Directed by
Paul W.S. Anderson
Made by
Screen Gems
Discover the intricate plot of Monster Hunter (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 mysterious New World where humans share the land with a plethora of ferocious monsters, a skilled Hunter (Tony Jaa), trained specifically to track and eliminate these gigantic creatures, becomes isolated from his fellow warriors during a fierce attack on their sand-skimming ship by the Diablos, a formidable horned beast lurking underground. Their mission takes them to the Sky Tower, believed to be the heart of power in this strange realm. Luckily, the Admiral (Ron Perlman), the leader of the Hunters, manages to keep the ship afloat, but chaos ensues, and the Hunter ends up separated, landing in the treacherous sands.
Meanwhile, on Earth, a dedicated U.S. Army Ranger Captain Natalie Artemis (Milla Jovovich) leads her team—composed of Marshall (Diego Boneta), Axe (Jin Au-Yeung), Steeler (Josh Helman), Lincoln (T.I.), and Dash (Meagan Good)—on a desperate search for their lost soldiers in a vast desert. As they traverse ancient sites adorned with cryptic markings, Lincoln discovers faint tracks from their missing comrades that abruptly vanish, leaving them puzzled.
Out of nowhere, a violent storm engulfs them, triggering the ancient markers that generate a portal, pulling the crew into the New World. There, they stumble upon the charred remains of their teammates, whose demise seems to have been caused by an unknown force, as the surrounding sand has turned to glass.
As they continue their journey through this otherworldly desert, the team encounters colossal skeletons that dwarf even the largest dinosaurs on Earth. Just when they think they might be safe, the ominous Diablos returns, stalking them viciously. Quick-thinking Steeler detonates grenades in a desperate attempt to fend it off, but it barely phases the beast. In a frantic attempt to take refuge, the survivors hide within a cave, only to be besieged by nightmarish spider-like creatures known as Nerscyllas, which attack under the cover of darkness. After being injected with venom, Artemis finds herself in a lair filled with her fallen comrades, now either dead or infected.
She cleverly escapes the lair, igniting the Nerscyllas in pursuit, using a flare and some spray can to ignite a fiery disturbance. Realizing the only option is to confront the Nerscyllas during the day, she climbs to higher ground only to discover the Diablos is still lurking nearby. Just when things appear dire, she crosses paths with the Hunter, and after a tense bout of combat, they reluctantly decide to join forces to survive the night.
Guided by the Hunter’s survival skills, Artemis learns the intricacies of combat with bladed weapons and devises a cunning plan to slay the Diablos using Nerscylla venom. Their collaboration pays off when they successfully deliver a fatal blow, but this victory comes at a cost, as the Hunter sustains severe injuries. With a makeshift stretcher, Artemis carries him until they discover an oasis teeming with peculiar creatures known as Apceros.
However, their moment of respite is short-lived as a fearsome Rathalos swoops down, causing a stampede among the Apceros. Just in time, they are rescued by a group led by the Admiral, who fluently communicates with them in English, revealing his background of prior journeys to Earth and the secrets of the Sky Tower—constructed by the ancient civilization to safeguard against powerful monsters.
Determined to return home, Artemis agrees to aid in bringing down the Rathalos, perceived to be vulnerable pre-attack. As they reach the precarious portal at the base of the Sky Tower, chaos erupts during an intense battle, resulting in Artemis being flung back to her world. Yet, the Rathalos breaches the portal, unleashing havoc upon the retrieval team.
In a moment of valor, she manages to slow the beast down long enough for the Hunter to deliver the lethal shot. Despite having the chance to remain back on Earth, Artemis makes the bold decision to return to the New World, standing alongside the Hunters.
The Admiral shines a hopeful light on their future, but warns that as long as the portal exists, the threat of monsters coming through remains ever-present. As they gear up to dismantle the Sky Tower and its ominous powers, the film teases further dangers with a mid-credits scene featuring Palico (Aaron Beelner), the Admiral’s feline companion, preparing to confront a new enemy—the ominous Gore Magala—observed by a sinister cloaked figure at the tower’s summit.
Track the key events of Monster Hunter (2020) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Hunter's Mission Begins
A skilled Hunter, trained to track and eliminate monstrous creatures, sets off on a mission with fellow warriors. Their journey takes a turn during a fierce attack by the Diablos, resulting in chaos and separation.
Isolation in the Sands
During the attack on their sand-skimming ship, the Hunter becomes isolated from his team. He finds himself stranded in the treacherous sands, surrounded by the dangerous creatures of this bizarre realm.
U.S. Army Ranger Team's Search
Meanwhile, on Earth, Captain Natalie Artemis leads a team of dedicated U.S. Army Rangers in a desperate search for their lost soldiers. They traverse a vast desert filled with ancient sites and cryptic markings.
The Mysterious Portal Appears
As the Ranger team investigates the desert, a violent storm engulfs them, triggering the ancient markers. This chaotic weather event generates a portal that pulls them into the New World, amidst a whirlwind of confusion.
Discovery of Fallen Comrades
Upon arrival in the New World, the Ranger team discovers the charred remains of their teammates, mysteriously killed. The bizarre transformation of the sand beneath them into glass hints at a powerful unknown force.
Encounter with the Diablos
The survivors face another ordeal when they are hunted by the Diablos, the menacing creature lurking nearby. Quick-thinking Steeler attempts to ward it off with grenades, but the beast proves to be remarkably resilient.
