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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Migration (2023). 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.


The cinematic journey kicks off with an enchanting short film from “Despicable Me,” setting the stage for a whimsical adventure ahead.

MOONED

In the midst of a lunar escapade, Vector (Jason Segel), the notorious supervillain, finds himself stranded on the moon with his loyal companion, Bob the Minion. Fueled by determination and a hint of desperation, Vector tries various comical methods to return to Earth. Each ill-fated attempt—whether using a Lunar Roving Vehicle for propulsion or concocting an explosive plan—leads to laughable mishaps. Just when it seems he might succeed, Bob is unexpectedly whisked away by Gru’s ship, leaving Vector to face yet another wave of calamity. In a twist of fate, he is propelled out of the moon’s orbit, crash-landing on Mars, where he reunites with Bob. Despite a Martian’s offer of help, Vector’s haughty nature drives it away. As he watches the Minions head back home, he’s reminded that even villains occasionally need a helping hand.

MIGRATION

The adventure truly begins as Mack Mallard (Kumail Nanjiani) entertains his children, Dax (Caspar Jennings) and Gwen (Tresi Gazal), with a cautionary bedtime story meant to instill a sense of fear. However, his wife Pam (Elizabeth Banks) chides him for trying to frighten their kids. Undeterred, Mack argues that understanding fear is crucial for survival.

The following day, the Mallard family relaxes by their serene pond when a new flock of ducks arrives for their yearly migration. Dax quickly becomes smitten with Kim (Isabela Merced), a young female duck. As Mack’s stern nature clashes with the other ducks’ playful spirit, his insistence on avoiding adventure leads to Pam’s frustration. She laments that they are missing out on life due to Mack’s fears.

In this web of family dynamics, Uncle Dan (Danny DeVito), a free-spirited wanderer, sides with Mack after overhearing their discussions. His words about travel and the risks of isolation strike a chord in Mack, motivating him to assertively gather his family for a journey to Jamaica, much to their excitement. Yet, when Uncle Dan hesitates, Gwen charms him into coming along, leaving Mack feeling a mix of joy and irritation.

As the Mallards take their first flight, they venture beyond the comfort of their pond into the vast unknown. The skies introduce them to various birds heading in the opposite direction, and soon, a turbulent storm forces them to seek shelter. They encounter Erin (Carol Kane), a somewhat eerie heron who, despite her unsettling aura, offers refuge alongside her husband Harry. However, as night settles, the Mallards contemplate escape, only to find Erin’s watchful gaze complicating their plans. Just when they think they’re doomed, a massive fish looms nearby, but Erin comes to their rescue, showing that even the scariest creatures can be allies.

After parting ways with Erin, the Mallards embark on their adventures, only to find themselves in the hustle and bustle of New York City. Here, Uncle Dan gets separated and discovers a delectable sandwich in Central Park, prompting a confrontation with a group of pigeons. Chump (Awkwafina), the self-appointed leader with a sourced past, addresses Mack about his dismissive attitude towards her kind. Yet, Pam mediates a peace offering, allowing the pigeons to share the sandwich, which leads to the revelation of a bird who can assist them in reaching Jamaica.

Their next encounter with Delroy (Keegan-Michael Key), a suave Jamaican parrot kept as a kitchen prize, intensifies their mission. Realizing the dangers ducks face in the culinary world, the Mallards devise a rescue plan for Delroy. Their comedic attempts to sneak into the kitchen lead to a hilarious misadventure, with Mack’s blunder of swallowing the key triggering an improbable escape.

Embracing camaraderie, they continue their journey to Jamaica, but unexpected diversions arise when Gwen’s need for a bathroom break causes a planned detour to a duck sanctuary that turns out to be a duck farm. Here, they meet GooGoo (David Mitchell), a yoga-loving duck guiding them through moments of relaxation — until Dax’s discovery of the looming threat from a chef sparks urgent action.

