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This Beautiful Fantastic (2017) Plot Summary & Timeline

This Beautiful Fantastic (2017) movie poster

This Beautiful Fantastic is a 2017 drama and fantasy film directed by Simon Aboud, running 1 hour 40 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 334 words (about 1 minute to read) and covers 14 key events in order, 4 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for This Beautiful Fantastic.

to read the plot summary
1 min
key events in the timeline
14
characters profiled
4
themes explained
3
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This Beautiful Fantastic (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 40m
Director
Simon Aboud
Genres
Drama, Fantasy, Comedy
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is This Beautiful Fantastic About?

The premise of This Beautiful Fantastic in 274 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In a quiet, leafy suburb where the rhythm of daily life hums between the soft rustle of leaves and the muted chatter of a local library, a young writer‑illustrator wrestles with a stubborn creative block. Bella Brown drifts through her days surrounded by books and unfinished sketches, her imagination dimmed by the weight of an unseen anxiety that keeps her from fully embracing the world outside her doorstep. The modest rented house she calls home bears a garden that has fallen into neglect, mirroring the sense of stagnation she feels inside.

Across the narrow walkway lives an eccentric neighbor whose presence is as distinctive as the garden’s overgrown vines. Alfie Stephenson is a solitary figure with a quirky outlook on life, initially keeping to himself while occasionally offering reluctant advice to those who venture near his gate. Their first encounters are marked by gentle awkwardness, yet a shared curiosity about the untended plot of earth begins to draw them together, hinting at an unlikely companionship that could nurture both the garden and Bella’s wandering spirit.

The film’s tone balances wistful melancholy with a warm, whimsical charm, inviting viewers to linger over quiet moments—a cup of tea on a rainy afternoon, the soft glow of sunrise through a kitchen window, the slow, hopeful sprout of a seed breaking through soil. It paints a portrait of everyday life where small gestures and quiet perseverance become the backbone of personal growth. As Bella and her neighbor navigate their own quirks and insecurities, the story whispers of the transformative power of connection, suggesting that the most fertile ground often lies just beyond the boundaries we set for ourselves.

Full plot

What Happens in This Beautiful Fantastic?

The complete story of This Beautiful Fantastic, from the first scene to the last, in 334 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.

Spoilers ahead

Bella Brown is a luminous yet troubled spirit, grappling with obsessive-compulsive disorder, who embarks on a journey of creative self-discovery against the dreary backdrop of her neglected garden in a rented home. Working as a librarian and aspiring author of children’s books, she finds comfort in the serene atmosphere of the public library—where a chance meeting with Billy occurs, an imaginative free spirit who sparks her creativity.

In addition to Billy, the gruff but endearing next-door neighbor, Alfie Stevenson, and his devoted cook Vernon provide crucial support in Bella’s life. As Bella grapples with her fear of nature, she neglects the garden, prompting Alfie to inform their landlord, who sets a one-month ultimatum for her to rejuvenate the overgrown space or face eviction. This challenge rallies Alfie and Vernon to collaborate with Bella, embarking together on a transformative adventure that helps her rediscover her connection to the natural world.

With each day, Bella’s writing begins to thrive, influenced by Billy’s whimsical inventions and the growing bond between them. However, just when her garden starts to blossom, disaster strikes—a fierce storm destroys her progress. Bella finds herself reeling from a series of unfortunate events: she loses her library job, misses a date with Billy due to his hospitalization, and witnesses him with another woman. The weight of her troubles threatens to suffocate her spirit, but Alfie and Vernon step in and finish the garden on her behalf, serving as a poignant reminder that despite challenges, beauty can still emerge from darkness.

As Bella confronts the harsh truths of her circumstances, she uncovers a surprising legacy left by Alfie’s passing—he was, in fact, the rightful owner of her home and has willed it to her, along with his estate, which goes to Vernon. This revelation paves the way for a heartwarming conclusion, where Bella finds comfort in Billy’s embrace and, fueled by newfound inspiration, publishes her picture book, “This Beautiful Fantastic,” celebrating the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of connections with others.

Timeline

This Beautiful Fantastic Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

14 key events in the order they happen, from “Bella's Struggles” to “Publication of Her Book”. 9 events name a place, across 4 locations.

