Rose Plays Julie 2021
Directed by
Christine Molloy
Made by
Film Movement
Plot Summary
Rose, a veterinary student from Dublin, finds herself on an emotional journey to uncover her roots after the passing of her adoptive mother. As she digs deeper, she learns that her biological mother, Ellen, is a well-known actress residing in London. Eager to connect, Rose reaches out to Ellen, revealing her birth name, Julie, leading to a moment of shocking recognition for Ellen.
In her quest for identity, Rose follows Ellen to a film set but, feeling awkward, leaves before anyone notices her presence. Shortly thereafter, she discovers that Ellen’s house is up for sale. Seizing the moment, Rose poses as a prospective buyer, resulting in an unexpected meeting with Ellen’s teenage daughter, Eva. It isn’t long before Ellen recognizes her, and in search of solitude, she takes Rose for a walk in the woods—her favorite sanctuary.
During this heartfelt conversation, Ellen reveals the painful truth of her past: she was raped, and Rose (Julie) is the result of that horror. Determined to bring some positivity into the world despite her trauma, Ellen made the difficult choice to give Rose up for adoption. They further uncover the identity of Rose’s biological father, Peter Doyle, a celebrity archaeologist.
Returning to Dublin, Rose attends the launch party for Peter’s newest book but can’t summon the courage to introduce herself. Later on, she volunteers for one of Peter’s archaeological digs while disguising her true identity under a black wig, posing as an actress conducting research.
When Ellen comes to Dublin for a film shoot, she seeks out Rose, who admits to seeing Peter but refrains from revealing her identity. Frustrated with Peter’s obliviousness to their past, Rose’s anger festers. In a chilling turn of events, she steals veterinary drugs from the university, armoring herself with a syringe filled with them, and heads to Peter’s home with vengeful intent.
Upon his surprise at her arrival, Peter attempts to seduce Rose, but she stands her ground. A scuffle ensues, leading Rose to strike Peter with a golfing trophy in self-defense. In the turmoil, she reveals her true identity, escaping while leaving Peter in a state of confusion and injury. When his wife, Teresa, returns home, Peter must awkwardly explain his condition.
Seeking refuge in Ellen’s hotel room, Rose stays there while her mother goes to get rid of the veterinary drugs. Ellen, upon discovering a copy of Peter’s book with his phone number, arranges to meet him at the notorious golf course where the assault occurred. The meeting culminates in a tense confrontation where Ellen recounts the trauma of her past before attacking him with the very syringe Rose had intended to use. Ultimately, she injects him, and he succumbs to the drugs within minutes.
Back in the hotel room, Rose awakens to find Ellen, sharing her dreams of waiting by the sea, a poignant reminder of the struggles and losses they have both faced and the complicated tapestry of their newly intertwined lives.
Timeline
Rose's Journey Begins
After the death of her adoptive mother, Rose, a veterinary student in Dublin, embarks on a quest to discover her biological roots. This journey is fueled by the desire for identity and connection to her past.
Discovery of Biological Mother
During her investigation, Rose learns that her biological mother, Ellen, is a renowned actress living in London. Overwhelmed by the revelation, she decides to reach out to Ellen, sharing her birth name, Julie.
The Film Set Encounter
Eager to meet her mother, Rose follows Ellen to a film set. However, feeling awkward and out of place, she leaves before anyone notices her presence, still grappling with her emotions.
Unexpected Meeting at the Open House
Rose discovers that Ellen's house is up for sale and poses as a potential buyer. This leads to an unexpected encounter with Ellen's teenage daughter, Eva, adding complexity to her journey.
Walk in the Woods
Ellen takes Rose for a walk in the woods, their first heartfelt conversation. Ellen reveals the painful truth behind Rose's birth—she was the result of a traumatic experience.
Revelation of the Biological Father
In their conversation, Ellen discloses the identity of Rose's biological father, Peter Doyle, a celebrity archaeologist. This new revelation complicates Rose's feelings and understanding of her past.
Launch Party for Peter's Book
Upon returning to Dublin, Rose attends the launch party for Peter's latest book but struggles to reveal her identity. She remains an observer, battling her inner turmoil and hesitation.
Volunteering in Disguise
Rose volunteers for one of Peter's archaeological digs, concealing her identity with a black wig. This choice highlights her ongoing struggle to connect with her heritage while maintaining anonymity.
