Wonder Woman 1984 2020
Directed by
Patty Jenkins
Made by
Warner Bros. Pictures
Plot Summary
As a child on Themyscira, Diana Prince takes part in an intense athletic competition against older Amazons. Unfortunately, after falling from her horse and attempting a shortcut, she is disqualified. Her mother, Queen Hippolyta, along with her aunt Antiope, admonish her about the necessity of truth, reminding her that > “no hero is born from lies.”
Fast forward to 1984, decades after World War I, and we find Diana working as a respected senior anthropologist at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. She specializes in ancient Mediterranean cultures while still operating in the shadows as the formidable Wonder Woman. During her work, she encounters Barbara Ann Minerva, an insecure young woman who admires and envies Diana for her stunning beauty and unshakeable confidence. The two women form a friendship, but their connection takes a darker turn when Diana intervenes to stop a robbery, leading to the FBI enlisting Barbara to identify stolen antiquities, including a mysterious item inscribed in Latin.
Enter Maxwell Lord, a businessman who appears at the Smithsonian under the pretense of making a donation, but his true desire is to acquire the coveted “Dreamstone” to salvage his failing oil empire. Unknown to them, both Diana and Barbara utilize the stone to grant their personal wishes. Diana longs for her lost lover, Steve Trevor. In an unexpected twist, his essence occupies the body of another man. Meanwhile, Barbara yearns for strength and beauty akin to Diana’s own.
As events unfold during a glamorous gala, Barbara meets Maxwell, who manipulates her into revealing access to her office and, consequently, the Dreamstone. With it, he becomes a powerful figure, albeit at the cost of his health and amidst growing chaos spurred by his unchecked desires. With the help of Steve and Barbara, Diana delves deeper into the stone’s origins, discovering it was forged by the god of treachery and mischief, Dechalafrea Ero. They learn that wishes come with significant tolls, and barring the destruction of the stone, the only way to reclaim what they sacrificed is to renounce their wishes.
As Maxwell’s power grows, he plans to use the U.S. satellite broadcast system to grant wishes globally, pushing the world toward catastrophic consequences, including the looming threat of nuclear warfare with the Soviet Union. Barbara betrays Diana, allying with Maxwell to thwart her. However, Steve persuades Diana to relinquish her wish, allowing her to restore her powers. To confront Barbara, now a fierce apex predator due to her own wish, Diana adorns the legendary armor of Asteria and engages in a fierce battle.
Ultimately, Diana triumphs over Barbara and faces Maxwell, using her Lasso of Truth to reach out to the world through him, urging everyone to renounce their desires. She shows Maxwell a vision of his son, Alistair, lost in the chaos brought on by unmet wishes. Max, realizing the destruction he has wrought, renounces his wish and reestablishes his bond with his son, thereby averting a global crisis.
In the time that follows, Diana encounters the man who housed Steve’s essence, continuing her role as a protector of humanity. The story concludes with the revelation that Asteria still walks among us, living in secrecy much like Diana herself.
Timeline
Diana's Early Competition
As a child on Themyscira, Diana takes part in an intense athletic competition against older Amazons. During the event, she is disqualified after falling from her horse while trying to take a risky shortcut, a moment that teaches her valuable lessons about honesty and resilience.
Lessons from Mother and Aunt
Following her disqualification, Diana is admonished by her mother, Queen Hippolyta, and her aunt, Antiope. They emphasize the importance of truth, insisting that 'no hero is born from lies,' shaping Diana's moral compass for the future.
Diana in 1984
Fast forward to 1984, Diana is now a respected senior anthropologist at the Smithsonian Institute. While she studies ancient Mediterranean cultures, she continues to embody her alter ego, Wonder Woman, helping those in need behind the scenes.
Meeting Barbara
While working at the Smithsonian, Diana meets Barbara Ann Minerva, a young woman who admires her beauty and confidence. Their initial friendship blossoms, but underlying tensions and insecurities affect their relationship, leading to a darker turn.
The Robbery Incident
Diana intervenes during a robbery at the Smithsonian, showcasing her strength and skills as Wonder Woman. This incident results in the FBI engaging Barbara, who is put to work identifying stolen antiquities linked to a mysterious item inscribed in Latin.
