Directed by
Neil Burger
Made by
Lionsgate
Discover the intricate plot of Voyagers (2021). 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 the year 2063, as Earth grapples with the devastating effects of climate change, a group of astrophysicists uncovers a promising habitable planet. Due to the daunting 86-year journey, it is determined that the original crew will not reach the destination — instead, their grandchildren will complete the mission. To prepare for this, the initial crew of thirty is created through IVF and kept separate from the outside world, ensuring they are equipped to face the long voyage ahead.
The mission is set aboard the Humanitas spaceship, where they launch as pre-teens, under the guidance of the senior program commander, Richard. To manage the inherent challenges of living in space, a dubious plan emerges: at the age of 24, the crew members will undergo IVF again to continue the lineage. However, during their tenth year in space, Christopher and Zac make a shocking discovery — the teenagers’ food contains a blue additive designed to repress sexual urges and maintain compliance.
As the two boys reject this chemical, their desires intensify, leading to reckless behavior, including crushes on fellow crew member Sela, the chief medical officer. Tragedy strikes when Richard is mysteriously killed during a spacewalk. Following his death, Christopher is unexpectedly appointed as the new leader, much to Zac’s dissatisfaction. In a bid for power, Zac instigates a rebellion, claiming that an alien presence is responsible for the catastrophe.
Zac’s manipulation leads to chaos within the ranks, where he falsely convinces many that he alone can protect them amidst hysteria. In a shocking twist, Christopher and Sela uncover evidence that Zac was responsible for Richard’s demise. Despite revealing the truth, Zac’s control grows as paranoia spreads, resulting in vigilante justice against anyone he deems suspicious.
The situation worsens when Christopher, in a moment of desperation, guides Zac to a stash of weapons intended for their grandchildren once they reach the new world. Cornered, Christopher and Sela — who have formed a bond — manage to outsmart Zac, resulting in his ejection into space, restoring some semblance of order aboard the ship. With Phoebe lost in the turmoil, only Christopher and Sela remain steadfast against the chaos.
In the aftermath, peace is re-established, and Sela is elected as the new chief officer. The crew collectively decides to abandon the blue chemical, embracing their natural emotions and relationships, including the prospect of love and family without the previous constraints of IVF.
Decades pass, and finally, the generations aboard the Humanitas arrive at the long-anticipated planet. From orbit, it reveals itself to possess all the qualities of a new Earth, fulfilling the hopes and dreams of the crew who sacrificed so much to get there.
Track the key events of Voyagers (2021) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Discovery of a New Planet
In the year 2063, a group of astrophysicists make a groundbreaking discovery of a habitable planet while grappling with severe climate change on Earth. This finding ignites hope for the survival of humanity amid the global crises.
Mission Planning
The astrophysicists determine that the journey to the newly discovered planet will take 86 years, necessitating a generational approach to the mission. They begin preparations to create a new crew that will be raised to complete the voyage, ensuring skilled individuals for the long journey ahead.
Formation of the Initial Crew
A crew of thirty is created through IVF, intentionally kept isolated from the outside world. This separation is crucial, as it prepares them for the unique challenges they will face during the long space journey to the habitable planet.
Launch of the Humanitas
The mission sets off aboard the Humanitas spaceship, with the crew launching as pre-teens. Led by Richard, the senior program commander, the young crew members are readied for their extraordinary journey into the depths of space.
IVF for Future Generations
As part of their long-term planning, the crew is scheduled to undergo IVF again at the age of 24. This controversial decision is aimed at ensuring the continuation of their lineage aboard the spacecraft during the extended journey.
Discovery of the Blue Additive
After ten years in space, Christopher and Zac stumble upon a shocking realization; their food contains a blue additive infused to repress their sexual urges. This revelation ignites frustrations and a rebellious spirit amongst the crew.
Richard's Mysterious Death
Tragedy strikes when Richard is killed during a routine spacewalk, leaving the crew shocked and leaderless. Christopher is unexpectedly thrust into the role of leader, causing tension and dissatisfaction, particularly with Zac.
