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Electrick Children

Electrick Children 2013

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Electrick Children (2013). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


As Rachel McKnight, a devoted member of a fundamentalist Mormon community in Utah, celebrates her fifteenth birthday, she experiences a life-changing moment prompted by an unexpected auditory revelation. The serendipitous find of a blue cassette tape featuring a cover of “Hanging on the Telephone” by an unknown rock band ignites a deep-seated fascination within her. Shortly after this discovery, when she finds herself pregnant, Rachel believes that her miraculous conception is a divine act, reminiscent of the Virgin Mary’s immaculate pregnancy. However, as the reality of her situation begins to unfold, her community turns against her, scapegoating her brother, Mr. Will, for her predicament and driving him away.

With the looming threat of a shotgun marriage arranged by her father, Paul, Rachel makes a bold escape to Las Vegas with Mr. Will, who has been residing in the family’s pickup truck. Enveloped by the neon glow of the city, Rachel is drawn into the vibrant world of a group of skaters who live and create music together. She is particularly intrigued by one skater who sports a shirt marked with a cassette symbol. As she becomes increasingly involved in their lives, Mr. Will returns, urging her to admit that she has been intimate with someone else, thereby securing his place back in their community.

Rachel’s bond with Clyde, one of the skaters, intensifies as they share tender moments amidst the chaos of the city. However, when Clyde proposes marriage and suggests they embark on a quest to find the mysterious man featured on the cassette tape—who Rachel believes is the father of her child—she finds herself torn between the yearning for independence and the craving for familial ties. As the tensions rise, a failed break-in at Clyde’s parents’ home leads to Mr. Will being apprehended, pushing Rachel to flee further from her past.

In a moment of desperation, Rachel reflects on her mother’s bedtime stories and follows a red Mustang, eventually uncovering the astonishing truth that the car’s owner, Tim, is the very man who recorded the tape and her biological father. This significant revelation propels her onto a transformative journey that challenges her faith, identity, and perception of reality.

Ultimately, Rachel finds the courage to return to her community, leaving behind the upheaval of her recent experiences. At the same time, Tim seizes the chance to rescue Mr. Will from his plight, and they set out to reclaim Rachel. Their adventure unexpectedly intersects with Clyde, whose van has broken down on the highway. With Tim at the wheel and Mr. Will by his side, they rush to the church as Rachel prepares to take sacred vows. In a dramatic turn of events, they arrive in the iconic red Mustang, rescuing Rachel from her uncertain fate. Back in the community, Mr. Will’s confession, captured on an old blue cassette, earns him a chance at redemption, while Rachel holds firm in her belief that God is the true father of her child. As time goes by, Clyde and Rachel enjoy a serene life together at the beach, walking hand in hand while her pregnancy blooms, their love deepening with each swell of the waves.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Electrick Children (2013) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


Rachel's Fifteenth Birthday

On her fifteenth birthday, Rachel McKnight, a devoted member of a fundamentalist Mormon community, is filled with excitement. The day takes a surprising turn when she discovers a blue cassette tape featuring an unknown rock band's cover of 'Hanging on the Telephone', igniting a newfound passion within her.

Utah

Miraculous Conception

Soon after her tape discovery, Rachel finds herself pregnant, believing her pregnancy to be a miraculous act of divine intervention. This realization draws comparisons to the Virgin Mary's conception, framing her situation within a context of faith and expectation.

Utah

Community Backlash

As the truth about Rachel's pregnancy unravels, her community reacts with hostility, directing their anger toward her brother, Mr. Will. He becomes a scapegoat for her predicament, leading to a rift between Rachel and her family.

Utah

Threat of Shotgun Marriage

Faced with the pressure of an impending shotgun marriage arranged by her father, Paul, Rachel feels trapped and desperate. In a bold move for independence, she makes the decision to escape.

Utah

Escape to Las Vegas

Rachel escapes to Las Vegas with her brother Mr. Will, who has been living in the family’s pickup truck. They arrive in the vibrant city, engulfed by its neon lights, which symbolize freedom and potential for a new life.

Las Vegas

Joining the Skater Community

In Las Vegas, Rachel becomes immersed in a group of skaters who share her passion for music and creativity. She connects particularly with a skater wearing a cassette shirt, which further deepens her intrigue.

Las Vegas

Mr. Will's Return

Mr. Will returns to confront Rachel, urging her to confess the truth about her intimacy with another person. This moment marks a significant shift in their dynamics as he seeks to reclaim his place within their community.

