Bright 2017
Directed by
David Ayer
Made by
Netflix
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Bright (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.
In a fascinating alternate reality of Los Angeles, where humans share their lives with orcs, elves, and fairies, we follow Officer Daryl Ward (Will Smith) as he navigates the complexities of his job alongside his partner, Nick Jakoby (Joel Edgerton), the first orc cop in existence. The story kicks off with a tense moment when Jakoby is ambushed while grabbing a burrito, leading to Ward being shot by an orc gangster.
After a period of recovery, Ward is determined to return to the force, despite the strains it places on his home life with his wife Sherri (Dawn Olivieri) and their daughter Sophia. The family is grappling with their own fears, particularly Sophia, who is terrified of losing her father to the dangerous life of a police officer. Their conversations reveal a growing tension as they watch a controversial interview about Jakoby, which highlights the fraught relationship between humans and orcs. Ward resents Jakoby, blaming him for the incident that nearly cost him his life.
When faced with the peculiar challenge of dealing with a misbehaving fairy, Ward’s violent resolution sets a grim tone for the kind of night ahead. He and Jakoby are patrolling the streets when they come across a situation involving a man named Serling, who appears erratic and violent. This leads to a prophecy being revealed, hinting that something greater is at stake: an organization known as the Shield of Light believes Ward is fated for more than he realizes.
Meanwhile, corrupt elements within the police force, including Pollard (Ike Barinholtz) and his partners, scheme against Jakoby, further complicating Ward’s life. A search for two elf sisters: Leilah (Noomi Rapace) and Tikka (Lucy Fry), becomes paramount, revealing that Leilah harbors dark ambitions to resurrect an ancient evil. During a tense night patrol, gunfire erupts, and as the story unfolds, Ward and Jakoby are forced to confront not only the dangers of their world but also the prejudices that lie within them.
As they unearth the secrets swirling around them, Ward’s loyalty is tested in climactic encounters with gangsters, who threaten their lives for the coveted wand associated with the elves’ dark plans. The path takes a shocking turn when Jakoby is critically wounded, only to be resurrected by Tikka utilizing the wand. This act transforms Jakoby into a significant figure among the orcs, as they rally behind him, believing he might be the destined hero foretold in the prophecy.
Tikka, grappling with her own challenges, eventually confides that she stole the wand from Leilah to prevent the resurrection of the Dark Lord, therefore raising the stakes higher. In a thrilling climax, a confrontation at the Abrams house leads to explosive action as Ward discovers his own latent potential as a “Bright”, meaning he can wield the wand without catastrophic consequences. In a pivotal moment, he defeats Leilah with the magical artifact, but the battle takes a toll on Tikka.
As the dust settles, Ward and Jakoby find themselves embroiled in the aftermath, their bravery challenged by the corrupt forces within their own ranks. The narrative wraps up with a poignant reunion with their families and the realization that despite the chaos, they share an unbreakable bond, as they witness Tikka among the crowd, giving hope that their fight has not gone unnoticed. The story encapsulates themes of loyalty, courage, and the struggle against prejudice, ultimately illustrating that in a world divided by species, understanding and trust can prevail in the most drastic of circumstances.
Timeline
Track the key events of Bright (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Ambush at the Burrito Stand
Officer Nick Jakoby is unexpectedly ambushed while picking up food, setting off a chain of events that will forever change his and Daryl Ward's lives. In the melee, Daryl is shot by an orc gangster, marking the beginning of their tumultuous journey.
Ward's Recovery
Following the gunshot incident, Daryl Ward goes through a period of recovery that strains his family relationships. His wife Sherri and daughter Sophia struggle with their fears, particularly the fear of losing Daryl to his dangerous job as a police officer.
Rising Tensions at Home
As Daryl prepares to return to work, tensions rise within his family regarding his safety. A controversial interview showcases the troubled relationship between humans and orcs, deepening Ward's resentment towards Jakoby, whom he blames for the attack.
Encounters with the Fairy
During a routine patrol, Daryl and Jakoby deal with a mischievous fairy, where Daryl resorts to violence as a way to gain control. This encounter foreshadows the chaotic night that lies ahead for the duo, emphasizing the challenges of their partnership.
Meeting Serling
While patrolling the streets, Ward and Jakoby encounter Serling, a man exhibiting erratic and violent behavior. This pivotal moment reveals deeper mysteries and introduces a prophecy that suggests Ward’s fate is intertwined with significant events to come.
Corruption in the Ranks
The pair faces additional challenges as corrupt police officers led by Pollard plot against Jakoby. This internal conflict amplifies the tensions for Daryl, who is trying to balance his duties with loyalty towards his partner amid brewing conspiracies.
