I Think We're Alone Now 2018
Directed by
Reed Morano
Made by
Momentum Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of I Think We're Alone Now (2018). 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.
Del, believing he is the last man on Earth after a catastrophic event wipes out humanity, lives a solitary existence in his hometown. Residing in the library where he once worked, he spends his days cleaning out abandoned homes and respectfully burying the deceased. However, his mundane life takes a turn when fireworks disturb his peace one night. The following day, he finds a young woman named Grace unconscious in her car due to a drunken accident. Although he is initially cold towards her, Grace’s persistent nature leads Del to reluctantly agree to a trial period where they might help each other.
During this time, Grace proves to be an unpredictable yet vibrant presence in Del’s life. As he teaches her the ropes of his grim routines, she brings a sense of companionship that Del had long forsaken. When Grace finds a dog and lavishes it with attention, its swift departure after biting Del prompts a confrontation. She reminds him of her past joy, emphasizing the stark difference between her life before and his long-standing bitterness. In a moment of sincerity, Del shows her his greenhouse and seeks to reinforce their collaboration in clearing homes.
Their bond deepens when Grace discovers a house yet to be cleared, which reveals Del’s family ties, including the burial of his mother’s remains. An unspoken tension builds as Grace kisses Del, hinting at her deeper feelings. However, the next morning, Del’s world shifts again when he meets Patrick and Violet, Grace’s real parents, unearthing the fact that many survivors of the apocalypse have formed a community unbeknownst to him.
Disturbed by this revelation, Del chooses to isolate himself once more, but Grace seeks him out, pleading to stay with him despite her claims about her true parentage. Following a visit from Patrick, who entices Del with promises of new beginnings in California, Grace reluctantly leaves with her parents. Consumed by loneliness, Del can no longer endure the solitude of his small town and journeys to Patrick’s address, searching for Grace.
In a desperate attempt to reconnect, Del sneaks into Grace’s new home only to discover she has undergone significant behavior modification surgery designed to erase the trauma of her past. As they attempt to flee, Patrick intervenes, arguing that the only path forward for humanity involves forgetting past losses. Chaos ensues, leading to Grace inadvertently shooting him in a panic. Despite her modifications, Violet retains memories of her lost daughter, showcasing the complexities of their collective trauma.
As Del and Grace navigate a city teeming with unrealistically cheerful survivors—people who have chosen to live in willful ignorance of their past—they realize that they aspire to return to the solace of Del’s humble town, away from the oppressive happiness that now surrounds them.
Timeline
Track the key events of I Think We're Alone Now (2018) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Del's Solitary Life
After a catastrophic event wipes out humanity, Del believes he is the last man on Earth. He lives alone in the library of his hometown, spending his days cleaning abandoned homes and burying the deceased with respect.
Disturbance from Fireworks
One night, Del's mundane existence is disrupted by the sound of fireworks. This unexpected noise brings a jolt of curiosity and unrest to his solitary routine.
Meeting Grace
The next day, Del discovers a young woman named Grace unconscious in her car due to a drunken accident. Initially cold towards her, he reluctantly agrees to a trial period of cohabitation, hoping they might offer each other some help.
Grace's Vibrant Presence
Grace's unpredictable nature quickly begins to alter Del's bleak routine. Despite his initial reluctance, she injects her joyful spirit into their shared days, reminding Del of a life he had long abandoned.
The Dog Incident
Grace's enthusiastic care for a dog causes tension when the dog bites Del and then swiftly leaves. This moment becomes a catalyst for Del's introspection about joy and the bitterness he has been clinging to.
Showing the Greenhouse
In a moment of bonding, Del opens up about his greenhouse and the past routines he used to embrace. This sharing reinforces their collaboration in clearing out homes as they form a deepening connection.
Discovering Family Ties
Grace uncovers a house that has yet to be cleared, revealing personal artifacts tied to Del’s family, including the burial site of his mother. This discovery intensifies the emotional stakes of their growing relationship.
Encounter with Grace's Parents
Del's world shifts dramatically when he meets Grace's real parents, Patrick and Violet. This encounter reveals to him that a community of survivors exists, a reality he had been completely unaware of.
