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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Total Recall (2012) (2012). 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.


At the close of the 21st century, following the devastating aftermath of World War 3, the Earth has become a hostile place with scarce habitable land. The remaining territories are split into two entities: the United Federation of Britain (UFB) and the Colony (Australia). Many inhabitants of the Colony travel to the UFB to seek work in their factories, utilizing a gravity elevator known as “the Fall” that traverses the Earth. Amidst this divided world, a Resistance emerges within the UFB, aiming to improve the bleak conditions faced by the Colony’s residents.

Among the denizens is Douglas Quaid (played by Colin Farrell), a factory worker who becomes intrigued by the idea of vacationing in a fabricated reality offered by Rekall, a company that specializes in implanting artificial memories. During a consultation, Rekall employee McClane (John Cho) persuades Quaid to undergo the procedure to implant the memories of a secret agent. However, during the preliminary tests, McClane uncovers that Quaid possesses genuine memories of being a spy. In a sudden twist of fate, their session is interrupted by a SWAT team that opens fire, forcing Quaid to instinctively defend himself, resulting in the demise of the officers before he manages to escape.

Returning home, Quaid is confronted by his wife, Lori (Kate Beckinsale), who attempts to eliminate him, unveiling the shocking truth that she is not the loving partner he’s known for the past seven years, but rather an undercover agent working for the UFB who has been observing him. In a desperate flight, Quaid encounters Hammond (Dylan Scott Smith), who claims to be a former ally. He communicates with Quaid through a mobile device embedded in his hand, guiding him to a safe-deposit box nearby, which Quaid ultimately cuts out of his hand to prevent being tracked. Inside the box, he finds a taped message from his previous identity, which directs him to a hidden apartment within the UFB.

While fleeing from relentless pursuers, Quaid encounters Melina (Jessica Biel), the enigmatic woman who appears in his dreams. She aids him in reaching the apartment, where he plays a piano to activate a secondary recording. This tape unveils that Quaid was initially Carl Hauser, a proficient agent under UFB Chancellor Vilos Cohaagen (Bryan Cranston), who had been tasked with infiltrating the Resistance to eliminate Mathias. However, upon meeting Melina, and realizing his misplaced loyalties, he resolves to join the Resistance instead. It is revealed that Hauser was apprehended by the UFB and had undergone memory modifications.

The recording details a nefarious scheme by Cohaagen to use the mechanical police force to invade the Colony, expanding UFB territory. Yet, Hauser had perceived a critical code capable of halting the robotic army, which can be retrieved with assistance from the Resistance leader, Mathias (Bill Nighy). Melina shares a poignant connection with Hauser, having been his lover before he was captured. During a chaotic encounter, Melina sustains a wound on her hand, leaving a scar as a haunting memory from their past.

As the police lay siege to their location, trapping Quaid and Melina, Quaid’s colleague from the Colony, Harry (Bokeem Woodbine), appears, attempting to persuade him that he remains caught in a Rekall-induced fantasy. Torn between conflicting emotions, Quaid ultimately makes the heart-wrenching choice to shoot Harry.

Fleeing yet again from the relentless dangers posed by Lori, Quaid and Melina strive to reach Mathias. Just as Mathias assists in unlocking Quaid/Hauser’s memories, the SWAT teams led by Lori and Cohaagen break in. Cohaagen reveals a devastating betrayal—that Quaid/Hauser had been unwittingly working for him, with his defecting allegiance being planted by Cohaagen himself. In a shocking act, Cohaagen kills Mathias and orders the reprogramming of Hauser’s mind, intending to regain his control. Cohaagen and Lori then abduct Melina, just before the enigmatic Hammond, posing as a SWAT member, orchestrates an escape for Quaid at the cost of his own life.

