What Is The Automatic Hate About?
The premise of The Automatic Hate in 287 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the bustling kitchen of a Boston restaurant, Davis Green balances the heat of his culinary craft with the simmering strain of a fraught romance. When a stranger arrives on his doorstep, introducing herself as his long‑lost cousin, the ordinary rhythm of his life shatters, leaving him to question the contours of his own history. The encounter feels both intrusive and inevitable, setting a tone of quiet unease that threads through the city’s crowded streets and intimate apartments.
Behind the polished veneer of family gatherings, the Green household harbors a lingering tension between inherited expectations and the desire to define oneself. Ronald, Davis’s father, occupies the role of a pragmatic, sometimes distant figure whose lectures on behavioral psychology hint at deeper, unspoken currents. The arrival of the enigmatic cousin draws Davis into a web of whispered anecdotes and half‑remembered photographs, suggesting that the family’s past is far more tangled than he ever imagined.
Compelled by curiosity, Davis follows a trail of cryptic clues to the rural landscapes of upstate New York, where the air carries a cool, forested hush that contrasts sharply with the city’s clamor. There, among the quiet towns and weather‑worn homes, he encounters a small circle of relatives whose guarded warmth hints at unresolved longing and concealed grievances. The setting feels both picturesque and oppressive, mirroring the internal conflict that swells as old loyalties clash with newfound attractions.
As Davis steps deeper into this tangled familial maze, he is forced to confront the fragile balance between love, duty, and identity. The film promises an atmospheric exploration of how hidden histories can reshape present relationships, all while maintaining a brooding, introspective tone that invites the audience to linger in the spaces between revelation and denial.
What Happens in The Automatic Hate?
The complete story of The Automatic Hate, from the first scene to the last, in 690 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
In the midst of a tumultuous relationship with Cassie, Boston chef Davis Green finds his world turned upside down when a mysterious woman unexpectedly follows him home from the bar. This enigmatic figure introduces herself as Alexis Green, claiming to be his cousin—a revelation that sends shockwaves through Davis’ understanding of his family tree. This encounter leaves Davis feeling increasingly uneasy and uncertain, especially after Cassie witnesses their conversation and insists that Alexis leave.
In search of solace, Davis immerses himself in the world of behavioral psychology, attending a lecture by his father, Ronald Green, where he grapples with the age-old debate of nature versus nurture. However, his efforts to connect with his parents are met with resistance. Ronald dismissively declines Davis’s offer to cook for them, prompting him to delve into his father’s belongings, where he discovers a photograph hinting at the existence of a long-lost sibling.
Driven by curiosity, Davis decides to investigate further and follows Alexis’s cryptic clues to upstate New York. There, he meets her two sisters, who greet him with a blend of warmth and caution. As they explore their shared family history, Davis learns of the complicated relationships each sister has had with a local man, characterized by a prominent braided beard, which leads to a tense confrontation.
As tensions simmer, Davis becomes more entwined in Alexis’s life, staying the night and finding comfort in her presence. However, when Aunt Josh reveals knowledge of the family’s secrets, Davis is forced to confront the truth about his own identity. Amidst a whirlwind of emotions, he asks Alexis to take him into town, embarking on a journey that challenges everything he believed about himself and his role in the family.
During a heart-to-heart, Alexis confronts Davis about the true nature of his departure, probing him with insightful questions that hint at a mutual attraction. Taken aback, Davis reveals that Cassie’s recent confession of terminating their pregnancy has thrown him into turmoil. While acknowledging the undeniable chemistry with Alexis, he insists it isn’t the cause of his leaving. Nevertheless, Alexis’s persistence leads Davis to explore the mysterious hunting lodge, showcasing their mutual curiosity.
As they uncover family secrets, the bond between Davis and Alexis deepens as they stumble upon 16mm footage of their fathers with a young woman, eliciting mutual attraction. The moment is interrupted by Cassie’s arrival in New York with heartbreaking news: Davis’s grandfather has passed away.
In the aftermath, the trio gathers in Boston for a funeral fraught with emotional tension. Alexis and Cassie engage in power struggles, each vying for Davis’s attention. However, when Alexis tempts him with the thrill of secrecy, it triggers Davis’s anger, leading to a harsh confrontation.
