Absolutely Anything

Absolutely Anything

Year: 2017

Runtime: 85 min

Language: English

Sci-FiComedy

Humanity faces potential extinction, leading an unusual alien council to bestow Simon Pegg with extraordinary power: the ability to do absolutely anything, unbound by rules or consequences. Now tasked with proving Earth's value, this ordinary man must rise to the challenge and demonstrate why the planet deserves to be saved, all while grappling with the implications of unlimited power.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Absolutely Anything yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Absolutely Anything (2017) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Absolutely Anything (2017), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

As the alien galactic council debates the fate of humanity while examining a space probe filled with the essence of human secrets, they face a dilemma: should they destroy Earth or integrate humans into their interstellar community? To test the integrity of this strange species, they inexplicably bestow unparalleled power upon one unsuspecting soul. This individual turns out to be Neil Clarke, an overlooked teacher residing in London.

At first, Neil is blissfully unaware of the extraordinary abilities at his disposal. His initial desire is rather vindictive—wanting his least favorite students to be eliminated by alien technology. This wish is swiftly granted, throwing his life into chaos as he learns that he can manifest any whim. In a frantic attempt to rectify the chaos he has unleashed, Neil inadvertently animates the deceased as flesh-eating zombies; although he manages to reverse this blunder and erase the entire incident soon after.

As he grapples with this mind-bending power, Neil begins to make increasingly personal requests, including bestowing his friend Ray with the adoration of Miss Pringle, or allowing his beloved dog, Dennis, to speak. However, his well-intentioned actions quickly devolve into selfish desires, highlighted by his wish for Catherine West to fall desperately in love with him, a request that ultimately fails due to technological hiccups.

The evening takes a twist when Catherine unexpectedly visits Neil, blissfully ignorant of the cosmic forces at play. Their intimate rendezvous is soon compromised by her obsessive ex, Colonel Grant, who inadvertently witnesses their time together.

Catherine soon discovers that Dennis has declared his affections for Neil, which leads her to wrongly assume that Neil is already committed. Meanwhile, Ray divulges that Miss Pringle’s devotion resembles more of a worshipful fixation than genuine romance. In a twist of fate, Catherine takes it upon herself to imprison Grant in her apartment but not before Neil exacts a playful vengeance by breaking and later healing the colonel’s arm.

The truth about Neil’s powers spirals out of control when Grant kidnaps him and restrains him to prevent an escape. The beleaguered teacher is compelled to grant outlandish requests, such as gifting oversized ears and webbed feet to English citizens or dressing police officers in flamboyant pink uniforms.

As Catherine and Ray rescue Neil from the clutches of Miss Pringle’s obsessive following, Neil tries to flip the chaos back over, though his optimism is fleeting. Disillusioned by his ability to shape reality, he resolves to address global issues with his powers. He wishes for endless food for all, the eradication of wars, and the realization of every individual’s dreams.

However, these noble attempts at creating a utopia go horrifically awry, leading to a worldwide epidemic of obesity, overpopulation with houses, irrational wars, and eventually, an approaching global ice age. Aware of the repercussions his whims have wrought, Neil attempts to reverse the wishes but finds himself distraught over his failures to enhance his personal life and the futility of his altruistic aspirations.

In a heart-wrenching climax, Neil reaches a point of desperation, contemplating ending his own life, only to be interrupted by Dennis leaping into the Thames after him. In the midst of saving both himself and Dennis, Neil grasps the weight of his recklessness. Dennis imparts the wisdom: > “You should give the power to me, because I never think of anything selfish.” This epiphany prompts Neil to relinquish his powers to Dennis, inspired by his friend’s selflessness.

Meanwhile, the alien council, observing the tumultuous events on Earth, deem the planet unworthy. Their warped morality—where dominance is deemed virtuous and weakness shunned—stands in stark contrast to Neil’s ideals of peace and unity. As they conclude that Earth must be destroyed, Dennis quickly wishes for the obliteration of the source of power, resulting in a catastrophic backlash that obliterates the alien ship.

Stripped of their powers but lifted by newfound conviction, Neil bravely asks Catherine out for a date. Miraculously, she accepts his invitation. Just as everyone breathes a sigh of relief, it becomes evident that Dennis retains a measure of this power, having wished only for the destruction of their power source. This revelation sets the stage for an exciting new chapter in the ongoing tale of humanity’s struggles and self-discovery.

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 12:13

Unlock the Full Story of Absolutely Anything

Don't stop at just watching — explore Absolutely Anything in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Absolutely Anything is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Absolutely Anything Timeline

Track the full timeline of Absolutely Anything with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Absolutely Anything Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Absolutely Anything

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Absolutely Anything. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Absolutely Anything

More About Absolutely Anything

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Absolutely Anything: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Absolutely Anything

Similar Movies to Absolutely Anything

Discover movies like Absolutely Anything that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.