World War Z 2013
Directed by
Marc Forster
Made by
Paramount Pictures
Plot Summary
Former UN employee Gerry Lane, along with his wife Karin and their two daughters, finds themselves trapped in the midst of a zombie apocalypse while stuck in Philadelphia traffic. As the situation rapidly deteriorates, the Lanes manage to escape to Newark, New Jersey, where they take refuge in an apartment belonging to a family with a young boy named Tommy. An old friend of Gerry’s, UN Deputy Secretary-General Thierry Umutoni, arranges for their extraction via helicopter to a U.S. Navy ship anchored in the Atlantic, which is working tirelessly to understand the global outbreak.
Onboard, scientists, including Dr. Andrew Fassbach, theorize that the epidemic is caused by a virus and emphasize that developing a vaccine hinges upon tracing its origins. Through communication, they uncover that the term “zombie” was first used in an email from a military facility in South Korea that holds potential clues. Under pressure, Gerry reluctantly agrees to assist Dr. Fassbach in tracking down the outbreak after realizing that he and his family will be abandoned unless he helps.
Upon arriving at Camp Humphreys in South Korea, Gerry and Fassbach are met with an attack from the zombies. In a tragic accident, Fassbach slips and unintentionally shoots himself, leaving Gerry at the mercy of the base’s remaining personnel led by Captain Speke. They discover that the infection originated from the base’s doctor, who had contracted the virus while treating the initial patient. A CIA agent confined to the base advises Gerry to seek out safe grounds in Jerusalem, where the Israeli Mossad has established a secure zone prior to the outbreak becoming public knowledge.
As Gerry and his team rush back to their aircraft, another zombie attack ensues, resulting in casualties and Captain Speke’s tragic suicide to prevent his transformation. Once in Jerusalem, Gerry encounters Jurgen Warmbrunn, the head of Mossad, who recounts how they had intercepted an Indian military communication about an ongoing fight against “dead spirits,” warranting a quarantine around the city. However, the safety of Jerusalem is soon compromised when jubilant celebrations by survivors attract zombies to scale the walls, leading to chaos.
During the mayhem, Gerry witnesses zombies ignoring a starving boy, which piques his interest. He assists an injured soldier, Segen, by amputating her bitten hand just in time. The pair escape on a commercial flight, only to find themselves diverted to a World Health Organization facility near Cardiff, Wales after a zombie breaches their aircraft. In the ensuing chaos, Gerry manages to eliminate the threat but sustains injuries from the crash landing.
After regaining consciousness three days later, Gerry shares his theory with the remaining WHO staff: the infected seem to overlook those who are severely injured or terminally ill, as they are not suited for the virus to thrive. The team exercises this theory by purposely introducing pathogens into a controlled environment, leading Gerry to the pathogen vault. After an intense encounter with a zombie, he injects himself with an unfamiliar bacteria, successfully proving his hypothesis when the infected ignore him during his escape.
Ultimately, Gerry’s family is reunited in a secure zone in Freeport, Nova Scotia, where a “vaccine” derived from harmful pathogens is developed, effectively acting as a disguise against the infected. With renewed hope, military operations against the zombies commence, and Gerry poignantly declares, > “This isn’t the end. Not even close. Our war has just begun.”
Timeline
Trapped in Traffic
Gerry Lane and his family find themselves stuck in Philadelphia traffic as the world begins to face a rapid zombie apocalypse. The escalating chaos around them causes panic, and they must act quickly to escape the impending danger.
Escape to Newark
After a harrowing experience in Philadelphia, Gerry and his family manage to escape and head to Newark, New Jersey. They take refuge in an apartment owned by a family with a young boy, Tommy, providing a momentary sense of safety amidst the turmoil.
Extraction via Helicopter
An old friend, UN Deputy Secretary-General Thierry Umutoni, orchestrates a dangerous extraction for Gerry and his family. A helicopter arrives to transport them to a U.S. Navy ship anchored in the Atlantic, a beacon of hope amid the zombie crisis.
Onboard the Navy Ship
On the Navy ship, scientists, including Dr. Andrew Fassbach, delve into understanding the zombie epidemic. They uncover that the outbreak's origin may be linked to a military facility in South Korea, igniting a critical mission to trace its roots.
Arrival in South Korea
Gerry and Dr. Fassbach arrive at Camp Humphreys in South Korea, prepared to investigate the infection's origins. However, they immediately face a brutal zombie assault that results in chaos and tragedy, forcing Gerry to fight for survival.
The Death of Dr. Fassbach
In the confusion of the zombie attack at the base, Dr. Fassbach accidentally shoots himself, leaving Gerry to navigate the dangerous situation on his own. With Captain Speke and his remaining personnel, Gerry learns critical information about the infection's origins.
