The King of Staten Island 2020
Directed by
Judd Apatow
Made by
Universal Pictures
Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The King of Staten Island (2020). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Scott Carlin, a 24-year-old high school dropout, navigates life on Staten Island alongside his mother, Margie Carlin, and sister, Claire Carlin. Having lost his firefighter father, Stan, at a young age during a hotel fire, Scott grapples with the lasting impact of that tragedy. His life is further complicated by health issues such as Crohn’s disease and ADHD, alongside his constant marijuana use. Currently unemployed, he spends his days with friends, including Kelsey, with whom he shares a complicated relationship. While she desires more commitment, Scott fears he doesn’t measure up and is apprehensive about deepening their bond.
As Claire prepares to leave for college, she worries that Scott’s lingering neuroses may spiral out of control without her support. Despite his aspirations to become a tattoo artist, Scott struggles with inconsistency in his artwork, often practicing on his friends. An unexpected encounter at the beach introduces him to Harold, a curious 9-year-old who initially asks for a tattoo but flees before Scott can finish. Later, Ray Bishop(Bill Burr)—Harold’s father—arrives at Scott’s home, initially upset but eventually drawn to Margie, leading to their newfound romantic interest. As Margie’s relationship blossoms, Scott becomes troubled by her dating a firefighter, mirroring his father’s occupation.
Ray attempts to bond with Scott by taking him to a Staten Island Yankees game, but their conversations reveal Scott’s deep-seated resentment towards the profession due to its inherent dangers. When Margie and Ray inform Scott that he should find his own place, it shakes him. During a visit with Claire, Scott admits to his intention to end their relationship, believing it to be unhealthy for Margie. Taking a job as a busboy, Scott grows closer to Harold and his sister, Kelly, while grappling with his friends’ plan to rob a pharmacy for pills. Reluctantly agreeing to serve as their lookout, the robbery takes a disastrous turn when they face off with the pharmacist and his wife, resulting in a shooting that lands his friend Oscar in jail while Scott narrowly escapes.
Seeking to sabotage Margie and Ray’s relationship, Scott meets Ray’s ex-wife, Gina, who paints a damning picture of Ray as a gambling addict. This confrontation leads to a physical clash with Ray, resulting in Margie kicking both men out of her house. With no place to stay and his friends locked up, Scott attempts to manipulate his way into Kelsey’s life, but when she discerns his motives, she rejects him. In desperation, he turns to Ray’s firehouse, where he begins performing odd jobs in exchange for shelter. Here, he bonds with Ray and the firefighters, who share stories about his father that help Scott process his grief.
In a pivotal moment, while at the firehouse, Scott assists a wounded man, which draws Ray’s attention, showcasing Scott’s emerging talent as an artist. Ray invites Scott to tattoo his back, marking a turning point in their relationship. Later on, Scott goes to the Staten Island Ferry to surprise Kelsey as she heads to take a civil service exam. In a heartfelt moment on the ferry, he finally confesses his love for her, culminating in a tender kiss, as she departs into the city, leaving Scott wrestling with his emotions and future uncertainties in Manhattan.
Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of The King of Staten Island (2020) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Scott's Background
Scott Carlin, a 24-year-old high school dropout, navigates life in Staten Island. He struggles with the loss of his firefighter father, Stan, who died during a hotel fire, leaving a significant impact on Scott’s psyche.
Health Challenges
Scott faces numerous health challenges, including Crohn's disease and ADHD. Alongside these issues, he is also a constant user of marijuana, which complicates his daily life and relationships.
Family Dynamics
Living with his mother, Margie, and sister, Claire, Scott's family dynamics are strained. As Claire prepares to leave for college, she expresses concern about Scott's well-being and fears his issues may deepen in her absence.
Struggles as an Artist
Despite aspiring to be a tattoo artist, Scott struggles with consistency in his artwork. He practices on friends, but his lack of confidence and direction holds him back from truly pursuing his dreams.
Encounter with Harold
During a day at the beach, Scott has a chance encounter with a curious 9-year-old named Harold. Harold asks Scott for a tattoo but flees before completion, setting off a series of events that will connect their lives.
Ray Enters Scott's Life
Ray Bishop, Harold's father, arrives at Scott’s home, initially upset with him. However, he eventually develops a budding romantic interest in Margie, which troubles Scott given its resemblance to his father's firefighting background.
Staten Island Yankees Game
Ray takes Scott to a Staten Island Yankees game in an attempt to bond. Conversations during the outing reveal Scott's deep-seated resentment towards the firefighting profession, stemming from his father's tragic death.
Relationship Shifts
Scott and Claire have a pivotal conversation where Scott decides to break up with Kelsey. He believes that their relationship is unhealthy for Margie, showcasing his growing awareness of the impact of his decisions on his family.
