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Gnome Alone (2017) Plot Summary & Timeline

Gnome Alone (2017) movie poster

Gnome Alone is a 2017 animation film directed by Peter Lepeniotis and Shelly Shenoy, running 1 hour 29 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 679 words (about 3 minutes to read) and covers 15 key events in order, 6 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Gnome Alone.

to read the plot summary
3 min
key events in the timeline
15
characters profiled
6
themes explained
3
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Gnome Alone (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 29m
Genre
Animation
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is Gnome Alone About?

The premise of Gnome Alone in 290 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In a sprawling, sun‑dappled estate on the edge of a bustling new city, Chloe arrives with her estranged mother, Catherine, hoping for a fresh start. The house, with its winding corridors and secret‑tucked gardens, feels both overwhelming and oddly inviting. While exploring the fragrant hedges, Chloe discovers a whimsical crew of garden gnomes—tiny, eccentric guardians whose silent watch over the grounds hints at a deeper, unseen magic.

The gnomes are far from ordinary ornaments; they possess personalities as vivid as the blossoms they tend, and their playful banter adds a layer of wonder to the otherwise quiet neighborhood. Beneath their cheeky exterior lies a purpose that becomes clear when an ominous, otherworldly presence looms over the town. Unseen alien forces begin to stir, turning the ordinary world into a stage for extraordinary events, and the gnomes unexpectedly spring to life, eager to enlist help.

Enter Liam, the awkward yet earnest neighbor who shares Chloe’s sense of being out of place. Their tentative friendship quickly evolves into a partnership built on mutual curiosity and a shared desire to protect their new home. Together, they must summon courage that neither realized they possessed, learning to trust the tiny allies beside them while navigating the unfamiliar rhythms of a community still finding its footing.

The film balances bright, comedic moments with heartfelt exploration of belonging, painting a picture of youthful resilience against a backdrop of quirky fantasy. Its tone is light‑hearted yet adventurous, inviting audiences to imagine that even the most modest companions can become heroic when the world needs them most. As Chloe and Liam stitch together their own sense of family and purpose, the story promises an uplifting journey filled with imagination, courage, and the unexpected strength found in new friendships.

Full plot

What Happens in Gnome Alone?

The complete story of Gnome Alone, from the first scene to the last, in 679 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

As Chloe settles into her new life with her estranged mother, Catherine, in the vast estate of Tenderville, she discovers a captivating world surrounded by mysterious gnomes and intricate secrets hidden within the mansion’s twisting walls. One fateful evening, during what begins as a typical dinner, Chloe stumbles upon a concealed chamber behind a sliding bookshelf. Here, she finds a breathtaking green gemstone known as the Keystone, which she unwittingly transforms into a necklace. This seemingly innocent act opens a portal to another realm, allowing a horde of insatiable creatures called Troggs to invade her quiet life.

While Chloe grapples with the social dynamics at her new school, she forges an unexpected friendship with Brittany, Tiffany, and Chelsea—a trio lovingly dubbed the BTCs. Longing to fit in, she wears the Keystone around her neck, only to have it quickly snatched by Brittany, who is enchanted by its magical properties. Her troubles multiply when she encounters a Trogg lurking in her basement and attempts to confront it, only for it to vanish in a burst of inexplicable energy.

The following day, Catherine reveals that she will be taking on extra shifts at work, leaving Chloe to confront the weird events spiraling around her. Just when she feels overwhelmed, the gnomes—who have been closely observing her—reveal their extraordinary secret: they are indeed alive. The playful Quicksilver and Zook, the gophers’ leader, inform Chloe that she has accidentally stolen the Keystone, an artifact that holds the power to control the portals unleashed by the Troggs. They recount their age-old conflict with these creatures, sparked by the Troggs’ destruction of the flora that sustains the gnomes’ existence.

With the Keystone now in Brittany’s possession, the gnomes find themselves unable to prevent the Troggs from wreaking havoc in their world. Zook beseeches Chloe to reclaim the Keystone so that she can seal the portals’ access, organizing their efforts until she is able to retrieve the invaluable artifact. Chloe sets off on this daunting journey alongside her awkward neighbor and classmate, Liam, as they join forces to combat these malevolent beings and unveil the secrets at stake that threaten to unravel their reality.

