What Is My Brother Chases Dinosaurs About?
The premise of My Brother Chases Dinosaurs in 320 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the quiet town of Pieve di Cento, a young boy named Jack grows up surrounded by the warm bustle of his family: his mother Katia, his father Davide, and his older sisters Chiara and Alice. When the news arrives that a baby brother is on the way, the household fills with excitement and imagination. The child, later known as Gio, arrives with Down syndrome, and the parents gently shape a heroic fantasy around him, letting Jack believe his brother possesses secret superpowers. That tender myth becomes the cornerstone of Jack’s childhood comfort, even as the reality of everyday life slowly presses against the story.
As adolescence looms, Jack faces the pivotal decision of which high school to attend, a choice weighed heavily by his desire to fit in and to win the attention of the enigmatic Arianna. His best friend Vittorio nudges him toward a school where a small band of popular boys practices, offering a tempting shortcut to the social acceptance Jack craves. Yet the prospect of exposing his family’s private world—especially the hidden challenges surrounding Gio—fuels a deepening shyness. The tension between wanting to belong and fearing judgment creates a fragile balance that hovers over every conversation, rehearsal, and glance.
The film settles into a gently observant tone, blending the quiet humor of teenage rites of passage with the more solemn undertones of family truth‑telling. It captures the intimate choreography of sibling bonds, the protective instincts of parents, and the subtle power struggles that surface among siblings and friends. Through lingering shots of everyday spaces—family kitchens, school corridors, and modest rehearsal rooms—the story paints a portrait of a boy caught between the comforting lie of his youth and the uncomfortable clarity of growing up.
At its heart, the narrative invites viewers to contemplate how honest connections can reshape identities, and how the courage to confront a long‑held family secret may become the most daring act of all.
What Happens in My Brother Chases Dinosaurs?
The complete story of My Brother Chases Dinosaurs, from the first scene to the last, in 372 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 7 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Giacomo “Jack” is a curious child who grows up in Pieve di Cento, living with his parents Davide and Katia, and his older sisters Chiara and Alice. One day he learns he will soon have a baby brother, Giovanni “Giò”. When Giovanni “Giò” is born, the family discovers he has Down syndrome. At first, Jack is happy, imagining his little brother as a superhero, but as time passes he realizes his parents have led him to expect something different from reality.
Years later, Jack must choose a high school with Vittorio—his best friend. In this new chapter, Jack meets Arianna and falls in love, deciding to enroll in the same school to win her attention. He also aims to fit in with the crowd by joining the band of the two boys he admires most, even as he struggles with a persistent shyness that makes him reluctant to talk about his family situation. The pressure to appear “normal” pushes Jack to keep his brother’s existence hidden, and the silence around Giovanni gradually grows into a bigger, damaging lie.
As the year unfolds, Jack discovers that the band he joined has a YouTube channel, a detail he shares with his family. Little Giovanni starts making videos too, helped by Vittorio, and the brothers’ online presence becomes a source of both pride and fear. Jack confronts a troubling moment when some classmates stumble upon the videos; he deletes them and blames a non-existent neo-Nazi group to protect his family from scrutiny. The incident triggers a broader response at home and at school, culminating in a protest organized by the Mazzariol family to challenge the supposed neo-Nazi movement. Jack, Arianna, and their classmates participate in this demonstration, forcing the case into the open and testing the bonds that hold the siblings and friends together.
Throughout the story, the dynamic between Jack, his sister Chiara, and his sister Alice, alongside his parents, frames a quiet but powerful exploration of honesty, belonging, and the courage it takes to tell the truth. The film uses intimate moments—between a boy and his best friend, between lovers, and within a family—to paint a portrait of adolescence colored by love, fear, and the sometimes painful clarity that comes with growing up.
My Brother Chases Dinosaurs Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Birth of Giovanni and Down syndrome revealed” to “Ending reflections on truth and acceptance”. 12 events name a place, across 12 locations.
- 1
Birth of Giovanni and Down syndrome revealed
Giacomo's family welcomes Giovanni (Giò) into the world and discovers he has Down syndrome. The moment marks the first clash between fantasy and reality as Jack's expectations begin to be challenged.
When:Birth Where:Pieve di Cento, hospital
- 2
Jack's initial joy fades as reality sinks in
Jack is initially thrilled by his baby brother, hoping Giovanni is a superhero. Over time, he realizes his parents may have created a fantasy that doesn't match reality.
When:Childhood Where:Home, Pieve di Cento
- 3
Years pass; the high school decision looms
Years later, Jack and his best friend Vittorio face the choice of a high school. They plan their path while navigating expectations from family and peers.
When:Years later Where:Pieve di Cento, local schools
- 4
Meeting Arianna and choosing the same school
Jack meets Arianna at school and falls in love, deciding to enroll in the same school as her. To make it happen, he persuades Vittorio to follow him as well.
When:Start of high school year Where:School environment, Pieve di Cento
- 5
Jack's quest to fit in and impress
Upon arriving at school, Jack is shy and longs to be like his older classmates. He joins Arianna's group and then the band of the two most admired boys in an effort to impress her.
When:First days of high school Where:School
- 6
Silence about Giò grows into a lie
Jack struggles to tell anyone that he has a brother with Down syndrome. His silence gradually becomes a bigger lie that strains friendships and trust.
When:Early to mid school year Where:School and home
- 7
The band has a YouTube channel
Jack discovers that the band he plays in has a YouTube channel and shares this with his family. Giovanni then starts making videos too, with Vittorio helping him.
When:Mid-school year Where:Home / School
- 8
Giovanni starts posting videos on YouTube
Giovanni begins creating video content and posts it on YouTube with Vittorio's assistance. The online presence brings new attention to the family and the brothers.
