Phantom Boy

Phantom Boy 2016

Directed by

Alain Gagnol

Alain Gagnol

Made by

GKIDS

GKIDS

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Phantom Boy (2016). 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.


As 11-year-old Leo faces the reality of his cancer diagnosis, he seeks solace in his younger sister Lily. He shares a remarkable secret with her: his illness has bestowed upon him a unique gift. By detaching his spirit from his physical form, Leo can levitate and glide through the air, experiencing an existence that is both invisible and intangible. He coins this ethereal state as a “Phantom,” cautioning that spending too much time away from his body risks him fading into oblivion.

In parallel, NYPD Lieutenant Alex Tanner finds himself demoted to performing menial tasks due to a disastrous incident during a routine burglary arrest. His superior, Captain Simon, assigns him to these lowly duties, much to Tanner’s dissatisfaction. As Leo’s health worsens, he is urgently taken to the hospital for further evaluation. In an emotional scene, Leo mourns the loss of his hair and invisibly follows his mother home, where her heart-wrenching sobs for her son are shielded from Lily.

That very night, an alarming phone call from a disfigured individual threatens the Mayor: a devastating cyber attack will ensue, crippling New York City’s infrastructure unless a ransom of one billion dollars is met. This ominous figure, dubbed “The Face” by the media, orchestrates chaos throughout the city. Tanner, in a bid to catch The Face at the docks, finds himself bested and left for dead beneath a heap of crates.

However, it is then that Tanner’s path crosses with Leo’s phantom. Leo, possessing the ability to guide Tanner’s spirit back to his corporeal form, has previously done this for countless others, including those who were on the verge of extinction. When Tanner awakens, he is taken aback by the awareness that, unlike past patients, he remembers his encounter with the phantoms. To pursue The Face, Tanner consults Miss Mary Delaney, a savvy reporter who has received an anonymous tip about the villain’s location. Eager to assist, Leo persuades Tanner to let him accompany them, as Tanner is still recuperating from his injury.

As Mary narrowly escapes an ambush by The Face, aided by Leo’s otherworldly presence and Tanner’s timely phone call, she seeks assistance from an unexpected ally – The Mole, a former convict on parole. With Leo’s phantom keeping watch, their potentially dangerous journey to uncover The Face’s identity begins. Meanwhile, back at the hospital, a heartbreaking moment occurs when Lily comforts Leo, who remains unaware of his own extraordinary capabilities.

The storyline shifts dramatically when Mary becomes a victim of The Mole’s mistakes and is captured by The Face, leaving Tanner as her solitary hope. Confronted by certain death at the hands of The Big Guy and The Little Guy, The Face’s merciless goons, Tanner channels an inner strength and turns the tide just as hospital security arrives to apprehend them. In a startling twist, Leo’s phantom reappears as the hitmen are seized, drawn back by the energy of the scene unfolding.

With an instinctual guidance, the phantom directs Tanner and Mary toward a ship named Vizir, where Mary is being held captive by The Face. Just as midnight strikes, The Face’s devious plot unravels when Mary successfully guesses the password to disable the virus - > “Eyelids” - moments before he triggers a bomb meant to obliterate everything. As Tanner and Leo’s fading phantom work to ensure Mary’s escape, their joy is short-lived when The Face returns, furious over his foiled plans.

In a shocking climax, The Face’s own dog turns on him, attacking its master with ferocity. Mary seizes the moment to escape from the sinking ship, leaving The Face to contend with his own demise. Meanwhile, Leo’s body succumbs to a coma, his spirit ensnared between realms.

As the chaos calms, Tanner reveals Leo’s extraordinary abilities to Mary, who grapples with the heavy reality of their situation. In a tender moment, Lily reads a cherished bedtime story to Leo’s still form, unwittingly reigniting his spirit, allowing it to reunite with his family in a breathtakingly heartwarming moment.

Months roll by, and Tanner rises to a new chapter in his life, having made a commendable recovery, now accompanied by Mary. A surprising call from Captain Simon breaks the news that the Mayor wishes to honor him with a ceremony and promotion, much to the Captain’s displeasure. Standing with Mary, Tanner gazes out at the Manhattan skyline, feeling the city’s vibrant pulse resonating with their newfound rhythm of optimism and redemption.

Timeline

Track the key events of Phantom Boy (2016) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Leo's Diagnosis

At only 11 years old, Leo learns the devastating news of his cancer diagnosis. This life-changing moment forces him to confront his illness, but he finds solace and a unique connection with his younger sister, Lily.

Discovery of the Phantom Gift

As Leo grapples with his illness, he discovers he possesses a remarkable ability. By detaching his spirit from his body, he can levitate and glide through the air, entering a state he calls a 'Phantom', which offers him a temporary escape from his suffering.

Tanner's Demotion

Meanwhile, NYPD Lieutenant Alex Tanner finds himself demoted after a disastrous incident during a burglary arrest. Assigned lowly tasks by Captain Simon, Tanner struggles to cope with his unfulfilled potential and the disdain of his peers.

NYPD Headquarters

Leo's Hospital Visit

As Leo's condition deteriorates, he is rushed to the hospital for urgent evaluation. In a poignant moment, he mourns the loss of his hair while he watches his mother's heartbreak, reflecting the heavy emotional toll of his illness.

Hospital

The Threat of The Face

That night, the Mayor receives a threatening call from The Face, a disfigured individual who promises a cyber attack on New York City unless a ransom of one billion dollars is paid. This ultimatum sends shockwaves through the city and sets off an urgent investigation.

