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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of 2:22 (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


The film opens with Dylan Branson experiencing a vivid dream about a murder that occurs in the bustling Grand Central Station. Suddenly jolted awake, he carries on with his day but is soon captivated by the news of a supernova from a star named Hamlin, which has reached Earth thirty years later, promising dire consequences for humanity. As an air traffic controller, Dylan possesses an extraordinary knack for visualizing intricate patterns.

Riding his bike to catch his train at Grand Central Station, the narrative unfolds to depict his everyday life filled with work-related duties. After his shift, he finds himself at a club enjoying drinks with colleagues who gift him a ticket to an aerial ballet for his upcoming birthday. However, his world is turned upside down when, at precisely 2:22 PM the following day, he nearly causes a catastrophic midair collision, leading to his suspension and placing over 900 lives at risk.

The next day, during the aerial ballet, Dylan crosses paths with Sarah, a woman destined to change his life. After sharing a meal, Dylan reveals his family’s background in aviation, noting that despite training, fear kept him from fulfilling his dream of becoming a pilot. Sarah shares her experience as an employee at the Howard Pace Art Gallery and candidly admits that she was on the plane involved in the recent near-collision. Instead of resentment, she expresses gratitude to Dylan for saving her life. Their conversation culminates in a mutual acknowledgment of an intense ‘soulmate-like’ connection.

As Dylan heads back to Grand Central Station, deja vu strikes; he witnesses the same series of events unfolding around him, right up to the moment the station’s window shatters at 2:22 PM. Later, he invites Sarah to a dinner at Central Park, where casual banter reveals that they share the same birthday, April 18, 1986, further entwining their fates. Strangely, Dylan hears a car crash below his apartment at 9:15 AM, recognizing that this is the third day in a row that he’s encountered this ominous event.

A cab ride brings more unsettling signs as Dylan’s senses heighten, and he notices familiar patterns again. In a harrowing moment, the cab is struck by another vehicle, leaving Dylan injured yet determined to uncover the mystery behind the repeating sequences he observes at Grand Central. He records the day’s occurrences, recognizing a cyclical pattern in the chaos.

When Dylan visits the art gallery, he discovers an exhibition featuring Jonas—the main artist and Sarah’s ex-boyfriend—whose work eerily mirrors the events he has been experiencing. This leads to a confrontation where Dylan accuses Jonas of being a stalker, intensifying their rivalry, especially after a nearby gallery owner praises the thematic depth of Jonas’s work, which connects hauntingly back to the murder from decades past.

In a desperate attempt for reconciliation, Dylan reaches out to Sarah, but instead, he stumbles upon letters tied to a past man named Jake Redman, an infamous criminal involved in a murder-suicide at Grand Central Station on the same day he and Sarah were born. The details paint a tragic tale of love and jealousy, suggesting intertwining destinies.

Dylan learns that Jake shot Evelyn, a singer deeply entwined in his life, before being gunned down by police, leading him to realize that he is somehow a reincarnation of Jake, while Sarah is linked to Evelyn. Struggling with this connection, Dylan urges Sarah that they should break up to prevent an inevitable tragedy on their birthday at 2:22 PM. In a desperate moment, as Dylan contemplates his own end, Sarah seeks comfort in Jonas.

However, fate has different plans; their flight is canceled, forcing them to head to Grand Central Station by train. Dylan, realizing the implications of his visions, races against time to save Sarah from Jonas’s obsessive hold, culminating in a gripping confrontation where history threatens to repeat itself.

As Jonas brandishes a gun, Dylan arrives just in time, and in an attempt to shield Sarah, he is shot. A tense moment unfolds, mirroring the events from 30 years prior, and as the chaotic sequence of the past resurfaces, the outcome alters when Dylan doesn’t perish but rather awakens to a future free from the shadows of their predecessors.

In a poignant conclusion, Dylan and Sarah emerge not only alive but forever changed, culminating in a touching scene showcasing their new life as parents, symbolizing the triumph of love over fate as Dylan finally faces his fears and becomes a pilot, with Sarah by his side, cherishing their beautiful baby.

Timeline

Track the key events of 2:22 (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Dylan's Dream

The film opens with Dylan Branson experiencing a vivid dream about a murder occurring in Grand Central Station. This unsettling premonition sets the stage for the unfolding events that will deeply impact his life.

Grand Central Station

News of the Supernova

After waking, Dylan learns about a supernova from the star Hamlin that has reached Earth thirty years later. The news promises dire consequences for humanity, adding an ominous tone to his day.

Everyday Life

Dylan rides his bike to catch his train, showing glimpses of his everyday life as an air traffic controller. His job requires him to visualize intricate patterns, an ability that will soon prove crucial.

Grand Central Station

The Aerial Ballet Invitation

At a club with colleagues after work, Dylan is gifted a ticket to an aerial ballet in celebration of his upcoming birthday. This gesture reflects the camaraderie he shares with his friends.

Near Collision Incident

The following day at 2:22 PM, Dylan nearly causes a catastrophic midair collision while on duty. This near-disaster results in his suspension, placing over 900 lives at risk and shaking his confidence.