Zac's Rebellion
In the aftermath of Richard's death, Zac instigates a rebellion among the crew, claiming that an alien presence has interfered with their mission. His manipulations lead to chaos, as fear and hysteria spread through the group.
Uncovering the Truth
Christopher and Sela investigate the circumstances surrounding Richard's death and discover evidence implicating Zac. However, despite their compelling findings, Zac's influence grows as paranoia takes hold of the crew.
Desperation and the Weapon Stash
Amid the ongoing chaos, Christopher, driven by desperation, leads Zac to a stash of weapons that were intended for their descendants. This risky move sets the stage for a critical confrontation between the two.
Zac's Ejection into Space
In a tense standoff, Christopher and Sela manage to outsmart Zac, resulting in his ejection into space. This pivotal moment restores some order to the ship and allows the remaining crew members to regain their focus on the mission.
Sela's Leadership
With peace gradually restored aboard the Humanitas, Sela is elected as the new chief officer. The crew collectively decides to abandon the blue additive, embracing their natural emotions and relationships without the previous restrictions.
Arrival at the New Planet
Decades pass as the generations aboard the Humanitas navigate the challenges of their journey. Eventually, they arrive at the long-anticipated planet, finding it to be a promising new home that embodies all the qualities of a new Earth.
Meet the characters that bring Voyagers (2021) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Anda (Madison Hu)
Anda embodies the resilience and hope of the new generation aiming to succeed where the previous crew left off. As a key member of the crew, she navigates the complexities of adolescence amidst a backdrop of conflict and survival in space.
Richard (Colin Farrell)
Richard serves as the senior program commander, providing guidance and structure for the crew. His tragic demise catalyzes the ensuing chaos, highlighting the precarious balance of power and the impact of leadership on group dynamics.
Christopher (Tye Sheridan)
Christopher transforms from a crew member to an unexpected leader after Richard’s death. His journey reflects the struggles of power in a high-stakes environment as he seeks to restore order and uncover the truth amid spreading paranoia.
Zac (Fionn Whitehead)
Zac evolves into the film’s primary antagonist, driven by ambition and paranoia. His manipulation and rebellious actions highlight the darker aspects of leadership and the consequences of fear-driven governance within the isolated crew.
Sela (Lily-Rose Melody Depp)
Sela stands as a steadfast medical officer who forms a deep emotional bond with Christopher. She represents hope and emotional depth, playing a crucial role in the crew's return to their natural selves and making vital decisions for survival.
Phoebe (Chanté Adams)
Phoebe experiences the turmoil and chaos instigated by Zac's actions, embodying the emotional challenges faced by the crew. Her character illustrates the themes of loss and resilience during a turbulent journey.
Uncover the settings of Voyagers (2021), 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
2063
Set in the year 2063, the film portrays a future where humanity faces severe climate issues, prompting the need for a new habitable planet. This context sets the stage for the unfolding drama and challenges both on Earth and aboard the spaceship.
Location
Earth, Humanitas spaceship
Earth, facing the devastating aftermath of climate change, serves as the origin point for the crew's long journey. The Humanitas spaceship, designed for an 86-year voyage, becomes home to the crew, encapsulating their experiences as they navigate the challenges of deep space.
Explore the core themes of Voyagers (2021). 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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Survival
The theme of survival is paramount, as the crew must adapt to life in space and face internal and external threats. Their struggle against a manipulative power dynamic examines the lengths individuals will go to for security and leadership in challenging circumstances.
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Betrayal
Betrayal runs through the narrative as characters navigate trust and deception amongst the crew. Zac's manipulation of fear leads to chaos, showcasing how desperation can drive individuals to treason, fundamentally altering relationships and alliances.
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Love
In the isolation of space, love emerges as a crucial element for the crew’s emotional development. The choice to abandon the suppressive chemical symbolizes a reclamation of their emotions, emphasizing love's role in fostering genuine connections amidst adversity.
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