Directed by
Bob Nelson
Made by
Saban Films
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Confirmation (2016). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
The film unfolds over a single weekend, during which a mother, accompanied by her new husband, participates in a couple’s retreat and entrusts her son to his biological father. This decision is filled with apprehension, as she hands over Anthony to a man from whom she separated due to his struggles with alcoholism. All that young Anthony knows about his father, Walt, is what he has learned from his mother, Bonnie.
Once they are alone, a series of unexpected adventures ensue, beginning with Walt’s truck breaking down and leading to his eviction from his home. The situation takes a downward turn when Walt’s carpentry tools are stolen while he seeks refuge in a bar. This incident only serves to reinforce Anthony’s mother’s warnings about his father’s reliability, sparking the beginning of their father-son journey.
The heart of the movie lies in their hilarious yet challenging efforts to retrieve the stolen tools. Along the way, they encounter a variety of eccentric characters, adding a layer of humor and unpredictability to their adventure. Through this challenging weekend, Walt and Anthony gradually forge a bond that had previously been nonexistent. By the time the weekend comes to a close, all three—mother, son, and father—have experienced personal growth, but it is the father-son relationship that has deepened the most, showcasing the transformative power of familial connections.
Follow the complete movie timeline of The Confirmation (2016) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Weekend Begins
Bonnie begins the weekend by preparing to participate in a couple's retreat with her new husband. This decision not only fills her with excitement but also trepidation as she prepares to leave her son, Anthony, with his biological father, Walt.
Handing Over Anthony
In a moment filled with mixed emotions, Bonnie entrusts her son Anthony to Walt. This handover is steeped in apprehension due to Walt's past struggles with alcoholism, creating a complicated start to their relationship.
Walt's Truck Breaks Down
Shortly after taking Anthony out, Walt encounters trouble as his truck breaks down. This mishap is the first sign of the challenges they will face together, setting a precarious tone for their weekend.
Eviction from Home
As they navigate their initial adventure, Walt is unexpectedly evicted from his home. The loss of his living situation adds to the strain of their father-son bonding experience, with Anthony feeling the weight of their predicament.
Visit to the Bar
Seeking refuge, Walt takes Anthony to a local bar, hoping to find some solace. However, this choice leads to further complications in their relationship as it highlights Walt’s deficiencies as a father.
Tools Stolen
While at the bar, Walt's carpentry tools are stolen, leaving them in a dire situation. This loss serves as a harsh reminder of Bonnie's warnings about Walt's reliability, causing tension between father and son.
The Search Begins
Driven by a mix of desperation and humor, Walt and Anthony embark on a quest to retrieve the stolen tools. Their adventure is filled with comedic yet challenging moments that test their new-found relationship.
Meeting Eccentric Characters
During their quest, they encounter a series of eccentric characters who add unexpected twists to their adventure. These interactions offer both humor and insight, as each character reflects different facets of Walt's life choices.
Bonding Moments
As they navigate the chaos together, Walt and Anthony share moments of laughter and reflection. These bonding experiences begin to bridge the gap created by Walt's absence in Anthony's life.
Challenges Faced
The challenges they face throughout the weekend draw them closer, revealing Walt’s determination to change. Anthony begins to see his father in a new light, understanding the struggles of adulthood.
Personal Growth
By the end of the hectic weekend, Walt, Anthony, and Bonnie experience significant personal growth. Each character has learned valuable lessons about trust, family, and the complexities of their relationships.
Weekend Comes to a Close
As the weekend concludes, Bonnie returns from her retreat to find a changed dynamic between her son and Walt. The experience has transformed not just their relationship, but also how they view family and responsibility.
Father-Son Relationship Deepens
In a heartfelt conclusion, Walt and Anthony solidify their new bond through shared challenges and laughter. This newfound relationship highlights the potential for redemption and connection amidst adversity.
Bonnie Observes the Change
Bonnie notices the transformation in both her son and Walt, marking a hopeful future for their family unit. This pivotal realization secures her faith in the healing power of family ties.
Explore all characters from The Confirmation (2016). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Walt
Walt is a flawed father striving to reconnect with his son after years of separation. Struggling with alcoholism, he faces his own demons while trying to prove his reliability. Despite his shortcomings, his comedic charm and determination shine through as he navigates the challenges of fatherhood.
Anthony
Anthony is a curious and cautious young boy, grappling with his feelings towards his estranged father. As the weekend unfolds, he transforms from a hesitant child to someone more open to building a relationship with Walt. His experiences push him to understand the nuances of adult relationships and family dynamics.
Bonnie
Bonnie is a caring mother who struggles with her past choices regarding Walt. Her protective nature towards Anthony becomes evident as she grapples with her fears about Walt's reliability. Throughout the film, she learns to trust both her son and the journey of their father-son relationship.
Learn where and when The Confirmation (2016) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
Modern Day
The movie takes place in contemporary society, reflecting modern family dynamics and personal struggles. Issues such as alcoholism and parental separation resonate deeply within present-day contexts, highlighting the ongoing challenges many families face. The weekend adventure captures the essence of today's complex relationships.
Location
Couple's Retreat Location, Bar
The couple's retreat is a serene getaway designed for couples to reconnect and strengthen their bonds. Surrounded by nature, it provides a peaceful environment for reflection. The bar, where much of the chaos ensues, is a local haunt filled with eccentric characters, embodying a lively and unpredictable atmosphere.
Discover the main themes in The Confirmation (2016). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Familial Bonds
The theme of familial bonds is central to the narrative, exploring the relationship between a father and son who are working to connect amidst challenging circumstances. Through their misadventures, Walt and Anthony learn about trust, understanding, and shared experiences. The film underscores the importance of family ties and the potential for growth within those relationships.
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Adventures
The movie is filled with unexpected twists and comical situations, reflecting the unpredictability of life. Walt and Anthony's quest to retrieve stolen carpentry tools takes them on a whirlwind journey filled with amusing encounters. These adventures not only add humor but also serve as pivotal moments for character development.
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Transformation
Transformation is a vital theme as all three main characters—Bonnie, Walt, and Anthony—experience significant growth. Over the course of the weekend, they confront their personal challenges and limitations, leading to a deeper understanding of themselves and each other. This theme highlights the potential for change and redemption within familial relationships.
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