When:Shortly after creation Where:YouTube / Online
- 9
Videos trigger conflict and a forced lie
Some classmates see Giovanni's videos, creating tension at school. To avoid exposure, Jack deletes the videos and blames a non-existent neo-Nazi group.
When:Soon after posting Where:School / Home
- 10
The family protest against an alleged neo-Nazi movement
The family organizes a protest against what they claim is a neo-Nazi movement, with Jack, Arianna, and his class taking part. The event brings the lie to a public confrontation and tests the family's bonds.
When:After the videos incident Where:Town square / community space
- 11
Protest prompts confrontation with truth
During the protest, the consequences of Jack's deception come to light. The rally forces peers and family to confront the reality of Giò and the family's situation.
When:During protest Where:Public square
- 12
Ending reflections on truth and acceptance
The summary closes by focusing on the effects of the events on Jack and Giò, inviting reflection on honesty, acceptance, and family bonds. It leaves open how they move forward together.
When:Ending Where:Home
Who Are the Main Characters in My Brother Chases Dinosaurs?
8 characters, among them Jack Mazzariol (Francesco Gheghi), Giovanni Mazzariol detto Gio (Lorenzo Sisto) and Katia Mazzariol (Isabella Ragonese): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Jack Mazzariol (Francesco Gheghi)
Played by Francesco Gheghi
A shy, observant boy who longs to belong but struggles with social awkwardness. He hides the truth about his brother Giovanni to avoid stigma and disappointment. Over the story, he learns that honesty and courage are more important than fitting in.
- 🎭 Drama
- 🧒 Coming-of-age
- GM
Giovanni Mazzariol detto Gio (Lorenzo Sisto)
Played by Lorenzo Sisto
The youngest brother, a bright, curious child who navigates life with Down syndrome. His presence exposes both the tenderness and fragility of the family’s hopes. His innocence contrasts with the adults' attempts to protect him, highlighting the complexity of love and expectation.
- 🧒 Down syndrome
- ❤️ Family
- KM
Katia Mazzariol (Isabella Ragonese)
Played by Isabella Ragonese
The mother who loves deeply and strives to shield her children while facing the disarmingly honest realities of Giovanni. She balances practicality with empathy, often mediating between wishes and reality. Her reactions anchor the emotional tone of the family’s journey.
- ❤️ Family
- 🛡️ Protection
- DM
Davide Mazzariol (Alessandro Gassmann)
Played by Alessandro Gassmann
The father who wants to support his children and preserve the family’s dignity. He wrestles with fear and pride as he confronts his own limits in truth-telling and public perception. His tenderness provides stability amid unfolding misunderstandings.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family
- 🛡️ Support
- VD
Vittorio detto Vitto (Roberto Nocchi)
Played by Roberto Nocchi
Best friend and ally, loyal but sometimes naive, he pushes Jack toward belonging while supporting the truth. His enthusiasm helps drive Jack to take bigger steps, including facing the consequences of lying. He embodies youthful optimism and the risk of following crowds.
- 🧑 Friendship
- 🧭 Loyalty
- A(
Arianna (Arianna Becheroni)
Played by Arianna Becheroni
A fellow student and love interest who becomes a catalyst for Jack’s actions. She represents a social herd that both tempts and pitfalls him, while also offering genuine connection.
- 💫 Romance
- 👫 Friendship
-
Auntie Rock / Zia Dolores (Rossy de Palma)
Played by Rossy de Palma
The outspoken aunt who adds color to family life and may press Jack to speak honestly. Her playful wisdom and warmth anchor the more serious moments.
- 🎉 Family
- 🗣️ Wisdom
- D(
Doctor (Iván Sánchez)
Played by Iván Sánchez
A minor but important figure who contextualizes Giovanni’s condition and the medical side of the story; his presence underlines the normalcy of differences in the family.
- 🩺 Medical
- 🧬 Difference
Where and When Is My Brother Chases Dinosaurs Set?
My Brother Chases Dinosaurs is set in Pieve di Cento. Here is why the place matters to the story.
Where
Pieve di Cento
Pieve di Cento is a small town in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. The story centers on everyday family life in this town, with its streets, schools, and local routines shaping the characters.
- 🇮🇹 Italy
- 🏡 Small town life
What Are the Themes of My Brother Chases Dinosaurs?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Family Bonds, Truth & Lies and Growth & Identity.
-
01
Family Bonds
The film centers on a close-knit Italian family and how love and duty test their unity. It shows how siblings react to a younger brother with Down syndrome, balancing protection with realism. Family dynamics drive the emotional core, revealing both warmth and tension. The story uses everyday events to explore loyalty, responsibility, and the costs of keeping secrets.
-
02
Truth & Lies
Jack's growing need to fit in collides with the truth about Giovanni, forcing him to lie to his family and friends. The lie about a neo-Nazi threat escalates into protests and public mistrust, testing the siblings' and parents' trust. Secrecy becomes a pressure that reveals character flaws and courage. The theme shows how dishonesty can backfire and demand difficult conversations.
-
03
Growth & Identity
As Jack navigates adolescence, he learns to own his story rather than hide it. His attempts to imitate peers reveal his desire for acceptance and his fear of rejection. The arc leads to honesty, vulnerability, and a shift from fear to responsibility within the family.
What Kind of Film Is My Brother Chases Dinosaurs?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A gentle yet emotionally complex coming-of-age story that follows a boy struggling with the gap between comforting childhood fantasies and the sometimes awkward realities of growing up with a brother who has Down syndrome.
- uncomfortable
- conflicted
- hopeful
- awkward
- tender
- reflect
- coming of age
- family lie
- down syndrome
- uncomfortable truths
Quiz
How well do you remember My Brother Chases Dinosaurs? Test yourself on the story.
