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Plot Summary


It is the year A.D. 117, and the Roman garrisons are finding it increasingly difficult to contain the fierce Picts, the Celtic dwellers of the Scottish Highlands. Under their formidable king, Gorlacon, the Picts are honing their guerrilla tactics, methodically dismantling Roman outposts one after another. Centurion Quintus Dias, portrayed by Michael Fassbender, emerges as the lone survivor of a brutal Pictish assault and is subsequently taken captive.

Meanwhile, the Roman governor of Britannia, seeking to curry favor with the central authority in hopes of returning to the luxuries of Rome, dispatches the Ninth Legion under General Titus Flavius Virilus. Accompanying him is a mute Brigantian scout named Etain. As the legion progresses northward, they fortuitously rescue Dias, who has managed to escape. However, betrayal looms as Etain deceives the legion into a trap set by Gorlacon, resulting in a catastrophic defeat for the Romans. Only Dias and six others narrowly avoid death and capture.

Determined to rescue General Virilus, they stealthily venture into the Pictish settlement. However, their attempt to free the general fails, and chaos ensues when one of them inadvertently kills Gorlacon’s young son, igniting further conflict. The subsequent morning, the general is forced to duel Etain, resulting in his demise.

Now, the group decides to take a treacherous detour over the mountains in a bid to return south, while Etain rides out with a Pictish contingent, intent on vengeance for the slain prince. Their paths inevitably cross, culminating in a desperate escape where they must leap off a cliff into a rushing stream. The intense pursuit claims one life to arrows, while others scatter, hunted by ravenous wolves.

Driven by desperation, Dias and his most skilled warrior launch a night raid against the Pictish camp, only to be met with casualties on both sides. Along their journey, they discover refuge with Arianne, a kind-hearted woman living alone in the forest. She offers sanctuary, yet when Etain arrives, a tense standoff ensues as the Romans hide beneath the floorboards. When dawn breaks, they slip away and find an abandoned garrison, discovering an order indicating that Roman troops have retreated back to Hadrian’s Wall.

As they prepare for another confrontation with Etain, they set a trap within the fort. The impending battle culminates in a fierce showdown where Dias triumphs over Etain, emerging from the chaos with one wounded companion. In a twist of fate, they reunite with another fellow soldier—a prior assailant of Gorlacon’s son. However, their return to Hadrian’s Wall is fraught with danger; Dias must contend with a sold-out order from the governor to eliminate all veterans of the Ninth Legion to preserve his record.

In a dramatic turn, Dias learns that the governor’s daughter has been tasked with ensuring his death. Yet, in a display of cunning and resolve, Dias evades this attempt on his life and ultimately seeks solace with Arianne in the safety of the forest once again.

Timeline


Roman Garrison Struggles

In A.D. 117, the Roman garrisons in Britannia face increasing difficulties as the fierce Picts, led by their formidable king Gorlacon, mount a relentless offensive. The Picts utilize guerrilla tactics to systematically dismantle Roman outposts, creating chaos and fear among the ranks of the Roman Empire.

A.D. 117 Scottish Highlands

Quintus Dias Captured

Centurion Quintus Dias, portrayed by Michael Fassbender, becomes the lone survivor of a brutal Pictish assault on a Roman outpost. After the attack, he is captured by the Picts and his fate is left uncertain as the war between the two factions intensifies.

Roman Outpost

The Ninth Legion Is Dispatched

The Roman governor of Britannia, eager to gain favor and return to Rome, dispatches the Ninth Legion under General Titus Flavius Virilus to combat the Picts. Among the legionnaires is a mute Brigantian scout named Etain, whose presence becomes pivotal in the unfolding events.

Dias Rescued

As the legion travels northward, they fortuitously rescue Quintus Dias, who has managed to escape captivity from the Picts. This reunion invigorates the Roman soldiers, yet the threat of betrayal looms as unforeseen dangers lurk around them.

Northern Britannia

The Trap

Etain deceives the Ninth Legion, leading them into a trap set by King Gorlacon. The Romans suffer a catastrophic defeat in this ambush, with many losing their lives; only Dias and six others narrowly avoid capture, highlighting the treachery within their ranks.

Pictish Territory

The Failed Rescue

Determined to free General Virilus, Dias and his companions attempt to infiltrate a Pictish settlement. Their mission quickly turns chaotic when one of them accidentally kills Gorlacon's young son, escalating the conflict and ensuring retaliation from the Pictish king.

Pictish Settlement

Duel for Survival

The morning after the disastrous rescue attempt, General Virilus is forced to duel Etain. The encounter proves fatal for the general, leaving Dias and the remaining soldiers with little hope as they navigate the dangerous terrain fraught with Pictish hunters.

The Treacherous Detour

In a bid to return south, the survivors decide to take a perilous detour over the mountains. Their journey is filled with danger, culminating in a dramatic escape where they leap off a cliff into a raging stream to evade a relentless pursuit by the Picts.

