A compelling drama tells the story of Bigger Thomas, a young Black man living in poverty and facing limited opportunities in 1930s Chicago. When he takes a job as a chauffeur for a wealthy white family, a series of tragic events lead to a confrontation with devastating consequences. The film explores themes of race, class, and the struggle for identity amidst social inequality and systemic oppression, highlighting the complexities of human nature and the destructive impact of fear and prejudice.
Does Native Son have end credit scenes?
No!
Native Son does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.
Explore the complete cast of Native Son, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.
Discover where to watch Native Son online, including streaming platforms, rental options, and official sources. Compare reviews, ratings, and in-depth movie information across sites like Metacritic, TMDb, JustWatch or Rotten Tomatoes.
See how Native Son is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Native Son stands among top-rated movies in its genre.
56
%
User Score
Challenge your knowledge of Native Son with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.
What does Bigger Thomas do to the rat in his family's home?
Read the complete plot summary of Native Son, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.
Set during the tumultuous early 1940s in Chicago’s “black belt,” a region deeply populated by nearly half a million African Americans, we meet Hannah Thomas (Willa Pearl Curtis), a resilient mother living in a cramped kitchenette alongside her three children: Vera, Buddy, and her eldest son, Bigger (Richard Wright). The family, having fled the South a dozen years prior due to the horrific lynching of Hannah’s husband, struggles to make a living amidst societal upheaval. One day, as they go about their lives, a rat scurries across the floor, aptly named “old man Dalton” after their landlord—Bigger, in a moment of frustration, kills the pest.
In a surprising twist of fate, a relief worker approaches Bigger with a job offer as a chauffeur for the wealthy Dalton family. Though initially hesitant, he seeks out his girlfriend, Bessie Mears (Gloria Madison), a waitress with dreams of performing at a local club. Bessie is elated at the prospect of being given a chance to sing soon, but Bigger’s worries manifest when he warns Ernie, the club owner, to steer clear of Bessie. However, a planned robbery goes awry when Ernie interrupts, leaving Bigger on edge.
With plans fortunate for him falling apart, Bigger finds solace in a late-night movie alongside his friend Panama (George D. Green). Eventually, he resolves to accept the job with the Daltons. Surprisingly, despite Bigger’s criminal past, Henry Dalton hires him, even offering him a room in the tower of their opulent home. As Bigger takes Bessie for a ride in the Dalton’s vehicle, she questions his sudden interest in Mary Dalton (Jean Wallace); Bigger reassures her that she is irreplaceable to him.
On one fateful evening, Bigger offers a ride to Mary and her suitor, Jan Erlone. Unbeknownst to him, they both carry a drunken bravado that leads them to the very club he had warned Ernie about, ultimately choosing to feign camaraderie with Bigger. The trio’s relationship takes a turn when they return to the Dalton home late that night. Following what seems like innocent fun, a tragic and irreversible event transpires—Bigger inadvertently causes Mary’s death. The horrifying realization sets in as he places a pillow over her face to muffle her sounds, worried about being caught by her blind mother.
The next day is shrouded in tension as Bigger concocts a story, claiming that Jan was responsible for Mary’s disappearance. The investigation spirals out of control when the racist detective, Britten, takes an interest, further complicating Bigger’s precarious position. Meanwhile, Bigger grapples with the systemic injustices that ensnared him, especially as he observes his mother laboriously scrubbing floors while the wealthy Daltons live in stark contrast.
As he confesses his intentions to Bessie about demanding a ransom for Mary’s supposed kidnapping, resistance mounts. When the ransom plan escalates, the media frenzy draws attention, and the paranoia intensifies—Bigger is painted as a monster. A slip in communication leads to panic, causing him to flee when reporters find incriminating evidence at the Dalton household. The once friendly faces around him turn ominous, as he and Bessie hide from authorities who are now hunting him down for murder.
In a harrowing climax, Bigger’s fate concludes when law enforcement captures him after a tumultuous standoff. The emotional aftermath unfolds in jail where conversations with Bessie’s memory and Jan evolve, and Bigger’s reflection upon his actions deepens. Hannah, in an emotional moment, asks her son to pray, reminding him of their shared faith amid despair. Jan reveals the turmoil of anger he felt upon discovering the truth about Mary’s death, battling with his initial urge towards retribution.
As Bigger faces the inevitable doom of a death sentence in the electric chair, he expresses a poignant hope that his tragic tale becomes a cautionary reminder, hoping that no other young black man bears the weight of such a fate. With a heavy heart, he asks his friend Max to convey his regards to Jan, preparing to confront the finality of life—with a deeply felt sense of remorse and longing for understanding.
Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Native Son. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.
Explore all cars featured in Native Son, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.
Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.
Browse a curated list of movies similar in genre, tone, characters, or story structure. Discover new titles like the one you're watching, perfect for fans of related plots, vibes, or cinematic styles.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2025)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
Best Concert Films & Music Documentaries
© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.