Paul 2011
Directed by
Greg Mottola
Made by
Universal Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Paul (2011). 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 2009, best friends Graeme Willy and Clive Gollings—played by Simon Pegg and Nick Frost—embark on an exciting adventure to attend the annual Comic-Con convention in San Diego, California. After the convention, they decide to hit the road, traveling in a rented RV to explore various sites of significant extraterrestrial interest scattered throughout the southwestern United States.
Their journey takes a quirky turn in Arizona at the Little A’Le’Inn, where they unwittingly encounter two hunters who mistakenly assume their relationship to be romantic. In a rush to escape the awkward situation, Clive accidentally backs their RV into the hunters’ truck, leaving a noticeable dent.
As night falls, Graeme and Clive notice headlights tailing them, and believing it to be the hunters, they hastily flee in their RV. To their relief, the vehicle that catches up is merely a passing car. However, the situation escalates when the car crashes right in front of them, prompting a fateful investigation by the duo, where they stumble upon an alien named Paul, voiced by Seth Rogen, who is in urgent need of assistance.
Initially shocked by Paul’s arrival, Graeme consents to give him a lift, much to Clive’s displeasure. Meanwhile, a dubious government agent named Lorenzo Zoil (portrayed by Jason Bateman) arrives, intent on capturing Paul. He communicates with an unknown female superior, suggesting he may unleash local law enforcement for backup, and along the way, he enlists two clumsy FBI agents, Haggard (Bill Hader) and O’Reilly (Joe Lo Truglio), without revealing the true nature of their mission.
Graeme, Clive, and Paul make a stop at a motor park owned by Ruth Buggs (Kristen Wiig), a devout creationist, and her oppressive father, Moses (John Carroll Lynch). Things quickly heat up as the trio bonds over a campfire grill, with Paul revealing his past existence with the government. He shares that he had advised them on various scientific matters and even contributed to pop culture, like inspiring Steven Spielberg’s E.T. and creating the fictional character Fox Mulder. Unfortunately, his tenure is coming to an end as the government plans to use him for experimentation.
In a surprising twist, Paul helps Ruth overcome her long-standing disability by healing her blind eye and thus shatters her beliefs, sparking a newfound desire to explore life’s darker side. Meanwhile, Zoil and the agents are hot on their trail, and things take an unexpected turn as the hunters confront the group yet again.
Things escalate in a small town when O’Reilly unexpectedly sees Paul in a comic book store, which sends everyone scurrying away from the inevitable confrontation. Tensions reach a boiling point as Zoil tries to follow suit, dishing out orders, only to find his own agents turning against him.
Eventually, Paul’s journey leads him back to an old friend, Tara Walton (Blythe Danner), who had once saved him decades ago. Yet, much to their dismay, they are ambushed by Zoil and his team at her house. In a climactic scene filled with chaos, Paul heals Graeme after Moses inflicts a fatal blow, showcasing the consequences of his powers as he collapses from exhaustion.
After a suspense-filled showdown, and with characters left shaken by the harrowing experiences, Paul ultimately departs in a spaceship, offering Tara a chance at a new life. Two years later, Graeme, Clive, and Ruth are seen at another comic convention, showcasing their successful comic adaptation about their extraordinary adventure, while O’Reilly miraculously survives the earlier explosion, hinting that their story will continue.
Timeline
Track the key events of Paul (2011) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Comic-Con Adventure Begins
In 2009, best friends Graeme Willy and Clive Gollings set out to attend the renowned Comic-Con in San Diego, California. Excitement fills the air as they look forward to celebrating their passion for science fiction and meeting fellow enthusiasts.
Road Trip to Alien Hotspots
After the convention, Graeme and Clive decide to rent an RV and embark on a road trip throughout the southwestern United States. Their journey is focused on visiting sites that are known for significant extraterrestrial activity, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure.
Awkward Encounter in Arizona
While visiting the Little A'Le'Inn in Arizona, Graeme and Clive accidentally find themselves in an uncomfortable situation with two hunters who misinterpret their friendship. As they try to escape, Clive inadvertently backs their RV into the hunters' truck, complicating matters further.
Chased by Headlights
As night falls, Graeme and Clive notice headlights tailing them, which they fear belong to the hunters. In a panic, they flee in their RV only to discover that the vehicle behind them is just a passing car, turning their fright into relief.
Meeting Paul the Alien
Their relief is short-lived when the passing car crashes right in front of them, leading to a fateful investigation. To their astonishment, they discover an alien named Paul who urgently needs assistance and is in dire need of help from the unlikely duo.
