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Plot Summary


As Ulysse Mérou and Nova (played by Helena Bonham Carter) navigate the depths of space, they find themselves faced with an unusual situation when their child, Sirius, astonishingly begins to walk and talk at just three months old. This astonishing development spurs them into a bold plan, where they take on the guise of human test subjects in a scientific experiment related to space travel. Utilizing their remarkable abilities to blend in due to their unique looks, they manage to infiltrate a spacecraft and seize control of its systems.

Ulysse, with remarkable skill, steers the ship back towards Earth, their eyes glimmering with hope as they fly over the City of Light. The Eiffel Tower and Orly Airport come into view, rekindling memories of home. Yet, their joy is abruptly shattered when they encounter an unexpected obstacle—a field officer in a jeep, shockingly revealed to be a gorilla. This unexpected twist forces Ulysse and Nova to abandon their daring escape plan, leaving the planet behind in a whirlwind of mixed emotions.

In a poignant moment of reflection, Ulysse pens down his incredible story, sealing it within a bottle and casting it into the vast void of space, as if reaching out to an audience yet unknown.

Meanwhile, in a nested plotline, the couple Jinn and Phyllis (played by Mark Wahlberg), both chimpanzees, engage in a spirited discussion about Ulysse’s extraordinary narrative. They struggle to grasp the idea that intelligent beings, like humans, once existed, dismissing his adventures as mere flights of fancy.

Timeline


Sirius's Unique Development

Ulysse Mérou and Nova are astonished to discover that their child, Sirius, begins to walk and talk at just three months old. This unusual development signifies a leap in evolution that changes their perspective on parenting and the future.

Plans for Space Travel

Motivated by Sirius’s remarkable abilities, Ulysse and Nova devise an audacious plan. They decide to pose as human test subjects in a scientific experiment related to space travel, showcasing their determination to protect their child’s exceptional future.

Infiltration of the Spacecraft

Employing their unique looks to blend in, Ulysse and Nova manage to infiltrate a spacecraft. Their cunning plan involves taking control of the spacecraft's systems, marking the first step of their bold escape from their current existence.

Journey Back to Earth

With remarkable skill, Ulysse piloted the spacecraft back towards Earth. As they soared through space, they were overwhelmed with hope while gazing upon breathtaking sights, including the City of Light.

City of Light

Returning to Familiar Sights

As they fly closer to Earth, the iconic Eiffel Tower and Orly Airport come into view. This sight stirs memories of home for Ulysse and Nova, filling them with nostalgic emotions about their past life.

Eiffel Tower, Orly Airport

Unexpected Encounter

In a dramatic turn, Ulysse and Nova’s joyous return is cut short by an unexpected obstacle. They come face-to-face with a field officer in a jeep, who is shockingly revealed to be a gorilla, a symbolism of the chaos that surrounds them.

Abandoning the Escape Plan

The revelation of the gorilla forces Ulysse and Nova to reassess their escape strategy. Overwhelmed by mixed emotions, they decide to abandon their daring plan and leave their hopes for a future behind.

Ulysse's Reflection

In a poignant moment, Ulysse takes time to reflect on their incredible journey. He pens down their story and seals it within a bottle, symbolically casting it into the void of space, as if reaching for an audience yet unknown.

Discussion Among Chimpanzees

Meanwhile, a subplot unfolds featuring Jinn and Phyllis, a couple of chimpanzees. They engage in a spirited discussion about Ulysse's extraordinary narrative, struggling to comprehend the existence of intelligent beings like humans.

Doubt and Dismissal

As Jinn and Phyllis debate Ulysse’s adventures, they find it difficult to believe in the tales of human civilization. Their skepticism highlights the stark contrasts in perceptions of intelligence and evolution in their world.

Sirius's Future

Amidst the chaos of their escape and reflection, the future of Sirius remains uncertain. Ulysse and Nova's experiences and the challenges they face will play a crucial role in determining the next steps for their rapidly evolving child.

