Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Northern Borders (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.
In Kingdom County, Vermont during the year 1956, young Austin arrives by train, greeted by his grandfather, Austin Sr., who picks him up in a weathered truck. Initially, Austin Sr. presents himself as the meanest person in the county, echoing his sentiments in a rather colorful way that is edited out on TV, making it unclear just how gruff he really is. Despite this tough exterior, there are glimmers of warmth and affection in his character.
Upon arriving at their home, Austin meets his grandmother, Abiah, who initially seems kinder than her husband. However, Abiah can also exhibit a stern side. Their household lacks electricity, with Abiah staunchly refusing to have it, even while battling persistent flies, which modern conveniences could alleviate. Surprisingly, it is revealed that Austin Sr., while somewhat conservative, runs a sawmill and is quite amenable to having power brought in if it benefits his business, despite Abiah’s opposition.
They own a variety of livestock, including cows and chickens, and cultivate a maple tree grove for sap and an apple orchard tended by Abiah, all of which demand much hard work. Young Austin finds himself responsible for chores he neither enjoys nor is inclined to do, including the dreaded hunting trips that his grandfather insists they undertake together.
Austin soon uncovers the complex dynamics between his grandparents, having lived under the same roof for fifty years. They had three children together, but he realizes that in his absence, they might not even converse. Austin Sr. carries the emotional weight of a past relationship with an Inuit woman known as Mira, whose untimely death left a lasting mark on him, leading him to settle for Abiah. In a curious twist, Abiah, fascinated by Egypt, nicknames Austin “Tut,” referencing the young king due to his resemblance, while also hinting at her daughters’ ambitions that Austin Sr. dismisses.
Education becomes a contentious topic, as Austin Sr. believes it detracts from hard work and disapproves of Austin’s father’s profession as a teacher. Visits from Austin’s dad occur occasionally, but Austin stays with his grandparents for an extended period, eventually attending school where he befriends Theresa, a cheerful girl from a struggling family. Austin Sr. holds prejudiced views towards the Dubois family for their French background, believing poverty to be self-inflicted, while also showing disdain for political figures like Adlai Stevenson.
As the story unfolds, Austin faces life’s lessons, grappling with family dynamics, the concept of responsibility, and confronting both humor and sorrow. A highlight of the narrative comes when his grandparents enter a rivalry at the maple festival’s syrup contest, each showcasing their skills. Throughout his journey, Austin discovers personal growth and the true essence of family, marked by moments of laughter and lessons learned amidst tragic realities.
Timeline
Track the key events of Northern Borders (2015) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Arrival in Kingdom County
In 1956, young Austin arrives in Kingdom County, Vermont, by train. He is greeted by his grandfather, Austin Sr., who picks him up in a weathered truck, setting the stage for his new life with his grandparents.
Meeting Austin Sr.
Upon meeting Austin Sr., it becomes clear that he presents himself as the meanest person in the county. Despite his tough exterior and colorful language, glimmers of warmth hint at the underlying affection he has for his family.
Arrival at Home
Austin is introduced to his grandmother, Abiah, who initially appears kinder than her husband, but also has a stern side. Their home lacks electricity, showcasing a strong resistance to modern conveniences despite the difficulties they face.
Abiah's Stubbornness
Abiah's refusal to embrace electricity creates challenges in their daily life as they contend with persistent flies. Yet, it is revealed that Austin Sr. is open to modernizing the sawmill to benefit his business, revealing complexity in his character.
Life on the Farm
Austin finds himself immersed in the responsibilities of farm life, attending to livestock like cows and chickens, and helping his grandmother with the apple orchard. These chores, including dreaded hunting trips with Austin Sr., contribute to his growing sense of responsibility.
Family Dynamics
As Austin observes the complex dynamics between his grandparents, he learns they have cohabitated for fifty years, often in silence. The emotional backdrop of their lives hints at a shared but unspoken history, including the impact of Austin Sr.'s past relationship with an Inuit woman named Mira.
Abiah's Nickname
Abiah takes to calling Austin 'Tut,' likening him to the young Egyptian king due to his resemblance. This nickname reflects her fascination with Egypt and perhaps hints at her desires for her family, desires dismissed by Austin Sr.
