The Tiger Rising 2022
Directed by
Ray Giarratana
Made by
Paramount Home Entertainment
Plot Summary
The life of 12-year-old Rob Horton (his skin an itchy map of emotional turmoil) undergoes a profound transformation with the arrival of a majestic caged tiger in the woods, its presence like a whispered secret only he can hear. Since the tragic loss of his mother six months prior, Rob has felt adrift alongside his father, Robert Horton Sr., at the Kentucky Star motel in Florida, where the weight of their shared grief hangs in the humid air. The cruel taunts from mean girls at school further intensify Rob’s sense of isolation and vulnerability.
However, everything changes when Sistine Bailey bursts into his life, her name a reflection of the beauty she effortlessly brings. Through their connection, Rob begins to share his wonder about the tiger, gradually unearthing the emotional baggage he’s carried for so long, leading him to express his feelings through a torrent of tears and heartfelt confessions.
Despite Sistine’s impassioned plea to set the tiger free, Rob’s fears loom large—what uncertain fate awaits this magnificent creature outside the cage? It takes immense courage for Rob to confront this decision, tragically underscored when his father, whose emotional baggage is as heavy as the gun he wields, coldly ends the tiger’s life with a single, chilling bullet. The confrontation that follows is a striking blend of brutality and beauty, igniting Rob’s pent-up emotions in an explosive outpouring of tears and accusations.
In the painful aftermath, Rob’s world is thrown into chaos again, this time by his father’s reluctant acceptance of their past. Together, they finally address the dormant grief that has loomed over them since the passing of Caroline Horton. At the funeral for the tiger, Sistine recites a haunting excerpt from William Blake’s timeless poem, The Tiger, her eloquent words casting a transformative spell of catharsis and redemption around Rob and his father.
As the dust settles around them, Rob finds himself gazing toward a new chapter filled with possibilities—one that promises friendship, hope, and healing—anchored by Sistine, who stands as a beacon of light in a life that was once shrouded in darkness.
Timeline
Rob's Life Before the Tiger
Twelve-year-old Rob Horton lives in a state of emotional turmoil following the tragic loss of his mother six months earlier. His life is characterized by feelings of isolation, intensified by the cruel taunts from mean girls at school and the weight of grief he shares with his father at the Kentucky Star motel in Florida.
Arrival of the Caged Tiger
A majestic caged tiger appears in the woods, leading Rob to perceive it as a secret only he can understand. The tiger's presence becomes a catalyst for change in Rob's life, stirring emotions that he has long repressed and marking the beginning of a transformative journey for him.
Meeting Sistine Bailey
The entrance of Sistine Bailey into Rob's life ignites a spark of beauty and wonder. Their budding friendship allows Rob to start sharing his thoughts and feelings about the tiger, prompting a significant shift in his emotional landscape.
Exploring Emotions
Through his connection with Sistine, Rob begins to unearth his latent emotional turmoil. He expresses his grief and vulnerability through tears and heartfelt confessions, making strides toward healing from his loss.
Sistine's Plea to Free the Tiger
Sistine passionately urges Rob to liberate the magnificent tiger from its cage, emphasizing the creature's right to live freely. This plea forces Rob to confront his own fears and the uncertain fate that lies ahead for the tiger if released into the wild.
Rob's Internal Struggle
Rob grapples with the decision of whether to release the tiger or keep it caged, revealing the depth of his fears and worries. The emotional weight of this choice becomes a pivotal moment in Rob's life, intertwined with his grief and security.
Tragic Event: The Tiger's Death
In a tragic turn of events, Rob's father, weighed down by his own emotional burdens, shoots the tiger with a single, chilling bullet. This brutal act shatters Rob's world, culminating in a devastating confrontation between father and son.
Confrontation of Grief
In the aftermath of the tiger's death, Rob's pent-up emotions explode, leading to an emotional confrontation with his father. This moment merges brutality and beauty, prompting both characters to face the pain they've concealed regarding their shared grief.
Dealing with the Past
Following the painful confrontation, Rob's father reluctantly begins to acknowledge the past they have been avoiding. Together, they begin to confront the loss of Caroline Horton, which had long overshadowed their lives.
The Tiger's Funeral
At the funeral for the tiger, Sistine recites a haunting passage from William Blake's poem *The Tiger*. Her poignant words resonate deeply with Rob and his father, creating a moment of catharsis and redemption for both.
A Shift in Perspective
As they reflect on the tiger's death and their shared grief, Rob begins to envision a future filled with hope and possibility. This shift marks a new chapter in his life, one that is anchored by his friendship with Sistine.
A New Beginning
Rob finds solace and direction in his relationship with Sistine, who stands as a radiant beacon in his previously dark life. Their friendship symbolizes healing and a fresh start, paving the way for a promising future for both.
Characters
Rob Horton (Christian Convery)
Rob is a sensitive 12-year-old boy grappling with the recent loss of his mother. His journey involves navigating his feelings of isolation and vulnerability, catalyzed by the arrival of the caged tiger. Rob’s character arc showcases his emotional growth as he learns to confront his grief and express his feelings.
Sistine Bailey (Madalen Mills)
Sistine is a bright and passionate girl who introduces beauty and hope into Rob's life. Her courage to confront difficult truths helps Rob in his journey of self-discovery. She serves as a catalyst for change, pushing him to articulate his emotions and challenge the status quo in his life.
Robert Horton Sr. (Sam Trammell)
Rob's father embodies the struggle of dealing with trauma and grief following his wife's death. His emotional turmoil is evident in his actions, particularly in the climactic moment with the tiger. Robert’s journey of reconciliation with his past serves as a counterbalance to Rob’s growth.
Setting
Time period
The story unfolds in a contemporary setting, where themes of grief and emotional turmoil are explored. It touches upon universal struggles with loss and the challenges of moving forward after tragedy. This time period allows for a relatable context that mirrors the experiences of many families.
Location
Kentucky Star motel, Florida
The Kentucky Star motel serves as the backdrop for Rob's emotional journey, surrounded by the humid atmosphere of Florida. This location reflects Rob's feelings of being trapped and isolated in his grief. The motel, with its transient nature, symbolizes the fleeting moments of happiness and the long-lasting impact of loss.
Themes
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Grief
The theme of grief runs deeply through the film, affecting both Rob and his father in profound ways. Rob's unresolved feelings about his mother's death manifest through his connection to the captive tiger. The narrative ultimately highlights how confronting grief can lead to healing and emotional growth.
💔
Friendship
Friendship blossoms as Sistine becomes a pivotal figure in Rob's life. Their bond allows Rob to express his vulnerability, leading him to confront his emotional turmoil. Their relationship showcases the importance of connections in overcoming personal struggles and fostering hope.
🦁
Courage
The story illustrates the theme of courage, particularly in Rob's decisions surrounding the tiger. He faces difficult choices that force him to delve into his fears and confront the harsh realities of life. This courage extends to emotional honesty, which proves vital for both Rob and his father.
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