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Plot Summary


In the year 2042, a grim and stylized world of shadows envelops Paris as we delve into the unsettling tale of Ilona Tasuiev, a 22-year-old scientist employed by the powerful Avalon corporation. The film begins with her unfortunate abduction, triggered while she attempts to retrieve valuable information from a drug dealer named Dmitri. Just as her sister, Bislane, intervenes at a nightclub to rescue her, Ilona is snatched away on her way home.

The narrative then shifts its focus to the weary Captain Barthélémy Karas, portrayed by Daniel Craig. As a skilled police officer, Karas finds himself entangled in the urgent investigation of Ilona’s disappearance, following a chaotic hostage situation that he resolves with lethal force against the captors. Forming a team, he begins to piece together clues about the abductor—which leads to some intriguing insights, such as the suspect’s eating habits hinting at their youth.

In his quest for answers, Karas reaches out to Dr. Jonas Muller, played by Ian Holm, a former Avalon researcher who had lost a brother to a condition known as Progeria. Dr. Muller, a key to understanding Ilona’s situation, hints cryptically that, “No one ever leaves Avalon,” raising suspicions about the corporation’s influence in her kidnapping. In a subsequent encounter, Karas confronts one of Avalon’s CEOs, Paul Dellenbach, who dismissively claims that he wouldn’t engage in an inappropriate relationship with one of his researchers. His insistence on Ilona’s safe return only deepens the mystery.

As the investigation deepens, revelations about Ilona’s past working in the high-pressure environment of Avalon come to light, especially concerning her admiration for Dr. Muller. Unfortunately, obstacles arise as Dmitri, holding secrets crucial to the investigation, meets a violent end at the hands of unseen assailants.

In a dramatic series of events, Karas uncovers a trail leading back to Nusrat Farfella, an old acquaintance, who provides critical footage of Ilona’s kidnapping that implicates a mysterious old man. This leads to a shocking discovery of the connection between the abductor and Dr. Muller.

Bislane bravely infiltrates Avalon’s archives to uncover hidden truths, revealing the company’s past unethical experiments in the pursuit of immortality—a goal that ultimately resulted in the tragic outcomes of child test subjects. As Karas battles to protect Bislane from corporate threats and reveals his own dark past, he also learns of Ilona’s dire circumstances, confined to a terrifying cybernetic prison.

Eventually, a confrontation with Dr. Nakata, who once collaborated with Muller, unveils sinister motivations behind Ilona’s kidnapping—to possess her groundbreaking research that could lead to eternal life. Tragically, a cascade of events leads to Nakata’s demise, leaving Karas to grapple with expanding dangers.

When Muller finally reveals himself, he explains his desperate measures to save Ilona from Avalon’s greed, believing she possesses critical discoveries that must not fall into the corporation’s hands. However, the escalating violence culminates in a heart-wrenching climax, as Karas is ultimately forced to confront his own tragic boundaries.

With his life fading, Karas tries to make amends with Bislane but finds himself tragic in a final act of defiance against the corporation’s power. As the film concludes, echoes of their twisted fates resonate through the city, enforcing the pervasive notion that Avalon symbolizes a relentless pursuit of beauty and youth—an alluring but deadly trap. The chilling last image of Muller’s brother discards a photograph into the flames, encasing the narrative within its haunting reality, leaving viewers questioning the true cost of immortality.

Timeline


Ilona's Abduction

In 2042, Ilona Tasuiev, a 22-year-old scientist working for the Avalon corporation, is kidnapped while trying to retrieve information from Dmitri, a drug dealer. This sets the grim tone for her unsettling journey within a dystopian Paris.

2042 Paris

Bislane's Attempt to Rescue

As Ilona is taken away, her sister Bislane intervenes at a nightclub in an attempt to rescue her. Despite her bravery, Bislane fails to stop the abduction, heightening the stakes of the investigation.

Nightclub, Paris

Captain Karas Joins the Investigation

Captain Barthélémy Karas, a weary yet skilled police officer, steps in to lead the investigation into Ilona's disappearance. His initial encounter with the chaotic situation showcases his tactical abilities, but also the violence of the world he inhabits.

Paris

The First Clue

As he delves deeper into the case, Karas pieces together clues about Ilona's abductors, including insights into their youth inferred from their eating habits. This marks the beginning of a tense and intricate investigation.

Police Headquarters, Paris

Dr. Jonas Muller’s Cryptic Hint

Karas consults Dr. Jonas Muller, a former Avalon researcher, who cryptically warns him that 'No one ever leaves Avalon.' This statement raises questions about the corporation's murky involvement in Ilona's abduction.

Muller's Office

Confrontation with Paul Dellenbach

During an intense confrontation, Karas challenges Paul Dellenbach, one of Avalon's CEOs, about Ilona's safety. Dellenbach’s dismissive attitude and denial of wrongdoing raises further suspicions about Avalon's operations.

Avalon Headquarters

Dmitri's Untimely Death

As the investigation unfolds, Dmitri, who holds crucial information about Ilona’s kidnapper, meets a violent fate at the hands of mysterious assailants. This loss weakens Karas's case and heightens the sense of impending danger.

