Directed by
Jason Lei Howden
Made by
Saban Films
Discover the intricate plot of Guns Akimbo (2020). 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 dystopian near-future, an underground phenomenon known as Skizm has captured the world’s attention by broadcasting horrific death matches featuring dangerous criminals live. The story revolves around Miles Lee Harris, an unremarkable computer programmer who takes a stand against the brutality by posting sharp critiques on Skizm’s online forum. His bold actions soon draw the wrath of Riktor, the malevolent architect behind Skizm, who arrives at Miles’ apartment with his cruel entourage—Dane, Effie, and Fuckface. Following a severe beating and drugging, Miles awakens to a horrifying transformation: his hands are now deadly weapons, equipped with guns. He is coerced into joining the terrifying games, where he faces off against Nix, a merciless killer who has become disillusioned with Riktor’s ruthless orders.
As the chilling chase unfolds, Nix relentlessly hunts Miles down. In a desperate attempt to reason with her, he finds himself cornered while she unleashes a barrage of bullets at his apartment. With the authorities seemingly ineffectual, Miles reaches out to his estranged ex-girlfriend Nova Alexander for assistance, only to be met with reluctance due to her fear of becoming entangled in Skizm’s perilous world. Perilously aware of the threat to his life, he turns to Detective Degraves, who orders his partner Stanton to track Miles through Nova’s phone.
In his quest for survival, Miles receives unexpected help from a crafty vagrant named Glenjamin before seeking support from his office colleague Hadley to eliminate Skizm’s tracking malware from his phone. As the tension escalates, Miles faces the grim realities of his circumstances, leading to an eye-opening moment when he confronts his condescending boss Zander, who suffers a fatal blow at the hands of Nix. With determination, Miles seizes the chance to make a daring escape in a stolen vehicle, pursued fervently by Nix on her motorcycle, sparking a series of intense confrontations that push him to his limits.
Navigating through rising stakes, Miles unexpectedly stumbles into a chaotic drug deal where Nix surprisingly becomes an ally in his fight for survival. In a shocking twist, he finds himself forced to kill a merciless gang leader who has been pursuing him. As the twisted games of Skizm tighten around him, Miles must cleverly maneuver through a treacherous landscape to outsmart both Riktor and Nix before time runs out.
As Miles is transported in a police van, Detective Degraves and Stanton unfold a cunning plan to use him as bait to capture Nix, who has evaded the law for years. Before revealing their strategy, Degraves unveils a staggering truth: Nix is his estranged daughter, driven to madness by Riktor’s ruthless revenge after he dismantled his gang and annihilated his family. The pain of this loss is apparent in Degraves’ eyes when Stanton coldly shoots him, revealing himself as a traitor working with Riktor.
Stanton then reveals Riktor’s chilling ultimatum to Miles: eliminate Nix within thirty minutes or witness Nova’s death. Confronted with this impossible decision, Miles manages to recover his phone from Degraves’ body and begins to uncover secrets about Nova’s whereabouts. Simultaneously, his gaming persona, known as “Guns Akimbo,” garners him legendary status among the Skizm fans due to his astonishing prowess.
Upon arriving at what he believes to be Nova’s location, he finds himself face-to-face with Riktor, who taunts him by discarding Hadley’s lifeless body at his feet. The plot thickens when Miles covertly meets Nix and reveals the devastating truth surrounding her father’s murder and Nova’s kidnapping. Fueled by rage and a thirst for vengeance, Nix agrees to team up with Miles, staging an audacious act for Skizm’s broadcast drones. During this meticulously crafted plan, she makes it look as if she has killed Miles, but unbeknownst to all, he is safeguarded by a bulletproof vest.
As the Skizm audience mourns his “death,” Miles and Nix devise a strategy to infiltrate Riktor’s hideout and take down his formidable henchmen, including Dane and Effie. In a gripping climax, Nix selflessly sacrifices herself by detonating a vest, clearing a pathway for Miles to achieve victory. Standing amidst the debris, he now confronts Riktor, who is insistent on eliminating him. After an exhausting battle, Miles manages to kill Riktor but learns that Skizm has expanded globally and evolved into a massive franchise.
As he collapses from excessive blood loss, visions of reuniting with Nova fill his mind. Yet, upon awakening, he finds Nova cringing in terror amidst the horrifying aftermath unfolding around them. In the wake of recovering from his harrowing experiences, Miles finds comfort in his vehicle and stumbles upon a vintage folder revealing a graphic novel written by the intriguing Nova. This narrative intricately transforms their unimaginable journey into an action-packed comic series, evoking mixed emotions within Miles. Amid pride for being portrayed in literature, he feels an unwavering resolve to obliterate the remnants of Skizm, now under new leadership and spreading its darkness worldwide. With a newfound sense of purpose, Miles is determined to channel every ounce of strength into dismantling the criminal empire that has haunted him, driven by a fierce desire for justice and atonement for past transgressions.
Track the key events of Guns Akimbo (2020) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Introduction to Skizm
In a dystopian near-future, the underground phenomenon known as Skizm emerges, captivating audiences worldwide. This chilling show broadcasts brutal death matches wherein dangerous criminals are pitted against each other, raising concerns about morality and entertainment.
Miles Takes a Stand
Miles Lee Harris, an unremarkable computer programmer, begins to speak out against the brutality of Skizm on an online forum. His incisive critiques grab the attention of many, showcasing his bravery in the face of a violent spectacle.
