Little Accidents 2015
Directed by
Sara Colangelo
Made by
Amplify
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Little Accidents (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.
A recent tragedy has struck a small town, following a catastrophic accident in a local coal mine that resulted in the death of many workers. The only survivor, Amos, finds himself conflicted, as he must choose between safeguarding his deceased colleagues’ memories or confiding in a union attorney about the disaster’s circumstances. Living alone with his elderly father, Basil, whom he cares for, Amos navigates this emotional upheaval while grappling with the weight of his responsibility.
In another part of town, Owen, a local boy from a modest background, wrangles with his role as the caretaker of his younger brother, James, who has Down syndrome. Owen faces relentless bullying from JT, the affluent son of a mining executive, who demonstrates his privilege by mercilessly mocking James, branding him a “retard.” In a fit of anger and desperation, Owen reveals a damning truth about JT’s father, Bill—the man whose negligence led to the mine’s fatal collapse. The tension escalates when JT expresses his frustration with the town, accusing them of “fucking milking it!” regarding the tragedy. In an act of self-defense, Owen throws a pebble at JT, which results in a tragic accident; JT trips, striking his head against a large boulder. The chilling reality sets in as Owen and James, plagued by horror, hastily conceal JT’s seemingly lifeless body in the nearby woods.
Amidst this turmoil, Diane, JT’s mother, grapples with the emotional fallout of her son’s mysterious disappearance. The community offers her scant sympathy, largely due to past derogatory comments made by the wealthy family about the townspeople’s socioeconomic status. As Bill spirals into guilt and withdraws from social interactions, Diane finds an unexpected connection with Amos, transcending their class differences and igniting a forbidden romance. Meanwhile, James, haunted by the grim event, struggles with his inability to articulate his trauma to his family due to his disability.
As time passes, the emotional toll on Amos becomes apparent, especially after the death of his father, Basil, in his sleep, leaving Amos isolated and without familial support. The townspeople react in various ways: some cling to faith, while others suffer through a crisis, struggling to maintain their beliefs in the face of their harrowing reality.
Eventually, the truth about JT’s fate surfaces when Owen, burdened by sleepless nights and haunting dreams, confesses the events that transpired in the forest. The film concludes with ambiguity surrounding Owen’s legal future, prompting viewers to ponder the nuances of self-defense and moral responsibility. A somber search party combs through the woods, culminating in a heart-wrenching scene as Bill and Diane discover their son’s abandoned corpse, collapsing into each other’s arms, overwhelmed by grief and regret.
Timeline
Track the key events of Little Accidents (2015) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Coal Mine Accident
A devastating accident occurs in a local coal mine, impacting the small town and leaving only one survivor, Amos. The incident leads to widespread grief and presents ethical dilemmas among the townsfolk.
Amos' Dilemma
Amos, the lone survivor of the mining accident, grapples with the decision of whether to protect his fallen colleagues or speak with a union lawyer. This internal conflict represents the struggle between loyalty and justice.
Owen and James' Struggles
Owen, a working-class boy, faces bullying from JT, the wealthy son of a mining executive, while caring for his brother James, who has Down syndrome. The tensions highlight the divisions between the town's social classes.
Confrontation with JT
During a confrontation, Owen accuses JT's father, Bill, of being responsible for the mining accident. Frustrated, JT dismisses the town's grief, leading to an escalation in their conflict.
Accidental Death
In self-defense, Owen throws a pebble at JT, causing him to trip and hit his head on a boulder. The tragic outcome leaves both Owen and James horrified as they cover JT's body in the forest.
Diane's Heartache
Diane, JT's mother, is plunged into emotional turmoil after her son's disappearance. The lack of sympathy from the townsfolk intensifies her grief, complicating her relationships with others.
Bill's Guilt
Bill, JT’s father and mining executive, struggles to cope with the guilt of being responsible for the mining accident. His inability to connect with Diane exacerbates the emotional rift in their marriage.
Amos and Diane's Affair
Despite their class differences, Amos and Diane form a secret romantic connection as they bond over their shared troubles. Their relationship offers solace in a time of despair but remains complicated.
Basil's Death
Amos faces profound loss when his aging father, Basil, dies in his sleep. This marks a turning point for Amos, leaving him completely alone without a family for the first time in his life.
James' Trauma
James, who witnessed JT's death, struggles to cope with the trauma due to his inability to communicate this to his family. His emotional state highlights the impact of violence on the vulnerable.
Search Party
A search party combs through the forest to find JT, symbolizing the town's desperate attempt to find closure. This moment brings together the despair and urgency felt by the community during this crisis.
The Revelation
Owen, haunted by nightmares and guilt, finally admits to the events surrounding JT’s death. This acknowledgment serves as a catalyst for his internal struggle regarding responsibility and consequence.
Bill and Diane's Discovery
As they search for their son, Bill and Diane stumble upon JT's abandoned body. The moment marks an unbearable climax of grief, leading them to kneel and weep together in shared sorrow.
Religious Crisis
In the wake of the tragedy, some townsfolk seek solace in religion while others face a crisis of faith. The community's varied reactions reflect the emotional and spiritual toll of the mining accident.
Ambiguous Fate
The film concludes with the ambiguity of Owen's legal fate after his actions. Despite acting in self-defense, the complexities of guilt and responsibility linger, mirroring the unresolved tensions in the town.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Little Accidents (2015) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Amos
Amos is the lone survivor of a devastating coal mining accident, carrying the weight of his experiences and the loss of his father. He is characterized by his sense of responsibility and internal conflict, feeling torn between loyalty to his colleagues and the pressing need to seek justice. His physical injury from the accident serves as a constant reminder of his trauma.
Owen
Owen is a working-class boy grappling with social pressures and family responsibilities. He demonstrates bravery and a strong sense of morality when defending his disabled brother, James. Through his actions, Owen showcases a maturity beyond his years as he faces bullying from wealthier peers, highlighting the theme of class struggle.
Diane
Diane is JT's mother, who undergoes emotional turmoil following her son's disappearance. Despite her privileged status, she connects with Amos on a deeper level, revealing her vulnerability and loneliness. Diane's struggles highlight the complexities of relationships when faced with tragedy and societal judgment.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Little Accidents (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 takes place in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern societal issues. It explores themes of class struggle, responsibility, and emotional trauma in the aftermath of a tragedy in a mining community.
Location
small town, coal mine
The story unfolds in a small town heavily reliant on the coal mining industry. The town is defined by its close-knit community, which is devastated by a recent mining accident that profoundly affects the lives of its residents. Known for its hard-working families, the town grapples with both grief and social divisions.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Little Accidents (2015). 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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Justice
Justice is a prominent theme throughout the film, as characters grapple with the consequences of the mining accident. Amos is torn between protecting his colleagues and seeking the truth, while Owen confronts the implications of his actions. The overarching question of moral responsibility resonates as the community seeks closure in the face of tragedy.
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Grief
Grief pervades the narrative, affecting characters in different ways. The loss of life due to the mining accident leaves multiple characters struggling with their emotions, particularly Diane after her son's disappearance. The film poignantly portrays how grief can isolate individuals, leading to a deeper exploration of the human experience.
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Class Struggle
The struggle between different social classes is a central theme, illustrated through Owen's interactions with the wealthier boys and the challenges he faces. The contrast between the affluent families and the working-class residents exacerbates tensions, particularly with the guilt and negligence surrounding the mining accident.
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