Mountain Pass

Overnight Raid

In a desperate move to regain control, Dias and a skilled warrior conduct a nighttime raid against the Pictish camp. The confrontation results in casualties on both sides, leaving the Roman forces further weakened and at risk of annihilation.

Pictish Camp

Seeking Refuge with Arianne

The weary group finds temporary refuge with a kind-hearted woman named Arianne, who lives alone in the forest. However, their safety is short-lived when Etain tracks them down, leading to a tense standoff as the Romans hide in Arianne’s home.

Forest

Discovering Retreat Orders

After slipping away from Arianne's home at dawn, the group stumbles upon an abandoned Roman garrison. Here, they discover orders indicating that the Roman troops have retreated to Hadrian’s Wall, leaving them feeling increasingly isolated and vulnerable.

Abandoned Garrison

Setting the Trap

As they prepare for another confrontation with Etain, the Romans set a trap within the fort in a bid to regain the upper hand. The tension mounts as they anticipate the next battle, eager to confront their formidable enemy.

Roman Fort

The Final Showdown

The battle culminates in a fierce confrontation where Dias faces off against Etain. Despite the chaos surrounding them, Dias emerges victorious, but the weight of their losses hangs heavily on him as he leaves the battlefield with a wounded companion.

Roman Fort

The Governor's Deceit

Upon their return to Hadrian's Wall, Dias learns of a treacherous order from the governor to eliminate all veterans of the Ninth Legion to protect his reputation. This revelation puts Dias's life at risk and adds another layer of complexity to his already perilous situation.

Hadrian's Wall

Finding Solace

In a dramatic turn of events, Dias discovers that the governor's daughter is tasked with ensuring his death. Utilizing his cunning, Dias evades this assassination attempt and ultimately seeks refuge with Arianne once more, finding a fleeting sense of safety in the forest.

Forest

Characters


Quintus Dias (Michael Fassbender)

Quintus Dias is portrayed as a courageous and determined centurion who becomes the sole survivor of a Pictish ambush. His character evolves from a soldier fighting for survival to a leader rallying his comrades against insurmountable odds. Dias embodies the spirit of resilience and loyalty, willing to risk everything for the sake of his fellow soldiers and to confront the looming threats around him.

🛡️ Roman Soldier 🔥 Resilient

Etain (Olga Kurylenko)

Etain is a mute Brigantian scout whose loyalty is tested as she becomes embroiled in the conflict between the Romans and her Pictish kin. Her character is complex, serving as both an ally and a betrayer, which adds a layer of tension and intrigue to the plot. Despite her silence, her actions speak volumes, and her pursuit of vengeance complicates the narrative of honor and loyalty.

👤 Scout 🔪 Betrayer

Gorlacon (Dominic West)

Gorlacon, the Pictish king, is depicted as a formidable and strategic leader who defends his territory against the Roman onslaught. His character represents the fierce resistance of the Picts and their tactical prowess in guerrilla warfare. Gorlacon's role as both a warrior and a father adds depth to his motivations, especially in light of the tragic events that unfold.

👑 Pictish King ⚔️ Fierce Leader

Setting


Time period

A.D. 117

A.D. 117 was a period marked by the Roman Empire's attempts to consolidate its grip over Britain amidst fierce resistance from native tribes. This era saw significant military engagements, political intrigue, and cultural clashes as the Romans confronted the resilient Pictish warriors. The challenges of governing these distant territories highlight the complexities of Roman expansion and the difficulties in maintaining control over diverse cultures.

Location

Scottish Highlands, Britannia

The Scottish Highlands serve as a rugged and wild backdrop for the film, known for its dramatic landscapes and challenging terrain. This area is steeped in history and legend, often associated with Celtic culture and ancient conflicts. The Roman forts scattered throughout Britannia represent the might and ambition of the Roman Empire as it sought to expand its influence in these untamed lands.

🏞️ Highlands 🏰 Roman Forts

Themes


⚔️

War & Betrayal

The film deeply explores themes of warfare and betrayal, showcasing the brutal realities of conflict between the Romans and the Picts. The narrative reveals how trust can easily be broken in the heat of battle, as seen through the character of Etain, who deceives the Ninth Legion. The cost of war is further acknowledged through the tragedy and loss experienced by both the invaders and the indigenous people.

🌲

Survival

Survival is a prominent theme in 'Centurion,' depicting the relentless struggle of the Roman soldiers as they navigate a hostile environment filled with danger. The characters' resourcefulness and resilience shine as they face overwhelming odds and must rely on both their skills and each other. The wilderness serves both as a refuge and a threat, complicating their journey to safety.

🗡️

Honor & Loyalty

Honor and loyalty play critical roles in shaping the characters' motivations and actions throughout the film. Centurion Quintus Dias embodies the virtues of loyalty to his comrades, which drives him to rescue General Virilus despite the growing peril. The conflict between personal honor and survival ultimately highlights the complexities of loyalty in times of war.

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