Cohaagen launches a massive assault on the Colony using the Fall. Ingenious and determined, Quaid sneaks onto the Fall, planting detonators while searching for Melina. Once reunited, they ascend to the top of the Fall as it descends toward the Colony. In an epic showdown, Quaid battles against the soldiers and the ever-menacing Cohaagen. When Quaid’s explosives detonate, they leap from the Fall, narrowly escaping its plunge into the depths below, engulfing Cohaagen and his forces.

In a disorienting awakening aboard an ambulance, Quaid is greeted by Melina, only to discover she is, in truth, Lori disguised. This revelation forces a climactic confrontation where Quaid fights and ultimately kills Lori, gaining his freedom. He and Melina finally reunite, as a Rekall advertisement buzzes in the background, leaving them uncertain of their reality but together in their fight for survival.

Timeline

Track the key events of Total Recall (2012) (2012) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


World War 3 Ends

The 21st century witnesses the end of World War 3, resulting in a devastated Earth and a dramatic shift in international territories. Habitable land becomes scarce, leading to the formation of two distinct entities: the United Federation of Britain (UFB) and the Colony in Australia.

Introduction to 'the Fall'

Faced with harsh realities, many inhabitants of the Colony seek employment in the UFB, utilizing a gravity elevator known as 'the Fall' to traverse the Earth. This method of transport represents the only link between the two regions and highlights the desperation of the Colony’s residents.

Earth

Douglas Quaid's Life

Within this tumultuous world, we meet Douglas Quaid, a factory worker who becomes curious about experiencing a fabricated reality offered by Rekall. His quest for a better existence signifies the growing discontent among workers in the UFB.

Rekall Consultation

Quaid visits Rekall, where employee McClane persuades him to implant memories of being a secret agent. During the procedure, McClane uncovers genuine memories within Quaid, suggesting a deeper connection to espionage.

Rekall Facility

Escape from SWAT

The session is abruptly interrupted by a SWAT team attack, forcing Quaid to defend himself. His instinctive actions lead to the demise of the officers, marking his transformation from an ordinary worker into a fugitive.

Rekall Facility

Confrontation with Lori

Returning home, Quaid is confronted by his wife Lori, who reveals that she is a UFB agent. This shocking revelation shatters Quaid's understanding of his life, pushing him further into a dangerous escape.

Quaid's Home

Meeting Hammond

In his desperate flight, Quaid encounters Hammond, a former ally and communication link to the Resistance. Hammond guides Quaid to a safe-deposit box that holds vital clues about his true identity.

Recall of Past Identity

Quaid finds a message hidden in the safe-deposit box from his former identity, Carl Hauser. The tape directs him to a hidden apartment and reveals his past as an agent tasked with infiltrating the Resistance.

UFB

Allies with Melina

Upon reaching the secret apartment, Quaid meets Melina, a woman from his dreams who aids him in understanding his past. They share a connected history that complicates his objective amidst the chaos.

UFB

Cohaagen's Betrayal Revealed

Cohaagen reveals that Quaid, initially a loyal agent, had his memories manipulated to betray the Resistance. This twist highlights the intricate web of deceit spun by Cohaagen, complicating Quaid’s quest for identity.

Desperate Fight for Freedom

As they are besieged by police, Quaid confronts emotional turmoil and is forced to choose between loyalty and survival, culminating in a tragic confrontation with his colleague Harry. This moment signifies his total immersion into the life of a fugitive.

UFB

Race Against Time

Quaid and Melina embark on a perilous journey to join the Resistance and stop Cohaagen's nefarious plan. Their bond deepens as they face down threats, driven by shared goals and past connections.

Fall Assault

Cohaagen launches an aggressive assault on the Colony, prompting Quaid and Melina to use 'the Fall' to plant explosives. This high-stakes mission underlines their determination to protect the lives of those in the Colony.

Colony

Final Showdown

In an epic battle aboard the Fall, Quaid confronts Cohaagen and his forces. The detonation of explosives marks a critical moment in the struggle for freedom and survival against oppression.

