Chlorine 2014

Drama

Comedy

Family

Runtime

93 min

Language

English

Directed by

Jay Alaimo

Made by

Gravitas Ventures

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Chlorine (2014). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

At a local swim meet taking place at the Copper Canyon Country Club, a pivotal moment occurs for Cynthia as she prepares to dive into the pool. Just before her jump, she unexpectedly experiences her first period, leading to her disqualification due to her heartfelt and startled reaction.

Cynthia’s mother, Georgie, arrives fashionably late on her motorcycle, but she manages to calm the situation upon arrival. Meanwhile, Cynthia’s brother, Henry, works in construction but faces challenges when his boss, Ernie, instructs him to space studs incorrectly—36 inches apart instead of the required 18, and to use quarter-inch materials rather than three-quarter-inch, hinting at potential trouble with their work.

On the other hand, Cynthia’s father, Roger Lent, who has dedicated more than two decades to his job at the bank, learns that he has yet again missed an opportunity for promotion. Ted, his boss, insists that the bank isn’t generating enough profit to warrant any raises. Discontent with their current lifestyle, Georgie urges Roger to strive harder and change their circumstances, as their family struggles to maintain membership at the country club while others around them enjoy extravagant lives in mansions.

Among Cynthia’s swim team members is Suzi, her beautiful and enthusiastic friend, who is exhilarated about Cynthia’s recent news and eager to offer relationship and sex advice, presenting herself as someone experienced in such matters. Josh, a fellow swimmer, seems to show interest in Cynthia, while tennis pro Pat, who also acts as Doug’s cocaine supplier, appears to wish for a more intimate connection with Suzi. Despite her desires, Suzi finds herself wanting various luxuries, including an extravagant item from a jewelry store that she doesn’t genuinely need.

In the midst of all this, Doug, who is behind the development of Copper Canyon Estates—where Henry is currently working—plans a lavish party attended by his attractive wife, Katherine. Georgie anticipates that Roger will take this opportunity to network and forge connections. Even though Roger lacks the financial means to invest in the development personally, he could still encourage potential investors.

Having become disillusioned with her previous Wall Street career, Elise is now a golf pro at the country club. She takes Roger aside, warning him about the true nature of the housing development, calling it a Ponzi scheme and a project erected on land sacred to Native Americans.

As these events unfold, Roger finds himself at a crossroads; should he pursue his ambitions, risking his integrity and potential legal consequences, or should he choose to do what is morally right? Similarly, questions linger about whether Henry will follow suit, if Georgie’s dreams for a better life will be realized, whether Cynthia and Josh’s relational journey will flourish, and if Suzi will ultimately achieve all her desires.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Chlorine (2014) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Cynthia's First Period

During a swim meet at Copper Canyon Country Club, Cynthia experiences her first period. This unexpected event leads to her disqualification from the competition, marking a significant moment in her life as she navigates the challenges of adolescence.

Copper Canyon Country Club

Georgie Arrives Late

Cynthia's mother, Georgie, arrives at the swim meet on her motorcycle, but she unfortunately misses the crucial moment of her daughter's disqualification. This sets the tone for Georgie's character as an active and somewhat carefree mother.

Copper Canyon Country Club

Henry's Work Issues

Cynthia's brother, Henry, faces pressure at his construction job when his boss, Ernie, instructs him to ignore safety codes. This signifies the ongoing struggle within the family as they try to maintain their financial stability amidst unethical work demands.

Roger's Career Struggles

Roger Lent, Cynthia's father, is denied a long-awaited promotion at the bank after dedicating over 20 years of his life to the job. His boss, Ted, informs him that he is not generating enough profit, illustrating the financial strain on the family.

Georgie's Aspirations

Georgie expresses her dissatisfaction with their ordinary life, feeling the pressure to compete with friends living in luxury. She encourages Roger to strive harder in his career, demonstrating her strong desire for a better lifestyle.

Friendship and Advice

Suzi, Cynthia's beautiful friend on the swim team, beams with excitement for Cynthia's new experiences and offers unsolicited advice on relationships and sex. This dynamic showcases teenage friendships and the often overwhelming exchange of perspectives during adolescence.

Romantic Interests

Josh, a boy from the swim team, starts showing interest in Cynthia, hinting at the beginning of a teenage romance. Meanwhile, Pat, the tennis pro, exhibits inappropriate behavior towards Suzi, adding tension and complexity to the social interactions at the club.

Copper Canyon Country Club

Doug's Party

Doug, the housing developer for Copper Canyon Estates, hosts a lavish party with his attractive wife, Katherine. Georgie urges Roger to attend, hinting at the social and professional networking opportunities that could come from mingling with wealthy individuals.

