Directed by
Doug Liman
Made by
Lionsgate
Discover the intricate plot of Chaos Walking (2021). 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 the year 2257 AD, the inhabitants of the planet New World grapple with the phenomenon known as the Noise, a troubling condition where everyone can perceive and hear each other’s thoughts. The ongoing civil war with the native aliens has led to devastating consequences, resulting in the demise of all the women. Among the survivors are the men of Prentisstown, including Todd Hewitt (Tom Holland), who resides with his adoptive fathers, Ben (Demián Bichir) and Cillian (Kurt Sutter). The community also includes the preacher Aaron (David Oyelowo), the mayor Prentiss (Mads Mikkelsen), and his son Davy (Nick Jonas).
When a spaceship, which had lost contact with the First Colony, approaches New World, a scout ship is dispatched to investigate but meets an unfortunate fate when it crashes. One day, while carrying out his daily tasks, Todd witnesses a thief and pursues him, leading him to the wreckage of the scout ship. Though he attempts to keep this discovery to himself, the thoughts about the crash spread among the other men, who then seek to investigate. When they arrive at the site, they find no survivors and sabotage parts of the wreckage.
In an unexpected turn, Todd encounters Viola (Daisy Ridley), the sole survivor of the crash, and is taken aback by the reality of meeting a girl for the first time. Unfortunately, Prentisstown men capture Viola and take her to the mayor’s residence, where she is interrogated. Prentiss attempts to enlighten her about the Noise and the planet’s history, while Davy is assigned to watch over her. However, Davy frivolously meddles with one of Viola’s gadgets, inadvertently enabling her escape.
In the midst of the chaos, Ben informs Todd of another settlement named Farbranch, suggesting that Viola would be safe there. As Viola makes her escape on a motorcycle, Todd pursues her on horseback. The men of Prentisstown, believing Viola to be a spy, arrive on the scene demanding her return. Tensions escalate dramatically when Davy kills Cillian, prompting Ben to reluctantly align with the men against Todd and Viola.
Todd finally catches up to Viola, and together, they embark on a treacherous journey to Farbranch, accompanied by Todd’s loyal dog, Manchee. During their time on the road, Viola divulges that she was aboard a Colony Ship with over 4,000 passengers and suffered the anguish of losing her parents during transit to New World. Todd shares his own sorrow, revealing that he has never known his biological parents.
Their adventure takes a perilous turn when they confront one of the indigenous aliens. Todd instinctively prepares to attack, but Viola intervenes, recognizing that it does not pose a threat. Upon reaching Farbranch, they are greeted with suspicion by its residents because of Todd’s roots in Prentisstown. Todd soon discovers his mother’s diary but struggles to understand it. Viola kindly reads it aloud, revealing a shocking truth: the women were not killed by the native aliens, as Prentiss had spun, but were victims of his own men, igniting a sense of betrayal within Todd.
The tension escalates as Prentiss and his men return, demanding Viola once more. Despite Ben urging Todd to surrender her, Todd’s anger towards the lies blinds him. Instead, Ben cleverly distracts Prentiss using Viola’s image, creating a window for escape. However, they face relentless pursuit, leading to a tragic moment when Aaron fatally injures Manchee.
The following day, Todd and Viola find themselves at the remains of the first colony ship, hoping to send a signal back. Unfortunately, when Prentiss catches up, Todd chooses to surrender himself to save Ben. As Aaron advances to harm Viola, she bravely defends herself, using one of her gadgets to defeat him. In the ensuing chaos, Prentiss shoots Ben, and as Todd witnesses this betrayal, he secretly hands Ben a knife, preparing for the inevitable confrontation.
Amidst an intense showdown, Todd employs the power of illusions, conjuring images of his mother and all the women who lost their lives. He accuses Prentiss of cowardice, leading to a climactic clash where Viola makes a daring move against Prentiss, seemingly sending him to his doom. The arrival of the Colony Ship in the sky signifies a turning point, forcing Davy and the remaining residents of Prentisstown to flee.
When Todd awakens aboard the Colony Ship’s medical facility, fully recuperated, he and Viola step out, ready to face a new beginning alongside the other colonists.
Track the key events of Chaos Walking (2021) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Introduction to New World
In the year 2257 AD, the planet New World is plagued by the phenomenon known as 'the Noise', where everyone can hear each other's thoughts. This unsettling condition has its roots in a civil war with the native aliens, leading to devastating consequences, including the loss of all the women.
Life in Prentisstown
Todd Hewitt lives in Prentisstown with his adoptive fathers, Ben and Cillian. The town is ruled by men, including the preacher Aaron and the mayor Prentiss, who seeks to maintain control over the community amidst the ongoing chaos of the world around them.
Scout Ship Crash
A scout ship, sent to investigate a lost First Colony contact, tragically crashes on New World. This event sets off a chain reaction of curiosity and fear among the men of Prentisstown, who are eager to uncover its secrets.
Todd's Discovery
While going about his daily tasks, Todd witnesses a thief and follows him to the scout ship wreckage. He finds no survivors but keeps the discovery to himself initially, hoping to avoid the attention of the other men.
Encounter with Viola
Todd encounters Viola, the sole survivor of the scout ship crash, and is shocked to meet a girl for the first time. However, Todd's moment of intrigue quickly turns to worry as Prentisstown men capture Viola and take her for interrogation.
