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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Abominable (2019). 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 cinematic adventure kicks off in the lively streets of China, where the operations of Burnish Industries set the stage for an extraordinary escape. A mysterious yeti (Joseph Izzo), previously imprisoned within the facility, breaks free and embarks on a daring journey through the complex. Hot on its trail are Dr. Zara (Sarah Paulson) and a mercenary captain (Rich Dietl), but the elusive creature evades capture, bursting into the vibrant city beyond. As it navigates through this unfamiliar environment, the yeti’s extraordinary powers begin to awaken, revealing a series of remarkable feats.

In a quieter part of the city, 16-year-old Yi (Chloe Bennet) grapples with the grief of her father’s passing. Living with her increasingly distant mother (Michelle Wong) and Nai Nai (Tsai Chin), Yi yearns for connection and often reflects on her cherished memories. She takes various odd jobs to save for a long-desired trip across China that she had hoped to share with her dad.

Meanwhile, her childhood friend Jin (Tenzing Norgay Trainor) is preoccupied with social escapades, while his cousin Peng (Albert Tsai) feels the pangs of loneliness. Yi clings to her connection with her father by playing his violin to soothe herself. One fateful evening, as she plays a heartfelt tune on her rooftop, her peace is shattered by the whirring of helicopters searching for the yeti. In a twist of fate, she slips and her bow lands near the frightened creature.

Initially terrified, Yi’s fear morphs into compassion as she approaches the yeti, realizing it means no harm. The next day, armed with Nai Nai’s famous pork buns, she feeds the yeti, who devours them greedily. Recognizing its longing for the mountains, she decides to name it Everest and commits to healing its wounds.

As Zara and her team ramp up their search for Everest, Yi grapples with her new responsibilities while digging into the darker motives behind Mr. Burnish’s (Eddie Izzard) relentless pursuit of the yeti. With these intertwined narratives, the stage is set for a thrilling adventure where Yi and Everest unite in their quest for belonging and connection in an ever-evolving world.

As dusk falls, Yi’s violin melodies coax Everest out of hiding, his magical essence rejuvenating a wilting flower. Unbeknownst to them, Jin and Peng are closely monitoring their every move, mistakenly believing Everest is swallowing Yi whole. The mercenaries led by Zara and Burnish overhear their conversation and quickly converge on the scene. Just in the nick of time, Yi and Everest evade capture, making their escape to the docks, where Everest boards a ship destined for his homeland. Yi, feeling his anxiety, chooses to accompany him, while Jin and Peng hesitantly follow, fabricating a story about a college tour in Beijing.

The journey continues aboard a cargo truck, where Yi, Everest, and Peng find themselves crammed in a crate of sodas. When the truck breaks down, they tumble into the rugged terrain of an island, leading them to the base of a glorious mountain that Everest longs to reach.

While hiking, Jin’s stomach grumbles loudly, which Everest addresses by producing an impressive array of succulent blueberries. However, the berries grow to immense proportions, causing chaos as they flee. Clearly exhausted, they choose to rest for the night, during which Yi observes the budding friendship between Peng and Everest, a reminder that even in isolation, companionship can blossom unexpectedly.

Meanwhile, the relentless Burnish, Zara, and their mercenaries find clues strewn across the island, their pursuit guided by a trail of soda cans. In the midst of their search, Burnish experiences an unexpected moment of awe, appreciating the natural beauty that surrounds them, momentarily setting aside his corporate ambitions.

As Yi, Peng, and Everest continue their treacherous journey, they draw the attention of surveillance drones sent by the merciless Burnish. In a daring act of bravery, Everest summons a giant dandelion to lift them away from danger, although Jin mistakenly chooses to meet up with friends in a nearby village. Alone, Jin is captured by Burnish’s team at their campsite.

As the trio finds refuge in a desert, they inadvertently leave food for a family of turtles. Yi begins to blame herself for their predicament but draws inspiration from fish swimming against the current and decides that they must persist just as the fish do.

Consumed by anxiety, Jin ventures out under the starlit sky and overhears Zara abandon her British accent, revealing her true intentions to exploit Everest for profit. Jin tries to steal a motorcycle, but his plans crash down, forcing him to walk through perilous terrain until he trades a phone for a boat.