A tense dinner follows, with everyone struggling to find common ground amidst their simmering conflicts. As they gather around the meal Davis has prepared, familial animosities momentarily fade as the men are encouraged to share a plate. But when Alexis reveals a bracelet discovered at her father’s lodge, it ignites another explosive confrontation, resulting in a brutal fistfight between Josh and Ronald.
After this clash, Davis seizes the moment to establish his dominance by punching Alexis, leaving her humiliated. Cassie exits Boston silently, leaving Davis, Josh, and Alexis to confront the aftermath of their revelations.
In the days that follow, Davis is pulled into Josh’s cycle of grief as they work together to lay their grandfather to rest. During their task, Josh discloses the tragic details of Rebecca, their sister who died under a shroud of guilt, further deepening the rift between the brothers as each blames the other for her death.
Ronald’s scathing evaluation of Josh’s family as “mentally ill” resonates with Davis, fostering a growing revulsion towards them. Yet, in a moment of clarity alone with Alexis, he reveals his feelings with a tender kiss before urging her to leave.
Meanwhile, Cassie patiently listens as Davis admits his feelings for her, accepting him back into their relationship without condition. As this turbulent narrative unfolds, Davis is left to ponder the complexities of loyalty and love, along with the devastating consequences that emerge when one dares to uncover deeply buried truths.
The Automatic Hate Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Davis's Tumultuous Relationship” to “Enduring Consequences”. 9 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Davis's Tumultuous Relationship
Davis Green struggles in a chaotic relationship with Cassie, which sets the stage for the unfolding events in his life. Their tension-filled partnership creates an emotional backdrop as Davis navigates unexpected revelations.
- 2
Mysterious Visitor
A mysterious woman named Alexis Green follows Davis home from a bar, claiming to be his cousin. This shocking introduction disrupts Davis's understanding of his family and sets off a series of complicated family discoveries.
Where:Davis's home
- 3
Lecture on Behavioral Psychology
In an attempt to find solace, Davis attends a behavioral psychology lecture by his father, Ronald. This lecture sparks Davis's internal struggle with his familial connections and the underlying familial tensions.
Where:Lecture hall
- 4
Discovery of Family Secrets
While rummaging through his father's belongings, Davis stumbles upon a photograph that hints at a long-lost sibling. This discovery ignites his curiosity and desire to uncover the truth about his family.
Where:Ronald's home
- 5
Journey to Upstate New York
Davis's investigation leads him to follow Alexis's clues to upstate New York. There, he meets her two sisters, who provide a mix of warmth and caution as they delve into their interconnected family history.
Where:Upstate New York
- 6
Tensions Rise
As Davis spends more time with Alexis, familial tensions begin to surface among the sisters. Conversations about their intertwined relationships with a local man culminate in a heated confrontation that complicates their dynamic.
Where:Alexis's home
- 7
Heart-to-Heart with Alexis
During a heart-to-heart conversation with Alexis, she probes Davis about his reasons for leaving Cassie. This emotional exchange reveals a poignant connection, yet it is overshadowed by dark secrets lurking in their family.
- 8
Family Tragedy Strikes
Cassie's arrival in New York with the news of Davis's grandfather's death brings heartbreak and tension. This loss forces the characters to confront their feelings and relationships amidst the emotional turmoil.
Where:New York
- 9
Funeral in Boston
The trio gathers for the funeral in Boston, where emotional tensions explode. Alexis and Cassie vie for Davis's attention, leading to conflicts that illuminate the family's troubled dynamics.
Where:Boston
- 10
Dinner Confrontation
During a tense dinner, the family attempts to ease the underlying animosities. However, the atmosphere becomes explosive when Alexis reveals a bracelet, triggering a brutal fistfight between Josh and Ronald.
Where:Boston
Show the other 5 events of The Automatic Hate Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Davis's Outburst
In a moment of heightened tension, Davis punches Alexis, leaving her feeling humiliated. This drastic action marks a significant turning point in their complex relationship and strife among the family members.