Picking Up an Unexpected Passenger
Graeme decides to give Paul a ride, despite Clive's hesitations. As they travel together, the trio's dynamic evolves, bringing humor and tension into their adventure as they become targets of a government agent intent on capturing the alien.
Bonding at the Motor Park
Stopping at a motor park owned by Ruth Buggs, Paul shares his background with Graeme and Clive, revealing secrets about his past interactions with the government. As they bond over food, Paul helps Ruth regain her sight, challenging her beliefs and igniting a greater thirst for knowledge.
Zoil's Pursuit Begins
Simultaneously, government agent Lorenzo Zoil is on their trail, enlisting two incompetent FBI agents to assist him. The tension escalates as he tries to track down Paul while keeping his true mission concealed from his team.
Confrontation in a Comic Book Store
In a small town, the trio's secret is almost revealed when O'Reilly spots Paul while browsing a comic book store. This sighting leads to a chaotic chase that forces everyone to flee from the scene, further increasing the stakes of their adventure.
Ambush at Tara's House
Paul leads Graeme and Clive to his old friend Tara Walton's home, but Zoil and his team ambush them there. A climactic showdown ensues, resulting in chaos as Paul uses his powers, revealing the intensity of the threat they face.
A Fatal Blow and Healing
During the ambush, Graeme is gravely injured by Moses, forcing Paul to heal him with his powers. Exhausted from the effort, Paul collapses, showcasing the dangers and consequences associated with his extraordinary abilities.
Paul's Departure
After a suspenseful farewell, Paul boards a spaceship, offering Tara a new beginning while leaving Graeme and Clive to contemplate their experiences. The emotional farewell marks the end of their precarious adventure together.
The Comic Convention Reunion
Two years later, Graeme, Clive, and Ruth attend another comic convention, proudly showcasing their comic adaptation of their incredible adventure with Paul. The event symbolizes the lasting impact of their journey and the friendships formed along the way.
O'Reilly's Surprising Survival
In a surprising twist, O'Reilly is shown to have survived the earlier explosion, hinting that the adventures surrounding Paul and his friends may not be over yet. This sets the stage for possible future encounters or adventures.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Paul (2011) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Graeme Willy
Graeme is an adventurous and imaginative character, portrayed by Simon Pegg. His enthusiasm for alien culture drives the plot forward, showcasing his curiosity and playful nature. Despite the challenges he faces, Graeme's commitment to helping Paul reveals his compassionate side.
Clive Gollings
Clive, played by Nick Frost, is more cautious and often the voice of reason in contrast to Graeme's impulsiveness. His character adds a comedic element, as he navigates the unexpected chaos that unfolds during their adventure, grappling with his discomfort at the bizarre situations they encounter.
Paul
Paul, voiced by Seth Rogen, is the extraterrestrial visitor who embodies wit and charm. He serves as a catalyst for change, challenging the beliefs of characters like Ruth while also showcasing the complexities of his character through his struggles and friendships. He is both humorous and deeply relatable.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Paul (2011), 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
2009
Set in 2009, this period reflects a time when interest in both UFOs and comic culture was flourishing, influenced by films and conventions that celebrated geek culture. It was a time before the massive expansion of social media, allowing for a more grassroots approach to fandom and exploration.
Location
San Diego, California, Arizona, Southwestern United States
The movie traverses vibrant locations, starting with San Diego, California, home to the famous Comic-Con convention, a mecca for pop culture enthusiasts. The journey continues through Arizona, specifically at the quirky Little A'Le'Inn, known for its alien-themed hospitality. The Southwestern United States serves as a backdrop filled with iconic desert landscapes and hidden extraterrestrial sites.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Paul (2011). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
👽
Friendship
At the heart of the story is the bond between Graeme and Clive, whose friendship is tested and strengthened throughout their unexpected journey. Their shared experiences and challenges with Paul foster a deeper understanding of loyalty and companionship, emphasizing the importance of support in extraordinary circumstances.
🛸
Extraterrestrial Life
The film cleverly explores the theme of extraterrestrial life through the character of Paul, an alien with a humorous and relatable personality. It challenges perceptions about aliens, depicting them not as threats, but as misunderstood beings seeking connection and understanding in a world that often fears the unknown.
🎨
Creativity
The story touches on the theme of creativity, particularly in how Graeme and Clive harness their adventure to create a comic that reflects their experiences. It illustrates the transformative power of creativity as a way to process and share one's journey, making it relatable to others and celebrating the art of storytelling.
Featured on this page
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.