Directed by
Justin Kurzel
Made by
IFC Films
A news segment captures the harrowing aftermath of boys recovering in a burns unit after playing with fireworks, leading one of them to insist he would continue engaging with them.
Nitram is a young adult with intellectual disabilities residing in Port Arthur, Australia, where he lives with his parents. He often delights in setting off fireworks, much to the irritation of the neighbors, and sells them to local schoolchildren. His father recently secured a business loan aimed at purchasing a bed and breakfast, a venture that would also require Nitram’s involvement. In a moment of yearning, Nitram pleads with his mother for a surfboard upon spotting a captivating woman alongside a surfer, only to be met with her sharp refusal.
In a bid for financial independence, Nitram starts mowing lawns, which leads him to cross paths with his neighbor, Helen. A retired actress and heiress, she hires Nitram to walk her dogs, and their friendship blossoms. To his astonishment, Helen gifts him a car despite his lack of a driver’s license and a troubling tendency to grab the steering wheel during drives.
As frustration mounts within his home life, Nitram announces his intention to move in with Helen. She permits him to stay in a spare room, provided he discards his air rifle that disturbs her peace. During a birthday celebration, Nitram introduces Helen to his parents, leading to his mother sharing a troubling story from his childhood where he took pleasure in causing her pain by pretending to be lost.
Even with the finances lined up for the bed and breakfast, Nitram’s father faces disappointment when their offer is trumped by another couple. This drives him into a deep despondency. Seeking solace, Nitram proposes a trip to Hollywood with Helen, but during their drive to the airport, a harrowing incident occurs when he lunges for the steering wheel again, resulting in a tragic accident that claims Helen’s life and leaves him severely wounded. In a moment of desperation, he deceives the police by claiming he was asleep when it happened.
Following the incident, Nitram finds himself the unexpected heir of Helen’s deteriorating mansion and a substantial inheritance of over half a million dollars. In this vulnerable state, he succumbs to heavy drinking. His mother pleads with him to support his father, who has slipped into a deep depression. In a futile attempt to buy the bed and breakfast, he finds that the new owners are unyielding in their refusal. Tragedy strikes again when his father is discovered dead in a river under suspicious circumstances.
Appearing at his father’s funeral clad in an eye-catching electric blue suit and hat, he is barred from entry by his mother, who worries that his presence will bring embarrassment. Spiraling into isolation, Nitram embarks on solitary overseas vacations and indulges in practicing his shooting skills with the air rifle.
One fateful night, while watching the news, Nitram becomes fixated on a report about the Dunblane massacre. This ignites a dangerous obsession with firearms, prompting him to procure an illegal Colt AR-15 and shotgun, along with ordering a handgun. In a horrifying turn of events, he drives to the bed and breakfast his father had wished to buy and carries out a shooting spree against the new owners. His rampage continues at the café where the family had celebrated his birthday; after placing an order, he sets up a video camera, retrieves a rifle from his sports bag, and opens fire on unsuspecting tourists. Meanwhile, Nitram’s mother, unaware of the unfolding chaos, nonchalantly smokes at home, oblivious to the news detailing the massacre playing in the background.
Nitram's Play with Fireworks
Nitram enjoys playing with fireworks, much to the annoyance of his neighbors. This penchant for pyrotechnics begins to foreshadow deeper troubles as it reflects his impulsive nature and lack of awareness of the consequences of his actions.
Desire for a Surfboard
Nitram expresses a yearning for a surfboard after catching sight of a captivating woman with a surfer. Despite his hopeful plea to his mother, she firmly denies his request, showcasing the strained relationship between them.
Friendship with Helen
Nitram begins mowing lawns for pocket money, leading him to form a friendship with his neighbor, Helen, a retired actress. Their bond grows as she hires him to walk her dogs and eventually gifts him a car, ignoring his inability to drive safely.
Moving in with Helen
After facing ongoing frustration at home, Nitram decides to move in with Helen. She agrees to let him stay in a spare room, but challenges him to get rid of his air rifle that disturbs her peace.
Birthday Celebration
During a birthday celebration, Nitram introduces Helen to his parents, which leads to uncomfortable revelations. His mother shares a troubling story from Nitram's childhood, highlighting his struggles and the impact on their family dynamics.