Meanwhile, Yi and Peng navigate past crowds to sneak Everest onto a train. Burnish and his mercenaries, however, are hot on their tail. Just in time, Jin arrives to whisk Yi away on a boat, while Peng creates a diversion that causes a herd of yaks to stampede. Eventually, they all reunite, but they remain chased by Burnish’s men, who are desperate to capture Everest.

In this thrilling pursuit, Everest’s unique abilities become crucial, allowing him to extract the boat’s engine and magically summon a wave of flowers that provide their escape. The group crashes onto an uncharted island, but Yi’s violin is destroyed in the process. Seeking comfort, she journeys into the dense forest with Jin not far behind. Their conversation unveils their inner struggles, particularly Yi’s unaddressed grief over her father’s death.

On returning to Peng and Everest, they are pleasantly surprised to find that the duo has been working on restoring Yi’s violin using Everest’s magical fur as strings. Reflecting on moments of joy shared with her father, Yi realizes their incredible journey resonates with the destinations they once dreamed of visiting together. Yet, one location continues to beckon with an air of mystery.

Upon reaching the towering Sichuan Buddha statue, Yi’s heart ignites with emotion as she plays her violin, channeling her father’s spirit. The music stirs the statue to life, blanketing it in radiant blossoms.

However, their adventure takes a sinister turn when a group of mercenaries confronts them on a shaky bridge. Everest, fiercely protective, uses his powers to shield the group. Yet Burnish, confronted with memories of his first encounter with a mother yeti, pleads for a peaceful solution with Zara. She, however, has sinister intentions, ordering the capture of Everest, which leads to chaotic confrontations and eventual tumbling into the depths below.

As Yi desperately clings to life on the bridge, she draws upon her strength to rejoin her friends, reclaiming her violin as their hope. The sweet music seems to revive Everest, who emerges as a force to be reckoned with, scattering the mercenaries and freeing his friends from peril.

Though their victory is hard-won, Zara and the Captain plot once more, leading to a catastrophic avalanche that seals their fate. Meanwhile, Everest’s powers blossom further as he conjures ethereal beings to guide them to his home, where a welcoming family of yetis awaits.

In a bittersweet farewell, Yi parts from her friend, knowing their adventure has shaped them profoundly. Back in the human world, Burnish returns the children to their families, where they’ll be embraced with warmth. Their reunion is soon complemented by a mysterious package from Burnish that hints at further escapades. As they gather to savor Nai Nai’s renowned pork buns, Peng’s passion for the dish serves as a delightful reminder of Everest, whose spirit lingers as a testament to the magic waiting to be discovered right outside their doors.

Timeline

Track the key events of Abominable (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Escape from Burnish Industries

The adventure begins in the bustling streets of China, where the operations of Burnish Industries take place. A mysterious yeti, previously imprisoned, breaks free and escapes into the vibrant city, evading capture from Dr. Zara and a mercenary captain.

Burnish Industries, China

Yi's Grief and Aspirations

In a quieter part of the city, 16-year-old Yi struggles with the grief of losing her father. She reflects on cherished memories while helping her family and dreams of a trip across China that she hoped to share with her dad.

Yi's home, China

A Fateful Encounter

While playing her violin on the rooftop, Yi is startled by helicopters searching for the yeti. Accidentally, her bow lands near the frightened creature, initially filling her with fear that soon turns to compassion as she approaches it.

Rooftop, China

Meeting Everest

The next day, Yi, armed with her Nai Nai's famous pork buns, feeds the yeti, whom she names Everest. She senses his desire to return to the mountains and decides to help heal his wounds instead of turning him in.

Dr. Zara Intensifies the Hunt

As Dr. Zara and her team ramp up their search for Everest, Yi takes on new responsibilities. She also begins to investigate the darker intentions behind Mr. Burnish's desperate pursuit of the yeti, stirring up tension.

China

The Great Escape

As dusk falls, Yi's violin tunes coax Everest out of hiding, accidentally allowing them a moment of tranquility. However, mercenaries are hot on their trail, and just in time, Yi and Everest escape to the docks and find a ship heading for his homeland.

Docks, China

Journey by Cargo Truck

After fleeing on a ship, Yi, Everest, and Peng transition to a cargo truck, where they find themselves inside a crate of sodas. The truck breaks down, leaving them tumbling into rugged terrain on a mysterious island.

