Directed by
Dan Scanlon
Discover the intricate plot of Onward (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 vibrant realm populated by mythical beings, magic was once a prevalent force millennia ago, though mastering it proved challenging. With the rise of technology over countless years, magic faded into obscurity, becoming a forgotten relic of the past.
In the present day, two elf siblings, Ian Lightfoot and Barley Lightfoot, reside in the bustling city of New Mushroomton. Ian, the younger of the two, grapples with his self-esteem as a high school student, while Barley, the older brother, is an enthusiastic and impulsive aficionado of history and role-playing games. Their father, Wilden Lightfoot, passed away from a serious illness shortly before Ian’s birth, leaving a void in their lives. Their mother, Laurel, has since moved on and is dating Colt Bronco, a centaur police officer, who is not favored by either boy.
On Ian’s sixteenth birthday, Laurel presents her sons with a treasured gift from Wilden: a magical staff, a rare Phoenix gem, and a letter detailing a “visitation spell” intended to resurrect their father for one day. In a surprising turn of events, Ian manages to cast the spell; however, only the lower half of Wilden’s body materializes before the gem shatters. Determined to complete the spell, Ian and Barley set off on an adventurous quest to find another gem, commandeering Barley’s cherished van, “Guinevere.” Noticing her sons are missing, Laurel decides to track them down.
Their first destination is the Manticore’s Tavern, where a monster with a map to the gem resides. However, the tavern has morphed into a family restaurant run by the Manticore, affectionately known as Corey. During a heated discussion with Ian about the map, Corey realizes how mundane her life has become, leading her to create chaos by scaring off customers and accidentally igniting the restaurant, along with the map. The boys’ only remaining clue to the gem is an illustration on a children’s menu that hints at “Raven’s Point,” a nearby mountain. Laurel soon arrives and, after befriending Corey, learns that their journey might awaken an ancient curse that can only be vanquished with Corey’s sword, which she and Laurel stealthily acquire from a pawn shop.
As they trek to the mountains, Ian and Barley narrowly escape confrontations with the police and a motorcycle gang of pixies, relying on Ian’s burgeoning spell-casting skills and Barley’s expertise in RPGs. “Raven’s Point” leads the brothers along a trail marked by an array of raven statues, but they are pursued by Colt, who calls for backup. When they reach a dead end, Barley makes a selfless choice to sacrifice Guinevere to create a landslide that obstructs their pursuers. Following the raven statues, they navigate through a cave filled with traps and perilous creatures, during which Barley reveals his emotional struggle with saying goodbye to Wilden during his final moments.
Their journey culminates back at Ian’s high school, where tensions boil over. Angered by Barley’s decisions, Ian rebukes him for what he perceives as leading them astray and walks away with a piece of Wilden. However, upon revisiting his list of things he wished to do with Wilden, Ian realizes that Barley has fulfilled a fatherly role throughout his life and heads back to reconcile. Barley discovers the needed gem within a historic fountain across from their school, but this act inadvertently triggers the curse Corey had warned them about, summoning a dragon-shaped golem from surrounding debris, intent on claiming the gem. During a fierce battle, Ian’s staff falls into the ocean, but he impressively recreates it using a splinter lodged in his hand, continuing to fight against the creature. At just the right moment, Corey arrives with Laurel, who plunges the magical sword into the golem’s heart, allowing Ian the opportunity to finish casting the visitation spell, thus fully restoring Wilden’s body.
With a heavy heart, Ian sends Barley to give Wilden a proper farewell while he holds off the golem long enough for Laurel to destroy it. After Wilden vanishes, Barley shares a poignant moment with Ian, affirming that their father is proud of them before they share an emotional embrace.
Time passes, and Ian’s self-assurance and magical abilities flourish. He surprises Barley with a newly painted van, aptly named “Guinevere The Second.” Corey revitalizes her tavern to reflect its original spirit, drawing in patrons with captivating tales of past exploits. She and Laurel strike up a friendship, and Ian and Barley forge a better bond with Colt, who has been inspired to embrace his identity more fully. As they explore their newfound acceptance of magic, the brothers embark on yet another exciting quest, ready to rediscover the wonders of their richly storied heritage.
Track the key events of Onward (2020) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Rise of Technology
Millennia ago, magic flourished in a vibrant realm filled with mythical beings. However, as technology advanced over the years, the power of magic diminished and became a forgotten relic of the past.
Ian and Barley's Life
In the present day, Ian Lightfoot and his older brother Barley reside in New Mushroomton. Despite their differences—Ian's struggles with self-esteem and Barley's enthusiasm for role-playing games—they both cope with the loss of their father, Wilden Lightfoot.
Gift from Their Mother
On Ian's sixteenth birthday, their mother, Laurel, gifts her sons a magical staff, a rare Phoenix gem, and a letter outlining a spell to bring their father back for one day. The boys feel a surge of hope as they hold the long-forgotten objects from their father.
Casting the Spell
Ian unexpectedly casts the visitation spell, but the outcome is only the lower half of their father appearing before them. The Phoenix gem shatters during the process, sparking a new quest to find another gem to fully restore Wilden's body.