Viola's Escape
During her interrogation, Davy accidentally enables Viola's escape. She seizes the opportunity and manages to flee on a motorcycle, setting off a desperate chase as Todd pursues her on horseback.
Conflict in the Pursuit
As Todd and Viola escape, the men of Prentisstown, believing Viola to be a spy, confront them. Tensions escalate, resulting in a tragic confrontation where Davy kills Cillian, driving a wedge between Todd and the men of Prentisstown.
Journey to Farbranch
Todd and Viola begin their treacherous journey to another settlement called Farbranch, accompanied by Todd's loyal dog, Manchee. Along the way, they bond over their painful pasts, including Viola's loss of her parents.
Confrontation with Local Aliens
During their journey, Todd and Viola confront one of the indigenous aliens. Todd is ready to attack, but Viola recognizes it poses no threat, showcasing the tension and unification in their growing relationship.
Arrival at Farbranch
Upon reaching Farbranch, Todd and Viola face suspicion from the locals due to Todd's Prentisstown heritage. Todd learns about the real history of the women killed and grapples with the betrayal of Prentiss and his men.
Prentiss's Demands
Prentiss and his men return, demanding the capture of Viola once again. Despite Ben's advice for Todd to surrender her, Todd's anger and desperation to uncover the truth lead him to resist.
Tragic Loss
As the situation escalates, Ben devises a clever distraction involving Viola, but tragedy strikes when Aaron fatally injures Manchee. This event deeply affects Todd and intensifies his resolve to fight back.
The Signal of Hope
Todd and Viola find the remains of the first colony ship, hoping to send a message for help. As they attempt this, Prentiss catches up, leading Todd to surrender to protect Ben.
Showdown with Prentiss
In a climactic confrontation, Todd uses the power of illusions to confront Prentiss about his cowardice. The battle escalates as Viola takes action against Prentiss, culminating in a life-altering moment.
New Beginnings
After the conflict, Todd awakens aboard the Colony Ship's medical facility. With a new beginning on the horizon, he steps out with Viola, ready to face an uncertain future alongside the other colonists.
Meet the characters that bring Chaos Walking (2021) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Todd Hewitt (Tom Holland)
Todd is a young man struggling to navigate a world plagued by the Noise and the absence of women. He embodies innocence, yearning for connection outside his tumultuous environment. Balancing loyalty to his community and emerging feelings for Viola, Todd showcases growth as he uncovers truths that challenge his perceptions of trust and authority.
Viola (Daisy Ridley)
Viola is a strong-willed survivor who brings light to Todd's life in a brutal world. As the only woman he encounters, her presence challenges the norms he knows. Intelligent and resourceful, she balances vulnerability with strength, ultimately fostering Todd’s growth while confronting significant dangers alongside him.
Mayor Prentiss (Mads Mikkelsen)
Mayor Prentiss is a manipulative and authoritative figure who embodies the darker aspects of leadership. His deceptive nature drives the conflict as he seeks to control the narrative surrounding the Noise and the women’s deaths. His actions reflect the theme of betrayal, as his political ambitions clash with the safety of his community.
Ben (Demián Bichir)
Ben serves as a father figure to Todd, embodying both nurturing and protective instincts. He represents the struggle of adults in a world ravaged by violence, often torn between duty and the need to protect the younger generation. His character arc underlines themes of loyalty and betrayal, especially in the face of Prentiss's manipulative politics.
Uncover the settings of Chaos Walking (2021), 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
2257 AD
The year 2257 AD is a future setting characterized by advanced technology and the colonization of new worlds. It reflects a time of conflict and societal struggle as humanity grapples with the repercussions of the Noise and the aftermath of a brutal civil war against native aliens. This period is defined by survival, betrayal, and the quest for truth in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Location
New World, Prentisstown, Farbranch
New World is a distant planet in the year 2257 AD where the inhabitants face the challenge of 'the Noise', a phenomenon that allows everyone to hear each other's thoughts. Prentisstown is a settlement marked by its harsh realities, where a civil war has decimated its population and left the community in turmoil. In contrast, Farbranch is another settlement that represents safety and a potential refuge for the main characters amidst the chaos.
Explore the core themes of Chaos Walking (2021). 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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Betrayal
Betrayal is a central theme in 'Chaos Walking', particularly highlighted by the actions of Mayor Prentiss and the shocking reality of the women's deaths, which were falsely attributed to the aliens. Todd's journey uncovers layers of deception, leading him to confront the betrayal not just from the Mayor but also from those he trusted, challenging his sense of identity and loyalty.
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Communication
The Noise introduces a unique form of communication where thoughts are laid bare, impacting relationships profoundly. This theme navigates the complexities of understanding and misinterpretation among characters, particularly between Todd and Viola. Their bond grows amidst chaos, highlighting the significance of genuine connection in an environment where privacy is obliterated.
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Loyalty
Loyalty is vividly portrayed through Todd's unwavering bond with his dog, Manchee, and his commitment to Viola. Their journey stresses the importance of standing by loved ones in desperate times. This theme emphasizes that loyalty can inspire bravery and sacrifice, propelling characters into difficult choices that shape their destinies.
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