Warning from Elise

Elise, a former Wall Street professional turned golf pro at the club, warns Roger about the ethical issues surrounding the housing development. She reveals that the project is a Ponzi scheme built on sacred Native American land, forcing Roger to confront his moral dilemmas.

Copper Canyon Country Club

Roger's Dilemma

Faced with a choice between advancing his career and risking legal troubles, Roger must decide whether to participate in the unethical dealings of the housing project. This moment encapsulates the crossroads of ambition and morality in the film.

Family Tensions

The family dynamics become increasingly strained as they grapple with their financial difficulties and aspirations. Each member must decide what they truly want from life and what compromises they are willing to make.

Cynthia and Josh's Relationship

As Cynthia and Josh navigate their budding relationship, they face the challenges of young love in a complex environment. Their interactions reflect the innocence and confusion that often accompany first crushes and romantic experiences.

Suzi's Desires

Suzi's quest for material possessions and social status emphasizes the teenage preoccupation with wealth and image. Her actions underline the pressures young individuals face in pursuit of societal acceptance.

Themes of Ambition and Morality

Throughout the film, each character embodies themes of ambition, ethical dilemmas, and the pursuit of a better life. Their journeys highlight the complexities of navigating adult choices while remaining in the realm of adolescence.

Characters

Explore all characters from Chlorine (2014). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Cynthia

Cynthia is an adolescent navigating the complexities of growing up, symbolized by her first period at the swim meet. She grapples with pressures from friends and family while exploring her budding relationship with Josh. Her character embodies the excitement and confusion of young love intertwined with personal growth.

👧 Teenager 🏊‍♀️ Swimmer 💖 Young Love

Georgie

Georgie, Cynthia's mother, is a determined woman who desires more than her current life. She wants her family to rise above their financial struggles and often encourages her husband, Roger, to network for better opportunities. Her character represents the ambition and drive of a parent hoping to give their children a better future.

👩‍👦‍👦 Mother 💼 Ambitious 🔥 Determined

Roger Lent

Roger is the family patriarch struggling with unfulfilled career aspirations. After years at the bank without promotion, he faces external pressures while trying to provide for his family. His character reveals the stress and feelings of inadequacy that accompany financial instability and professional disappointment.

👨 Father 💼 Banker 😞 Disillusioned

Henry

Henry is Cynthia's older brother, working in construction and caught between his job and familial responsibilities. He faces challenges with his employer's demanding standards amidst a corrupt housing development. His character illustrates the tensions between ambition and ethics in the workforce.

👷‍♂️ Brother 🔨 Construction Worker ⚖️ Ethical Dilemma

Suzi

Suzi is Cynthia's friend and a member of the swim team, who embodies the carefree and sometimes superficial aspects of adolescence. Her excitement over Cynthia's milestones often includes diving into discussions about relationships and sexuality. Her character focuses on the social pressures girls face during their coming-of-age journeys.

💁‍♀️ Best Friend 🏊‍♀️ Swimmer 💕 Romance

Setting

Learn where and when Chlorine (2014) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

The events take place in a contemporary setting, where everyday issues related to adolescence and familial pressures are explored. Though no specific historical context is provided, the themes reflect modern societal challenges, especially in terms of socioeconomic status and personal aspirations.

Location

Copper Canyon Country Club

Copper Canyon Country Club serves as the main setting for the swim meet in the movie. It is a place where the community gathers for sports and social events, but also highlights the socioeconomic divide present in the characters' lives. The setting underscores the aspirations and struggles of its characters, shedding light on their pursuit of a better life.

🏊‍♂️ Swimming Pool 🌄 Country Club

Themes

Discover the main themes in Chlorine (2014). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🏊‍♀️

Adolescence

The movie explores the trials of adolescence, symbolized by Cynthia experiencing her first period at a pivotal moment. This coming-of-age theme highlights the emotional turbulence and societal pressures that young individuals face, especially regarding relationships and self-identity.

💔

Disillusionment

Characters experience disillusionment regarding their life choices and aspirations. Roger grapples with repeated failures in his career, while other characters face the harsh reality of societal expectations and personal dreams. The film examines how these feelings affect their decisions and relationships.

🏡

Socioeconomic Struggles

The family's financial issues are a central theme, demonstrating the challenges of trying to fit into a world where they feel out of place. Their struggle to belong to the upscale country club highlights the disparity between their ambitions and their realities, as they crave more than ordinary lifestyles.

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