Undisclosed Location, Paris

Nusrat Farfella's Critical Footage

Karas connects with Nusrat Farfella, an old acquaintance, who provides vital footage of Ilona's abduction. This shocking evidence implicates an unknown elderly man, complicating the investigation further.

Nusrat's Office, Paris

Bislane Infiltrates Avalon

In a courageous act, Bislane infiltrates Avalon's archives, uncovering unethical experiments that the corporation conducted in the pursuit of immortality, revealing the horrifying truth behind their research.

Avalon Archives

Confrontation with Dr. Nakata

Karas confronts Dr. Nakata, formerly associated with Dr. Muller, unveiling sinister motives behind the kidnapping. The dangerous revelation highlights Avalon's desperation to obtain Ilona's groundbreaking research.

Nakata’s Laboratory

Muller's Desperate Attempt to Save Ilona

Muller reveals his true intentions, explaining his drastic measures to keep Ilona away from Avalon's greed. He believes her work is crucial and must be protected at all costs from the corporation's grasp.

Muller's Hideout

The Climax of Violence

As violence escalates, Karas grapples with his own moral boundaries. His struggle reflects the broader societal themes of survival against a corporation driven by the desire for eternal life, leading to a tragic climax.

Avalon's Facilities

Karas's Final Act

In a heart-wrenching finale, Karas attempts to reconcile with Bislane while facing the overwhelming power of Avalon. His last act of defiance against the corporation encapsulates the tragedy of their struggle.

Corporate Headquarters, Paris

The Haunting Ending

The film concludes with a chilling image of Muller's brother discarding a photograph into flames. This symbolic act encapsulates the haunting reality that lingers, leaving viewers pondering the true cost of immortality in Avalon’s relentless pursuit.

Unknown Location

Characters


Ilona Tasuiev

Ilona is a 22-year-old scientist whose abduction kickstarts the narrative. Her intelligence and resourcefulness are evident as she struggles against the oppressive force of the Avalon corporation. Her character symbolizes the fight against exploitation and the quest for freedom, serving as a catalyst for the unfolding events.

🔬 Scientist 🌌 Victim

Captain Barthélémy Karas

Captain Karas is a seasoned police officer with a complex moral compass. His deep commitment to uncovering the truth drives him through a maze of corporate deception and personal sacrifice. The character grapples with his own past and the ethical implications of his violent actions throughout the investigation.

🕵️‍♂️ Detective 💔 Tragic Hero

Bislane

Bislane is Ilona's brave sister who risks everything to rescue her from danger. Demonstrating resilience and determination, she infiltrates Avalon to uncover hidden truths. Her unwavering loyalty highlights the theme of familial bonds against the backdrop of a dystopian world.

👩‍👧 Sister 🚀 Brave

Dr. Jonas Muller

Dr. Muller is a former Avalon researcher whose knowledge is pivotal in understanding Ilona's predicament. His tragic past haunts him as he reveals the dark side of Avalon’s ambitions. The character serves as a moral compass, urging caution against the greed-driven pursuit of knowledge.

🔍 Researcher 💔 Grieving

Paul Dellenbach

As one of Avalon’s CEOs, Dellenbach epitomizes corporate power and indifference to ethical concerns. His dismissive attitude toward Ilona’s safety showcases the dangers of unchecked ambition. His character illustrates the chilling effects of corporate greed in a high-stakes environment.

🏢 CEO 🦹‍♂️ Antagonist

Setting


Time period

2042

The year 2042 is marked by a dystopian bleakness, where societal issues and corporate corruption are prevalent. This period showcases advanced technologies alongside the dark realities of the human condition, particularly in the pursuit of youth and immortality. It reflects a future where ethics are often overshadowed by ambition and greed.

Location

Paris

Paris, the iconic capital of France, is known for its rich history, art, and culture. In the year 2042, it transforms into a grim setting characterized by shadows and dark undertones, which serve as a backdrop for intrigue and danger. The city's allure contrasts sharply with the narrative's ominous events.

🏙️ City 🕵️‍♂️ Investigation

Themes


💀

Immortality

The theme of immortality permeates the movie, raising ethical questions about the lengths to which individuals and corporations will go to achieve eternal life. The story confronts the dangers of scientific ambition that neglects moral considerations, as seen through Avalon’s unethical experiments on child subjects. It ultimately illustrates the tragic consequences of pursuing beauty and youth at all costs.

🔍

Investigation

The investigation into Ilona's kidnapping drives the narrative, highlighting the complexities of crime-solving in a troubled society. Detective Barthélémy Karas navigates a world filled with deceit and corporate secrecy. This theme emphasizes the relentless pursuit of truth and justice amid overwhelming obstacles.

🤖

Cybernetics

The use of cybernetics is a significant theme in the film, portraying the intersection of technology and humanity. Ilona's confinement in a cybernetic prison underscores the potential perils of advanced technology when used for oppressive purposes. It serves as a stark reminder of how scientific advancements can lead to loss of autonomy.

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