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Discover the intricate plot of The Jesus Rolls (2020). 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.
As Jesus Quintana is released from prison, he immediately faces a stern warning from the warden: one more strike could mean permanent imprisonment. Nevertheless, he’s celebrated for his remarkable bowling prowess, celebrated after clinching a victory in a prison tournament. With a notable bounce in his step, Jesus reunites with his old friend Petey, who joyfully drives him into town.
Their adventure kicks off at Petey’s mother’s residence, where Jesus stumbles upon a rather compromising situation involving her and another man. After handing her some cash, they share a meal before creating more chaos. Later, when the duo returns a stolen muscle car, they find themselves at the mercy of an angry gunman. The assailant’s girlfriend, Marie, instantly recognizes Jesus. Just as Petey makes a hasty getaway, the furious owner raises his weapon, but Jesus retaliates in spectacular fashion.
Now with a taste for mischief, the three get rid of the muscle car and score new wheels from a local chop shop. Jesus instructs Petey to see a doctor for the removal of a bullet fragment lodged in his scrotum. Following the minor procedure, they decide to lighten the doctor’s wallet. Meanwhile, Marie takes matters into her own hands and gives a spontaneous haircut to the chop shop mechanic.
As they navigate the town, Petey and Jesus stop at a diner but swiftly depart upon seeing the police approach. They grab two bicycles and initiate a hilarious chase, with Marie in hot pursuit for leaving her behind. They then hijack another vehicle and make their way to the train station.
Their escapade is laced with amusing moments, including watching a tender scene between a nursing mother and her child on the platform. Just as Marie catches up, she unleashes a torrent of frustration about being abandoned before jumping onto another train with the duo.
Settling into their new dynamic, Jesus tends to Petey’s injuries while Marie entertains them with tales of her wild experiences. Their next stop is at Paul’s beauty salon, where they intend to steal some cash but are met with an unpleasant surprise, throwing Marie into a furious outburst against her friends.
After calming her down, Petey and Jesus engage in a game of bowling for dinner at a local alley, where Jesus even takes to the dance floor, only to have his partner storm off irked.
Later, they escort Jean, freshly released from a women’s prison, to a beach eatery, which leads to an intimate conversation about her menstrual cycle with the restaurateur. The night takes a dark turn when they take Jean to a motel, and she tragically ends her life in a moment of distress.
Back at their previous residence, the trio learns that Jean’s son, Jack, is about to be released. With plans to pick him up, they head to a cabin in the woods where Marie is waiting. Sparks fly between Jack and Marie during breakfast, while Petey and Jesus opt for a fishing trip.
What initially feels like a fun morning turns into a precarious robbery plot against a corrections officer known to Jack. Their plan unfolds successfully as they clear out the officer’s belongings and make their escape. However, their carefree ride comes to a halt when they discover at a gas station that they are now wanted for the officer’s shooting.
In a panicked response, they steal a flashy smart car, but their joyride is short-lived as they find themselves at a serene lake. While Marie attends to personal matters, Jesus and Petey are tempted by a nearby muscle car belonging to boaters. They seize the moment, leaving their previous vehicle behind for this newfound prize.
Yet their fortunes turn when the newly stolen car begins to fail, leading to an inevitable crash. Upon inspection, they discover it is none other than Paul’s vehicle—now distinctly altered—which leads to the realization that the damage sustained from their earlier escapades makes it unfit for the road. Consequently, the trio finds themselves hitchhiking to figure out their next move.
Track the key events of The Jesus Rolls (2020) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Jesus is Released from Prison
Jesus Quintana is released from prison, carrying the burden of a warning from the warden: one more infraction could result in a permanent sentence. Celebrated for his exceptional bowling skills, he basks in the newfound freedom and hopes to reconnect with his life outside.
Reunion with Petey
Upon his release, Jesus reunites with old friend Petey, who enthusiastically welcomes him back by driving him into town. Their friendship rekindled, they set out on what promises to be an adventurous day together.
Compromising Situation at Petey's Mother's House
A visit to Petey's mother's residence uncovers a scandalous scene, causing Jesus to intervene by providing her some cash to ease the situation. The trio shares a meal together, setting the stage for more chaotic events to ensue.
Return of the Stolen Muscle Car
After returning a stolen muscle car, Jesus, Petey, and Marie encounter an angry gunman. Their adventure escalates as Jesus showcases his quick reflexes and retaliates spectacularly, defusing a potentially deadly situation.
Getting New Wheels
Eager for more mischief, the trio visits a local chop shop to exchange their stolen muscle car for a new vehicle. This marks a turning point in their escapade as they now fully immerse themselves in a world of crime.