Journey to Understanding

Both Ulysse and Nova must seek new ways to understand their unique situation as parents of a precocious child. They aim to ensure Sirius has the opportunities to thrive despite the adversities they encounter.

Hope Amidst Uncertainty

Despite the challenges ahead, Ulysse holds onto hope for a better future. He reflects on the lessons learned from their journey while contemplating what it means to be a parent in a world filled with uncertainty.

The Unknown Audience

As Ulysse releases his story into space, he imagines the possibilities of who might find it. This act represents a desire for connection with others as he navigates his family's unique legacy.

Characters


Ulysse Mérou

Ulysse Mérou is a determined and resourceful protagonist who navigates the challenges of space travel and survival. His intellect and courage drive the narrative, especially as he contemplates the fate of humanity and his own family in a universe filled with uncertainty. Ulysse embodies the spirit of adventure and the longing for connection with his home.

🧑‍🚀 Protagonist 🚀 Adventurer

Nova

Nova is a pivotal character who, alongside Ulysse, represents resilience and hope. As a mother to the extraordinary child Sirius, her adaptability and nurturing spirit are essential for the family's survival. Nova's relationship with Ulysse adds emotional depth to the story, illustrating themes of love and partnership amidst adversity.

👩‍👧 Mother ❤️ Love

Sirius

Sirius, the child prodigy born to Ulysse and Nova, captivates the audience with his remarkable abilities that challenge the norms of intelligence and development. His character symbolizes hope for the future and the continuation of human lineage, entwined with themes of evolution and potential. Sirius's existence creates tension and wonder within the narrative.

👶 Child Prodigy 🌟 Hope

Jinn

Jinn is a chimpanzee character who embodies curiosity and skepticism as he debates the extraordinary story of Ulysse. Through his discussions with Phyllis, Jinn highlights themes of perception and understanding of intelligence across species, providing a critical lens on humanity's behaviors.

🐒 Curiosity 💬 Discussion

Phyllis

Phyllis is another chimpanzee who serves as a counterpart to Jinn, bringing a contrasting perspective on Ulysse's tale. Her playful skepticism helps to explore the concept of historical narratives and the ways in which stories shape understanding across different beings. Phyllis’s character adds lightheartedness while addressing serious themes.

🐒 Humor 📖 Storytelling

Setting


Time period

The movie does not specify a distinct time period but implies a futuristic setting where space travel and scientific experimentation have advanced significantly. This backdrop allows for the exploration of themes such as intelligence, evolution, and the unpredictability of life, which resonate throughout the narrative.

Location

Earth, City of Light, Eiffel Tower, Orly Airport

The story unfolds on Earth, primarily illuminating the City of Light, a vibrant hub known for its iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower is a symbol of romance and culture, while Orly Airport represents the gateway for travelers and adventurers. This colorful backdrop accentuates the contrast between the familiar Earth and the strange new world that Ulysse and Nova find themselves navigating.

🌍 Earth 🗼 Eiffel Tower ✈️ Airport

Themes


🚀

Space Exploration

The theme of space exploration is central to the narrative as Ulysse and Nova undertake an extraordinary journey through the cosmos. Their unique circumstances, particularly the extraordinary abilities of their child, challenge the boundaries of known science and push the envelope of what is considered possible. This theme underscores humanity's relentless curiosity and ambition, showcasing both the wonders and dangers of venturing into the unknown.

👶

Child Prodigy

Sirius's exceptional ability to walk and talk at just three months old introduces the theme of child prodigy, encapsulating the idea of extraordinary potential in the next generation. This phenomenon forces Ulysse and Nova to navigate complex situations and reconsider the roles they play in a rapidly changing world. It illustrates the hope and uncertainty of nurturing such a gifted child in an unpredictable environment.

🌌

Survival

Survival is a strong theme highlighted through Ulysse and Nova's struggle to navigate their way back to Earth. The obstacles they face, including the unexpected encounter with a gorilla, add layers of tension and highlight the need for adaptability in dire circumstances. This theme resonates throughout the film, focusing on the fundamental instinct to survive against the odds in an unfamiliar world.

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