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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of The Colony (2013). 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.


A terrified woman, Alex Paxton-Beesley, and a man, Eric Murdoc, flee down a dimly lit corridor, desperately banging on a door and shouting for help. In a bleak future, humanity is forced to live underground as a new Ice Age ravages the planet, and the few survivors strive to sustain civilization while hoping for a brighter tomorrow. At the helm of Colony 7 is Briggs, portrayed by Laurence Fishburne, who faces severe challenges in maintaining order amidst dwindling supplies of food and medicine. The colony battles the looming threat of a flu outbreak which has already taken twenty lives, prompting Briggs to implement a stringent 40-day quarantine protocol.

As the flu epidemic sweeps through Colony 7, Briggs is faced with a chilling decision: those who remain ill post-quarantine either face execution or venture outside to fend for themselves in the unforgiving frozen wilderness. This harsh reality ignites tensions within the colony; Mason, played by Bill Paxton, takes drastic action by killing Hal, portrayed by Sten Eirik, fearing his return could jeopardize everyone’s survival. Sam, a key character brought to life by Kevin Zegers, tries to advocate for compassion, arguing that Hal’s departure is a necessary act of survival, one that ultimately leads to resource conservation.

The situation escalates when an SOS signal from Colony 5 is received after a two-day silence, leading Briggs to convene a meeting where he passionately expresses his disdain for Mason’s recent actions. As preparations for the journey to Colony 5 unfold, Sam volunteers to accompany Briggs, even as others, like Graydon, portrayed by Atticus Dean Mitchell, express hesitation. The chill of despair sets in as the colony grapples with illness, culminating in panic when a coughing fit interrupts the meeting. Briggs entrusts Kai, played by Charlotte Sullivan, with the leadership role during his absence.

On their harrowing journey through a perilous frozen landscape, Sam is haunted by vivid memories of his childhood and lost loved ones. The trio faces numerous obstacles, from navigating a treacherous, icy bridge to discovering the grim aftermath of those who perished in their fight for survival. Stumbling upon a haunting scene involving a frozen truck and a couple who met a tragic fate, they are reminded of the desperation that encompasses this new world.

Upon their arrival at Colony 5, they are horrified to encounter pools of blood and signs of slaughter, marking a stark contrast to the fragile hope they carried. Leland, portrayed by Julian Richinds, reveals a message about a colony that found a way to rejuvenate the land, but as they search for assistance, sinister figures lurk in the shadows. The tension escalates when they confront cannibals whose gruesome practices endanger their lives. In a desperate struggle, Graydon loses his life, forcing Briggs and Sam to flee.

Back at Colony 7, Mason’s oppressive leadership becomes even more tyrannical, leading to tragic consequences. As Sam struggles for freedom, he and Kai hatch a plan to uncover life beyond the frost, utilising Kai’s satellite connection to find a promising area. As chaos erupts with the arrival of the cannibals, Sam bravely fights to defend Colony 7 and ultimately confronts Mason’s oppressive rule. Through grit and determination, a small group escapes, armed with newfound knowledge of survival, as they embark on a quest for a warmer existence amidst the chilling remnants of their past.

Timeline

Track the key events of The Colony (2013) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Desperate Escape

Alex and Eric are on the run, frantically trying to find a way out of a perilous situation. They bang on a door, shouting for help, showcasing their fear and urgency in a dimly lit corridor.

Life Underground

In a bleak future ravaged by a new Ice Age, the remnants of humanity are forced to live underground. Colony 7, led by Briggs, struggles to maintain order while dealing with dwindling supplies and a harsh environment.

Colony 7

Flu Epidemic Strikes

A flu outbreak devastates Colony 7, claiming at least twenty lives. In response, Briggs implements a stringent 40-day quarantine to protect the remaining survivors from further loss.

Colony 7

A Harsh Decision

As the quarantine comes to an end, Briggs is faced with the grim choice of executing those who still suffer from the flu or sending them out into the unforgiving frozen wilderness. This stark reality adds to the growing tensions within the colony.

Colony 7

Mason's Tyranny

Mason acts brutally by killing Hal out of fear for the colony's safety, fueling further conflict. Sam, seeking compassion, tries to argue that Hal's banishment was a necessary survival tactic.

Colony 7

SOS from Colony 5

A distress signal from Colony 5 is received after a two-day silence. Briggs gathers everyone for a meeting to address the alarming fate of Colony 5 and express his concerns over Mason's recent actions.

Colony 7

Preparation for the Journey

As plans are made to journey to Colony 5, Sam volunteers to join Briggs despite the apprehensions voiced by others. This decision marks a pivotal moment as hope for assistance drives them forward.

Colony 7

Haunting Memories

During their treacherous journey through the icy landscape, Sam is haunted by memories of his childhood and lost loved ones. These reflections contrast sharply with the harsh survival that surrounds them.

