Directed by
Ariel SchulmanHenry Joost
Made by
Netflix
Discover the intricate plot of Project Power (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 dystopian New Orleans, a curious distributor introduces a mysterious pill named “Power,” which bestows extraordinary abilities for five minutes to a cadre of drug dealers, including Colson Baker as Newt. After six weeks, Newt’s teenage cousin, Dominique Fishback as Robin, finds herself in a perilous situation as customers desperate for Power attempt to rob her. Just in the nick of time, she is saved by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who plays Frank Shaver, an NOPD officer who often buys from her.
As events unfold, a relentless man named Jamie Foxx takes on the role of Art, a determined individual hunting for the elusive distributor known as Biggie. Tragedy strikes when Newt dies following an overdose of Power during a confrontation with Art. Frank is drawn into a web of crime after he disrupts a bank heist led by a Power-fueled thief, but soon faces suspension for using the drug himself. His captain discloses that government officials are applying pressure to halt the investigation, providing Frank with a photograph of their prime suspect—Art.
Art’s pursuit leads him to abduct Robin, coercing her to guide him to the drug cartel’s hideout. In a dramatic turn, he is injured while dispatching several cartel members and learns that users across New Orleans are being treated as guinea pigs for the drug. During their time together, Art and Robin forge a bond as they tend to his wounds. He unveils his harrowing past which includes being experimented on by Teleios, a private defense firm, to develop superhuman powers. His daughter, Tracy, who demonstrates powers without ever consuming Power, was abducted by Wallace, a Teleios operative.
As their quest continues, Art and Robin track down Biggie, who is hosting a secret demonstration of Project Power amid fans arriving for a game at the Superdome. Biggie boasts that Power marks “the next evolution of the human species,” claiming the abilities stem from animal powers like those of the chameleon and the wolverine frog. Tensions escalate when Art confronts Biggie at gunpoint and learns about a vessel named the Genesis, but Joseph Gordon-Levitt, now tracking the incident, intervenes. In the ensuing chaos, Biggie consumes a dose of Power, causing an explosion that kills him as Art, Robin, and Frank narrowly escape.
Frank, now aware of the true nature of the drug crisis, apprehends Art but learns from him that the Power epidemic tangentially relates to a mass experiment to perfect the drug—with his daughter Tracy at the center of it all. Having convinced Frank that his captain is taking directives from Teleios, Art willingly lets himself be captured and taken to the Genesis. With Frank and Robin on his trail, Art manages to persuade a guard to release him, leading to a confrontation where they eliminate Wallace. Meanwhile, Robin successfully locates Tracy, reuniting her with Art.
As they plan their escape, Robin is taken hostage by Dr. Gardner, who oversees Project Power, demanding Tracy in exchange for her life. In a fierce showdown, Art reveals that the Power grants him the incredible talents of a pistol shrimp, utilizing this gift to defeat Gardner and her henchmen, thereby rescuing Robin. However, the exertion of his powers proves fatal for Art. Fortunately, Tracy uses her unique abilities to bring him back to life, and they manage to flee the ship together.
With Frank intending to unveil the truth about Project Power to the public and Art suggesting a new path forward, he gifts Robin his truck along with a bag brimming with cash to support her mother’s health needs. He encourages her to harness the greatness that lies within her. Ultimately, Art and Tracy embark on a new chapter in their lives, liberated from their past, while Robin sets her sights on a promising future as a rapper.
Track the key events of Project Power (2020) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Introduction of 'Power'
In dystopian New Orleans, a distributor introduces a mysterious pill called 'Power'. This pill grants extraordinary abilities for five minutes to a group of drug dealers, including Newt, who is eager to profit from its effects.
Robin's Dangerous Encounter
Six weeks after Power's introduction, Robin finds herself in a perilous situation when customers desperate for the drug attempt to rob her. Just as things seem dire, she is saved by NOPD officer Frank Shaver, who often buys from her.
Art's Hunt for Biggie
A man named Art becomes determined to track down the distributor known as Biggie. His relentless pursuit is driven by the desire to uncover the truth behind the pill and the impact it has on the city.
Tragedy Strikes Newt
During a confrontation related to the drug trafficking, Newt dies from an overdose of Power. This tragic event deepens the urgency of Art's mission and further complicates Robin's situation.
