Things Behind the Sun 2001
Directed by
Allison Anders
Made by
Showtime Networks
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Things Behind the Sun (2001). 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 a budding reporter for a respected music magazine in Los Angeles, Owen embarks on a journey back to his roots in Florida, driven by two main intentions: to conduct a revealing interview with the rising local rock star, Sherry, whose haunting ballad addressing her traumatic childhood has struck a profound chord with college radio audiences. This journey isn’t just a matter of professional obligation; it’s steeped in personal motives that run far deeper.
Once childhood pals, Owen and Sherry share a complex history, intricate with shadows of his past laden with guilt. Owen carries the weight of a dark secret tied to his brother, Dan—the orchestrator of a series of grisly gang rapes against numerous young girls. This turmoil continues to haunt Owen, as he struggles with his own indirect involvement in those horrific crimes.
Throughout the narrative, Owen revisits memories through stirring flashbacks. He recalls the coping mechanism he adopted to shield himself from the harrowing sounds that escaped Dan’s room during the grotesque acts. Music became his sanctuary, a refuge against the chaos that threatened to engulf him. Sherry holds a unique place in his heart, a poignant reminder of innocence marred by tragedy; she once visited his home with a mixtape, blissfully unaware of the torment that was to ensue. Despite his attempts to remain oblivious, Owen was eventually thrust into that nightmarish reality, only realizing after the fact that it was Sherry who had suffered at the hands of his brother and his friends.
The awakening of these memories propels Owen to take decisive action against Dan, revealing the truth about his own complicity in the despicable acts. He confronts Dan and declares that he has made an effort to seek justice by sharing incriminating details regarding the rapes with his editor and a parole officer. Furthermore, Owen discloses that he has tracked down some of the twelve victims of Dan’s atrocities, all of whom are prepared to testify against him at the parole board hearing—an action that solidifies Dan’s fate in prison.
When Dan confronts Owen about his apparent betrayal, Owen’s response is both honest and impactful—driven by the love he holds for Sherry, he cannot stand idly by while the truth remains buried. This bold confrontation by Owen ignites a series of events that intertwine justice, redemption, and the battle against the unyielding grip of the past.
Timeline
Track the key events of Things Behind the Sun (2001) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Owen Begins His Journey
Owen, a budding reporter for a respected music magazine, decides to return to his roots in Florida. This journey marks the beginning of an exploration not only for a professional assignment but also a personal quest tied to his past.
The Interview with Sherry
Owen seeks to interview Sherry, a rising local rock star known for her haunting ballad about her traumatic childhood. This ballad has resonated deeply with college radio audiences, making Sherry an essential figure for Owen's article.
Confronting the Past
As Owen travels back, he is forced to confront a complex history shared with Sherry. Their past friendship is marred by dark shadows related to his brother, Dan, and Owen's own feelings of guilt regarding past events.
Flashbacks of Trauma
Throughout his journey, Owen experiences haunting flashbacks that remind him of the trauma from his childhood. He recalls how he shielded himself with music as a way to cope with the horrifying events that unfolded in his home.
The Innocence of Sherry
Owen remembers a time when Sherry visited him with a mixtape, symbolizing a moment of innocence. At that time, she was blissfully unaware of the atrocities that were occurring, a stark contrast to the eventual reality he would confront.
Realization of Connection
As memories flood back, Owen comes to a harrowing realization about Sherry's suffering. He learns that she was one of the victims of his brother's heinous crimes, intertwining their pasts in an inescapable web of trauma.
A Call for Justice
Compelled by his memories, Owen resolves to take action against Dan. He decides to inform his editor and a parole officer about the injustices that have occurred, marking a turn towards seeking justice for the victims.
Tracking the Victims
In his quest for justice, Owen undertakes the daunting task of locating victims of Dan's actions. He successfully finds some of the twelve young women affected, all of whom are willing to testify against him at the upcoming parole board hearing.
The Confrontation
Upon discovering Owen's intentions, Dan confronts him in an explosive encounter. Owen, driven by a newfound clarity and love for Sherry, stands firm against his brother and establishes the need to reveal the truth.
Declaring the Betrayal
Owen reveals to Dan that he has shared incriminating details about the rapes, which leads to a tense exchange. He underscores that his actions are motivated by a desire for justice, not malice, especially for Sherry's sake.
The Testimonies Gather
As the parole board hearing approaches, the testimonies of the victims are gathered. This collective voice serves as a powerful testament to the horrors they faced, further solidifying Dan's fate and ensuring he will remain in prison.
Owen's Transformation
Through these events, Owen experiences a significant transformation. The journey compels him to grapple with his past, driving him to seek redemption not only for himself but for the victims of his brother's actions.
Intertwining of Justice and Redemption
The entire narrative unfolds as a delicate intertwining of justice and personal redemption. Owen's actions not only aim to hold Dan accountable but also serve as a means for him to confront his past and find peace.
Confronting the Unyielding Past
Owen’s confrontation with Dan ignites a series of events reflecting the struggle against the unyielding grip of their shared past. As old secrets are unveiled, the path towards justice becomes a catalyst for healing.
The Aftermath
As the story concludes, the repercussions of Owen's actions reverberate through his life and the lives of the victims. This journey not only leads to potential justice but also offers a glimpse of hope for healing and a renewed sense of purpose.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Things Behind the Sun (2001) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Owen
Owen is a complex individual burdened by guilt and memories of his past. As a music reporter, he is driven not just by professional ambition, but also by a deep-seated need for redemption. His character arc is one of courage as he confronts his brother and takes a stand for the victims.
Sherry
Sherry embodies resilience and haunting beauty through her music, which serves as an expression of her traumatic past. While strained by shared history with Owen, she represents hope and the possibility of healing. Her character highlights the emotional toll of trauma and the power of art as a coping mechanism.
Dan
Dan is portrayed as the antagonist whose heinous actions have reverberated through the lives of others. His character presents a chilling reminder of the capacity for evil, and his confrontation with Owen serves as a climactic moment of confrontation and accountability.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Things Behind the Sun (2001), 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
The events of the movie seem modern, dealing with issues like past trauma and the quest for justice in a contemporary social context. The narrative weaves through Owen's past and present, highlighting the enduring effects of childhood experiences on adult life.
Location
Los Angeles, Florida
Los Angeles serves as the bustling backdrop for Owen's career as a music reporter, representing ambition and the glitz of the entertainment industry. In contrast, Florida represents his roots and the haunting memories of his childhood, where personal demons and history collide.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Things Behind the Sun (2001). 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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Redemption
The theme of redemption is central to Owen's journey as he seeks to confront his past and uncover the truth about his brother's crimes. His quest reflects a deep desire not only to redeem himself but also to seek justice for Sherry and the other victims. The narrative illustrates how confronting the past can lead to growth and healing.
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Truth
Truth is a pivotal theme, as Owen wrestles with his complicity in the horrors inflicted by his brother. His decision to reveal the truth not only serves his need for catharsis but also seeks to bring justice to those affected. This quest emphasizes the importance of honesty and accountability in confronting trauma.
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Trauma
Trauma pervades the story, reflecting its lasting impact on both Owen and Sherry. As past traumas resurface through flashbacks, they shape the characters' lives and their interactions. The film explores how unresolved trauma affects relationships and the journey towards healing.
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