  1. 1

    Bella's Struggles

    Bella Brown is introduced as a troubled individual dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Her condition often isolates her, making it difficult for her to connect with the world around her.

  2. 2

    Life as a Librarian

    Working as a librarian, Bella finds solace in the peaceful environment of the public library. This tranquil setting becomes a refuge where her creativity begins to spark, setting the stage for her artistic journey.

    Where:Public Library

  3. 3

    Meeting Billy

    Bella encounters Billy, a free-spirited individual whose imaginative outlook brings a fresh perspective to her life. Their chance meeting ignites a creative spark within Bella, inspiring her to explore new ideas for her children's books.

    Where:Public Library

  4. 4

    Help from Alfie and Vernon

    Bella's next-door neighbor, Alfie Stevenson, along with his devoted cook Vernon, begins to support her in her struggle. They recognize her need for assistance as Bella neglects her garden, which becomes a reflection of her internal chaos.

  5. 5

    The Ultimatum

    Due to Bella's neglect of the garden, Alfie informs their landlord, leading to a one-month ultimatum for Bella to revive the overgrown space. This deadline creates pressure but also acts as a turning point in her journey toward self-discovery.

    Where:Bella's Garden

  6. 6

    A Transformative Adventure

    Rallying around Bella, Alfie and Vernon commit to helping her rejuvenate the garden. This collaboration turns into a transformative adventure, allowing Bella to reconnect with nature and confront her fears.

    Where:Bella's Garden

  7. 7

    Blossoming Creativity

    As the garden begins to flourish, so does Bella's writing. Fueled by the support of Billy and her newfound experiences, she starts crafting stories that reflect her journey and growth.

    Where:Bella's Home

  8. 8

    The Fierce Storm

    Disaster strikes when a fierce storm wreaks havoc on Bella's garden, destroying her hard work. This setback sends Bella into a spiral of despair, as she grapples with additional negative events in her life.

    Where:Bella's Garden

  9. 9

    A Series of Unfortunate Events

    Following the storm, Bella's situation worsens; she loses her job at the library and misses a key date with Billy due to his hospitalization. Watching him with another woman pushes her further into despair and isolation.

    Where:Various Locations

  10. 10

    Support from Friends

    Amidst her turmoil, Alfie and Vernon step in to complete the garden as a surprise for Bella. Their actions serve as a reminder that beauty can emerge from even the darkest moments, reinforcing the bonds of friendship.

    Where:Bella's Garden

Show the other 4 events of This Beautiful Fantastic
  1. 11

    Facing Harsh Truths

    As Bella faces the reality of her circumstances, she discovers a legacy left by the late Alfie. This essence of connection alters her perspective on life's challenges and offers her hope.

    Where:Bella's Home

  2. 12

    A Surprising Legacy

    Bella learns that Alfie was the rightful owner of her home and has willed it to her. This revelation not only provides her security but also symbolizes the bonds she forged throughout her journey.

  3. 13

    Finding Comfort

    In the heartwarming conclusion, Bella finds solace in Billy's embrace, marking a new beginning for both of them. Their relationship blossoms as they share their hopes and dreams under a more positive light.

  4. 14

    Publication of Her Book

    Fueled by her transformative experiences, Bella successfully publishes her picture book, titled 'This Beautiful Fantastic.' The book encapsulates her journey and emphasizes the resilience of the human spirit.

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in This Beautiful Fantastic?

4 characters, among them Bella Brown, Billy and Alfie Stevenson: who each one is and the part they play in the story.

  • BB

    Bella Brown

    Bella is a luminous yet troubled spirit who battles obsessive-compulsive disorder while striving for creative fulfillment. Her character's journey reflects her desire to connect with both herself and the world around her. She evolves from a reclusive librarian into a blossoming author, symbolizing hope and resilience.

    • 📖 Librarian
    • ✍️ Author
    • 🌺 Creative
  • B

    Billy

    Billy is an imaginative free spirit who inspires Bella's creativity and pushes her out of her comfort zone. His whimsical nature and supportive demeanor provide a poignant contrast to Bella's struggles, embodying the theme of connection and the transformative power of relationships.

