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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Hellboy (2019). 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 Dark Ages, the formidable Blood Queen, Nimue (Milla Jovovich), a powerful and ancient British sorceress, unleashes a devastating plague upon England. Only the knight King Arthur (Mark Stanley) and the elder witch Ganeida (Penelope Mitchell), who believes that Nimue’s reign of terror must end, can stand in her way. Together, they confront her, and Arthur wields Excalibur to dismember Nimue, burying her remains across the land to prevent her return.

Fast forward to present-day Tijuana, Mexico, where Hellboy (David Harbour), a powerful Cambion working for the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (B.P.R.D.), reluctantly puts down a vampire: Esteban Ruiz, a missing agent consumed by his grim fate. With Ruiz’s final words proclaiming that doom is approaching, Hellboy is summoned back to the B.P.R.D. headquarters in Colorado. There, his adoptive father, Trevor Bruttenholm (Ian McShane), tasks him with assisting the Osiris Club, an enigmatic society that investigates the occult, in their mission to hunt down three giants.

However, a seer from the club, Lady Hatton (Sophie Okonedo), warns Hellboy of a dark past—he was meant to be killed by Bruttenholm when summoned by the Nazis in Project Ragnarok back in 1945. As Hellboy grapples with this revelation, the feral fairy Gruagach (played by Stephen Graham and Douglas Tait) restores Nimue, planning a revenge scheme against Hellboy.

During his quest, Hellboy is deceived and nearly slain by the Osiris hunters, who viewed him as the “end of the world” threat. In a moment of desperation, he defeats the giants that were meant to bait him before being rescued by Alice Monaghan (Sasha Lane), a young woman with ties to magic from her own troubled past. After a tumultuous ride back to safety, Hellboy discovers that someone is attempting to reclaim Nimue’s remains from the Osiris Club.

Upon their shocking arrival at the club, Alice connects with Hatton’s spirit, discovering that Nimue’s goal is to use Hellboy to usher in the apocalypse. With her forces gathering, and the traits of her past haunting Hellboy, he confronts Gruagach, only to find that the ogre holds years of spite against him.

In a dramatic twist, agents like Ben Daimio (Daniel Dae Kim), a soldier with a dark secret, become entwined in Hellboy’s fate as plans for treachery unfold. Relationships are strained through brutal confrontations, and Hellboy’s own nature comes into question amidst the chaos that ensues.

After a whirlwind of events leads them to Merlin (Brian Gleeson), who reveals that Hellboy is a descendant of Arthur—a conflict of identity ignites. When the wisest minds fail and alliances begin to crack, the fate of London hangs in the balance as Hellboy struggles against Nimue’s full resurrection.

In an emotional climax, amid epic confrontations and his own internal battle, Hellboy must choose between his inherited destiny and the relationships he’s formed. His actions release a horde of demons when Nimue seizes power, forcing Hellboy into a moment of reckoning.

As the dust settles, victories and losses weave a complex tapestry of sacrifice and legacy. Hellboy and his allies band together to confront the remnants of their past, securing what’s left of their world. However, ominous hints of resurgent threats linger in the air, as a grave secret unfolds in a post-credits scene with Baba Yaga stirring dark forces to pursue Hellboy once more, leaving the audience questioning what lies ahead.

Timeline

Track the key events of Hellboy (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Nimue's Release

In the Dark Ages, the ancient sorceress Nimue, known as the Blood Queen, unleashes a devastating plague upon England. Her dark magic wreaks havoc across the land, leaving destruction in its wake.

Dark Ages England

The Confrontation with King Arthur

King Arthur, aided by the elder witch Ganeida, rises to confront Nimue and her reign of terror. In a fierce battle, Arthur wields the legendary sword Excalibur, managing to defeat Nimue by dismembering her and burying her remains across the kingdom.

Dark Ages England

A New Era Begins

Fast-forward to present-day, Hellboy works in Tijuana, Mexico, with the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense. He reluctantly puts down a vampire named Esteban Ruiz, who reveals ominous prophecies of doom before succumbing to his fate.

Present Day Tijuana, Mexico

Summons to Colorado

After dealing with the vampire, Hellboy is summoned back to the B.P.R.D. headquarters in Colorado. His adoptive father, Trevor Bruttenholm, instructs him to assist the Osiris Club in hunting down three giants that threaten mankind.

Present Day B.P.R.D. headquarters, Colorado

Lady Hatton's Warning

At the Osiris Club, Lady Hatton, a mystical seer, warns Hellboy about his dark past. She reveals that he was meant to be killed in a Nazi project called Project Ragnarok, sowing seeds of doubt about his purpose.

Present Day Osiris Club

Nimue's Restoration

The feral fairy Gruagach manages to restore Nimue, igniting her desire for revenge against Hellboy. This event sets off a chain reaction that threatens Hellboy's existence and the world as they know it.

Present Day

Deception and Attack

While on his quest, Hellboy is deceived by the Osiris hunters who regard him as an impending threat. They nearly slay him, demonstrating the increasing distrust surrounding Hellboy's role in the unfolding chaos.