Amid her shifting priorities—from snagging the necklace from Brittany at a school dance to winning the favor of the elusive BTCs—her relationship with Liam wavers. Afraid that their bond might jeopardize her status, Chloe makes the tough choice to pull away from him, which leads to Liam’s departure. However, her plans to reclaim the cherished necklace hit a snag when she learns Brittany did not bring it to the dance. Instead of giving up, Chloe hatches a new plan to sneak into her friend’s house.

In a shocking twist, Liam inadvertently gets sucked into a Trogg portal during an unexpected encounter at the dance. Realizing he is missing, Chloe frees herself from the BTCs’ influence and resolves to bring Liam back. With newfound determination, she ventures beyond the known, journeying through a toilet portal to join him. Together, they encounter Zamfeer and discover a colossal crystal, hatching a plan to obliterate it using Chloe’s phone battery.

Their audacious operation succeeds, and they leverage the rampaging Troggs to facilitate their escape back into their dimension. As the gnomes rejoice over Zamfeer’s return, Brittany arrives, intent on humiliating Chloe and Liam by destroying the remaining Keystone. Soon after, a gigantic Trogg emerges from the depths of the basement, ready to disrupt everything.

Blocked from their escape, Chloe and the group are forced to retreat to the rooftop accompanied by an ooze plant—a quirky entity feared by the massive Trogg. Using her ingenuity, Chloe concocts a makeshift bomb from the Keystone, Brittany’s phone, and the ooze plant, leading to the demolition of the towering Trogg and the restoration of harmony to their realm.

As calm returns, Chloe wakes beside her mother, reassuring her of her desire to stay with family. Meanwhile, Brittany remains blissfully unaware of the chaos that unfolded the previous night. Reflecting on her adventure with Liam, Chloe rekindles their friendship as they head off to school together, their bond stronger than ever.

Timeline

Gnome Alone Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

15 key events in the order they happen, from “Chloe Moves In with Her Mother” to “Restoration and Resolution”. 10 events name a place, across 6 locations.

  1. 1

    Chloe Moves In with Her Mother

    Chloe settles into her new life with her estranged mother, Catherine, at the expansive estate of Tenderville. This marks a significant transition for her, leaving behind her past and facing new challenges in her relationship with her mother.

    Where:Tenderville Estate

  2. 2

    Discovery of the Hidden Chamber

    During a seemingly ordinary dinner, Chloe discovers a secret sliding bookshelf leading to a concealed chamber. Inside, she finds a mesmerizing green gemstone known as the Keystone, which she unknowingly transforms into a necklace.

    Where:Tenderville Estate

  3. 3

    The Troggs Invade

    Chloe's innocent act of wearing the Keystone opens a magical portal, allowing malevolent creatures called Troggs to invade her previously quiet life. This incident marks the beginning of a series of strange occurrences that will engulf Chloe's world.

  4. 4

    Chloe's School Struggles

    As Chloe navigates the social landscape of her new school, she finds solace in forming friendships with Brittany, Tiffany, and Chelsea, collectively known as the BTCs. Excited to fit in, she wears the Keystone, leading to unforeseen complications.

    Where:School

  5. 5

    Brittany Steals the Keystone

    During her first days trying to blend in, Brittany becomes entranced by the Keystone and snatches it from Chloe. This further complicates Chloe's situation as the Troggs start to create chaos around her.

  6. 6

    Confrontation with a Trogg

    Chloe encounters a Trogg lurking in her basement, attempting to confront it head-on. To her surprise, the Trogg vanishes in an explosion of energy, leaving her bewildered and frightened.

    Where:Chloe's Basement

  7. 7

    The Gnomes Reveal Their Secrets

    After Chloe's revelation of the Keystone's theft, the gnomes, led by Quicksilver and Zook, unveil their existence to her. They explain the ancient conflict with the Troggs, who threaten the gnomes’ very survival.

