What Is Running with Scissors About?
The premise of Running with Scissors in 310 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a suburban world where ordinary routines constantly fracture, a young boy named Augusten Burroughs finds his childhood upended by his mother’s escalating instability. Deirdre, a once‑aspiring poet, swings between manic creativity and volatile outbursts, turning the family home into a pressure cooker of anxiety and unpredictability. Beside her, Norman drifts helplessly, caught between enabling his wife and trying to keep a semblance of order, leaving the teenage Augusten to navigate a fragile, ever‑shifting family fabric that feels suddenly unsafe.
When the chaos reaches a breaking point, a desperate decision sends Augusten away to live with Dr. Finch, an unconventional psychiatrist whose household pulses with eccentricity. The Finch home feels less like a traditional refuge and more like a surreal stage—walls adorned with odd art, conversations that drift between philosophy and absurdist humor, and residents who each carry their own quirks. The tone balances dark comedy with genuine tenderness, inviting the viewer into a world where boundaries blur and normalcy is redefined.
Within this unconventional sanctuary, Augusten encounters Natalie, the doctor’s sharp‑witted daughter, whose curiosity mirrors his own yearning for identity, and Neil Bookman, an older adopted son whose presence hints at deeper layers of vulnerability and unconventional love. Alongside them moves Agnes, a steadfast figure offering quiet support amidst the swirling oddities. Their interactions create a tapestry of emerging sexuality, friendship, and the awkward navigation of adolescence, all set against the backdrop of a household that feels simultaneously nurturing and unsettling.
The film’s mood is a blend of wistful coming‑of‑age introspection and off‑beat surrealism, drawing the audience into a story where the search for self is as chaotic as the environment that shapes it. It promises a rich, character‑driven journey that explores the fragile boundaries between family, freedom, and the strange spaces in‑between, leaving viewers eager to discover how Augusten will carve his own narrative from this bewildering world.
What Happens in Running with Scissors?
The complete story of Running with Scissors, from the first scene to the last, in 439 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
As the chaotic journey of Augusten Burroughs unfolds, his mother, Deirdre, a frustrated poet, navigates through life with unpredictable mood swings that turn their home into a tumultuous environment. Her volatile behavior and explosive temper create an atmosphere thick with anxiety, leaving young Augusten feeling perpetually unsafe. Meanwhile, his father, Norman, whom the narrative portrays as an enabler grappling with his own inner demons, is rendered impotent against Deirdre’s erratic outbursts. Caught in a web of constant turmoil, Augusten feels the impact of their toxic dynamics as a teenager, where each interaction brims with tension.
Deirdre’s alarming assertions that Norman intends to harm her further intensify the fragile family fabric, pushing her to make a desperate decision: sending Augusten to live with Dr. Finch, a captivating yet unconventional psychiatrist who manages an equally eccentric household. The Finches embody a peculiar mix of oddities and heart, an adjustment that proves challenging for Augusten as he learns to embrace their warmth.
As Augusten confronts this new chapter, he faces irregular weekend visits from his increasingly unstable mother. During one such encounter, he opens up to Natalie, Dr. Finch’s daughter, about his emerging sexuality. This revelation paves the way for an unexpected connection with Neil Bookman, the doctor’s adopted son, who, at 33 years old, grapples with his own vulnerabilities. Their relationship, fraught with passion and complexity, struggles under the weight of an age gap, particularly as Augusten nears his fifteenth birthday.
Amidst all this, Dr. Finch cleverly manipulates Deirdre, coercing her into transferring her assets to him, revealing the exploitative nature of their interaction rooted in her fragile mental state. As time elapses, Augusten’s sense of abandonment deepens, compounded by Neil’s battles with schizophrenia and the mounting resentment from Dorothy.
Ultimately, seeking liberation and a renewed sense of purpose, Augusten decides to sever ties with the Finches and head to New York City, intent on fulfilling his dream of becoming a writer. His departure is marked by an emotionally charged moment with Agnes, who gifts him a token from her personal savings, encapsulating the weight of their farewell.
In a bittersweet post-credits scene, the conclusions for each character unveil themselves: Dr. Finch loses his medical license due to insurance fraud, passing away in 2000; Agnes finds herself working in a nursing home, Natalie pursues a psychology degree, and Hope supports her father until his death in 2005. In an unexpected twist, Norman rekindles contact with Augusten before his own passing in the same year, while Deirdre remains distanced from her son and Neil disappears without a trace. Ultimately, Augusten emerges as a writer, chronicling the profound experiences that shaped his life.
Running with Scissors Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Deirdre's Volatile Behavior” to “Augusten Finds His Path”.
- 1
Deirdre's Volatile Behavior
Augusten Burroughs grows up in a household marked by chaos due to his mother's unpredictable mood swings. Her explosive temper creates a tense atmosphere that leaves young Augusten feeling constantly unsafe and anxious.
- 2
Norman as an Enabler
Augusten's father, Norman, struggles with his own issues and fails to protect his son from Deirdre's erratic outbursts. His impotence in managing the toxic dynamics at home leaves Augusten feeling even more isolated.
- 3
The Familial Tension Intensifies
Deirdre's paranoia escalates as she claims that Norman intends to harm her, further destabilizing their family. This alarming environment pushes her to make a desperate decision that changes Augusten's life forever.
- 4
Moving in with Dr. Finch
In a bold move, Deirdre sends Augusten to live with Dr. Finch, an unconventional psychiatrist. The Finches create a new, eccentric household filled with oddities, providing a stark contrast to Augusten's chaotic upbringing.
- 5
Navigating New Relationships
As Augusten settles into his new life, he faces visits from his increasingly unstable mother. During one visit, he speaks candidly with Natalie, Dr. Finch's daughter, about his emerging sexuality, marking a pivotal moment in his maturation.