Present Day

Alice Monaghan's Rescue

Rescued by Alice Monaghan, a young woman with magical ties, Hellboy escapes the clutches of death. As they make their escape, Alice reveals her own troubled past and connection to the mystical forces at play.

Present Day

The Search for Nimue's Remains

After returning to safety, Hellboy learns that there are attempts to reclaim Nimue's buried remains from the Osiris Club. The revelation fuels urgent action as time runs short to prevent her resurrection.

Present Day Osiris Club

Nimue's Apocalypse Plan

Upon arriving at the Osiris Club, Alice connects with Lady Hatton's spirit and discovers that Nimue intends to use Hellboy as a vehicle to usher in the apocalypse. This looming threat aims to reshape the world itself.

Present Day Osiris Club

Confronting Gruagach

Hellboy confronts the ogre Gruagach, who harbors deep resentment towards him. The confrontation reveals years of animosity and the complex webs of their intertwined destinies.

Present Day

Unraveling Secrets

As alliances begin to unravel, soldier Ben Daimio enters the fray, further complicating Hellboy's journey. His dark secret intertwines with Hellboy's fate, leading to brutal confrontations and strained relationships.

Present Day

Discovering His Heritage

In a pivotal moment, Hellboy learns from Merlin that he is a descendant of King Arthur. This revelation sparks an internal conflict as he grapples with his inherited legacy and the expectations that come with it.

Present Day

The Battle for London

As tensions escalate, the fate of London is thrown into jeopardy. With Nimue's forces on the rise, Hellboy faces a climactic battle that forces him to confront both external threats and his internal demons.

Present Day London

A Haunting Future

After the climactic battle, Hellboy and his allies confront the remnants of their past. However, in a thrilling post-credits scene, the sinister Baba Yaga stirs dark forces, signaling that Hellboy's troubles are far from over.

Present Day

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Hellboy (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Hellboy

Hellboy is a powerful Cambion tasked with protecting humanity from supernatural threats. He embodies a complex mix of humor, strength, and a deep inner conflict regarding his identity and purpose. His struggle against his dark legacy shapes his character as he seeks redemption while grappling with powerful adversaries.

👹 Hellboy ⚔️ Hero 🌌 Complex

Nimue, The Blood Queen

Nimue is a formidable ancient sorceress driven by vengeance and a thirst for power. As the antagonist, she represents the embodiment of dark magic and chaos, seeking to reclaim her influence through Hellboy. Her manipulative nature orchestrates conflict and tests the limits of good and evil.

🧙‍♀️ Sorceress ⚔️ Antagonist 🔥 Vengeful

Alice Monaghan

Alice is a young woman with a mystical connection to magic and a troubled past. Her character brings depth as she helps Hellboy navigate the dark forces at play. Her resilience and ability to confront her own history make her an essential ally in the fight against Nimue.

🌌 Ally 🧙‍♀️ Magical 💪 Resilient

Professor Broom

Professor Broom serves as Hellboy's adoptive father, providing guidance and wisdom. His dedication to Hellboy’s upbringing highlights themes of family and loyalty. A protector of secrets, his complex relationship with Hellboy complicates their bond, especially as dark truths emerge.

👨‍🏫 Mentor ❤️ Family 🕵️‍♂️ Protector

Setting

Uncover the settings of Hellboy (2019), 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

Dark Ages, Present Day (2019 in the context of the film)

The movie spans from the Dark Ages, where the Blood Queen wreaked havoc, to present-day events that unfold in the late 2010s. The Dark Ages were marked by feudalism and frequent wars, while the modern setting reflects contemporary challenges infused with supernatural elements, illustrating the clash of ancient evils with modern heroes.

Location

England, Tijuana, Mexico, Colorado, London

England serves as the historical backdrop where the ancient battle against the Blood Queen Nimue took place. Tijuana, Mexico, is the current locale where Hellboy confronts a vampire and learns of impending doom. Colorado houses the B.P.R.D. headquarters, pivotal for Hellboy's mission. London is significant as the looming battleground for the ultimate confrontation between Hellboy and Nimue.

🏰 England 🌆 Tijuana 🇺🇸 Colorado 🌍 London

Themes

Explore the core themes of Hellboy (2019). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


⚔️

Identity

Hellboy's struggle with his identity is a central theme, as he learns about his lineage and its implications. The narrative explores the conflict between heeding one's destined path versus forging personal connections and choices. This internal struggle is poignantly represented in the face of overwhelming external threats.

🌌

Sacrifice

Sacrifice plays a crucial role as characters grapple with the costs of their commitments to one another and their fates. As Hellboy and his allies confront ancient forces, the weight of past decisions reverberates through their present. Ultimately, the theme highlights that victory often comes with significant personal loss.

👹

Good vs Evil

The classic struggle of good versus evil permeates the movie, illustrated by Hellboy's conflicts against Nimue and her dark forces. The narrative presents a nuanced portrayal of morality, showcasing that even heroes like Hellboy face moments of doubt and challenge their inherent nature amid the battle against overwhelming darkness.

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