    Where:Tenderville Estate

  8. 8

    Chloe's Quest to Reclaim the Keystone

    Understanding the gravity of the situation, Chloe is prompted by Zook to retrieve the Keystone from Brittany. A perilous journey begins, accompanied by her neighbor and classmate Liam, as they prepare to confront the Trogg threat.

  9. 9

    School Dance and a Dilemma

    At a school dance, Chloe aims to reclaim the Keystone and navigate her relationship with Liam. However, things take a turn when she discovers Brittany did not bring the necklace, leading her to concoct a new plan.

    Where:School Dance

  10. 10

    Liam Falls into a Trogg Portal

    In a freak incident at the dance, Liam is unexpectedly sucked into a Trogg portal, leaving Chloe in a state of panic. Realizing the gravity of her choices, Chloe decides to abandon her social struggles to rescue him.

Show the other 5 events of Gnome Alone
  1. 11

    Chloe's Journey Through the Portal

    Desperate to find Liam, Chloe ventures through a toilet portal that connects their dimensions. Her journey unveils new challenges as she teams up with Liam and encounters a formidable creature named Zamfeer.

    Where:Trogg Realm

  2. 12

    Plans to Destroy the Crystal

    Once reunited, Chloe and Liam hatch a plan to destroy a colossal crystal blocking their escape. They cleverly utilize Chloe's phone battery to amplify their attack, creating a strategy to face the impending danger.

    Where:Trogg Realm

  3. 13

    The Battle Against the Troggs

    As their plan unfolds, chaos ensues with rampaging Troggs that distract their adversaries. Chloe’s clever tactics allow them to escape back to their own dimension as the gnomes celebrate their victory.

  4. 14

    Confrontation with Brittany

    Just as calm returns, Brittany appears, intent on ruining Chloe and Liam's triumph by attempting to destroy the remaining Keystone. This escalates into a final showdown against a gigantic Trogg, endangering their newfound harmony.

    Where:Rooftop

  5. 15

    Restoration and Resolution

    Using ingenuity, Chloe constructs an improvised bomb from the Keystone and unique resources to take down the gigantic Trogg. With their world restored, Chloe embraces her mother and rekindles her friendship with Liam, reaffirming her desire to stay connected to her family.

    Where:Tenderville Estate

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Gnome Alone?

6 characters, among them Chloe, Catherine and Liam: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 5 of them link to the actor’s page.

  • C

    Chloe

    Chloe is a resilient young girl who faces the challenges of navigating her new life in Tenderville. Initially eager to fit in, she evolves throughout the film, ultimately embracing her unique circumstances and discovering her inner strength. Her determination drives her to confront the magical chaos unleashed by the Keystone, showcasing her growth as both a friend and a hero.

    • 💪 Resilience
    • 💖 Growth
  • Tara Strong as Catherine in Gnome Alone

    Catherine

    Played by Tara Strong

    Catherine is Chloe's estranged mother who supports her daughter as they adjust to their new life together. Balancing work and family, she represents the challenges of parenthood and the importance of reconnecting with loved ones. Her character embodies warmth and understanding, providing a steady anchor for Chloe amidst the turmoil.

    • 👩‍👧 Family
    • 🏡 Home
  • Josh Peck as Liam in Gnome Alone

    Liam

    Played by Josh Peck

    Liam is Chloe's awkward neighbor and classmate, who unexpectedly becomes her ally in the face of danger. His loyalty and comical demeanor offer comic relief while he grapples with his burgeoning feelings for Chloe. As they confront the Troggs together, he learns to embrace bravery, further deepening their connection.

    • 😄 Awkwardness
    • ❤️ Loyalty
  • Olivia Holt as Brittany in Gnome Alone

    Brittany

    Played by Olivia Holt

    Brittany initially appears as a friend but quickly reveals her greed for the magical Keystone. Her character highlights the pitfalls of jealousy and competition among peers, leading to conflicts with Chloe. Despite her antagonistic role, she embodies the complexities of teenage relationships, serving as a foil to Chloe's growth.

