Is there a dark backstory to this classic The Breakfast Club character?
Today, we deep dive into Claire’s home life.
The plot seems so simple.
The Breakfast Club / Universal Pictures
And I noticed somethingDARKthat I never saw before.
Claire has a very creepy dad.
My theory starts at the very beginning of my re-watch.
We start with Claire (Molly Ringwald), dropped off by her dad.
Watching as an adult in 2024, I couldnt help but notice how creepy her dad was.
The way he gazed at her, especially down at her chest.
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The way he turned his full body toward her, boxing her in.
The way his voice was too sugary sweet.
Claire is the only one not to share her trauma.
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When its Claires turn, shes silent.
Dont you ever,evercompare yourself to me, okay.
You got everything, and I got shit.
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Fuckin Rapunzel, right?
School would probably fuckin shut down if you didnt show up.
I like those earrings, Claire.
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Claire: Shut up.
Bender: Are those real diamonds Claire?
Bender: I bet they are.
Did you work for the money for those earrings?
Claire: Shut your mouth.
Bender: Or did your daddy buy those for you?
Claire is the most emotional and upset of the whole movie by the end of this exchange.
And why doesnt she open up about it like everyone else?
Clearly somethings going on with her dad.
Maybe shes more like Bender than he realizes?
And we can go back to an earlier scene for some answers.
When hes done, the first reaction is Andy (Emilio Estevez) saying that Bender must be lying.
Bender shows proof of a cigar burn on his arm, but its too late.
Andy didnt believe him, and the mood turns dark.
Why would anyone believe her?
They didnt believe Bender.
John Bender as the ultimate protector.
Soon after, Claire joins him and they share a kiss.
Saturday detention ends and everything has changed.
As they say goodbye, Claire takes out one of her diamond earrings and hands it to Bender.
They lean up against the hood of a car and share a passionate kiss.