As the night deepens, their comedic hiding eventually leads to a dramatic stroke of luck: Dax finds an opportunity to rise above and utilizes Delroy’s feathers to orchestrate a rescue mission. With Chef entangled in his own misadventure, the joined efforts of the Mallards and their feathered friends achieve triumph, showcasing the true spirit of family and friendship.

The Mallard family’s heartwarming arrival in Jamaica unveils glowing waters and reunites Dax with Kim. Filled with gratitude towards Pam for facilitating his liberation, Mack realizes the invaluable lesson of embracing life’s adventures, leading to jubilant celebrations. As spring unfolds, they discover a flock of penguins in need, prompting the Mallards to embark on yet another spirited journey to assist their new friends, proving that the adventure continues for this loving family.

Timeline

Track the key events of Migration (2023) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Introduction of Vector

The film opens with Vector, the notorious supervillain, embarking on a lunar escapade with Bob the Minion at his side. Their whimsical journey sets the comedic tone for the adventures that follow, highlighting Vector's affinity for mischief.

Moon

Stranded on the Moon

Vector finds himself stranded on the moon after a failed plan to return to Earth. Determined yet desperate, he starts trying out various comical methods to get back, providing ample laughs as he navigates this unexpected predicament.

Moon

Comical Attempts to Escape

With Bob the Minion as his loyal companion, Vector begins to try hilariously absurd methods to escape the moon. From using a Lunar Roving Vehicle to concocting explosive schemes, each effort leads to laughable failures.

Moon

Bob is Whisked Away

In a sudden twist, Bob is unexpectedly taken by Gru's ship, leaving Vector alone to face yet another round of unexpected mishaps. This turn of events adds a layer of comedic tension to Vector's already chaotic journey.

Moon

Crash Landing on Mars

After being propelled out of the moon's orbit, Vector crash-lands on Mars where he serendipitously reunites with Bob. This unplanned return sparks further humorous situations, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of their adventure.

Mars

The Mallard Bedtime Story

The focus shifts to the Mallard family, where Mack entertains his children with a cautionary bedtime story aiming to instill fear. Although his intentions are good, he faces pushback from his wife Pam, who believes in a different approach to parenting.

Mallard's home

The Arrival of the Migrating Ducks

The following day, the Mallard family enjoys a serene day by their pond when a new flock of ducks arrives for their yearly migration. Dax's budding romance with Kim, a young female duck, begins to unfold amidst family tensions.

Pond

Mack's Reluctance for Adventure

Mack's stern demeanor clashes with the playful nature of the visiting ducks, causing friction in the family. Pam's frustration arises from Mack's fears, prompting a discussion about embracing life and adventures.

Pond

The Journey to Jamaica Begins

Motivated by Uncle Dan's words about travel risks and isolation, Mack decides to take the family on a journey to Jamaica. Their excitement is palpable, but Uncle Dan's hesitations fuel a mix of joy and irritation in Mack.

Home

First Flight Into the Unknown

The Mallard family takes their inaugural flight beyond their familiar pond, braving the vast unknown. They encounter various birds and face unexpected turbulence that leads them to seek refuge amidst the chaos.

Sky

Shelter from the Storm

In their search for shelter during a storm, the Mallards meet Erin, a somewhat eerie heron who offers them refuge. Despite her unsettling aura, she proves to be an unexpected ally when danger approaches.

Erin's shelter

Chaos in New York City

The Mallard family's adventures take them to the bustling streets of New York City. During an escapade in Central Park, Uncle Dan's culinary pursuit leads to a humorous encounter with a flock of pigeons, bridging a peace offering between them.

New York City

Rescue Mission for Delroy

The Mallards encounter Delroy, a suave Jamaican parrot, and devise a daring plan to rescue him from culinary doom. The comedic misadventures escalate as Mack swallows the key, creating an improbable escape scenario.