- 6
Connection with Neil Bookman
Augusten forms a complicated and passionate relationship with Neil Bookman, Dr. Finch's adopted son. Their bond is challenged by their age difference and Neil's struggles with his mental health as Augusten approaches his fifteenth birthday.
- 7
Manipulation by Dr. Finch
Dr. Finch exploits Deirdre's fragile mental state, cleverly manipulating her into transferring her assets to him. This revelation highlights the exploitative dynamics at play within his care of Augusten.
- 8
Sense of Abandonment
As Augusten grapples with feelings of abandonment, Neil's battle with schizophrenia adds to the turmoil. Additionally, growing resentment from Dorothy, another member of the Finch household, makes Augusten feel increasingly isolated.
- 9
Augusten's Decision to Leave
In search of liberation and purpose, Augusten makes the emotionally charged decision to leave the Finches. He sets his sights on New York City, motivated by his aspiration to become a writer and escape the chaos of his past.
Where:New York City
- 10
Farewell with Agnes
Before departing, Augusten shares a heartfelt moment with Agnes, who presents him with a meaningful token from her personal savings. This gesture underscores the emotional weight of their farewell and the bond they shared.
- 11
Post-Credits Resolutions
In a bittersweet post-credits scene, the fates of each character are revealed. Dr. Finch loses his medical license due to fraud, while other characters seek different paths, with Norman and Augusten reconciling briefly before their respective deaths.
- 12
Augusten Finds His Path
Ultimately, Augusten emerges from his tumultuous upbringing as a writer. He begins to chronicle the profound experiences that shaped his life, using his past to fuel his creative endeavors.
Who Are the Main Characters in Running with Scissors?
6 characters, among them Augusten Burroughs, Deirdre Burroughs and Norman Burroughs: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 5 of them link to the actor’s page.
- AB
Augusten Burroughs
Augusten is a perceptive and sensitive teenager caught in the tumult of his dysfunctional family. His resilience and quest for identity drive his narrative as he seeks independence amidst chaos. Throughout his journey, he faces the challenges of teenage life intertwined with complex family dynamics.
- 📖 Writer
- 🌟 Survivor
-
Deirdre Burroughs
Played by Gwyneth Paltrow
Deirdre is a frustrated poet whose volatile emotional state creates a toxic atmosphere for her son, Augusten. Her mood swings and erratic behavior highlight her inner struggles, showcasing her as a deeply flawed but poignant character in Augusten's life.
- 📝 Poet
- 😡 Unstable
-
Norman Burroughs
Played by Brian Cox
Norman embodies the role of an enabler, failing to protect Augusten from Deirdre's outbursts. His character, weighed down by his own inner demons, illustrates the impact of emotional neglect on family structures.
- 👨👦 Father
- 😔 Enabler
-
Dr. Finch
Played by Alec Baldwin
Dr. Finch is an unconventional psychiatrist who provides a home for Augusten. His eccentric nature and manipulative tendencies add complexity to the narrative, illustrating both the warmth and the danger in seeking help from those who may have their own agendas.
- 🧠 Psychiatrist
- 🎩 Eccentric
-
Natalie
Played by Annette Bening
Natalie is Dr. Finch's daughter who forms a connection with Augusten. Her openness about her father's household and understanding of Augusten's struggles position her as a confidante during his tumultuous journey.
- 👩⚕️ Supportive
- ❤️ Friend
-
Neil Bookman
Played by Joseph Cross
Neil, the doctor's adopted son, grapples with his own vulnerabilities while developing a complicated relationship with Augusten. Their connection highlights the challenges of love and understanding amidst personal struggles, particularly with the age difference affecting their dynamic.
- 👨❤️👨 Complex
- 🌪️ Vulnerable
Where and When Is Running with Scissors Set?
Running with Scissors is set in New York City (Late 20th Century). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Late 20th Century
The late 20th century was marked by significant cultural shifts, with a growing emphasis on personal expression and mental health awareness. This era saw the emergence of diverse voices in literature and art, reflecting the complexities of individual experiences.
Where
New York City
New York City serves as a backdrop for Augusten's journey of self-discovery and aspiration. Known for its vibrant cultural landscape, it pulsates with energy and opportunity, making it a symbol of hope for those striving for a better life.
- 🏙️ City
- 🏡 Home
What Are the Themes of Running with Scissors?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Family Dysfunction, Self-Discovery and Exploitation.
-
01
Family Dysfunction
The film delves into the intricate dynamics of family dysfunction, highlighting the emotional turmoil experienced by Augusten due to his parents' unstable relationship. Deirdre's erratic behavior and Norman's inaction create a chaotic environment that deeply influences Augusten's development.
-
02
Self-Discovery
Augusten's journey is one of self-discovery as he navigates his emerging sexuality and aspirations as a writer. His experiences living with the Finches challenge him to confront his identity and ultimately seek a path that aligns with his true self.
-
03
Exploitation
The relationship between Dr. Finch and Deirdre exposes themes of exploitation and manipulation, as Finch takes advantage of her fragile mental state for personal gain. This dynamic adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, illustrating the darker aspects of human interactions.
What Kind of Film Is Running with Scissors?
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 chaotic and bittersweet coming-of-age story that navigates the unsettling eccentricity of a dysfunctional surrogate family, blending dark humor with moments of genuine melancholy and personal growth.
- chaotic
- anxious
- bittersweet
- quirky
- melancholic
- unsettling
- dysfunctional family
- coming of age
- mental health
- coming out
Content notes: domestic abuse, mental illness, child abandonment, exploitation, emotional abuse.
Quiz
How well do you remember Running with Scissors? Test yourself on the story.
