Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Fences (2016). 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.
In 1950s Pittsburgh, Troy Maxson (Denzel Washington) leads a challenging life with his wife Rose (Viola Davis) and their son Cory. He works as a waste collector alongside his close friend Jim Bono. Troy’s younger brother, Gabriel (who suffered a head injury in World War II), still resides nearby and often finds himself in trouble due to his peculiar habits and religious fixations.
Having escaped an abusive father, Troy’s tumultuous past involves a life of crime that landed him in prison, where he discovered a talent for baseball. Despite playing in the professional Negro Leagues, he was denied a chance in Major League Baseball due to racial barriers. When Bono mentions that Troy was “born too soon,” Troy expresses his frustration, emphasizing that his race prevented him from achieving his dreams. He often tells tales of defeating the Grim Reaper in a fistfight, which adds a layer of bravado to his character.
Troy’s estranged son from a previous relationship, Lyons Maxson, often visits to borrow money, frustrating Troy, who believes Lyons should seek stable employment instead of chasing musical ambitions. When Rose shares the news that Cory is being scouted for college football, Troy dismisses this opportunity, clinging to his own disappointments. He refuses to sign the necessary documents for Cory, fearing failure and grappling with jealousy that his son may succeed where he did not.
Troy’s relationship with Rose takes a downward spiral when he begins an affair with Alberta, a woman he meets in a bar. Although he achieves a significant career milestone by becoming the first African-American garbage truck driver in Pittsburgh, his personal life suffers. A confrontation over Cory’s commitment to football and a tragic turn of events with Gabriel leads to domestic tensions.
Troy’s revelation of his infidelity to Rose ignites their final conflict, pushing Cory into a confrontation with his father, with tragic consequences. In the months that follow, despite living under the same roof, Troy and Rose drift apart, eventually adding to the family’s turmoil when Troy’s mistress dies during childbirth, leaving him to bring home their baby daughter, Raynell.
As Cory considers joining the Marine Corps, an explosive altercation with Troy further strains their relationship. In a dramatic turn, Troy challenges the Reaper once again. After Troy’s death from a heart attack six years later, Cory returns home a changed man, grappling with his feelings towards his father. Rose expresses her enduring love for Troy, guiding Cory toward a path of understanding and forgiveness.
At the funeral, the family comes together as Gabriel stands to pray for Troy’s passage into the afterlife, invoking a moment of hope and reconciliation as sunlight bathes them—symbolizing an opportunity for healing across generations.
Timeline
Track the key events of Fences (2016) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Troy's Early Life
In 1950s Pittsburgh, Troy Maxson faces a challenging existence shaped by his difficult upbringing and an abusive father. Having experienced a life of crime, he ultimately served time in prison, where he discovered a hidden talent for baseball that would set the stage for his complexities regarding ambition and race.
Working with Jim Bono
Troy works as a waste collector alongside his close friend Jim Bono. This job not only reflects his struggles as an African-American man in the workforce but also highlights his friendships and the camaraderie that provides him with some emotional support.
Gabriel's Struggles
Troy's younger brother, Gabriel, who suffered a head injury during World War II, lives nearby and frequently gets into trouble. His peculiar habits and strong religious beliefs often put him at odds with reality, adding layers to the familial struggles Troy faces.
Frustrations Over Racial Barriers
Despite playing in the Negro Leagues, Troy expresses deep frustration over being denied the chance to play in Major League Baseball due to systemic racism. He often reflects on how the world was not ready for a player like him, leading to feelings of resentment and dreams unfulfilled.
Lyons' Frequent Visits
Troy's estranged son from a previous relationship, Lyons Maxson, frequently visits to borrow money, much to Troy's annoyance. This relationship is strained as Troy believes Lyons should focus on building a stable future rather than pursuing a risky career in music.
Cory's Football Opportunity
Troy dismisses his wife Rose's excitement about their son Cory being scouted for college football. He grapples with his own disappointments and fears that Cory will face the same racial barriers, leading him to refuse to sign the necessary documents for his son.
Affair with Alberta
Troy's life takes a darker turn as he begins an affair with Alberta, a woman he meets in a bar. This infidelity introduces significant tension in his marriage with Rose, straining their relationship further as she confronts him about his choices.
Troy's Career Milestone
Despite his personal struggles, Troy achieves a significant career milestone by becoming the first African-American garbage truck driver in Pittsburgh. This accomplishment is both a source of pride and further complicates his view of success, as he battles feelings of inadequacy.