Job as a Busboy
Taking a job as a busboy allows Scott to earn money and connect with Harold and his sister, Kelly. However, he finds himself entangled in his friends' dangerous plans to rob a pharmacy for pills.
Pharmacy Robbery Goes Wrong
Reluctantly serving as a lookout during a pharmacy robbery, things go awry. The situation escalates into a confrontation with the pharmacist and his wife, leading to a shooting that lands his friend Oscar in jail.
Confrontation with Ray
In an attempt to sabotage Margie and Ray’s relationship, Scott meets Ray’s ex-wife, Gina. This leads to a heated confrontation with Ray, ultimately resulting in both men being kicked out of Margie's house.
Seeking Shelter
With nowhere to go and his friends in jail, Scott seeks refuge at Ray's firehouse. Performing odd jobs in exchange for shelter, he begins to bond with Ray and the firefighters, gaining insights into his father's legacy.
Emerging Talent
Scott assists a wounded man while at the firehouse, which catches Ray's attention. This moment showcases Scott’s burgeoning skills as an artist and leads to Ray inviting him to tattoo his back, deepening their relationship.
Confession on the Ferry
Scott takes a trip to the Staten Island Ferry to surprise Kelsey as she prepares for a civil service exam. He musters the courage to confess his love for her during a poignant moment, culminating in a heartfelt kiss.
Scott's Emotional Journey
As Kelsey departs into the city, Scott is left grappling with his emotions and uncertain future. This moment signifies a transition in his life, prompting him to reflect on his challenges and aspirations.
Characters
Explore all characters from The King of Staten Island (2020). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Scott Carlin
Scott is a 24-year-old high school dropout who is trying to find his way in life after the loss of his father, a firefighter. Struggling with Crohn's disease and ADHD, he often resorts to marijuana to cope. His journey is marked by insecurities, particularly in his relationships, and a deep desire to prove himself as an artist.
Margie Carlin
Margie is Scott's nurturing mother, balancing her grief over the loss of her husband with the need to support her children. As she explores a new romantic relationship, she embodies resilience and the challenges of moving on. Her dynamic with Scott highlights the struggles of letting go while seeking happiness.
Ray Bishop
Ray is a firefighter and the father of Harold. Initially, Scott resents him due to his father's legacy, but as they bond over their shared experiences, Ray becomes a mentor figure to Scott. His character highlights themes of understanding and fatherhood in the face of loss.
Kelsey
Kelsey is a significant figure in Scott's life, embodying both potential love and challenge. She desires a deeper commitment from Scott but is also aware of his insecurities. Their relationship reflects the complexities of young love and the fear of vulnerability.
Setting
Learn where and when The King of Staten Island (2020) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
The story unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal issues. It illustrates the challenges faced by millennials navigating their paths amidst personal and social pressures.
Location
Staten Island, New York City
Staten Island, one of New York City's five boroughs, is often viewed as a suburban enclave. Known for its parks and waterfront areas, it provides a mix of urban and natural experiences. The Staten Island Ferry also offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, connecting the island to the bustling city life.
Themes
Discover the main themes in The King of Staten Island (2020). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Personal Growth
The theme of personal growth is central to Scott's journey, as he grapples with his identity and aspirations. His struggles with grief, mental health, and relationships compel him to confront his past and envision a healthier future. The film showcases the importance of self-discovery and emotional resilience.
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Loss and Grief
Scott's loss of his father profoundly shapes his worldview and relationships. The impact of this loss on his mental health and his interactions with others illustrates how grief can manifest in various ways. The narrative captures the intricate process of dealing with such a significant absence in one's life.
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Family Dynamics
Family dynamics play a crucial role as Scott navigates his relationships with his mother and sister. As they face transitions, such as Claire leaving for college, the film examines the complexities of familial love, support, and the pressures that come with change.
The King of Staten Island Ending Explained
Unravel the ending of The King of Staten Island (2020) with our detailed explanation. Understand the final scenes, character fates, and unresolved questions.
The ending of “The King of Staten Island” sees Scott, played by Pete Davidson, coming to terms with the truth about his father’s death. Throughout the film, Scott idealized his dad as a heroic firefighter he never really knew, which kept him stuck in a cycle of aimlessness and emotional dependence. When he finally uncovers the reality—that his father was not the perfect hero he believed but was a flawed man who struggled with his own issues—Scott begins to understand that he cannot hold onto a false image of his dad forever. This awakening prompts him to stop hiding behind his fantasies and to start taking responsibility for his life. The film closes with Scott making a conscious decision to embrace a future of love, commitment, and purpose, moving beyond the shadows of his father’s memory. In doing so, he begins to forge his own path, letting go of the idealized version of his dad that had previously limited him, and finally stepping into a more genuine, mature version of himself. The ending emphasizes that healing and growth often come from confronting uncomfortable truths and accepting oneself, flaws and all.
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