Enter Maxwell Lord
Maxwell Lord, a businessman, visits the Smithsonian under the guise of donating artifacts. In reality, he is after the Dreamstone, a mythical object that could help him save his failing oil empire.
Wishes Granted
Diana and Barbara both unwittingly utilize the Dreamstone to fulfill their desires. Diana wishes for her lost lover, Steve Trevor, while Barbara yearns for strength and beauty, altering the dynamics of their lives.
Chaos From Wishes
As Maxwell gains power from the Dreamstone, chaos ensues, impacting his health and the world around him. He becomes increasingly desperate and ambitious, leading to a reckless plan to use a satellite to grant global wishes.
Diana's Discoveries
With the help of Steve and Barbara, Diana investigates the origins of the Dreamstone. They learn that it was crafted by the god of treachery, revealing the dark consequences that come with the wishes it grants.
Betrayal and Alliance
In a shocking twist, Barbara betrays Diana, joining forces with Maxwell. This decision leads to Barbara becoming a fierce combatant, transformed by her own wish, as she seeks to defeat Diana.
Final Confrontation
Diana dons the legendary armor of Asteria and faces off against Barbara, who is now a powerful apex predator. In an intense battle, Diana's skills and resolve are put to the ultimate test as she fights for what she believes.
Using the Lasso of Truth
In a desperate attempt to save the world from disaster, Diana uses her Lasso of Truth to reach out through Maxwell. She shares a vision of his son, Alistair, lost amid the chaos of unchecked desires, prompting him to reconsider his actions.
Global Renunciation
The realization of the harm caused by wishes prompts Maxwell to renounce his desire, restoring his relationship with his son and averting a global crisis. This moment of clarity reverberates, as others begin to renounce their wishes as well.
Diana's Continued Vigil
After the conflict, Diana's journey continues as she discovers the man who now houses Steve's essence. She remains a guardian of humanity, committed to protecting the world and embracing her identity as Wonder Woman.
Asteria's Secret
The story concludes with the enigmatic presence of Asteria, a fellow Amazon, who walks among us in secret. Like Diana, she is a symbol of strength and courage, highlighting the ongoing legacy of the Amazons.
Characters
Diana Prince (Wonder Woman)
Diana Prince is a determined and compassionate character, embodying the virtues of a hero. As Wonder Woman, she possesses immense strength and a deep sense of justice, willing to make significant sacrifices for the greater good. Her struggle with personal loss and the weight of her responsibilities adds depth to her character.
Barbara Ann Minerva
Barbara starts as a shy and insecure individual, eventually becoming a fierce antagonist after succumbing to her own desires. Her transformation illustrates the dangers of envy and the temptation to seek power without understanding its implications. Her character arc serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked aspirations.
Maxwell Lord
Maxwell Lord is portrayed as a suave yet manipulative businessman whose yearning for power leads to chaos. His character represents the dangers of unchecked ambition and the impact of greed on societal well-being. His awakening in the face of familial love illustrates the potential for redemption.
Setting
Time period
1984
The movie takes place in 1984, a time characterized by the Cold War and technological advances in the United States. This era was marked by significant political tensions, cultural shifts, and a yearning for heroism in the face of global crises.
Location
Themyscira, Washington, D.C.
Themyscira is a mythical island, home to the Amazons, known for its beauty and the strength of its warriors. In contrast, Washington, D.C. serves as a modern urban setting where Diana Prince works as an anthropologist, reflecting the mix of ancient history and contemporary society.
Themes
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Sacrifice
The theme of sacrifice runs deep as characters grapple with personal wishes and their consequences. Diana must give up her longing for her lost love, Steve, showcasing the essence of true heroism lies in selflessness. The film explores how desires, while alluring, can lead to catastrophic outcomes, calling for responsibility with one's wishes.
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Transformation
Transformation is a key theme, illustrated through Barbara's evolution from an insecure woman to a powerful predator. Diana's fight against Barbara and Maxwell symbolizes the challenges inherent in personal growth and the risks that accompany the pursuit of one's desires. It emphasizes that true power comes with understanding and wisdom.
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Truth
Truth is a prominent theme, as highlighted by Diana's use of the Lasso of Truth to confront both Maxwell and the world. The film advocates for honesty and integrity, demonstrating that facing the truth is essential for overcoming personal and global crises. It suggests that the aspirations shaped by deceit can lead to destructive consequences.
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