Ellen's Visit to Dublin
When Ellen arrives in Dublin for a film shoot, she seeks out Rose. Rose confesses to seeing Peter but keeps her true identity a secret, building tension in their relationship.
Rose's Anger towards Peter
Frustrated with Peter's ignorance of their shared past, Rose's anger escalates. She resorts to stealing veterinary drugs from the university, preparing for a confrontation with Peter.
Confrontation at Peter's Home
Rose confronts Peter at his home with her vengeful intentions. The situation escalates into a physical altercation, during which she reveals her identity and strikes him in self-defense.
Rose's Escape
After the altercation with Peter, Rose escapes, leaving him in shock and confusion. This moment is pivotal as it marks her first assertion of power over her traumatic past.
Ellen's Vengeful Confrontation
Ellen, upon learning of the incident, arranges to meet Peter at a golf course. This meeting spirals into a confrontation where she attacks him with the syringe, mirroring Rose's earlier intentions.
Ellen Injects Peter
In a moment of reclaimed agency, Ellen injects Peter with the drugs. It symbolizes not only a personal revenge for a past trauma but also a protective act for her daughter, ending Peter's life.
A New Connection in the Hotel Room
Back in the hotel room, Rose wakes to find Ellen sharing her dreams of a peaceful life by the sea. This intimate moment signifies the beginning of their healing journey as they face their intertwined pasts.
Characters
Rose
Rose is a veterinary student who embarks on a profound journey to discover her true identity after the death of her adoptive mother. Driven by curiosity and emotional turmoil, she is both vulnerable and determined, navigating complex relationships with her birth mother and biological father. Rose's resilience highlights her quest for belonging and understanding.
Ellen
Ellen is a well-known actress burdened by her painful past and the choices she made as a result of her trauma. As Rose's biological mother, her character represents both a source of strength and vulnerability, dealing with the ramifications of her past while trying to forge a connection with Rose. Her candidness about her experiences illustrates the complexity of maternal relationships.
Peter Doyle
Peter is a celebrity archaeologist whose past actions haunt the lives of both Rose and Ellen. His character embodies the notion of conflict between fame and personal responsibility, confronting the consequences of his previous choices. Through both seduction and conflict, Peter becomes a pivotal figure in the narrative, illustrating the dark side of celebrity.
Teresa
Teresa, Peter's wife, is unwittingly tangled in the aftermath of Peter's actions. Her character represents the impact of trauma and betrayal on familial structures. As she returns home to a bewildered Peter, she becomes an emblem of the consequences of unresolved issues within a domestic space.
Eva
Eva is Ellen's teenage daughter who unwittingly becomes involved in the fallout from her mother's past. Her character adds a layer of complexity to the mother-daughter relationship dynamics and highlights the generational impacts of trauma. Eva's innocence contrasts sharply with the heavier themes of the film.
Setting
Time period
The narrative is contemporary, reflecting modern themes of identity, trauma, and the search for connection. It touches upon current societal issues like adoption and the complexities of familial relationships, resonating with today's audiences.
Location
Dublin, London
The movie takes place primarily in Dublin and London, two vibrant cities that serve as backdrops for Rose's emotional journey. Dublin is known for its rich literature and culture, while London is home to the film industry, representing fame and the arts. A significant part of the story unfolds in the serene woods, which symbolizes the solace sought by the characters.
Themes
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Identity
The theme of identity is central to Rose's journey as she uncovers her origins and grapples with her dual life as Julie. This quest for self-understanding highlights the importance of heritage and belonging, driving Rose to confront uncomfortable truths about her past. The emotional weight of discovering one's roots serves as a powerful narrative force throughout the film.
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Trauma
Trauma looms large in the characters' lives, particularly in Ellen's revelation of her painful past. The film explores how trauma shapes individuals and their relationships, underscoring the long-lasting impacts of violence and the difficult choices that arise from it. Ellen's and Rose's attempts to navigate their complicated feelings epitomize the struggle for healing.
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Confrontation
Confrontation is a recurring theme as Rose faces both her biological parents, Peter and Ellen, forcing them to confront their past decisions. The emotional and physical encounters elevate the tension throughout the film, ultimately leading to a climax that challenges their perceptions of forgiveness and revenge. This theme encapsulates the battle between victimhood and empowerment.
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