Attack the Block

Attack the Block 2011

Directed by

Joe Cornish

Joe Cornish

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Attack the Block (2011). 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.


Walking home on Bonfire Night, Samantha Adams Jodie Whittaker, a 25-year-old trainee nurse, finds herself the victim of a mugging by a group of teenage delinquents led by Moses John Boyega. The gang includes Pest Alex Esmail, Dennis (Franz Drameh), Jerome (Leeon Jones), and Biggz (Simon Howard). Their criminal escapade is abruptly interrupted when a meteorite crashes nearby, providing Samantha with a chance to escape.

Curiosity leads Moses to investigate the wreckage of the car that was struck. In a twist of fate, he encounters a strange, pale creature that emerged from the meteor, causing an injury to his face. As the gang pursues and ultimately kills the creature, they decide to capitalize on their find and seek advice from their acquaintance, cannabis dealer Ron (Nick Frost), who resides at the top of the Wyndham Tower. As the group gathers to form a plan regarding the alien remains, they are unaware that more extraterrestrial objects are plummeting from above.

When larger and more menacing creatures appear—mysterious, gorilla-sized beings that are covered in shiny, pitch-black fur—the gang’s bravado is put to the test. After a chaotic sequence of events leads to Moses being recognized as a criminal by Samantha, the group finds themselves besieged by the very aliens they sought to confront. As they escape, the danger multiplies; police officers encounter the aliens, leading to a shocking sequence where the police are brutally massacred, leaving Samantha and Moses in a precarious situation.

Trying to regroup, the gang makes their way to Wyndham Tower, but finds themselves relentlessly pursued by the fearsome aliens, resulting in more injuries and unexpected losses among their ranks. In a desperate bid for survival, they invade Samantha’s flat seeking sanctuary, where she ends up confronting the threat head-on when an alien barges in. Armed with a samurai sword, Moses becomes their protector. Understanding that they must unite against a common enemy, Samantha chooses to stick with the gang, realizing that together they stand a better chance of survival.

As the aliens continue to assault their hideouts, the gang attempts to reach Ron’s fortified flat. However, they face increasingly deadly confrontations, leading to the deaths of some members. The tension escalates when Moses, now armed with a significant plan of action after Brewis (Luke Treadaway), a zoology student, theorizes about the aliens’ reproductive strategy, decides they must leverage the mating pheromones that the smaller alien left on him.

With a daring plan set in motion, Samantha, untouched by the pheromones, takes a risk to turn on the gas in Moses’ apartment in hopes of thwarting the alien threat once and for all. As chaos ensues, Moses, now weighed down by the dead creature, successfully lures the larger males into the gas-filled flat, igniting a massive explosion that presumably eradicates the threat.

In the aftermath, however, the remaining gang members are apprehended, facing accusations for the destruction and deaths around the block, including the two cops that had earlier detained Moses. Yet, amidst the turmoil, Samantha rises in their defense, acknowledging their bravery and intent to survive. In a bittersweet end, cheers erupt from residents of the block in support of Moses and his crew as they ride away in police custody, hinting at their unexpected heroism amidst a night of terror.

Timeline

Track the key events of Attack the Block (2011) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


The Mugging

On Bonfire Night, Samantha Adams, a 25-year-old trainee nurse, is approached by a gang of teenage delinquents led by Moses. In a sudden act of violence, they mug her, showcasing their reckless behavior and setting a tense tone for the evening.

Night

The Meteorite Strikes

As the mugging unfolds, a meteorite crashes nearby, creating a chaotic diversion. This unexpected event allows Samantha to escape from her assailants, turning the tide of the encounter.

Discovery of the Creature

Intrigued by the meteorite, Moses approaches the wreckage and encounters a strange, pale creature. The creature injures him, marking the beginning of the gang's encounters with extraterrestrial life.

The Gang Kills the Creature

In a display of bravado, the gang decides to capture the creature they have just found. Their antics culminate in the creature's death, leading them to plot how to use this discovery to their advantage.

Seeking Help from Ron

The group heads to visit their cannabis dealer, Ron, located in the Wyndham Tower. They hope to devise a plan regarding the alien remains they possess, unknowingly facing greater threats from above.

Wyndham Tower

Appearance of the Larger Aliens

Just as the gang begins to strategize, larger, gorilla-sized aliens emerge, intensifying the chaos. Their arrival poses a significant threat, forcing the gang to confront their fear and reassess their plans.