Advice from a CIA Agent
Gerry receives crucial advice from a CIA agent at the base, suggesting he travel to Jerusalem where the Israeli Mossad has set up a secure zone. This new lead provides hope for a safer location and a better chance to combat the outbreak.
Chaos in Jerusalem
Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Gerry meets Jurgen Warmbrunn from Mossad, who outlines how they prepared the city against an evolving threat. Despite the precautions, a celebration triggers a zombie attack, throwing the area into chaos and endangering lives.
The Overlooked Boy
Amidst the frenzy, Gerry observes zombies ignoring a starving boy, sparking his curiosity about the creatures' behavior. This moment leads him to reconsider survival tactics and strategies to combat the outbreak.
Injured Soldier's Rescue
Gerry assists an injured soldier named Segen by performing an emergency amputation to save her life. Their bond grows as they make a daring escape from Jerusalem, leading to a flight that further challenges their survival.
Forced Landing in Wales
The commercial flight Gerry and Segen take is interrupted when a zombie breaches the aircraft, forcing an emergency landing near Cardiff, Wales. In the ensuing chaos, Gerry fights off the threat but sustains injuries, complicating their escape.
Theory of the Infected
After regaining consciousness three days later, Gerry shares a critical theory with the World Health Organization staff. He suggests that the infected overlook those who are severely injured, which could be key to survival against the epidemic.
Proving the Hypothesis
Experimenting with his theory, Gerry introduces pathogens into a controlled environment and successfully proves that the infected ignore him when he injects himself with an unfamiliar bacteria. This discovery becomes pivotal in developing a strategy to face the outbreak.
Reunion in Nova Scotia
Gerry's journey culminates in a poignant reunion with his family in a secure zone in Freeport, Nova Scotia. The creation of a vaccine derived from harmful pathogens offers hope against the zombie threat.
The Battle Continues
With the development of a vaccine, military operations resume against the zombies. Gerry stands resolute, proclaiming, ‘This isn't the end. Not even close. Our war has just begun,’ signaling the ongoing fight for humanity’s survival.
Characters
Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt)
Gerry Lane is a former UN employee driven by love and determination to protect his family amid a global disaster. His shift from a family man to an active participant in the fight against the zombie outbreak showcases his resourcefulness and resilience. Gerry's willingness to face danger for the sake of his loved ones makes him a relatable and compelling protagonist.
Dr. Andrew Fassbach
Dr. Andrew Fassbach is a scientist committed to understanding the zombie epidemic. His theories and insights drive the narrative forward, but his tragic fate adds to the film's tension. Fassbach represents the intellectual effort behind combating the outbreak while facing the harsh realities of survival.
Captain Speke
Captain Speke is a military leader overseeing operations at South Korea's Camp Humphreys. His character grapples with difficult decisions and demonstrates the burden of leadership during crises. Speke's tragic choice underscores the psychological toll of the apocalypse on those in power.
Segen
Segen is an injured soldier who teams up with Gerry during their escape. Her character embodies strength and resilience, showcasing the human spirit's capacity to endure amidst turmoil. Segen's connection with Gerry emphasizes themes of teamwork and survival.
Setting
Time period
The film is set in a contemporary context, reflecting modern-day issues like outbreaks and global crises. The events appear to transpire quickly, highlighting the urgency of response needed to confront the escalating threat of the zombie apocalypse.
Location
Philadelphia, Newark, South Korea, Jerusalem, Cardiff, Freeport
The movie unfolds in various locations, starting in Philadelphia, which serves as the initial site of the zombie outbreak amidst traffic chaos. It then moves to Newark, New Jersey, offering a brief refuge before escalating events lead Gerry to South Korea and later to Jerusalem, where he encounters the Mossad's security measures. The events lead to a WHO facility near Cardiff, Wales, before culminating in a secure zone in Freeport, Nova Scotia.
Themes
⚔️
Survival
At its core, 'World War Z' explores the theme of survival in the face of overwhelming odds. Gerry Lane's journey emphasizes the lengths a parent will go to protect their family amidst chaos and danger. The film illustrates how individuals and societies must adapt to catastrophic changes in order to survive.
🧬
Scientific Quest
The desperate search for a vaccine highlights the theme of scientific inquiry and the struggle against time. Gerry's collaboration with scientists underlines the importance of understanding diseases to combat them effectively. The movie portrays science as a beacon of hope amidst despair.
🤝
Unity
Throughout the film, the importance of collaboration and unity among nations to tackle a global threat is evident. Various characters from different backgrounds come together in the fight for survival, reminding viewers of the power of collective action in crises.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.