Frozen Wilderness

The Frozen Truck

The trio encounters a frozen truck along their path, presenting a grim reminder of those who have perished in the fight for survival. This chilling discovery emphasizes the desperation of their situation.

Frozen Wilderness

Arrival at Colony 5

Upon arriving at Colony 5, they are greeted by a terrifying sight of slaughter and pools of blood. The hope they held is dashed as they realize the fate that has befallen this sister colony.

Colony 5

Message of Reclamation

Leland informs them about a colony that successfully rejuvenated the land. This revelation inspires a flicker of hope amidst the horror, but danger lurks as ominous figures shadow their efforts.

Colony 5

Confrontation with Cannibals

The situation escalates dramatically when they confront a group of cannibals threatening their lives. This encounter leads to a desperate fight for survival, and losses are incurred.

Colony 5

Graydon's Death

In a heartbreaking turn, Graydon loses his life during their escape from the cannibals. This devastating event forces Briggs and Sam to flee, facing the chilling reality of their predicament.

Colony 5

Return to Colony 7

Back at Colony 7, Mason's oppressive rule unravels further, causing chaos. With bravery, Sam and Kai devise a plan to uncover new territories using Kai's satellite connection.

Colony 7

A Quest for Survival

As cannibals attack, Sam stands firm against Mason's tyranny, fighting for the survival of the colony. A small group escapes from Colony 7, armed with newfound knowledge and determination to seek a warmer existence.

Colony 7

Characters

Meet the characters that bring The Colony (2013) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Briggs (Laurence Fishburne)

Briggs is a strong leader struggling to maintain order in Colony 7 amidst severe challenges. His leadership is tested by dwindling resources and the rampant flu outbreak, forcing him to make life-and-death decisions. He remains determined to preserve the colony's fragile existence and does his best to advocate for the community's survival.

🧑‍✈️ Leader ❄️ Resilient ⚖️ Morality

Sam (Kevin Zegers)

Sam serves as a voice of reason and compassion within the colony, advocating for humane treatment of those afflicted by the flu epidemic. Haunted by memories of loss, he represents the emotional struggle of the characters during their fight for survival. His willingness to confront challenges showcases a brave heart in the face of despair.

💖 Compassionate 🦸‍♂️ Heroic 🌌 Hopeful

Mason (Bill Paxton)

Mason embodies the oppressive side of leadership, rationalizing drastic actions in the name of survival. His tyrannical nature creates fear and division among the colony inhabitants, as he prioritizes control over empathy. This leads to tragic outcomes and represents a stark contrast to characters seeking a more compassionate approach.

👑 Tyrant 🔥 Fearful ⚔️ Conflict

Kai (Charlotte Sullivan)

Kai serves as a pivotal character in the colony's technological efforts to seek a better future. Her leadership during Briggs’s absence showcases her strength and capability. By utilizing a satellite connection, she plays a crucial role in uncovering potential paths to survival beyond their frozen existence.

💻 Tech-savvy 🛡️ Supportive 🌍 Innovative

Setting

Uncover the settings of The Colony (2013), 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

Distant future

The narrative unfolds in a bleak future where humanity has retreated underground due to an uncontrollable Ice Age. This setting reflects a time of despair and struggle for survival, affected by a flu epidemic and oppressive leadership. The societal collapse catalyzes drastic actions among the characters as they confront moral dilemmas in the fight against extinction.

Location

Colony 7, Colony 5, frozen wilderness

The movie takes place primarily in Colony 7, an underground shelter where survivors battle the harsh realities of a new Ice Age. Colony 5, another colony, serves as a destination for aid but is found in a state of horror and bloodshed. The frozen wilderness outside poses a treacherous obstacle that the characters must navigate in their survival efforts.

❄️ Arctic 🌆 Underground 🚪 Survival

Themes

Explore the core themes of The Colony (2013). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💔

Loss

The theme of loss permeates the narrative as characters cope with the deaths of loved ones and confront their own mortality. The struggle for survival highlights the emotional toll that loss inflicts on the remaining characters. Their memories of happier times clash with the grim reality they face, shaping their decisions and alliances.

⚔️

Survival

Survival is a central theme in the film, illustrating the extremes to which human beings are pushed in crisis situations. Characters are forced to make difficult choices, weighing their own lives against the lives of others. The harsh environment tests their moral compasses and showcases the innate desire for hope amidst despair.

🤝

Compassion vs. Tyranny

The struggle between compassion and tyranny plays a crucial role in the story, particularly illustrated by the conflict between Briggs and Mason. While some characters advocate for compassion in a time of crisis, others succumb to fear and tyranny, creating deep divisions within the colony. The fight against oppressive leadership highlights the importance of unity and hope.

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