The Fall

Ending Confrontation

Quaid awakens to discover Lori disguised as Melina, leading to a climactic showdown where he ultimately kills Lori. This marks a critical turning point, allowing Quaid and Melina to reunite and rethink their uncertain reality.

Ambulance

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Total Recall (2012) (2012) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Douglas Quaid (Colin Farrell)

Douglas Quaid is a factory worker drawn into a world of espionage when he discovers hidden memories of being a secret agent. His character embodies the struggle for self-discovery and resilience, facing monumental challenges as he fights to reclaim his identity. His transformation is marked by internal conflict and the quest for truth.

🧑‍🏭 Worker 🕵️‍♂️ Spy 🌟 Protagonist

Lori (Kate Beckinsale)

Lori is initially portrayed as Quaid's loving wife, but her character takes a dark turn as it is revealed that she is an undercover agent. This duality adds depth to her character, showcasing her dedication to her mission despite the emotional toll it takes. Her role encapsulates themes of loyalty and betrayal.

👩‍⚖️ Agent 💔 Betrayal 💪 Antagonist

Vilos Cohaagen (Bryan Cranston)

Vilos Cohaagen is the Chancellor of the UFB, representing authoritarian control and manipulation. His character is a master strategist, orchestrating events to maintain power and eliminate threats. Cohaagen's ruthless nature amplifies the film's tension, providing a formidable obstacle for Quaid and the Resistance.

👨‍💼 Chancellor ⚔️ Villain 🔍 Manipulative

Melina (Jessica Biel)

Melina is a significant figure from Quaid's memories, representing his lost love and connection to his past. As an ally in the fight against Cohaagen, she demonstrates strength and resilience. Her shared history with Quaid adds emotional stakes, anchoring his journey amidst the chaos.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Love Interest 🦸‍♀️ Ally 🌟 Strong Character

Harry (Bokeem Woodbine)

Harry serves as Quaid's colleague, emphasizing the conflicting realities of their situation. Initially appearing as a friend, his character presents a challenge when he questions Quaid's grasp on reality. This adds emotional complexity to the narrative, showcasing the dilemmas of trust and perception.

👨‍💼 Colleague ❓ Doubt ⚔️ Conflict

Setting

Uncover the settings of Total Recall (2012) (2012), 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

21st century

Set in the latter half of the 21st century, the world is reeling from the catastrophic effects of World War 3. This time period is marked by division, with remnants of civilization struggling to adapt to a harsh reality plagued by scarcity and oppressive governance. The emergence of a Resistance signals a struggle for freedom and better living conditions amidst the chaos.

Location

United Federation of Britain, Colony (Australia)

The movie traverses two primary territories: the United Federation of Britain (UFB) and the Colony, which covers Australia. The UFB is depicted as a dystopian society marked by strict control and surveillance, while the Colony is characterized by its impoverished conditions, where many seek better opportunities. The gravity elevator known as 'the Fall' serves as a crucial link between these two hostile environments.

🏙️ City 🌏 Region

Themes

Explore the core themes of Total Recall (2012) (2012). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🕵️‍♂️

Identity

The theme of identity is central to the narrative, as Douglas Quaid grapples with his true self amid conflicting memories. His journey highlights the complexities of personal identity in a world where reality can be manipulated. The question of who he truly is drives the plot and leads to pivotal choices that define his character.

⚔️

Rebellion

Rebellion against oppressive systems is a core theme, exemplified by the Resistance's fight against the UFB's tyranny. Quaid's transformation from an ordinary factory worker to a key player in this struggle illustrates the human spirit's quest for freedom and justice. The narrative emphasizes the importance of standing against injustice, despite the risks involved.

💔

Betrayal

Betrayal weaves through the storyline, manifesting in personal relationships and overarching political machinations. Quaid's shocking turns of fate, especially regarding those he trusts, reveal how betrayal can complicate loyalty and love. This theme underscores the treachery inherent in a world driven by ulterior motives.

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