Las Vegas

Growing Bond with Clyde

Rachel's bond with Clyde, one of the skaters, deepens as they enjoy tender moments during the tumult of city life. Their growing relationship becomes a source of support and complexity as they navigate their feelings amid challenges.

Las Vegas

Clyde's Proposal

Clyde proposes marriage to Rachel and suggests they embark on a quest to find the man behind the cassette tape, whom Rachel believes is the father of her child. This proposal leaves Rachel conflicted about her desires for independence versus a sense of belonging.

Las Vegas

Failed Break-In Incident

A failed break-in at Clyde's parents’ home leads to Mr. Will's arrest, pushing Rachel to flee even further from her past life. This event escalates her sense of urgency to redefine her identity and future.

Las Vegas

Searching for Truth

In a moment of desperation, Rachel reflects on childhood memories and follows a red Mustang, which ultimately leads her to Tim, the man behind her cherished cassette. The revelation that he is her biological father transforms her understanding of her situation.

Las Vegas

Returning to the Community

Empowered by her revelations, Rachel decides to return to her fundamentalist community, seeking to reclaim her place among her people. Her journey home becomes a powerful statement of growth and resilience.

Utah

Tim and Mr. Will's Rescue Mission

Tim takes action to rescue Mr. Will from his difficulties, and they set out together to reclaim Rachel. Their journey converges at a critical moment where Rachel prepares to take her sacred vows.

On the way to the church

Dramatic Rescue

In a last-minute twist, Tim and Mr. Will arrive at the church in the iconic red Mustang, just as Rachel is about to finalize her vows. This dramatic intervention changes the course of Rachel's fate.

Utah

New Beginnings

With the community's acceptance and Mr. Will's confession recorded on a blue cassette, Rachel finds peace in her faith. As time passes, she and Clyde enjoy a serene life together at the beach, deepening their bond amidst the waves.

Beach

Characters

Explore all characters from Electrick Children (2013). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Rachel McKnight

Rachel McKnight is a curious and determined fifteen-year-old who undergoes a profound transformation after discovering a cassette tape. Her strong beliefs are challenged as she navigates love, family, and her identity, ultimately finding the courage to make choices for herself.

👧 Young 🤔 Curious 🌱 Transformative

Mr. Will

Mr. Will is Rachel's brother, who bears the brunt of the community's scorn for Rachel's situation. He is a protective figure who desires to support Rachel while facing his own struggles within the restrictive environment they inhabit.

👦 Protective 📖 Supportive 🌪️ Struggling

Clyde

Clyde is a free-spirited skater who becomes Rachel's love interest. His adventurous nature and nonconformity to societal norms provide Rachel with a glimpse of the life she yearns for, challenging her perceptions of love and commitment.

🏄‍♂️ Adventurous 🌊 Free-spirited ❤️ Romantic

Tim

Tim is a pivotal character as Rachel discovers he is her biological father. His role represents redemption and a deeper connection to Rachel’s roots, prompting her to reconcile her past with her present.

👨‍🦱 Fatherly 🧩 Connected 🔍 Revelatory

Setting

Learn where and when Electrick Children (2013) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

The movie captures a modern-day setting but reflects on themes of tradition versus modernity, particularly through Rachel's journey from her conservative community to the more liberated environment of Las Vegas. The film illustrates the struggle many face when torn between established beliefs and the allure of new experiences.

Location

Utah, Las Vegas

Utah serves as the backdrop for Rachel's strict, fundamentalist Mormon community, characterized by traditional beliefs and a strong sense of faith. In contrast, Las Vegas represents freedom and vibrancy, filled with neon lights and a diverse culture, where Rachel explores her identity away from her oppressive upbringing.

🏜️ Utah 🎰 Las Vegas

Themes

Discover the main themes in Electrick Children (2013). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


🌌

Identity

Identity is a central theme as Rachel transitions from a sheltered life in her community to exploring her individuality. Her quest to understand her origins and the circumstances of her pregnancy leads to personal growth and self-discovery amidst societal expectations.

❤️

Love and Relationships

The complexity of love and relationships is vividly portrayed through Rachel's interactions with both Clyde and Mr. Will. Each relationship highlights different forms of love, from familial bonds to romantic connections, and how they can both uplift and complicate one's journey.

🕊️

Faith

Faith plays a crucial role in Rachel's journey, shaping her beliefs regarding her pregnancy and the divine. The narrative examines the tension between faith and personal truth, ultimately leading Rachel to reconcile her spiritual beliefs with her lived experiences.

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