Riktor's Retaliation
Riktor, the malevolent creator of Skizm, retaliates against Miles for his outspoken criticism. He arrives at Miles' apartment with his cruel entourage, leading to a violent confrontation that leaves Miles beaten and drugged.
Transformation into a Weapon
After being assaulted, Miles awakens to a horrifying reality: his hands are now deadly weapons, fitted with guns. This transformation forces him into the brutal games of Skizm, dramatically elevating the stakes.
The Hunt Begins
Miles is forced to face Nix, a feared killer with her own vendetta against Riktor. As Nix relentlessly hunts him, he realizes the game is not just about survival but about outsmarting a formidable opponent.
Seeking Help from Nova
Desperate for assistance, Miles reaches out to his estranged ex-girlfriend, Nova Alexander. However, she hesitates to get involved, fearful of the dangerous world surrounding Skizm, which only exacerbates Miles' vulnerability.
Detective Degraves' Involvement
After realizing the gravity of his situation, Miles turns to Detective Degraves for help. Unbeknownst to him, Degraves has his own hidden agenda, using Miles as bait to capture Nix.
Unexpected Alliances
As he navigates his dire circumstances, Miles receives help from Glenjamin, a crafty vagrant. They devise a plan to eliminate the tracking malware on Miles' phone, increasing his chances of survival.
The Betrayal of Degraves
Detective Degraves reveals a shocking truth about Nix's identity as his estranged daughter, complicating Miles' understanding of his enemy. This revelation leads to a brutal act of betrayal when Stanton, Degraves' partner, shoots him.
Ultimate Ultimatum
Stanton presents Miles with a terrible ultimatum: he must kill Nix within thirty minutes or watch Nova die. This impossible choice puts Miles in a conflict of loyalty and survival.
The Search for Nova
Determined to save Nova, Miles begins uncovering leads regarding her whereabouts. His persona as 'Guns Akimbo' grows, garnering admiration from Skizm fans, but he knows there’s more at stake.
Allies Unite
Miles meets with Nix, revealing the painful truth about her father and their shared struggles against Riktor. Out of rage and a desire for revenge, they form an alliance to fight back against Skizm.
The Sacrifice
During their coordinated attack against Riktor, Nix bravely sacrifices herself to clear a path for Miles. Her actions provide the crucial moment needed for him to confront Riktor one-on-one.
Confrontation with Riktor
In a climactic showdown, Miles battles Riktor, managing to defeat him despite the odds. However, he uncovers that Skizm is not just contained but has expanded into a global franchise.
A New Beginning
In the aftermath, Miles discovers a vintage comic made by Nova about their harrowing journey. Inspired, he resolves to dismantle the remaining forces of Skizm, determined to seek justice and rebuild his life.
Meet the characters that bring Guns Akimbo (2020) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Miles Lee Harris (Daniel Radcliffe)
Miles is an ordinary computer programmer turned unlikely hero, forced into a life-or-death situation. His character evolves throughout the film, transitioning from a passive onlooker to an active participant in a violent game, as he learns to wield his newfound power for survival.
Nix (Samara Weaving)
Nix is a fierce and skilled killer disillusioned by the corrupt system of Skizm. Initially an antagonist, her character undergoes significant development, revealing her vulnerability and the personal reasons driving her actions, especially her connection to Detective Degraves.
Riktor (Ned Dennehy)
Riktor serves as the malevolent antagonist behind Skizm, orchestrating the gruesome games with a ruthless disposition. His desire for power and control highlights the sinister motives that fuel the violent entertainment, making him a significant obstacle for Miles.
Nova Alexander (Natasha Liu Bordizzo)
Nova is an enigmatic figure in Miles' life, representing both past connections and current dangers. Her reluctance to engage with Skizm's world showcases the emotional turmoil she experiences, particularly as her life becomes intertwined with the violent conflict.
Detective Degraves (Grant Bowler)
Degraves is a determined detective with personal stakes in the Skizm cases. His protective instincts toward Nix add complexity to his character, revealing the emotional weight of his pursuit for justice in a corrupt system marked by betrayal.
Uncover the settings of Guns Akimbo (2020), 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
Near-future
The near-future setting reveals a society grappling with the consequences of its own brutality and voyeurism. This period reflects a rise in underground entertainment, focusing on violence, as showcased by lethal games like Skizm that captivate audiences around the world.
Location
Dystopian city, Skizm arena
The film takes place in a dystopian near-future, primarily within a gritty urban environment marred by crime and corruption. The Skizm arena serves as the gruesome battleground for the deadly games, where criminals face off for entertainment, highlighting society's descent into chaos.
Explore the core themes of Guns Akimbo (2020). 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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Survival
The theme of survival is central to the narrative, showcasing Miles' struggle against overwhelming odds. Faced with life-threatening scenarios, he navigates treachery and violence, emphasizing the lengths individuals will go to in order to protect themselves and their loved ones.
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Identity
Identity plays a significant role as Miles transforms from an unremarkable programmer into a reluctant action hero known as 'Guns Akimbo.' His journey raises questions about self-discovery and the person he must become to overcome the malevolence surrounding him.
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Family
The theme of family is explored through the strained relationships between characters, particularly between Nix and Detective Degraves. The revelation of their familial ties adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the personal stakes involved in the chaotic world of Skizm.
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