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The Childhood of a Leader 2016

In post-war France, an American family’s seemingly idyllic existence fractures as their young son exhibits increasingly disturbing behavior, challenging their understanding of innocence. While his parents grapple with the aftermath of the war and the difficulties of peace, a growing darkness threatens their family’s stability. They must confront the unsettling reality of their son's escalating malevolence and the unsettling implications of the leader he may become, all while chaos and terror take root within their home.

In post-war France, an American family’s seemingly idyllic existence fractures as their young son exhibits increasingly disturbing behavior, challenging their understanding of innocence. While his parents grapple with the aftermath of the war and the difficulties of peace, a growing darkness threatens their family’s stability. They must confront the unsettling reality of their son's escalating malevolence and the unsettling implications of the leader he may become, all while chaos and terror take root within their home.

Does The Childhood of a Leader have end credit scenes?

No!

The Childhood of a Leader does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of The Childhood of a Leader

Explore the complete cast of The Childhood of a Leader, 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.


No actors found

Ratings and Reviews for The Childhood of a Leader

See how The Childhood of a Leader is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where The Childhood of a Leader stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

68

Metascore

6.8

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

90%

TOMATOMETER

review

54%

User Score

IMDb

6.2 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

62

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate The Childhood of a Leader Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of The Childhood of a Leader 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.


The Childhood of a Leader Quiz: Test your knowledge on the nuanced dynamics of 'The Childhood of a Leader' and its themes of identity and parental influence.

In what year does the story of 'The Childhood of a Leader' take place?

Awards & Nominations for The Childhood of a Leader

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Discover all the awards and nominations received by The Childhood of a Leader, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how The Childhood of a Leader and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


32nd Film Independent Spirit Awards 2017

Nomination

Best First Feature

Nomination

Best Cinematography

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for The Childhood of a Leader

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Read the complete plot summary of The Childhood of a Leader, 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.


In 1919, an American boy finds himself temporarily in the serene French countryside alongside his father, a diplomat engaged in the intricate negotiations of the Treaty of Versailles, and his German-born mother. After a tumultuous rehearsal for a church pageant, frustration boils over as he hurls rocks at other children and their parents before escaping into the comforting embrace of the woods. Upon his return, he discovers his father, previously embroiled in drink with family friend Charles Marker. Reluctantly, the boy apologizes to the townsfolk, maintaining a sense of obstinacy but ultimately receiving their forgiveness.

Although fluent in French, the mother has mandated that the boy converse only in English with her. Yet, in their current setting in France, she seizes the opportunity to hire a tutor, Ada, to aid his studies. Surprising emotions emerge when the boy catches a glimpse of Ada alone with his father, who claims to be compensating her for services. However, a troubling incident occurs when, during a lesson, the boy inappropriately touches Ada—a moment that leaves her distressed, but she chooses to remain silent about it to his mother.

As tensions within the home rise, the father engages in covert meetings with his aides, losing faith in the evolving negotiations. One aide, mistaking the boy for a girl, instigates a reaction where the boy strips himself of clothing and retreats into the isolation of his room for several days. His mother, determined to teach him a lesson, attempts to starve him out; however, he receives hidden sustenance from Mona, the housekeeper. When the mother eventually uncovers this, she dismisses Mona, who swears revenge on the family.

In the solitude of his room, the boy dedicates his time to mastering French. After a period of study, he performs a recitation for his mother and Ada, subsequently requesting that his mother dismiss Ada so he can pursue his education in solitude. The father’s return is marked by a chaotic scene where he finds his wife with Charles Marker. Angered upon discovering his son disrobed, he lashes out with threats, leading to a violent altercation that results in the boy sustaining an arm injury.

To commemorate the signing of the treaty, the family hosts an intimate dinner gathering. During this event, the father asks the mother to pray; however, she redirects this request to the boy, who defiantly proclaims his disbelief in prayer. When she attempts to take him to his room, he retaliates by striking her with a rock multiple times. As the father intervenes, the boy feigns injury, taking off in a panic but inadvertently injuring himself in the process. In a twist of fate, he encounters Charles Marker, who comforts him, assuring him of his well-being.

Fast forward several decades, the boy, now grown and known as Prescott, has ascended to a position of power as a military leader of an authoritarian regime. He is met with adulation from crowds of fans, bearing a striking resemblance to his biological father, Charles Marker.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for The Childhood of a Leader

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from The Childhood of a Leader. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Official Trailer

Official UK Trailer

Cars Featured in The Childhood of a Leader

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Explore all cars featured in The Childhood of a Leader, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Mercedes

1924

15/70/100 PS

Renault

1936

Celtaquatre

Rolls-Royce

unknown

unknown

unknown

unknown

unknown

unknown

unknown

unknown

Movie Themes and Keywords

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.


rise of fascismlearning frenchyear 1919treaty of versaillesnihilismpessimismmisanthropyperiod dramapsychological dramachildhoodleaderthrowing a stonethrowing a rocktantrumboyhoodversailles treatynipples visible through clothingboyprayergrowing painslittle boyfather son relationshipmother son relationship

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