Attack of the Nerscyllas
Seeking refuge, the remaining team members hide in a cave, but they are soon overwhelmed by nightmarish spider-like Nerscyllas. Artemis is injected with venom and finds herself in a lair surrounded by her fallen comrades.
Artemis's Clever Escape
Using her resourcefulness, Artemis escapes the Nerscylla lair by igniting a fiery distraction. She realizes that her only chance of survival lies in confronting the monsters during daylight with her newfound determination.
Alliance with the Hunter
In a twist of fate, Artemis encounters the Hunter. After a tense battle between them, they reluctantly agree to team up, combining their strengths to survive against the monstrous threats that surround them.
Strategizing for Survival
The Hunter teaches Artemis the ways of combat with bladed weapons. They devise a cunning strategy using Nerscylla venom to take down the Diablos, recognizing that working together is their best shot at survival.
Victory Over the Diablos
Their collaboration leads to a successful encounter, delivering a fatal blow to the Diablos. However, this victory comes at a price, as the Hunter sustains severe injuries during the battle.
Find an Oasis
After their victory, Artemis carries the injured Hunter until they reach an oasis filled with unique creatures called Apceros. It's a moment of respite but is soon disrupted by new threats lurking nearby.
Fight Against the Rathalos
Their brief moment of sanctuary ends when a fearsome Rathalos swoops down, creating chaos among the Apceros. The Admiral arrives just in time to assist them in their fight against this formidable creature.
Rathalos Breach the Portal
As they engage in a fierce battle at the base of the Sky Tower, chaos erupts when the Rathalos breaches a portal and threatens the retrieval team. They fight fiercely to contain the monster's rampage.
Artemis's Bold Decision
In a moment of bravery, Artemis slows down the Rathalos long enough for the Hunter to deliver a lethal shot. Choosing to return to the New World, she stands with the Hunters, ready for the challenges that lie ahead.
Meet the characters that bring Monster Hunter (2020) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
The Admiral (Ron Perlman)
The Admiral is a seasoned leader among the Hunters, exuding wisdom and confidence in the face of danger. His ability to communicate with the characters and reveal vital secrets about the Sky Tower denotes his extensive experience in this mysterious realm. He embodies the archetype of a mentor, guiding others while maintaining a sense of authority.
Lincoln (T.I.)
Lincoln is a U.S. Army Ranger Captain who displays bravery and resourcefulness while leading his team in the quest to locate their missing comrades. His keen instincts and ability to find faint tracks of the lost soldiers highlight his dedication and determination. He serves as a critical member of the team amidst the encroaching chaos.
Natalie Artemis (Milla Jovovich)
Natalie Artemis is a formidable U.S. Army Ranger with unyielding resolve and tactical acumen. Throughout the film, she evolves from a military leader into a fierce survivor capable of navigating the challenges of the New World. Her determination to protect her team and confront the monsters reflects her strong character and innate bravery.
The Hunter (Tony Jaa)
The Hunter is a skilled tracker and combatant deeply familiar with the dangers of the New World. His agility and resourcefulness are crucial as he partners with Artemis to confront monstrous threats. Through his journey, he showcases resilience and bravery, proving to be a vital ally in the battle against chaos.
Dash (Meagan Good)
Dash is a member of Artemis's team, providing support and camaraderie during perilous missions. Her dedication to her fellow soldiers emphasizes the bonds formed within the unit. She represents the loyalty and friendship that are crucial in the face of danger.
Marshall (Diego Boneta)
Marshall is part of the team searching for their comrades with a mix of valor and urgency. His character reflects the emotional stakes of their mission, illustrating the fear and determination shared among the team. His commitment to their survival is a testament to his character.
Uncover the settings of Monster Hunter (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
The story unfolds in a modern context, with elements of military operations mixed with fantasy. The presence of advanced military technology indicates a contemporary setting, while the New World suggests a timeless, mythical dimension. The mixture of time periods adds depth, showcasing both modern valor and ancient mysteries.
Location
New World, Earth, Sky Tower, Oasis
The New World is a mysterious realm filled with ferocious monsters and ancient secrets, where humans struggle to survive. Earth serves as the contrasting backdrop, showcasing the military's efforts to rescue their soldiers. Central to the plot is the Sky Tower, an ancient structure believed to harness immense power and protect against monstrous threats. The Oasis is a brief sanctuary, teeming with unique creatures, contrasting the harsh desert landscape surrounding it.
Explore the core themes of Monster Hunter (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
Survival is a central theme, driving both the Hunter and Artemis to confront unimaginable threats in an alien world. As they battle ferocious monsters and navigate treacherous landscapes, their resilience is put to the test. The narrative explores the lengths to which they will go to protect their comrades and themselves against impending doom.
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Collaboration
The collaboration between Artemis and the Hunter highlights the importance of teamwork in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. Their reluctant partnership evolves into a strategic alliance, showcasing how individuals can achieve greater strength when uniting their skills and knowledge. This theme emphasizes trust and shared purpose in the face of danger.
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Chaos
Chaos permeates the narrative, from the violent storm that transports the crew to the New World to the relentless pursuit of monstrous foes. The unpredictability of their environment forces characters to adapt quickly and think critically. This theme underscores the tumultuous nature of their adventures and the disturbances that define their reality.
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