Doctor's Visit
Petey's health takes precedence when Jesus insists on a doctor's visit for him to remove a bullet fragment. However, mischief continues as they decide to lighten the doctor's wallet post-procedure.
Diner Escape
While they stop at a diner, the arrival of police causes panic. The trio swiftly departs, leading to a hilarious bike chase with Marie pursuing them after being left behind.
Train Station Antics
The group makes their way to a train station, where they enjoy amusing moments observing a mother with her child. Marie joins them just as she expresses her frustration about being abandoned.
Visiting Paul's Beauty Salon
Their next stop is at Paul's beauty salon. The plan to steal cash backfires, leading to a furious outburst from Marie, demonstrating the tensions within their dynamic.
Bowling for Dinner
To cool down, Jesus and Petey engage in a fun bowling game, pushing the limits of their friendship. However, the playful spirit is interrupted when Jesus’s dance partner storms off in annoyance.
Picking Up Jean
The trio picks up Jean, freshly released from a women's prison, leading to a surprising and intimate conversation about her menstrual issues. The night takes a tragic turn that they could never have anticipated.
Jean's Tragic End
The atmosphere darkens as they take Jean to a motel, where, overwhelmed by distress, she tragically ends her life. This moment shatters their carefree adventures and leaves a deep impact on the group.
Jack's Release and Plans
The trio learns about Jean's son, Jack, being released from prison. They set out to pick him up, optimistic about a new beginning, unaware of the challenges that await them.
Robbery Gone Wrong
What begins as a fun fishing trip with Jack turns into a robbery plot against a corrections officer. The robbery goes smoothly, but their celebration is short-lived when they realize they are now wanted fugitives.
Fleeing in a Smart Car
In a panic, the group steals a flashy smart car to escape their predicament. However, their joyride ends abruptly at a serene lake, leading to a critical decision about their next steps as their past actions catch up to them.
Meet the characters that bring The Jesus Rolls (2020) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Jesus Quintana (John Turturro)
Jesus is a charismatic and reckless individual recently released from prison. He struggles to navigate his newfound freedom, often leading his friends into chaotic situations. His love for bowling and charisma defines his personality, making him a magnetic yet unpredictable friend.
Petey (Bobby Cannavale)
Petey is Jesus's loyal friend who is enthusiastic about their antics but often finds himself caught in the crossfire of their adventures. His good-hearted nature and willingness to follow Jesus into mischief highlight his character loyalty and vulnerability.
Marie (Audrey Tautou)
Marie is a spirited character who adds both charm and conflict to the group dynamic. She is passionate and impulsive, often expressing her emotions openly. Her complicated relationships with the male characters illustrate the challenges of love and friendship.
Jean (Susan Sarandon)
Jean is a recently freed woman whose life struggles and deep emotional wounds surface throughout the film. She serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of life's choices and the weight of personal tragedies, which deeply resonate with the other characters.
Jack (Pete Davidson)
Jack is set to emerge from his own troubled past, hoping for a fresh start. His interactions reveal a youthful optimism intertwined with the shadow of his family’s challenges. He represents the next generation attempting to navigate their identities and circumstances.
Uncover the settings of The Jesus Rolls (2020), 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
Contemporary
The events of the movie are set in a modern-day context where themes of camaraderie and chaos intertwine. This time period showcases a culture of rebelliousness and the aftermath of criminal repercussions, emphasizing personal struggles and the quest for connection.
Location
Prison, Town, Diner, Beach Eatery, Cabin in the Woods, Lake
The movie unfolds in various lively locations starting from a prison where Jesus is released, transitioning to a buzzing town where much of the chaos occurs. The diner serves as a quick hideaway for the characters, while a beach eatery sets the scene for sentimental moments. A cabin in the woods becomes a backdrop for adventure, and a serene lake offers a moment of calm amid the turmoil.
Explore the core themes of The Jesus Rolls (2020). 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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Misadventure
The story is rich with comedic misadventures as the characters navigate their lives post-prison. Their free-spirited escapades often lead to trouble, showcasing a blend of humor and chaos. Each quirky encounter reveals deeper themes of friendship and the consequences of their reckless choices.
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Tragedy
An underlying tragedy looms, particularly highlighted by Jean's heartbreaking fate. This theme reminds the audience of the fragility of life and the pain hidden behind moments of laughter. It explores the impact of sorrow on both individuals and relationships within the narrative.
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Freedom
The pursuit of freedom is a central theme, with characters looking to escape their past and find a new beginning. The use of stolen vehicles symbolizes both their desire for adventure and the fleeting nature of their liberated moments, often leading to unexpected consequences.
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