2:22 PM

Meeting Sarah

During the aerial ballet, Dylan meets Sarah, who will become significant in his life. Their deep conversation reveals a profound connection, as she shares her near-death experience without resentment towards Dylan.

Shared Birthday Revelation

Dylan invites Sarah to dinner in Central Park, and they discover they share the same birthday: April 18, 1986. This revelation deepens their bond and suggests a cosmic connection between them.

Central Park

Recurring Ominous Events

Dylan experiences deja vu as he witnesses the same troubling events at Grand Central Station, including a window shattering at 2:22 PM. These repetitions unnervingly connect him to a past he cannot fully grasp.

2:22 PM Grand Central Station

Unsettling Cab Ride

Dylan's cab ride takes a turn when it gets struck by another vehicle, leaving him injured. This moment heightens his senses, compelling him to unravel the chaotic patterns that have invaded his life.

Visit to the Art Gallery

At the Howard Pace Art Gallery, Dylan finds an exhibition by Jonas, the artist who once dated Sarah. The artwork connects unsettlingly to his recurring visions, igniting a rivalry between them.

Howard Pace Art Gallery

Discovering a Troubling Past

Dylan uncovers letters related to Jake Redman, a criminal involved in a famous murder-suicide at Grand Central Station on his and Sarah's birthday. This revelation reveals the intertwined destinies of Dylan and Sarah.

Realization of a Past Life

Dylan starts to believe he is the reincarnation of Jake, with Sarah linked to a tragic figure from that past. He decides that breaking up might prevent an impending disaster on their upcoming birthday.

Forced Together by Fate

Despite their attempts to separate, Dylan and Sarah's flight is canceled, compelling them to travel together by train. They find themselves in a race against time as Dylan tries to protect her from Jonah.

Grand Central Station

Confrontation with Jonas

In a climactic moment, Dylan confronts Jonas, who brandishes a gun. A chaotic sequence mirrors the past events, but this time Dylan intervenes, altering fate's course.

Grand Central Station

New Beginnings

Ultimately, Dylan and Sarah survive the tumultuous confrontation and emerge changed. They embrace their roles as parents, symbolizing their victory over destiny and Dylan's fulfillment of his dream to become a pilot.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring 2:22 (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Dylan Branson (played by Michiel Huisman)

Dylan is an air traffic controller with an extraordinary ability to visualize patterns. His life takes a dark turn when he experiences unsettling premonitions tied to a tragic past. Throughout the film, he exhibits determination and bravery as he navigates the intertwining fates of himself and Sarah, ultimately striving to redefine his destiny.

👨‍✈️ Air Traffic Controller 🕵️‍♂️ Determined 💔 Soul-searching

Sarah (played by Teresa Palmer)

Sarah is an art gallery employee who shares a deep connection with Dylan. She is portrayed as resilient and open, willing to embrace the mysterious ties between their lives. Her experience on the flight tied to the near-collision adds layers to her character, as she navigates her feelings for Dylan and the shadow of her past with Jonas.

🎨 Art Enthusiast 💖 Romantic 🎭 Complex

Jonas (played by Remy Hii)

Jonas, Sarah's ex-boyfriend and a successful artist, embodies the theme of obsession. His character creates tension in the story as he becomes a rival to Dylan. His past relationship with Sarah gives him depth, showcasing the complexity of love and jealousy that fuels the narrative.

🎨 Artist 😠 Obsessive 💔 Rival

Setting

Uncover the settings of 2:22 (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

Present Day, with flashbacks to 30 years ago

The movie unfolds in the present day but draws connections to events that occurred thirty years in the past, specifically a tragic murder-suicide tied to the characters’ destinies. It highlights the significance of time and destiny in shaping relationships, revealing how past events reverberate into the present and influence the characters’ lives.

Location

Grand Central Station, Central Park, Howard Pace Art Gallery

Grand Central Station is a bustling train terminal in New York City known for its iconic architecture and vibrant atmosphere. It serves as a central hub for commuters and travelers alike. Central Park, located nearby, is a sprawling green oasis offering a respite from the city's chaos, famous for its scenic beauty and recreational spaces. The Howard Pace Art Gallery, where Sarah works, is known for showcasing contemporary art and hosting exhibitions that attract art enthusiasts.

🏙️ City 🎨 Art 🌳 Nature

Themes

Explore the core themes of 2:22 (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💔

Love and Fate

The theme of love intertwines deeply with fate throughout the movie. Dylan and Sarah's connection suggests a soulmate-like bond that defies the odds, yet their love is tested by the specter of their past lives. The narrative explores how love can be both redemptive and destructive, pushing characters to confront their destinies.

🔄

Reincarnation and Cycles

Reincarnation and the idea of cyclic events play a crucial role in the storyline. Dylan’s realization that he is a reincarnation of Jake Redman reflects the theme of how past actions can resonate through time. This cycle culminates in the characters’ struggle to break free from their tragic histories and forge new futures.

🕰️

Time and Destiny

Time is portrayed as a powerful force that shapes the characters' lives. The repeated occurrences at 2:22 PM symbolize a pivotal moment where fate challenges Dylan to confront his fears. The film emphasizes the significance of seizing control over one's destiny.

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