Failed Business Attempt
Despite his father's plans to buy a bed and breakfast with a secured loan, their offer is unexpectedly outmaneuvered by another couple. This setback plunges his father into a deep despondency, affecting the family's morale.
Tragic Car Accident
In a bid for solace, Nitram offers Helen a trip to Hollywood, but during their drive to the airport, he lurches for the steering wheel, resulting in a tragic crash. The accident leaves Helen dead and Nitram critically injured, marking a turn in his life.
Inheritance from Helen
After the accident, Nitram discovers he is the unexpected heir to Helen's mansion and a significant financial inheritance. However, this newfound wealth leads him into a spiral of heavy drinking as he copes with the loss.
Father's Death
Nitram's situation worsens when his father is found dead in a river under suspicious circumstances. This loss further isolates Nitram, leaving him without familial support and struggling to cope with his grief.
Funeral Isolation
At his father's funeral, Nitram is denied entry by his mother, who fears his presence will cause embarrassment. This rejection deepens his sense of isolation and alienation from his family.
Obsession with Firearms
While watching the news, Nitram becomes fixated on the Dunblane massacre, leading to a dangerous obsession with firearms. This pivotal moment marks his descent into violence, prompting him to acquire illegal weapons.
Shooting Spree Begins
Fueled by his obsession, Nitram drives to the bed and breakfast his father had hoped to buy, beginning a chilling shooting spree against the new owners. This marks a horrifying turning point in his life, pushing him further down a path of destruction.
Café Massacre
Nitram continues his rampage at a café where his family used to celebrate special occasions. After placing an order, he sets up a camera and opens fire on unsuspecting tourists, showcasing the tragic magnitude of his actions.
Mother's Unawareness
Amid the chaos unleashed by Nitram, his mother remains blissfully unaware of the massacre unfolding outside. She calmly smokes at home, oblivious to the news broadcast detailing her son's horrific actions.
Nitram (Caleb Landry Jones)
Nitram is portrayed as a troubled young adult with intellectual disabilities, navigating complex relationships and societal expectations. His fascination with fireworks reflects a desire for excitement, which eventually spirals into profound tragedy. Vulnerable yet determined, Nitram seeks independence but becomes ensnared by his passions and shortcomings.
Helen (Essie Davis)
Helen is a retired actress and heiress, whose kindness and willingness to help Nitram provide a glimmer of hope in his life. She forms a close bond with him, representing a figure of understanding and support. However, her fate serves as a catalyst for Nitram's darkest transformations, highlighting the tragic consequences of their friendship.
Dad (Anthony LaPaglia)
Nitram's father struggles with the weight of familial expectations and personal disappointment after facing failure in his business aspirations. His journey through grief and frustration adds to the film’s emotional depth, showcasing the generational patterns of despair. His tragic end further emphasizes Nitram's isolation and the heartbreaking consequences of their shared struggles.
Time period
The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal issues interwoven with personal struggles. It explores themes relevant to today's world, particularly concerning mental health and the ramifications of violence. The events unfold in a backdrop that feels both immediate and timeless, showcasing the personal journey of its protagonist.
Location
Port Arthur, Australia
Port Arthur, located in Tasmania, Australia, is known for its rich history as a former convict settlement. It features picturesque views and a peaceful atmosphere, which contrasts sharply with the tragic events that unfold in 'Nitram'. The town is often regarded as a cultural heritage site, attracting visitors with its beautiful landscapes and historical significance.
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Tragedy
The theme of tragedy permeates Nitram's story, showcasing the heartbreaking sequence of events that lead to devastating outcomes. The film explores personal loss, accidents, and the ripple effects of despair both within a family and the broader community. Through Nitram's actions, the narrative confronts the fragility of life and the consequences of unaddressed mental health issues.
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Violence
Violence emerges as a crucial theme, escalating from personal decisions to tragic actions. The film presents a chilling commentary on how individuals can be driven to commit violent acts, influenced by a complex blend of personal history, societal pressures, and a quest for control. As Nitram's obsession with firearms grows, the story captures the devastating impact of violence on innocent lives.
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Friendship
Nitram's burgeoning friendship with Helen illustrates the importance of human connection amidst personal struggles. Their relationship serves as a beacon of hope in his turbulent life, highlighting the positive influence of companionship. Yet, it also underscores the fragility of such bonds in the face of mounting tragedy and loss.
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