Confrontation with Cory
A critical confrontation erupts as Troy and Cory argue over Cory's aspirations in football, leading to escalating tensions. This moment represents a significant emotional divide as Cory seeks his father's approval while Troy clings tightly to his own fears and regrets.
Tragic Loss and Consequences
After the intense conflicts and as Troy's mistress Alberta dies during childbirth, Troy brings their baby daughter, Raynell, home. This event forces Troy to confront the impact of his choices on his family, creating further rifts with Rose and Cory.
Cory's Decision to Join the Marines
Cory considers joining the Marine Corps, considering it a way to escape the tension with his father. A climactic altercation occurs as the two come to blows, symbolizing the deep emotional and generational wounds between them.
Troy Challenges the Reaper
In a metaphorical battle, Troy faces the Grim Reaper once again, reflecting his struggles against fate and death. This act symbolizes his resistance to accepting his own mortality and the impossibility of escaping the past.
Troy's Death
Six years later, Troy dies from a heart attack, leaving behind a complex legacy. His passing brings forth deep-seated emotions within his family, particularly for Cory, who must navigate his own conflicted feelings about his father.
Cory Returns Home
Cory returns home as a changed man, struggling with the loss of his father and the unresolved issues between them. Rose plays an essential role in guiding him towards understanding and forgiveness, crucial for healing.
The Funeral and Reconciliation
At Troy's funeral, the family gathers, illustrating both the pain and love remaining in their relationships. Gabriel stands to pray for Troy, serving as a moment of hope and reconciliation, with sunlight symbolizing healing and forgiveness across generations.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Fences (2016) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Troy Maxson
Troy Maxson is a complex character grappling with the weight of his past and the limitations imposed by society. A once-promising baseball player, he struggles with jealousy and regret, particularly towards his son's prospects. His bravado often masks deep insecurities and a longing for acceptance.
Rose Maxson
Rose Maxson embodies resilience and love. As Troy's wife, she stands as a moral center in the family, aimed at holding them together despite Troy's infidelities and personal demons. Rose's journey emphasizes the struggles of womanhood and the sacrifices made for family.
Cory Maxson
Cory Maxson is Troy's son, caught between his father's disappointments and his desire to forge his own path. His journey reflects the generational conflict inherent in seeking personal ambitions against the backdrop of parental expectations. Cory's character evolves from resentment to understanding as he grapples with his father's legacy.
Gabriel Maxson
Gabriel Maxson, Troy's brother, is a war veteran with mental challenges that lead to quirkiness and a deep spiritual belief. His character often serves as a tragic reminder of the costs of conflict and the fragility of life. Gabriel's actions reflect a sense of innocence in contrast to Troy's complexities.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Fences (2016), 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
1950s
The 1950s was a transformative decade in American history, marked by post-war growth and civil rights movements. It was a time when racial segregation still heavily influenced various aspects of society, particularly in employment and sports. Troy's experiences during this period underscore the systemic barriers faced by African Americans.
Location
Pittsburgh
The movie is set in Pittsburgh during the 1950s, a city known for its rich industrial history and as a hub for steel production. During this era, Pittsburgh faced economic challenges and a transition from its industrial roots, reflecting the struggles of its residents. The city serves as a backdrop for Troy Maxson's life, highlighting themes of racial barriers and personal ambition.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Fences (2016). 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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Dreams & Disappointments
The theme of dreams and disappointments runs deeply throughout the film, particularly through Troy's character. Despite his past potential in baseball, systemic racism thwarted his ambitions, leading to a deep-seated bitterness. Troy's struggles also reflect the broader societal challenges that limit opportunities for many, affecting his relationship with his son.
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Infidelity & Betrayal
Infidelity is a central theme, manifesting in Troy's affair with Alberta. This betrayal not only devastates his marriage with Rose but also impacts the family's dynamics, exacerbating tensions between Troy and his son Cory. The fallout from this affair highlights human flaws and the consequences of personal choices.
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Family & Forgiveness
Family ties and the potential for forgiveness are poignant throughout the narrative. Despite the conflict and resentment, Rose's enduring love for Troy and Cory's journey toward understanding illustrate the complexities of familial relationships. The funeral scene encapsulates this theme, suggesting hope for reconciliation and healing across generations.
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