Grace's Departure
Deeply unsettled by the realization that Grace has been part of a community, Del retreats emotionally. When Grace leaves with her parents, he feels the heavy weight of loneliness and betrayal.
Del's Journey to Find Grace
Overcome with solitude, Del decides to chase after Grace, journeying to her new address in California. His desperation to reconnect reflects his deep-seated fear of isolation and yearning for companionship.
Confrontation at Grace's New Home
Once in California, Del sneaks into Grace’s house, only to find out she has undergone drastic behavior modification surgery. This shocking discovery unveils the lengths they have gone to cope with their traumatic pasts.
Chaos Ensues
As Del and Grace attempt to escape her new life, Patrick intervenes, arguing for a future that forgets past tragedies. In the ensuing chaos, Grace inadvertently shoots Patrick in a frantic moment.
Violet's Remembrances
Despite Grace's surgery, Violet retains haunting memories of her lost daughter, highlighting the complexities of their experiences. This conflict underscores the emotional scars carried by survivors in a world eager to forget.
A Return to Solitude
As Del and Grace navigate a city filled with oblivious survivors, they find themselves yearning for the comfort of Del's hometown. Their desire for solace amidst overwhelming artificial happiness reveals their true longing for authenticity.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring I Think We're Alone Now (2018) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Del (Peter Dinklage)
Del is a deeply introspective character who finds solace in solitude following the collapse of society. His initial cold demeanor masks a profound sadness and longing for connection, which he gradually confronts during his interactions with Grace. As the story unfolds, Del's journey reflects the struggle to accept change and the importance of human relationships.
Grace (Elle Fanning)
Grace is a spirited and unpredictable presence in Del's isolated life. Initially a foil to his bitterness, she brings warmth and vibrancy that challenges his long-held beliefs about companionship. Her character's evolution showcases resilience and the quest for identity amidst trauma, especially as she navigates her complex relationship with her parents.
Patrick (Paul Giamatti)
Patrick represents a contrasting perspective on survival in the post-apocalyptic world. He embodies the idea of forging a new community, yet his approach to healing through forgetting highlights moral dilemmas about trauma and recovery. His interactions with Del and Grace anchor the film's tension around the desire for connection versus the fear of change.
Violet (Charlotte Gainsbourg)
Violet is a complex character connected to Grace, representing enduring love intertwined with loss. Despite the modifications done to Grace, Violet's memories reveal the depth of maternal grief and the struggle to cope with the changes inflicted by their new reality. Her character embodies the emotional turmoil of adapting to a world that demands resilience.
Setting
Uncover the settings of I Think We're Alone Now (2018), 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
Post-apocalyptic
The movie takes place in a post-apocalyptic setting, characterized by the aftermath of a devastating event that has wiped out most of humanity. This time period explores themes of solitude, survival, and the struggle to form connections in a world marked by loss and despair.
Location
Del's hometown, California
Del's hometown serves as the backdrop for his solitary existence following a catastrophic event. It is portrayed as a quiet, abandoned space filled with remnants of life, where Del spends his days maintaining a somber routine. However, the allure of California represents a new beginning and contrast with Del's isolated lifestyle.
Themes
Explore the core themes of I Think We're Alone Now (2018). 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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Rebirth
The theme of rebirth is central to the film, as Del initially believes he is the last human but slowly discovers the potential for connection and renewal through Grace. Their relationship symbolizes the possibility of starting afresh despite past traumas, encouraging a re-emergence of hope and companionship even in desolation.
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Connection
Connection is a prominent theme in 'I Think We're Alone Now,' highlighting the human need for companionship. Del's transition from isolation to forming a bond with Grace emphasizes the challenges and importance of re-engaging with others in order to heal and grow.
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Loss
The film poignantly addresses the theme of loss, revealing how Del's life is shaped by grief from the apocalypse and personal tragedy. Both Del and Grace grapple with their painful pasts, navigating the complexities of healing while confronting the memories and experiences that haunt them.
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