Adoration 2009

Drama

Box Office

$385K

Runtime

100 min

Language

French

Directed by

Atom Egoyan

Made by

Sony Pictures Classics

Test your knowledge of Adoration with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Adoration (2009). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

Simon, a young orphan, finds himself navigating a complex emotional landscape while being raised by his uncle Tom. Early in the film, we witness poignant moments where Simon captures his conversations with his ailing grandfather in a hospital setting. From Simon’s innocent perspective, his grandfather emerges as a caring and wise individual. In contrast, Simon’s uncle reveals a more troubling side of this family legacy, reflecting deeply ingrained racism and backward thinking. As the plot thickens, it becomes clear that Simon’s grandfather harbored a deep-seated animosity towards Simon’s father, suggesting that he intended to cause the fatal car crash that claimed the lives of both Simon’s mother and father. However, Simon’s discovery at the film’s conclusion sheds light on his grandfather’s night blindness, a condition stemming from an eye problem that blinded him to the reality leading up to the accident.

On the fateful evening of the car crash, the disparate memories of the characters clash, intricately weaving their narratives together in an emotionally resonant, Egoyanesque finale. A noteworthy element of the film is how Simon’s family story is cleverly intertwined with a news piece introduced by his high school French teacher during a translation exercise. The article details an attempted bombing of an aircraft where a man hides explosives in his pregnant wife’s luggage. Inspired, Simon chooses to translate the story, narrating it from the perspective of the unborn child in the woman’s womb. Encouraged by his teacher to develop this concept into a dramatic piece, Simon ultimately presents it to the class and online, leading many to believe he truly embodies that child.

The teacher’s subsequent silence holds profound significance, as it is later revealed that she had a personal connection to Simon’s father, who perished alongside his mother in the same tragic car accident. As the plot progresses, the narratives surrounding the car crash and the attempted plane bombing intertwine, allowing the characters to confront their denied pasts. The film poignantly explores the search for identity in our increasingly digital world, a realm where facts often seem irrelevant. Simon’s fabricated narrative about his father being a suicide bomber garners a mixed bag of responses online—sympathy, outrage, and even outlandish support from unexpected corners, including a racist skinhead who deems Simon’s father a hero.

This overwhelming reaction from the digital sphere deepens Simon’s sense of alienation, ultimately compelling him to disconnect from the virtual world and confront the harsh realities of his childhood. As Simon’s journey unfolds, it profoundly influences those around him, culminating in a poignant reconciliation of their interconnected tales. Each character’s fragmented past must be reassessed for healing and reconnection to occur in their present lives, emphasizing the intricate tapestry of human experiences and the pressing need to confront unresolved issues.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Adoration (2009) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Simon’s Hospital Visit

The film opens with young Simon visiting his dying grandfather in the hospital. This poignant moment is captured as Simon films their conversations, showcasing the bond they share and highlighting the grandfather's caring nature.

Hospital

Uncle Tom's Perspective

Through Simon's eyes, his grandfather is wise and nurturing, contrasting sharply with Uncle Tom's racist views. This duality sets the stage for the familial tensions that Simon will have to navigate as the story unfolds.

Grandfather's Accusation

Simon's grandfather harbors deep resentment towards Simon’s father, claiming he intended to harm Simon’s mother during the car crash. This revelation introduces a complex layer of family history shrouded in anger and blame.

Revelation of the Accident

The film reveals that Simon's father's eye condition was the true cause of the crash, rather than the malicious intent his grandfather implied. This pivotal moment in the narrative connects the characters' perspectives and highlights the importance of understanding one’s past.

French Class Assignment

In high school, Simon's French teacher assigns a translation exercise based on a news article about an attempted airplane bombing. This assignment emerges as a catalyst for Simon to explore complicated themes of family, identity, and tragedy.

High School

Creating His Story

Inspired by the article, Simon decides to rewrite it from the viewpoint of the child in the womb. This creative choice emphasizes Simon's desire to connect with his own lost family narrative and showcase his unique perspective.

Presentation to the Class

Simon presents his story in class, portraying himself as the unborn child of the woman involved in the bombing attempt. The reaction from his classmates varies, showcasing their mixed feelings about the dark narrative he creates.