Police Encounter Aliens

As the gang tries to escape, the chaos spills over into the streets, where police officers encounter the terrifying aliens. The situation escalates dramatically, resulting in a brutal massacre of the officers.

Regroup at Wyndham Tower

The gang attempts to regroup and make their way back to the Wyndham Tower. In their haste, they suffer injuries and face unexpected losses, showcasing the escalating danger surrounding them.

Wyndham Tower

Seeking Sanctuary at Samantha's Flat

Desperate for a hiding place, the gang invades Samantha's flat, hoping for safety. A sudden confrontation with an alien forces Samantha to take up arms, signaling her full commitment to the group's survival.

Samantha's Flat

Moses Becomes the Protector

With Samantha fending off the threat, Moses grabs a samurai sword and assumes the role of protector for the group. This marks a pivotal moment of solidarity as they unite against the alien menace.

The Daring Plan

Armed with new insights from Brewis, the gang devises a daring plan utilizing the mating pheromones from the smaller alien. This strategy aims to lure the larger aliens away and regain control over their dire situation.

Setting the Gas Trap

In a bold act, Samantha turns on the gas in Moses' apartment as a trap for the aliens. This risky maneuver sets the stage for a climactic confrontation with the overwhelming alien forces.

Moses' Apartment

The Explosive Showdown

As tension builds, Moses successfully lures the aliens into the gas-filled flat, triggering a massive explosion. This pivotal moment presumably wipes out the alien threat and marks a turning point in their fight for survival.

Facing the Consequences

In the aftermath of the chaos, the gang faces serious repercussions as they are apprehended for the destruction and chaos that ensued. The community’s support begins to shift as they recount the bravery displayed during the night.

Bittersweet End

Amidst the turmoil, Samantha comes forward to support Moses and his crew, portraying their actions as heroic. As they are taken away in police custody, the cheers of the block's residents hint at a legacy of unexpected heroism.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Attack the Block (2011) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Moses

Moses is a complex character marked by his tough exterior and deep sense of responsibility for his gang. Initially portrayed as a delinquent, his journey reveals layers of bravery and leadership as he transitions to defending his neighborhood against alien threats. His growth represents the potential for redemption amidst chaos.

🧑‍🎤 Leader🔫 Tough 🚀 Courageous

Samantha Adams

Samantha is a resilient trainee nurse who showcases resourcefulness and bravery when faced with life-threatening situations. Initially a victim, she transforms into a pivotal figure in the fight against the alien threat. Her character embodies hope and the will to protect her community.

👩‍⚕️ Nurse ✊ Strong 🍃 Compassionate

Pest

Pest is the comedic relief within the group, providing levity amidst the chaos. His witty remarks and carefree attitude make him a memorable character, yet he reveals moments of loyalty and bravery when his friends are in danger. Pest's character illustrates the depth of friendship within their gang.

😂 Comedic 🤡 Loyal 🌍 Streetwise

Setting

Uncover the settings of Attack the Block (2011), 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

The events of the movie unfold in contemporary London, capturing the essence of urban life where the community struggles with crime and socio-economic issues. This time period reflects real-world challenges, such as youth delinquency and the fight for survival in an increasingly hostile environment.

Location

Wyndham Tower, the Block

Wyndham Tower is a prominent building located in an urban setting, known for its height and as a hub for local residents. The Block represents a struggling neighborhood filled with vibrant yet troubled youth, making it the backdrop for various events in the movie. This environment enhances the themes of survival and community amidst chaos.

🏢 High-Rise 🌆 Urban

Themes

Explore the core themes of Attack the Block (2011). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🛡️

Survival

At its core, the film explores the theme of survival against overwhelming odds. The characters must confront external threats from the alien invaders while grappling with their internal conflicts. Their journey illustrates how unity and determination can lead to unexpected heroism in the direst of circumstances.

👥

Unity

The narrative emphasizes unity among unlikely allies. Initially divided by criminal backgrounds, the characters band together to confront a common enemy. This theme showcases how circumstances can forge strong bonds even among those who might not typically cooperate.

🌌

Alien Invasion

The presence of extraterrestrial beings introduces a layer of unpredictability and chaos. Their sudden appearance forces the gang to confront not only their own fears but also to rethink their priorities. The invasion acts as a catalyst for change, pushing characters to evolve in the face of danger.

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