Arcadian

Arcadian

Year: 2024

Runtime: 1 h 32 m

Language: English

Director: Benjamin Brewer

Echo Score: 50
ActionHorrorThriller

In a desolate near-future, Paul (Nicolas Cage) and his sons struggle to survive in a world consumed by nightly terror. They’ve established a fragile existence, but must confront an ancient evil that relentlessly hunts them as darkness falls, jeopardizing their precarious safety and the last vestiges of humanity's hope.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Arcadian 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!

Timeline & Setting – Arcadian (2024)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Arcadian (2024). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

15 years after a pandemic

The movie takes place fifteen years after a devastating pandemic that decimated the population and dismantled societal structures. This era is marked by a struggle for survival against monstrous creatures that emerge at night, leaving characters to navigate a world filled with fear and uncertainty.

Location

Rose Farm, Derelict Farmhouse

The story is set primarily in a run-down farmhouse where Paul and his twin sons reside, struggling to survive in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a pandemic. Nearby, the Rose farm symbolizes the remnants of civilization, where hope and danger intertwine as characters grapple with the harsh realities of their existence.

🏡 Farm 🌾 Rural

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:42

Main Characters – Arcadian (2024)

Meet the key characters of Arcadian (2024), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Paul (Nicolas Cage)

Paul is a protective father who embodies resilience and courage in the face of overwhelming danger. His character is defined by his commitment to his twin sons, as he teaches them survival skills while also confronting his own fears. Paul's ultimate sacrifice underscores his deep love and the lengths he will go to ensure their safety.

🛡️ Father ❤️ Protector

Joseph (Jaeden Martell)

Joseph is the more intellectual of the twin brothers, often seeking innovative ways to improve their dire situation. His character development through the story reflects a balance of youthful curiosity and the harsh realities of survival, making him a key player in their struggle against the creatures threatening their lives.

🧠 Intelligent 😌 Resourceful

Thomas (Maxwell Jenkins)

Thomas is portrayed as the risk-taker among the brothers, driven by a desire to experience life beyond mere survival. His infatuation with Charlotte Rose adds complexity to his character, revealing his vulnerabilities and aspirations amidst the chaotic environment they inhabit.

💔 Romantic ⚠️ Risk-taker

Charlotte (Sadie Soverall)

Charlotte is depicted as a resilient character who navigates the turmoil of her world while grappling with loss. Her interactions with Thomas reveal her strength and compassion, as she forms a bond with him that adds emotional depth to the story.

❤️ Strong 🌷 Compassionate

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:42

Major Themes – Arcadian (2024)

Explore the central themes of Arcadian (2024), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛡️ Survival

Survival is at the core of 'Arcadian,' as characters face the grim realities of life in a post-apocalyptic world. Paul’s determination to protect his sons highlights the lengths one would go to secure their family's safety. The theme extends to the moral dilemmas faced when survival clashes with human connections, especially in moments of sacrifice.

❤️ Family Bonds

Family bonds are central to the narrative, depicting the deep connection between Paul and his sons as they navigate perilous situations together. The film emphasizes the importance of loyalty and sacrifice within a family, ultimately portraying love as a powerful motivator amidst chaos and despair.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:42

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies like Arcadian: Post-apocalyptic siege survival stories

Stories of desperate last stands against overwhelming monstrous threats in a collapsed world.If you enjoyed the high-stakes, desperate defense in Arcadian, explore more movies like it. This collection features similar survival horror films where characters face a monstrous siege in a post-apocalyptic world, emphasizing relentless tension and the grim struggle to protect the last bastions of safety.

tensedesperateclaustrophobicoppressivehigh-stakesfearfulgritty

Narrative Summary

These narratives typically begin with an established but fragile safe haven that is violently breached, forcing the protagonists into a series of defensive battles. The plot is driven by the escalating threat, the failure of defenses, and the sacrifices required to hold out just a little longer, often culminating in a final, desperate confrontation.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on a high-intensity siege scenario within a broader catastrophe. They share a dark, oppressive tone, steady pacing that builds to frantic action, and a heavy emotional weight stemming from the constant threat of death and the sacrifices made for survival.

Father-son survival dramas like Arcadian

Emotional journeys of fathers bearing the weight of loss while shielding their children from a dangerous world.For viewers who connected with the father-son dynamic and heavy emotional sacrifice in Arcadian, this list offers similar movies. Discover stories about grieving fathers protecting their children in perilous settings, where love and duty are tested by overwhelming danger and the specter of loss.

grief-strickenanxiousheavydesperateemotionalsacrificialheart-wrenching

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a father, often grappling with grief or trauma, whose primary drive is the safety of his child or children. The central conflict forces him to confront his fears and limitations, leading to a climax where his love is proven through ultimate sacrifice or profound risk, resulting in a bittersweet resolution focused on the children's uncertain future.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their deep exploration of the parental protection theme. They share a heavy emotional weight, a dark or bittersweet tone, and a straightforward, character-driven plot where the father's arc is the emotional core. The pacing is often steady, allowing the relationship and stakes to build methodically.

Unlock the Full Story of Arcadian

Don't stop at just watching — explore Arcadian 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 Arcadian is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Arcadian Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Arcadian, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Arcadian Summary

Arcadian Timeline

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

Arcadian Timeline

Arcadian Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Arcadian? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Arcadian Ending Explained

Arcadian Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Arcadian that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Arcadian Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Arcadian

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Arcadian: 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 Arcadian

Similar Movies to Arcadian

Discover movies like Arcadian 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.