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Last Day of Summer

Last Day of Summer 2010

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Last Day of Summer Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Last Day of Summer (2010). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


Gregory Wilks, who prefers to go by the name Joe and is portrayed by DJ Walls, is a timid and awkward man working at a burger joint. His life is far from ideal as he faces relentless bullying from his boss, Mr. Krolick, played by William Sadler. No matter how much he tries to convince himself that his circumstances aren’t as dire, deep down, Joe knows that his life is miserable. The constant humiliation he endures—like being forced to stick his arm into a toilet for cleaning or receiving a toilet brush as a birthday gift—takes a toll on his spirit. Eventually, his patience runs thin, and Mr. Krolick fires him, labeling him incompetent.

In a moment of desperation, Joe decides to purchase a gun, settling on a small handgun known as “The Junior”. He whimsically captures his frustrations on video, vowing that those who torment him will have to face retribution. He mails this video to CNN, symbolizing his desire for recognition and for his suffering to be seen. However, when he contemplates his violent plan at the burger joint, he is unable to follow through, ultimately opting to hide in the bathroom instead of acting on his intentions.

During his time in the restroom, he crosses paths with a beautiful brunette named Stefanie, played by Nikki Reed, who inadvertently captures his attention. Distracted by her presence, Joe makes an awkward attempt to engage her in conversation, but is met with indifference; Stefanie simply turns away when her phone rings, leaving Joe feeling rejected. This perceived slight sends him over the edge. In a panic, he confronts her, pulling out his gun and taking her behind a dumpster where he continues to unleash his frustrations.

While tensions escalate, Mr. Krolick becomes suspicious of Joe’s actions after finding the bullets he inadvertently dropped, prompting him to alert the police. However, the officers find no substantial evidence and dismiss his concerns. Meanwhile, Joe decides to take Stefanie to his motel room against her will. In a struggle, Stefanie manages to stab Joe with a hidden knife, yet he overpowers her and ties her up in the bathtub, leaving her frightened and confused.

As times goes on, Joe’s internal conflict manifests. He contemplates taking his own life, but finds himself unable to carry that out. Despite her predicament, Stefanie attempts to connect with Joe, highlighting her own struggles and the shared burdens of their pasts. As they spend time together, they form an unexpected bond. When Joe accidentally reveals his real name to her, Stefanie expresses disbelief upon recalling a mortifying incident from high school involving him.

Following some tension, Joe’s anger subsides, and they share personal stories about their difficult pasts, even smoking together in a moment of camaraderie. But when Stefanie discovers his video and its violent intent, horror sets in. Yet, this moment brings clarity for Joe, who recognizes that he cannot go through with his original plan.

Eventually, feeling more human than before, Joe and Stefanie leave the motel together. With a newfound sense of freedom, Joe confronts Mr. Krolick at the burger joint, giving him a piece of his mind. In a dramatic climax, he tells Krolick to “go flush himself,” asserting that he is no longer affected by the cruelty of his former boss. As Joe walks away, he feels lighter and more empowered, finally acknowledging in a voiceover that his life is beginning to look up. He disposes of his gun, symbolizing a decisive break from his troubled past.

Last Day of Summer Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Last Day of Summer (2010) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


Joe's Humble Life

Gregory Wilks, who prefers to be called Joe, is introduced as a clumsy worker at a burger joint. His daily routine involves enduring constant bullying and humiliating tasks, which he tries to dismiss as a normal part of life.

Burger Joint

Intense Bullying

Joe faces severe hazing from his boss, Mr. Krolick, who subjects him to degrading tasks such as cleaning toilets and dismissing his feelings about his life. The relentless nature of this abuse sets the tone for Joe's struggles with self-worth.

Burger Joint

Fired from Work

After a particularly humiliating ordeal, Joe is fired by Mr. Krolick, further crushing his already fragile self-esteem. This event marks a turning point for Joe, pushing him towards drastic actions he had only contemplated in his mind.

Burger Joint

Purchase of a Gun

In a fit of frustration and hopelessness, Joe buys a handgun known as 'The Junior' and rents a motel room. He records a menacing video message intended for those who have tormented him, indicating his desire for revenge.

Motel

The Failed Shooting

Joe returns to the burger joint with intentions of carrying out a shooting. However, when the moment arrives, he lacks the courage to follow through and retreats instead to the bathroom, showcasing his inner turmoil and conflict.

Burger Joint restroom

Encounter with Stefanie

Joe notices Stefanie, a patron at the burger joint, and misinterprets her brief glance towards him as interest. His frustration peaks as he awkwardly tries to engage with her, culminating in a violent outburst where he threatens her with his gun.