High School Classroom

Internet Response

Simon's story goes viral online, provoking responses of sympathy, anger, and even support. The diverse reactions he receives exacerbate his sense of alienation but also push him to confront his own identity.

Internet

Teacher's Silent Struggle

Simon's French teacher remains silent about her connection to Simon's late father, contributing to the complexity of their interactions. This aspect of her character reveals hidden layers of grief and the impact of their shared past.

Intertwining Narratives

The intertwining of Simon's fabricated story with the truth of the car crash provides a means for all characters to confront their pasts. This merging of narratives serves as a powerful method for healing and understanding within the family.

Simon's Alienation

Simon experiences intense alienation as he grapples with the online responses to his made-up story about his father. This feeling ultimately prompts him to step away from the digital world and reassess his real-life connections.

Facing the Past

Choosing to disconnect from his online persona, Simon embarks on a journey to face the real issues he experienced as a child. This decision marks a crucial turning point in his quest for self-discovery and connections within his family.

Reconnecting with Family

The culmination of Simon's journey is marked by the piecing together of his fragmented family history. By revisiting painful memories, Simon and his relatives are able to confront their shared trauma and begin the healing process.

Conclusion of the Story

The film concludes with a powerful sense of resolution as Simon unites the disparate threads of his family's story. This Egoyanesque conclusion reinforces the importance of understanding and reconciling with one’s past.

Characters

Explore all characters from Adoration (2009). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Simon

Simon is a young orphan navigating the complex terrain of grief, identity, and the impact of familial history. His creative aspirations and his desire for connection drive the narrative as he grapples with his father's legacy and the reactions of those around him. Simon's character embodies the struggle between personal trauma and the search for understanding in a digital age.

👦 Orphan 📖 Creator 🧠 Thinker

Uncle Tom

Uncle Tom is portrayed as a supportive figure, yet his underlying racial prejudices reveal a more complicated relationship with Simon and their family's history. His differing perceptions of Simon's grandfather highlight the generational and ideological divides present in the story, contributing to the family dynamics at play.

👨‍🦰 Caregiver ⚖️ Traditionalist

Simon’s Grandfather

Simon's grandfather is depicted as a wise and caring figure in Simon's memories but is also tied to racism and a tragic family history. His legacy and the events surrounding his death serve as a pivotal point for Simon's exploration of identity and truth, shaped by the conflicting narratives that emerge throughout the film.

👴 Sage 🌌 Mentor

High School French Teacher

The French teacher plays a crucial role in Simon's academic journey, encouraging his creative storytelling while also holding a personal connection to Simon's family's tragic past. Her silence regarding her past relationship with Simon's father adds layers to the narrative, intertwining her fate with Simon's exploration of identity and truth.

👩‍🏫 Educator 📚 Mentor

Setting

Learn where and when Adoration (2009) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

The story unfolds in the contemporary digital age, a time characterized by rapid technological advancements and the prevalence of the internet, where perceptions of truth and identity are constantly challenged. This period allows Simon's experiences to resonate with the modern audience, exploring themes of media influence and personal narratives.

Location

Hospital, High School

The film takes place in a hospital where Simon films a conversation with his dying grandfather, a place marked by memories and reflections on life and death. Additionally, a high school setting serves as a backdrop for Simon's development as he translates and creates stories that merge with his personal narrative, highlighting the teenage experience of grappling with identity.

🏥 Hospital 🏫 School

Themes

Discover the main themes in Adoration (2009). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🌐

Identity

The theme of identity is central to the film, as Simon seeks to understand his past and the legacy of his family history. Through his digital storytelling and the reaction it provokes, he navigates the complexities of personal and collective identities shaped by trauma and the influence of societal perceptions. The film raises questions about who we are and how our narratives are constructed in an increasingly digital world.

🕵️‍♂️

Truth

The pursuit of truth permeates the film as characters confront their own narratives, unveiling hidden perspectives and painful realities. Simon's fabricated story serves as a vehicle for discovery, challenging the relevance of truth in a world saturated with information. The film invites viewers to reflect on the blurred lines between fiction and reality, especially in the context of personal trauma.

Movies with Similar Twists and Themes

Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.