Search for the Elf Sisters
A critical search ensues for two elf sisters, Leilah and Tikka. As they search, it becomes clear that Leilah has sinister intentions to resurrect a dark force from the past, intensifying the urgency of their mission.
Gunfire Erupts
During a tense night patrol, gunfire breaks out, leading to a cascade of violent encounters with gangsters. This incident forces Ward and Jakoby to confront not just physical dangers, but also their own prejudices and fears about their world's complex dynamics.
Jakoby's Resurrection
In a dramatic turn of events, Jakoby sustains critical injuries, and Tikka uses the magical wand to revive him. This act significantly boosts Jakoby's status among the orc community, igniting hope that he may fulfill the prophecy surrounding their kind.
Tikka's Confession
Tikka reveals that she stole the wand from Leilah to prevent the resurrection of the Dark Lord. This revelation escalates the stakes, highlighting the weight of choices made in a world fraught with conflict and danger.
Climactic Showdown at Abrams House
A critical confrontation takes place at the Abrams house, where Daryl discovers his own latent abilities as a 'Bright'. Utilizing the wand, he engages in a life-and-death struggle against Leilah, ultimately emerging victorious but not without sacrifices.
Aftermath of the Battle
Once the battle concludes and the dust settles, Ward and Jakoby are left to confront the aftermath of their tumultuous night. Despite their victories, they must now navigate the lingering threats posed by corrupt elements within their own police force.
Reunion with Families
In a heartwarming conclusion, Daryl and Jakoby are reunited with their families, reflecting on the bonds that have strengthened through adversity. They come to terms with their experiences, realizing that their loyalty and courage brought them through the darkest times.
A New Hope
As the story wraps up, Ward and Jakoby witness Tikka within a crowd, symbolizing a new hope amidst the chaos. This moment cements the themes of understanding and trust, highlighting the possibility of unity in a polarized world.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Bright (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Daryl Ward
Officer Daryl Ward is a steadfast and determined cop who grapples with the realities of a divided world. After being injured in the line of duty, he faces personal and professional challenges, feeling the strain of both his job and family life. Throughout the narrative, his journey reflects a growth in understanding and acceptance of his partner's identity.
Nick Jakoby
Nick Jakoby is the first orc police officer, embodying both the strength and struggles faced by marginalized groups. His character is marked by his resilience and an earnest desire to prove himself despite the prejudice he faces. The bond he shares with Ward evolves into a symbol of unity against prejudice as they tackle their dynamic challenges together.
Sherri Ward
Sherri Ward, Daryl's wife, is depicted as caring yet deeply concerned about the dangers that accompany her husband's role as a police officer. Her character adds emotional depth to Daryl's story, showcasing the personal sacrifices families often make as they navigate lives intertwined with risk and peril.
Tikka
Tikka, an elf, plays a pivotal role in the plot with her challenge of morally complex choices. Her inner conflict regarding the wand she stole illustrates themes of sacrifice and heroism, as she works to protect others from a potential resurrection of evil, helping to highlight the greater stakes of the narrative.
Leilah
Leilah is a dark, ambitious elf driven by her desire to resurrect an ancient evil. Her character serves as an antagonist, representing the chaos and danger inherent in the world of Bright. Through her actions, she ignites the conflict that challenges both Ward and Jakoby to rise against insurmountable odds.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Bright (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
The story unfolds in a contemporary setting, albeit in a fantastical alternate reality where magical creatures interact with human society. Tensions arise from both personal and societal challenges, illustrating a world grappling with issues of acceptance and prejudice amidst a backdrop of supernatural elements.
Location
Los Angeles, Abrams house
The movie takes place in an alternate reality of Los Angeles, a vibrant city known for its diverse population and rich tapestry of cultures, where humans co-exist uneasily with fantastical beings like orcs, elves, and fairies. Key locations such as the Abrams house serve as significant battlegrounds for the unfolding drama, symbolizing both conflict and resolution.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Bright (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Loyalty
Loyalty is a core theme as Officer Daryl Ward navigates his complex relationship with his partner Nick Jakoby, the first orc cop in existence. Despite initial resentment, their bond transforms through shared challenges, highlighting the strength found in unity and understanding in a divided world.
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Courage
Courage is epitomized in Ward's determination to return to duty after being shot, as he confronts not only external criminal threats but also internalized prejudices. The narrative challenges characters to embrace bravery in the face of danger and injustice, illustrating that true strength often arises from vulnerability.
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Prejudice
The theme of prejudice runs deeply through the interactions between humans and magical beings, notably seen in the strained dynamics between Ward and Jakoby. As the story progresses, characters are forced to confront their biases, ultimately revealing the potential for empathy and connection across divides.
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