Nature

Themes

Explore the core themes of Digging for Fire (2015). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🔍

Discovery

The theme of discovery is central to the film as characters unearth both physical objects and emotional truths. The act of digging symbolizes a search for identity, connection, and understanding, often leading to unexpected revelations about themselves and each other.

💔

Marriage Challenges

The narrative deeply explores the challenges within marriage, particularly after the arrival of children. Characters grapple with feelings of inadequacy and disconnection, highlighting the emotional turmoil that can arise as relationships evolve over time.

🌊

Infidelity

Infidelity becomes a looming concern as misunderstandings unfold between the characters. The interactions between Tim and Max against the backdrop of Lee's newfound connection with Ben complicate the dynamics, prompting questions about trust and commitment.

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