Education Disputes
Education becomes a point of contention in the household, as Austin Sr. disapproves of the teaching profession and believes schooling detracts from practical hard work. This clash reflects deeper generational divides as Austin spends more time with his grandparents.
Befriending Theresa
During his time in Kingdom County, Austin attends school and befriends Theresa, a cheerful girl from a struggling family. Their friendship introduces him to different perspectives and social realities outside of his grandparents' farm.
Prejudice and Politics
Austin Sr.'s prejudiced views towards the Dubois family, stemming from their French background, create tension in the community. His disdain for political figures, particularly Adlai Stevenson, further illustrates the conservative beliefs that permeate his outlook.
Maple Festival Rivalry
A significant moment arises during the maple festival when Austin's grandparents enter a friendly competition in the syrup contest. Their rivalry not only showcases their skills but also brings lightheartedness to their complex relationship.
Lessons in Growth
Throughout his experiences in Kingdom County, Austin grapples with the intricacies of family dynamics and the concept of responsibility. He learns life lessons that balance humor and sorrow, shaping his understanding of what it means to be part of a family.
Confronting Reality
As Austin navigates life with his grandparents, he faces moments that challenge his perceptions of life and family. The blend of laughter and poignant realities invites him to grow on multiple levels, marking a pivotal period in his youth.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Northern Borders (2015) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Austin
Austin is a young boy facing the challenges of living with his grandparents in a rural setting. His initial discomfort with their lifestyle leads to significant personal growth as he learns about responsibility, family dynamics, and the importance of tradition. He embodies the struggles of youth trying to find his place in a world marked by both humor and sorrow.
Austin Sr.
Austin Sr. is portrayed as a gruff yet complex character who harbors deep emotional scars from his past. Despite his stern demeanor, he shows moments of warmth, especially towards his family. His conservative views and nostalgic attachment to tradition often clash with the practical needs of their farming life, revealing the layers of a man shaped by history and loss.
Abiah
Abiah presents a caring facade but demonstrates her own strong will and sternness, revealing the complexity of her character. Her refusal to embrace modern conveniences highlights her commitment to tradition, which often puts her at odds with her husband. Abiah's fascination with Egypt adds an intriguing layer to her personality, showcasing her ambitions and dreams.
Theresa
Theresa is a cheerful girl who becomes Austin's friend during his time at school, representing a brighter perspective amidst the family's dynamics. Coming from a struggling family herself, she embodies resilience and the ability to find joy in difficult situations. Her friendship serves as an important anchor for Austin as he navigates the complexities of growing up.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Northern Borders (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
1956
The year 1956 was marked by post-war societal changes in America, where traditional values often clashed with emerging modern perspectives. The period saw a focus on family dynamics and community, particularly in rural areas. The storyline captures the essence of that time, exploring themes of responsibility and the impact of past relationships.
Location
Kingdom County, Vermont
Kingdom County, Vermont is characterized by its picturesque landscapes and rural charm. Known for its farming communities, the region is abundant with maple tree groves and apple orchards, reflecting a traditional, agrarian lifestyle. This setting serves as the backdrop for familial interactions, embodying both the beauty and struggles of rural life in the mid-20th century.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Northern Borders (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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Family Bonds
Family bonds play a pivotal role in 'Northern Borders', as Austin navigates his relationships with his grandparents, uncovering their shared history. The film illustrates the complexities of familial love, highlighting their quirks and challenges over generations. Through Austin's journey, the narrative emphasizes the significance of understanding and connecting with family members.
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Tradition vs. Modernity
The theme of tradition versus modernity is prominent in the characters' interactions and their lifestyle choices. Austin's grandparents embody traditional values, resisting modern conveniences like electricity. Their clashing views regarding education and progress expose the tension between maintaining heritage and adapting to change, creating a rich ground for character development.
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Personal Growth
The film highlights personal growth, particularly through Austin's experiences on his grandparents' farm. Faced with expectations and the realities of hard work, he learns valuable life lessons about responsibility and perseverance. Austin's evolution mirrors the natural cycles of life found in farming, symbolizing the journey from childhood naivety to a deeper understanding of the world.
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