Kitchen

Duck Sanctuary Detour

The journey takes an unplanned detour as Gwen requests a bathroom break, leading the family to a supposed duck sanctuary that turns out to be a farm. Here, they meet GooGoo, a yoga-loving duck who helps them unwind.

Duck Farm

A Heartwarming Arrival in Jamaica

The Mallard family finally arrives in Jamaica, where they are greeted by glowing waters and a joyful reunion between Dax and Kim. Mack's transformation into an adventurer culminates in a celebration of family and new friendships.

Jamaica

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Migration (2023) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Mack Mallard

Mack is a cautious and protective father who struggles with fears of the unknown. His stern nature often clashes with his family's desire for adventure, leading to humorous and poignant moments. Through his journey, he learns the value of embracing life's uncertainties and fostering connections with others.

🦆 Father 🌳 Protector ❗ Cautious

Pam

Pam is Mack's supportive wife, who encourages her family to break free from their fears. Her lighthearted nature and perspective on life serve as a counterbalance to Mack's cautiousness as she advocates for seizing opportunities. Pam embodies warmth and the spirit of adventure, facilitating joy within the family.

💖 Supportive 🎉 Adventurous 🦸‍♀️ Nurturer

Uncle Dan

Uncle Dan is a free-spirited wanderer who adds spontaneity to the story. His adventurous spirit inspires Mack and the kids to embrace travel and adventure despite their initial reservations. With his charm and humor, he serves as a catalyst for the family's journey towards self-discovery.

🌊 Wanderer 😂 Comedic 🥯 Foodie

Dax

Dax is the curious and adventurous son, who becomes infatuated with Kim, demonstrating the innocence of youth. His enthusiasm for exploration contrasts with his father's caution, showcasing a generational difference in outlook. Dax's journey of discovery is pivotal in the family's adventure to Jamaica.

👦 Adventurous 💘 Infatuated 🦆 Son

Gwen

Gwen, the enterprising daughter, showcases charm and resourcefulness throughout the family's journey. Her ability to charm Uncle Dan adds depth to her character as she navigates her family's dynamics. Gwen represents youthful energy and determination in the face of challenges.

👧 Resourceful 💫 Charming 🚀 Dreamer

Setting

Uncover the settings of Migration (2023), 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 movie is set in a contemporary world where the characters engage in adventurous travel, highlighting the importance of family and experiences. The timeline reflects modern family dynamics against a backdrop of whimsical challenges and comedic escapades, showcasing a narrative that blends both nature and urban environments.

Location

Jamaica, New York City, Duck Sanctuary

The movie's adventure spans various locations including the vibrant tropical landscapes of Jamaica, known for its stunning beaches and warm hospitality. New York City provides a bustling urban backdrop filled with diverse birdlife, offering both excitement and chaos. The Duck Sanctuary serves as a humorous yet precarious resting spot, introducing elements of relaxation amidst the chaos of a farm setting.

🏝️ Jamaica 🌆 New York 🦆 Sanctuary

Themes

Explore the core themes of Migration (2023). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🌍

Adventure

Migration emphasizes the theme of adventure, as the Mallard family bravely steps outside their comfort zone. Their journey highlights the importance of exploration, discovering new places, and meeting diverse characters. The obstacles they face reinforce that life's most enriching experiences often come from taking risks and embracing the unknown.

❤️

Family

At the core of the story is the theme of family, showcasing the bonds that tie the Mallards together. Their collective experiences, from humorous misadventures to heartfelt moments, illustrate the unwavering support and love they share. The narrative demonstrates how overcoming challenges together strengthens familial relationships.

😂

Comedy

The film utilizes humor as a significant theme, with comedic mishaps and character interactions driving the narrative. From Vector's antics to the Mallards' misadventures in New York City, laughter plays a vital role. The light-hearted moments encapsulate the spirit of fun that permeates the journey, ensuring the entertainment value resonates with audiences.

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