Night Mayor's Office

Tanner's Near-Death Experience

While pursuing The Face at the docks, Tanner encounters a near-fatal confrontation and is left for dead under a pile of crates. This critical moment becomes a turning point for Tanner, leading to an unexpected supernatural encounter.

Docks

Leo Guides Tanner

In his ethereal form, Leo encounters Tanner and realizes he has the ability to guide him back to life. This bond forms a bridge between their worlds, as Leo's phantom helps Tanner remember the experience, differentiating him from previous patients.

Collaboration with Mary Delaney

Consulting Miss Mary Delaney, a determined reporter, Tanner learns of a tip regarding The Face's location. Eager to continue the investigation, Leo persuades Tanner to let him accompany them, despite his still-recovering state.

Ambush and Escape

Mary faces a dangerous ambush from The Face but cleverly escapes thanks to Leo’s supernatural presence and Tanner’s timely intervention. This pivotal event sets the stage for their quest to unmask the elusive villain.

Mary's Capture

The situation escalates when Mary is captured due to The Mole's errors, leaving Tanner as her lone hope. The tension rises as Tanner must prepare to confront the villains who threaten their lives.

Climactic Confrontation

In a gripping showdown, Tanner musters the strength to confront The Face's henchmen, turning the tide against them. Just as hospital security arrives, Leo's phantom reappears to lend support in this chaotic scene.

Mary Disables the Virus

As the clock strikes midnight, Mary ingeniously guesses the password to thwart The Face's cyber-attack plot. Just before he can detonate a bomb, her quick thinking allows her and Tanner to attempt an escape, highlighting the high stakes.

Midnight Ship Vizir

The Face's Downfall

In a shocking twist, The Face's own dog turns against him amidst the chaos. This unexpected betrayal provides Mary the opportunity to flee, while The Face faces the consequences of his own malicious actions.

Ship Vizir

Leo's Coma

As the conflict subsides, Leo sinks into a coma, caught between his physical form and the spirit world. This tragic moment emphasizes the fragility of life and the deep connections that bind him to his family.

A New Beginning

Months later, Tanner has recovered and stands on the cusp of a new chapter, joined by Mary. He receives news of a promotion and an honor from the Mayor, symbolizing hope and a future filled with possibilities as they look out at the Manhattan skyline.

Manhattan

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Phantom Boy (2016) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Leo

Leo is an 11-year-old boy grappling with a cancer diagnosis while possessing the unique ability to detach his spirit and become a phantom. His whimsical nature contrasts with the gravity of his illness, as he channels his fears into helping others. Leo’s relationship with his sister Lily showcases his strength of spirit, even as he faces uncertainty.

🧒 Boy 🎈 Imaginative 🌈 Resilient

Alex Tanner

Alex Tanner is a demoted NYPD Lieutenant, battling the challenges of both professional setbacks and personal crises. His journey of redemption is intertwined with his unexpected partnership with Leo, as he learns to embrace hope and courage amidst dire circumstances. Tanner evolves from a cynical cop to a determined protector, willing to fight for justice and the well-being of others.

🚓 Police 🔄 Redemption 💪 Courageous

Mary Delaney

Mary Delaney is a resourceful reporter who becomes an indispensable ally to Tanner and Leo. Her tenacity and quick thinking enable her to navigate dangerous situations, showcasing her strength and resilience. As she collaborates with Tanner, Mary also grapples with the emotional implications of their fight against crime, adding depth to her character.

📰 Reporter 🔍 Investigative 💡 Smart

The Face

The Face is the film's primary antagonist, an enigmatic figure orchestrating a cyber attack on New York City. His ruthless demeanor and cunning nature make him a formidable villain, showcasing the dark side of ambition and chaos. Despite his threatening presence, he ultimately faces the consequences of his actions.

😈 Villain 💣 Threatening 🥷 Cunning

Setting

Uncover the settings of Phantom Boy (2016), 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's events are modern-day, reflecting contemporary challenges such as cyber threats and personal struggles with health. As viewers engage with Leo's journey and Tanner's redemption, they witness a blend of urgency and emotional depth characteristic of current societal issues.

Location

New York City

New York City serves as the bustling backdrop to the film 'Phantom Boy.' Known for its iconic skyline and vibrant culture, the city is often portrayed as a character in itself, with its chaotic streets and diverse inhabitants. The film highlights both the heartwarming and perilous elements of city life as Leo and Tanner navigate through various challenges.

🏙️ City 🌉 Urban

Themes

Explore the core themes of Phantom Boy (2016). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🌟

Hope

Amidst the chaos of illness and crime, the theme of hope radiates through the characters' journeys. Leo's extraordinary abilities symbolize the potential for light even in darkness, inspiring those around him. The connection between Leo, Tanner, and their loved ones showcases how hope can foster resilience and recovery against all odds.

👻

Existence

Leo's ability to exist as a phantom raises profound questions about the nature of life and the connections we share. His spirit's journey emphasizes the idea that existence transcends physical form, illustrating how relationships can persist even in the face of mortality. This theme invites viewers to reflect on their own connections and the impact they leave behind.

🤝

Friendship

The bonds formed between Leo, Tanner, and Mary underscore the importance of friendship in overcoming adversity. Their collaboration against external threats signifies that true allies can emerge from the most unexpected situations. This theme reinforces the idea that support from loved ones can make a significant difference during trying times.

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