The Quest Begins
Determined to reunite with their father, Ian and Barley commandeer Barley's beloved van, 'Guinevere,' and set off on their adventurous quest. Their mother, realizing they are missing, begins her pursuit to find them.
Encounter at Manticore's Tavern
Their first stop leads them to Manticore's Tavern, which has transformed into a family restaurant. When Ian argues with Corey, the Manticore, she realizes how mundane her life has become, igniting chaos and inadvertently burning their only clue to the gem.
Discovering Raven's Point
With the map destroyed, the brothers find a clue on a children's menu, pointing them to 'Raven's Point.' Meanwhile, Laurel befriends Corey, learning about an ancient curse that threatens their quest.
Facing Obstacles
As they trek toward Raven's Point, the brothers face various challenges, including avoiding the police and a gang of motorcycle pixies. Ian starts to harness his spell-casting abilities while relying on Barley's knowledge from RPGs.
Sacrifice of Guinevere
Upon reaching a dead end, Barley makes a heartbreaking decision to sacrifice Guinevere by using it to create a landslide, blocking their pursuers. This act underscores Barley's emotional struggle with losing Wilden and his determination to protect his brother.
Tensions at High School
The brothers return to Ian's high school, where Ian's frustrations lead to a confrontation with Barley. After a heated argument, Ian walks away, reflecting on the sacrifices his brother has made and the fatherly bond they've shared.
Revelation and Reconciliation
Realizing Barley's importance in his life, Ian returns to reconcile just as Barley discovers the needed gem in a historic fountain. However, this discovery triggers the ancient curse, summoning a formidable dragon-shaped golem.
Battle Against the Golem
A fierce battle ensues as the golem, driven by anger and desire, targets the gem. In a display of determination, Ian creates a new staff from a splinter lodged in his hand, continuing to fight, showcasing growth and resilience.
Final Spell Casting
As the battle reaches its climax, Corey and Laurel arrive just in time. With teamwork, they manage to plunge the magical sword into the golem, allowing Ian to complete the resurrection spell that fully restores Wilden's body.
Bittersweet Farewell
With Wilden returned only for a brief moment, Ian allows Barley to say their farewells while he holds off the golem. After Wilden vanishes, the brothers share an emotional embrace, reaffirming their bond and parental legacy.
New Beginnings
In the aftermath, Ian grows more confident and develops his magical skills. With renewed purpose, he surprises Barley with a new van, and they embark on further adventures, ready to rediscover their magical heritage together.
Meet the characters that bring Onward (2020) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Ian Lightfoot
Ian, the younger sibling, is a high school student struggling with self-esteem and the burden of expectations. Over the course of their quest, Ian learns to harness his magical abilities, ultimately embodying bravery and resilience. His character evolves from insecurity to confidence, showcasing personal growth as he embraces his identity.
Barley Lightfoot
Barley is the older brother and an ardent enthusiast of history and role-playing games. His impulsive nature often leads to adventurous decisions, but beneath his bravado lies a deep emotional struggle with the loss of their father. He embodies the spirit of adventure and represents the heart of their family narrative, showing maturity as he learns the value of sacrifice.
Laurel Lightfoot
Their mother, Laurel, navigates life as a single parent while developing a relationship with a new partner. She is portrayed as nurturing and supportive, reflecting strength in the face of adversity. Throughout the tale, she bonds with Corey and learns to support her sons in their personal growth and magical journey.
Manticore (Corey)
Corey, the Manticore, is initially depicted as a mundane tavern owner but regains her fiery spirit and sense of adventure through her interactions with the brothers. Her transformation represents the rekindling of the magic once prevalent in her life and the broader mystical world. She becomes an ally, vital to their quest.
Uncover the settings of Onward (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 movie is set in a contemporary era where mythical creatures coexist with modern technology. With magic having receded into mere legend, the story unfolds in a world where the past's wonders are largely forgotten, highlighting the struggle to reconnect with lost cultural heritage.
Location
New Mushroomton, Raven's Point, Manticore's Tavern
New Mushroomton serves as a modern city where technology has replaced much of the magic once prevalent in the realm. Raven's Point, an important mountain in their journey, is shrouded in mystery and home to a collection of raven statues leading to perilous adventures. The Manticore's Tavern, now transformed into a family restaurant, symbolizes how magic has faded from the daily lives of its inhabitants.
Explore the core themes of Onward (2020). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
🧙♂️
Magic & Heritage
The film delves into the theme of rediscovering magic as the Lightfoot brothers embark on a quest to connect with their father's legacy. As they navigate obstacles, they learn the importance of their heritage and the magical history that shaped their world. This journey represents the struggle between modernity and the desire to reclaim the enchanting elements of their past.
❤️
Family Bonds
At the heart of the story is the bond between Ian and Barley, as they navigate their relationships with each other and their late father. The journey they undertake not only deepens their connection but also helps them learn valuable lessons about sacrifice, support, and the importance of family. Ultimately, it showcases how bonds can be strengthened through shared experiences and emotional growth.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.