Todd Field’s Little Children (2006) is a darkly satirical yet deeply human drama adapted from Tom Perrotta’s novel. It dives into suburban malaise, forbidden romance, and the quiet desperation behind “perfect” lives. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about the movie, from its plot to its hidden details.
Detailed Summary
The Suburban Setup
The film is set in a quiet Massachusetts suburb where lives intersect around playgrounds, swimming pools, and neighborhood gossip. Sarah (Kate Winslet) is a frustrated stay-at-home mom who feels suffocated in her marriage to Richard, a man more interested in online pornography than his wife. Brad (Patrick Wilson) is a handsome but aimless stay-at-home dad who can’t seem to pass the bar exam, much to the frustration of his wife, Kathy, a documentary filmmaker.
Sarah and Brad’s Connection
Sarah and Brad meet at a local playground. Their initial attraction quickly turns into an affair. Both find in each other the emotional validation missing from their marriages. The suburban mothers dub Brad “the Prom King,” and Sarah is mocked for being “the Prom Queen,” but the two dive deeper into a secret relationship regardless.
Ronnie McGorvey’s Return
Meanwhile, the community is shaken by the presence of Ronnie McGorvey (Jackie Earle Haley), a convicted sex offender who has moved back into the neighborhood with his mother. His return triggers hysteria among the parents, led by Larry (Noah Emmerich), a disgraced ex-cop obsessed with harassing Ronnie. Ronnie’s storyline mirrors the themes of repression, loneliness, and judgment that run throughout the film.
Marriages Unravel
As Sarah and Brad’s affair intensifies, their spouses begin to suspect. Richard grows closer to an online fantasy woman, while Kathy starts piecing together Brad’s emotional distance. The affair represents not just physical desire but a desperate attempt by Sarah and Brad to reclaim their lost sense of purpose.
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Movie Ending
The climax of Little Children is tragic, haunting, and ambiguous in the best way.
Brad plans to run away with Sarah, leaving behind their marriages and suburban prisons. On the night they intend to leave, Brad takes his skateboard to clear his head. He collides with a car, breaking his arm. Symbolically, this accident “paralyzes” his escape, and he returns to Kathy, realizing he can’t abandon his family.
Sarah, waiting at the playground with her daughter, realizes Brad isn’t coming. She returns home, resigned to the fact that she must continue her life in the cage of suburbia. Their dream of escape evaporates in silence and disappointment.
Meanwhile, Ronnie’s arc reaches its shocking end. After enduring harassment from Larry and facing his own self-loathing, Ronnie attempts suicide by castration. Larry, who has been consumed with hatred, discovers him, but instead of attacking, he comforts Ronnie, showing a moment of unexpected human connection.
The film closes with Sarah and Brad apart, both trapped in their respective lives. There is no romantic reunion, no catharsis—only the cold reality of choices and consequences.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Little Children does not feature any post-credits scenes. The film ends definitively with its somber conclusion, leaving audiences to sit with its unsettling themes.
Type of Movie
Little Children is a psychological drama and suburban satire. It blends elements of dark comedy, romance, and tragedy, often feeling like a mix between a soap opera and Greek tragedy.
Cast
- Kate Winslet as Sarah Pierce
- Patrick Wilson as Brad Adamson
- Jennifer Connelly as Kathy Adamson
- Jackie Earle Haley as Ronnie McGorvey
- Noah Emmerich as Larry Hedges
- Gregg Edelman as Richard Pierce
- Phyllis Somerville as May McGorvey
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Thomas Newman, known for his subtle, haunting music. His minimalist piano and strings perfectly capture the tension, melancholy, and suppressed emotion of suburban life.
Filming Locations
The movie was filmed in Massachusetts, primarily in small suburban towns like Needham, Wellesley, and Canton. The familiar, almost idyllic neighborhood settings reinforce the movie’s themes: behind perfect lawns and playgrounds lie messy, broken lives.
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Awards and Nominations
- Nominated for 3 Academy Awards:
- Best Actress (Kate Winslet)
- Best Supporting Actor (Jackie Earle Haley)
- Best Adapted Screenplay (Todd Field & Tom Perrotta)
- Jackie Earle Haley also received widespread acclaim, reviving his career.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Kate Winslet originally hesitated to take the role because she didn’t want to be typecast as “the unhappy wife,” but later said it was one of her most rewarding performances.
- Jackie Earle Haley hadn’t acted in years before being cast; his performance was considered a revelation.
- Todd Field encouraged actors to improvise in intimate scenes, adding to the rawness.
- The novel’s narration was kept in the film, giving it a satirical, almost documentary tone.
Inspirations and References
The film is adapted from Tom Perrotta’s novel of the same name. Perrotta often explores suburban dissatisfaction and moral ambiguity, themes also found in his earlier novel Election.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no known alternate endings, but some deleted scenes focused on Richard’s online infidelity were cut for pacing.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film closely follows Perrotta’s novel but leans more heavily into the affair between Sarah and Brad. The book provides more background detail on the suburban moms and Richard’s pornography addiction, while the film narrows its focus to emotional dynamics.
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Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Sarah and Brad’s first kiss at the playground.
- The swimming pool confrontation with Ronnie, where mothers panic.
- Brad skateboarding before his accident.
- Ronnie’s attempted self-castration and Larry’s unexpected comfort.
Iconic Quotes
- Narrator: “All men, all women, are little children.”
- Sarah: “I’m not a perfect mother. I’m just trying.”
- Brad: “I don’t want to be the ghost of someone I used to be.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The narrator’s dry tone is intentionally reminiscent of nature documentaries, highlighting suburbia as a kind of “human zoo.”
- The skateboard Brad rides is symbolic of his arrested development and immaturity.
- Ronnie’s toy train obsession echoes his desire to retreat into a childlike state, away from adult monstrosities.
Trivia
- The film was sometimes dubbed “The Ice Storm for the 2000s” because of its suburban critique.
- Jackie Earle Haley was nominated for an Oscar after nearly two decades away from Hollywood.
- Kate Winslet said this was one of the hardest roles she’s ever played because of its vulnerability.
Why Watch?
If you’re drawn to raw, uncomfortable stories about suburban facades, Little Children is a must. It’s not just about infidelity—it’s about loneliness, moral judgment, and the cages people build for themselves.
Director’s Other Movies
- In the Bedroom (2001)
- TÁR (2022) – as producer (not director, but collaborated in development)