Where:Boston
- 12
Grief and Guilt
In the aftermath of the funeral, Davis and Josh confront their shared grief while uneasily discussing their late sister, Rebecca. This conversation heightens rifts as they each blame the other for her tragic death.
- 13
Davis's Moment of Clarity
Amid the chaos, Davis shares an intimate moment with Alexis, revealing his feelings through a tender kiss. This moment complicates his feelings for Cassie further, showcasing the turbulent emotions at play.
- 14
Reconciliation with Cassie
After navigating his complex feelings, Davis confesses his emotions to Cassie, who accepts him back without conditions. This moment illustrates the themes of loyalty and love despite the storm of revelations.
- 15
Enduring Consequences
As the narrative unfolds, Davis grapples with the devastating consequences of uncovering his family's buried truths. This introspection leads him to ponder the fragile balance between love, loyalty, and personal identity.
Who Are the Main Characters in The Automatic Hate?
4 characters, among them Davis Green, Cassie and Alexis Green: who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- DG
Davis Green
Davis is a Boston chef struggling with the complexities of his relationships, caught between a crumbling romance with Cassie and an intriguing connection with Alexis. His journey towards self-discovery is fraught with emotional upheaval as he navigates family secrets and personal dilemmas.
- 👨🍳 Chef
- 😟 Tormented Soul
- 💔 Lover
- C
Cassie
Cassie is Davis's girlfriend, who is deeply affected by his emotional turmoil. Her struggle with the fallout of a recent confession reveals her vulnerability and highlights the challenges they face in their relationship as they navigate trust and commitment.
- 👩❤️👨 Girlfriend
- 😢 Heartbroken
- ⚖️ Loyal
- AG
Alexis Green
Alexis is the enigmatic cousin who complicates Davis's life by opening up connections to long-buried family secrets. Her persistence and intrigue draw Davis in, cultivating an attraction that forces him to reflect on his feelings and what family truly means.
- 👩👧👦 Cousin
- 🌟 Mysterious
- 💓 Intriguing
- RG
Ronald Green
Ronald, Davis's father, embodies the harsh realities of family expectations and emotional detachment. His dismissive attitude towards Davis adds strain to their relationship, representing older generational values that clash with Davis's quest for understanding and connection.
- 👨👦 Father
- ❌ Dismissive
- 📚 Traditional
Where and When Is The Automatic Hate Set?
The Automatic Hate is set in Boston and Upstate New York. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie unfolds in contemporary times, highlighting current themes of family dynamics, psychological exploration, and personal identity. The social issues presented reflect the intricacies of modern relationships, making the narrative relatable to today’s audience.
Where
Boston, Upstate New York
Boston serves as the backdrop for Davis Green's tumultuous relationship with Cassie, filled with emotional tension and familial complexities. Upstate New York represents a more secluded, rustic setting where Davis learns about his family's hidden secrets and connects with Alexis, exploring the depth of their shared history.
- 🏙️ City
- 🌄 Wilderness
What Are the Themes of The Automatic Hate?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Family Ties, Identity Crisis and Emotional Turmoil.
-
01
Family Ties
The struggle to understand family connections is central to the movie, as Davis grapples with shocking revelations about his relatives. The interactions among family members expose deep-seated issues, showcasing both love and animosity inherent in familial bonds.
-
02
Identity Crisis
Davis faces a profound identity crisis as he uncovers dark family secrets that challenge his understanding of self. His relationships with Cassie and Alexis serve as catalysts for introspection, prompting him to confront uncomfortable truths about his past and present.
-
03
Emotional Turmoil
The film delves into the emotional turmoil experienced by Davis, torn between loyalty to Cassie and the undeniable attraction he feels for Alexis. These conflicting feelings lead to confrontations and heart-wrenching decisions that shape his path forward.
What Kind of Film Is The Automatic Hate?
Tense in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A tense and emotionally heavy family drama that follows a man's unraveling identity as he uncovers buried secrets, creating an atmosphere of unease, forbidden attraction, and simmering conflict.
- tense
- uneasy
- melancholic
- claustrophobic
- confrontational
- uncomfortable
- family secrets
- identity crisis
- forbidden attraction
- rivalry
Content notes: incest theme, family conflict, pregnancy termination.
Quiz
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