    • 😒 Jealousy
    • 🌟 Rivalry
  • George Lopez as Zook in Gnome Alone

    Zook

    Played by George Lopez

    Zook is the gophers' leader and a pivotal ally to Chloe in her quest against the Troggs. With a combination of wit and wisdom, Zook helps navigate the challenges posed by the magical realm. His character embodies loyalty and camaraderie, representing the spirit of teamwork in overcoming obstacles.

    • 🏆 Leadership
    • 🦙 Willingness
  • Q

    Quicksilver

    Played by Jeff Dunham

    Quicksilver is a playful and quirky gnome who helps Chloe understand the gravity of her actions regarding the Keystone. His mischievous nature adds levity to the plot while underscoring the gnomes' desire to protect their home. Quicksilver serves as a guide for Chloe, blending humor with essential wisdom.

    • 🎉 Fun
    • 🧚 Magic
Setting

Where and When Is Gnome Alone Set?

Gnome Alone is set in Tenderville. Here is why the place matters to the story.

When

The story unfolds in a contemporary setting, resonating with modern-day themes of friendship and self-discovery. The events take place against the backdrop of a typical school life, where teenagers navigate social scenarios, emphasizing the integration of supernatural elements into everyday experiences.

Where

Tenderville

Tenderville is a grand estate filled with mystery and intrigue, serving as Chloe's new home. Known for its expansive grounds and twisting walls, it holds numerous secrets, including a concealed chamber that leads to magical adventures. The mansion’s unique architecture complements the captivating presence of the enigmatic gnomes who reside there.

  • 🏰 Estate
  • 🌳 Nature
Themes

What Are the Themes of Gnome Alone?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Magic, Friendship and Self-Discovery.

  1. 01

    Magic

    Magic plays a central role in 'Gnome Alone' as Chloe inadvertently unleashes the powers of the Keystone, a gemstone that opens portals to another realm. This theme enriches the plot with fantastical elements that intertwine with reality, highlighting the intersection of the mundane and the extraordinary. The gnomes and Troggs embody the conflict between nature and destruction, drawing upon magical lore to enrich the storyline.

  2. 02

    Friendship

    Friendship is a pivotal theme, as Chloe navigates her relationships with the BTCs and develops a bond with Liam. The film illustrates the challenges and transformations within friendships, particularly as she struggles between social acceptance and loyalty. Ultimately, Chloe learns the value of true friendship, especially through her reconnection with Liam after a series of trials.

  3. 03

    Self-Discovery

    Chloe's journey is also about self-discovery as she faces the complexities of starting over in a new environment. From her initial desire to fit in with her peers to taking decisive action against the Troggs, she grows into a more confident individual. This theme emphasizes the importance of embracing one's true self amid external pressures and emerging stronger through adversity.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Gnome Alone?

Whimsical in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Whimsical
Pacing
Fast
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
Medium
Ending
Happy

A fast-paced and whimsical animated adventure that blends teenage anxieties with a quirky, life-or-death battle against otherworldly creatures, resulting in an energetic and ultimately heartwarming story of friendship and courage.

  • whimsical
  • adventurous
  • lighthearted
  • fun
  • hopeful
  • quirky
  • coming of age
  • found family
  • save the world
  • friendship

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FAQ

Gnome Alone Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Gnome Alone, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Gnome Alone about?

In a sprawling, sun‑dappled estate on the edge of a bustling new city, Chloe arrives with her estranged mother, Catherine, hoping for a fresh start. The house, with its winding corridors and secret‑tucked gardens, feels both overwhelming and oddly inviting.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Gnome Alone take place?

Gnome Alone is set in Tenderville. The story unfolds in a contemporary setting, resonating with modern-day themes of friendship and self-discovery.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Gnome Alone?

The story follows Chloe, Catherine (played by Tara Strong), Liam (played by Josh Peck) and Brittany (played by Olivia Holt); the character guide covers 6 characters in all.

All the characters

What are the main themes of Gnome Alone?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Magic, Friendship and Self-Discovery.

The themes explained

Who directed Gnome Alone?

Gnome Alone (2017) was directed by Peter Lepeniotis and Shelly Shenoy and runs 1 hour 29 minutes.

Peter Lepeniotis’s films

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