Burger Joint

Police Intervention

While Joe threatens Stefanie, unaware of their situation, Mr. Krolick informs the police about the bullets Joe dropped. However, the police dismiss his concerns, which further escalates Joe's feelings of isolation and desperation.

Burger Joint

Kidnapping Stefanie

Joe takes a terrified Stefanie to his motel room, tying her up in the bathtub. Despite her struggles and attempts to plead for her freedom, Joe's emotional state and intention remain unclear to both of them during this tense situation.

Motel

Bonding Over Shared Pain

After a series of conflicted moments, Joe and Stefanie share a joint, momentarily easing the tension between them. This leads to a vulnerable conversation where they begin to understand each other’s trauma, hinting at a bond that is developing.

Motel room

Revelation of the Past

As they continue to talk, Stefanie reveals she remembers a humiliating incident involving Joe from high school, which causes him to snap. This revelation highlights Joe's history of embarrassment and the torment he carries with him.

Motel room

Transformation of Fear

Stefanie's attitude towards Joe shifts from fear to empathy as she realizes he is not truly dangerous. She helps him with his injured hand, and they share more of their backstories, further bridging the gap between captor and captive.

Motel room

Deciding to Leave

Realizing Joe's intentions have shifted and sensing his change in demeanor, Stefanie convinces him that they should leave the motel together. The moment symbolizes Joe's understanding that he does not have to succumb to his darker impulses.

Motel

Confrontation with Mr. Krolick

As Joe disposes of his gun, he meets Mr. Krolick outside the burger joint. In a cathartic release, Joe confronts his former boss, standing up for himself and finally taking charge of his narrative, leaving Krolick in a state of emotional breakdown.

Burger Joint

Resolution

After confronting his bullies and disposing of the weapon, Joe concludes that he is ready to move on from his troubled past. He acknowledges through a voiceover that his life does not suck, suggesting a newfound confidence and sense of self.

Last Day of Summer Characters

Explore all characters from Last Day of Summer (2010). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Gregory Wilks

Gregory Wilks, who prefers to be called Joe, is a troubled man struggling with his self-worth. His experiences of bullying and humiliation lead him to a breaking point where he contemplates drastic actions. Joe's journey reveals layers of vulnerability, demonstrating the challenges of overcoming adversity and seeking acceptance.

👤 Main Character 😔 Vulnerability 🛑 Contemplation

Stefanie

Stefanie is a strong yet vulnerable woman who finds herself in a terrifying situation with Joe. As a nurse's aide, she is empathetic and caring, which allows her to connect with Joe on a human level. Her backstory of loss adds depth to her character, showcasing resilience amidst adversity.

👩‍⚕️ Nurse 💪 Strength 💔 Loss

Mr. Krolick

Mr. Krolick represents the antagonistic force in Joe's life, embodying the bullying and toxic behavior that push Joe to his limits. His paranoid and aggressive demeanor eventually leads to a moment of self-reflection, revealing the complexities of his character beyond mere villainy.

👨‍🍳 Antagonist 🥃 Aggression 🙁 Reflection

Last Day of Summer Settings

Learn where and when Last Day of Summer (2010) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

Contemporary

Set in a modern context, the story reflects contemporary issues such as workplace bullying and personal crises. It showcases the struggles individuals face in today's society, particularly exacerbated by the pressures of social interactions and mental health.

Location

Burger Joint, Motel

The Burger Joint serves as the workplace for Gregory Wilks, a pivotal location in the story where the protagonist faces bullying and mistreatment. The motel acts as a temporary hideaway for Joe, where he confronts his inner turmoil and processes his actions, making it a crucial setting for the character's development.

🍔 Fast Food 🏨 Accommodation

Last Day of Summer Themes

Discover the main themes in Last Day of Summer (2010). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


⚠️

Bullying

Bullying is at the forefront of the narrative, illustrated through Joe's relentless tormenting by Mr. Krolick. This theme highlights the psychological impact of bullying on victims and raises questions about the consequences of unchecked aggression.

🌀

Redemption

The theme of redemption unfolds as Joe wrestles with his violent tendencies and seeks to break free from his circumstances. His interactions with Stefanie reveal growth and the possibility of change, suggesting that redemption is attainable even in dire situations.

💔

Isolation

Isolation permeates Joe's life, from his job at the burger joint to his living situation with his family. His struggle for connection reflects the profound loneliness that can accompany personal trauma and societal rejection, ultimately driving the narrative towards an unexpected bond.

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