Frank's Suspension
After Frank disrupts a bank heist led by a Power-fueled thief, he applies the drug himself and subsequently faces suspension. His captain reveals that higher-ups are pressuring the department to halt the investigation on the drug.
Art Abducts Robin
Art's pursuit of justice leads him to abduct Robin, coercing her into guiding him to the hidden cartel of drug dealers. Their forced partnership begins as they navigate through a dangerous world of crime.
Art and Robin's Bond
Injured during an encounter with cartel members, Art's vulnerability allows him and Robin to bond as they attend to his wounds. He shares the trauma of his past, revealing his connection to the secretive Teleios organization.
Discovery of Project Power
Art and Robin discover that users in New Orleans are being treated as guinea pigs for the drug. They realize the widespread implications of Power and the morally ambiguous experiments being conducted.
Confrontation with Biggie
Art confronts Biggie at a secret demonstration of Project Power amid a crowd attending a game at the Superdome. The tension escalates as Biggie discusses the drug’s evolutionary significance and makes a shocking revelation.
Biggie's Demise
The confrontation culminates in chaos when Biggie consumes Power, leading to an explosion that kills him. Art, Robin, and Frank narrowly escape the devastation, marking a turning point in their fight against the drug.
Art's Capture
After learning crucial details about the Power epidemic, Frank apprehends Art. In their tense exchange, Art reveals the sinister connection of the drug to his daughter, who has been caught up in the experiments.
Robin Finds Tracy
While Art recklessly pursues his mission, Robin finds Tracy and successfully reunites her with Art. This emotional moment solidifies their allies' bond and strengthens their mission to expose the truth.
The Showdown with Dr. Gardner
In a climactic showdown, Art faces off against Dr. Gardner, the overseer of Project Power. Utilizing his extraordinary skills, he defeats her and rescues Robin, showcasing the power of their teamwork.
Art's Sacrifice
Despite their success, Art's use of Power takes a deadly toll on him. In a moment of hope, Tracy's unique abilities allow her to revive him, highlighting the themes of sacrifice and familial bonds.
A New Beginning
With a renewed sense of purpose, Art gifts Robin his truck and cash. This act signifies a fresh start for all as they choose to leave their dark pasts behind and look forward to a brighter future.
Meet the characters that bring Project Power (2020) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Robin (Dominique Fishback)
Robin is a resourceful and resilient teenager thrust into a perilous world due to the city's drug crisis. Her character exhibits courage as she navigates dangerous encounters while forming a bond with Art. She aspires to be a rapper, showing her creative ambitions alongside her fight for survival.
Art (Jamie Foxx)
Art is a determined and skilled individual on a mission to uncover the truth behind the Power epidemic. His troubled past and deep-seated motivations drive him to act as both a father and protector. Art's character reflects themes of redemption and sacrifice as he grapples with his extraordinary abilities.
Frank (Joseph Gordon-Levitt)
Frank is an NOPD officer caught in a moral dilemma as he navigates his role in a corrupt system. His character evolves from compliance to resistance against the drug crisis after learning the truth behind Project Power. Frank's journey underscores the battle between duty and integrity.
Uncover the settings of Project Power (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 unfolds in a contemporary setting, highlighting current social and urban issues, particularly related to crime and drug use. The narrative reflects themes of personal struggle against a backdrop of societal decay, which resonates with present-day realities.
Location
New Orleans
New Orleans is a vibrant and culturally rich city known for its unique blend of French, African, and Spanish influences. It's famous for its music scene, particularly jazz, and its festive atmosphere, especially during events like Mardi Gras. The city's distinct neighborhoods, like the French Quarter, showcase its historical architecture and lively spirit.
Explore the core themes of Project Power (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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Drug Crisis
The film delves into the ramifications of drug culture and the quest for power through substance abuse. It portrays how the mysterious pill, Power, creates chaos in the lives of those who seek extraordinary abilities, highlighting the societal challenges posed by addiction and exploitation.
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Family Bonds
At its core, the movie emphasizes the importance of family ties and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect loved ones. Art's journey to save his daughter and Robin's commitment to helping her community reflect the strong familial bonds that drive characters forward amidst turmoil.
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Empowerment
Empowerment emerges as a central theme, illustrated through the characters who strive to harness their abilities. The film questions the ethics of power and manipulation, as well as the significance of choosing one's own path in life, ultimately showcasing personal growth and resilience.
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