    • 🎨 Imaginative
    • 🌟 Supportive
    • ❤️ Romantic Interest
  • AS

    Alfie Stevenson

    Alfie is a gruff yet endearing neighbor who plays a crucial role in Bella's life. His tough love and unwavering support help motivate Bella to face her fears and revitalize her garden. His surprising legacy brings depth to his character, highlighting the importance of community and friendship.

    • 👴 Neighbor
    • 🥘 Cook
    • 🦸‍♂️ Supportive
  • V

    Vernon

    Vernon is Alfie's devoted cook, who adds a layer of warmth and care to the story. His loyalty and dedication to both Alfie and Bella exemplify the themes of friendship and support throughout difficult times. Vernon’s actions symbolize the nurturing side of helping others heal.

    • 👨‍🍳 Cook
    • 🌟 Loyal
    • 🤝 Supportive
Setting

Where and When Is This Beautiful Fantastic Set?

This Beautiful Fantastic is set in Public Library, Bella's Garden and Alfie's Home. Here is why the place matters to the story.

When

The movie unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting modern struggles with mental health and personal growth. It explores themes of resilience and hope against the backdrop of a bustling yet isolating urban life. This timeframe allows for a relatable connection to societal values surrounding creativity, relationships, and overcoming adversity.

Where

Public Library, Bella's Garden, Alfie's Home

The public library serves as a haven for Bella, providing a tranquil space for her to explore her creativity. Bella's garden, once neglected, becomes a symbol of her struggles and growth, emphasizing the connection between nature and the human spirit. Alfie's home not only represents a supportive community but also holds a hidden legacy that transforms Bella's life.

  • 🏡 Home
  • 📚 Library
  • 🌱 Garden
Themes

What Are the Themes of This Beautiful Fantastic?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Self-Discovery, Resilience and Hope.

  1. 01

    Self-Discovery

    Bella's journey of creative self-discovery is central to the narrative, emphasizing the importance of embracing one's true self despite challenges. Her struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder highlight the complexities of mental health, while her journey through the garden symbolizes personal growth and healing. The movie ultimately showcases how connecting with nature and others can lead to inspiring transformations.

  2. 02

    Resilience

    Resilience is a poignant theme throughout the film as Bella navigates the ups and downs of life. The emotional turmoil she faces, from losing her job to dealing with unexpected setbacks, illustrates the importance of perseverance. The support from Alfie and Vernon reinforces the idea that community and friendships can provide strength in the face of adversity.

  3. 03

    Hope

    Despite the challenges that Bella encounters, hope emerges as a driving force. The completion of her garden signifies not just physical rejuvenation, but also her emotional healing. The heartfelt revelation of Alfie's legacy further symbolizes the idea that beauty can arise from chaos, inspiring a sense of optimism for the future.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is This Beautiful Fantastic?

Hopeful in tone, with slow pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Hopeful
Pacing
Slow
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
Low
Ending
Happy

A gentle and whimsical journey of self-discovery that feels like a comforting hug, celebrating growth and connection with a heartwarming, optimistic spirit throughout.

  • whimsical
  • hopeful
  • gentle
  • heartwarming
  • comforting
  • uplifting
  • creative block
  • intergenerational friendship
  • self-discovery
  • gardening

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6 films close to This Beautiful Fantastic in story and themes that have a full plot summary here: Some Kind Of Beautiful (2015) and The Secret Garden (2020) lead.

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FAQ

This Beautiful Fantastic Plot Questions

5 quick answers about This Beautiful Fantastic, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is This Beautiful Fantastic about?

In a quiet, leafy suburb where the rhythm of daily life hums between the soft rustle of leaves and the muted chatter of a local library, a young writer‑illustrator wrestles with a stubborn creative block.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does This Beautiful Fantastic take place?

This Beautiful Fantastic is set in Public Library, Bella's Garden and Alfie's Home. The movie unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting modern struggles with mental health and personal growth. It explores themes of resilience and hope against the backdrop of a bustling yet isolating urban life.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in This Beautiful Fantastic?

The story follows Bella Brown, Billy, Alfie Stevenson and Vernon.

All the characters

What are the main themes of This Beautiful Fantastic?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Self-Discovery, Resilience and Hope.

The themes explained

Who directed This Beautiful Fantastic?

This Beautiful Fantastic (2017) was directed by Simon Aboud and runs 1 hour 40 minutes.

Simon Aboud’s films

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