In Detachment, a high school teacher named Henry teaches his students while dealing with his own emotional struggles, showing how detachment from personal connections can affect one’s life.

The film is about Henry’s struggle with the feeling of being disconnected from everything, even from the students he tries to help. A fan theory suggests that Henry’s deep detachment is not just from his job, but also a result of past trauma, maybe a failed relationship or a personal loss that never healed. What if Henry had been able to confront his past, would he have been able to connect more with his students?

A key moment happens when Henry, after a heart-to-heart with a troubled student, realizes how much of an impact he has had, even if he doesn’t always show it. This moment of connection shines a light on the power of human interaction, even in the most emotionally distant times.

Imagine a different ending where Henry finds the strength to rebuild his emotional connections, maybe even with his students, leading him to a life of meaning. Alternatively, a prequel could explore Henry’s earlier life, showing his experiences and relationships that led to his emotional detachment, giving deeper understanding to his behavior in Detachment.