Island, China

Chaos with Blueberries

While hiking, Jin's hunger prompts Everest to conjure enormous blueberries for him. The giant berries cause chaos, forcing them to flee, showcasing the unpredictable magic of Everest.

Mysterious Island, China

Surveillance and Capture

Unbeknownst to the group, Burnish's surveillance drones track their every move. Jin inadvertently gets captured while trying to reunite with the others, showcasing the ever-present danger surrounding them.

Island Campsite, China

The Emotional Reflection

Yi, feeling guilt for their dangerous situation, draws inspiration from the fish swimming against the current. This moment of introspection strengthens her resolve to help Everest and her friends escape.

Desert, Island

Yi and Jin's Starlit Revelation

After a night spent under the stars, Jin overhears Zara revealing her true motives to exploit Everest for profit. This profound discovery prompts Jin to take matters into his own hands as he attempts a daring escape.

Campsite, Island

Escape via Train

A chaotic chase leads Yi, Peng, and Everest onto a train as they try to evade Burnish's men. Jin arrives just in time to whisk Yi away via boat, while Peng distracts their pursuers, highlighting teamwork in their journey.

Train Station, China

Climactic Confrontation

Upon reaching the Sichuan Buddha statue, Yi plays her violin, invoking her father's spirit. But they are confronted by mercenaries on a shaky bridge, leading to a struggle where Everest protects his friends.

Sichuan Buddha, China

The Avalanche and Farewell

After a tense battle, an avalanche strikes, but Everest summons mystical helpers to guide them safely home. The bittersweet farewell emphasizes the growth Victor and Yi have experienced together through their adventure.

Mountain, China

A Return to Normalcy

Back in the human world, Burnish returns Yi, Jin, and Peng to their families. A mysterious package from Burnish hints at future adventures, and the comforting taste of Nai Nai's pork buns serves as a reminder of their bond with Everest.

Yi's home, China

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Abominable (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Yi

Yi is a resilient 16-year-old girl navigating the challenges of grief after losing her father. She demonstrates immense compassion, courage, and determination as she bonds with Everest, finding strength to process her emotions and fulfill her dreams.

👩‍🦰 Young Adult 🌟 Protagonist

Everest

Everest is a mysterious yeti with extraordinary powers, embodying innocence and a longing for home. His journey with Yi helps him rediscover his strength while simultaneously allowing Yi to heal and embrace her identity despite her losses.

🐉 Magical Creature 🌍 Companion

Dr. Zara

Dr. Zara is a determined antagonist who represents corporate greed and exploitation. Her relentless pursuit of Everest poses a formidable challenge for Yi and her friends, contrasting their quest for connection and adventure.

👩‍⚕️ Antagonist 🎭 Villain

Peng

Peng is Yi's young cousin, who battles loneliness but embodies a playful and loyal spirit. His budding friendship with Everest showcases the importance of companionship, presenting an endearing angle to their adventure.

👦 Child 👫 Supporting Character

Jin

Jin is Yi's childhood friend, torn between social expectations and his underlying loyalty to Yi. His character growth throughout the adventure emphasizes the challenges of navigating friendships during the adolescent years.

👨‍🦱 Teen 👫 Friend

Setting

Uncover the settings of Abominable (2019), 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

The film occurs in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern-day life in China. The narrative highlights themes of grief, connection, and adventure, resonating with the experiences of young people navigating their emotions in today's world.

Location

China, Sichuan

The movie takes place in the vibrant streets of China, showcasing the lively atmosphere of its cities filled with culture and history. Notably, the journey leads the characters to the stunning Sichuan Buddha statue, a majestic site that evokes deep emotions and a sense of wonder.

🏙️ City 🗿 Buddha

Themes

Explore the core themes of Abominable (2019). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💔

Grief

Grief is a central theme as Yi copes with the loss of her father, feeling disconnected from her family. The journey with Everest helps her process her emotions and find healing while cherishing memories that connect her to her past.

🌄

Adventure

The adventure theme is prominent throughout the film as Yi, Everest, Jin, and Peng embark on a thrilling journey across China. Their escapades highlight the beauty of friendship, bravery, and the quest for belonging in a world filled with challenges.

🦄

Magic

Magic intertwines with reality, especially through Everest's magical abilities that reveal a connection between the natural world and the characters' inner struggles. These magical moments serve to enhance the bond between Yi and Everest as they explore themes of companionship and hope.

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