Asteroid City

Asteroid City

Year: 2023

Runtime: 104 min

Language: English

Director: Wes Anderson

ComedyRomance

In the 1950s, a Junior Stargazer convention brings together students and parents in the desert town of Asteroid City. Their gathering is disrupted by unexpected and world-altering events, forcing them to confront a strange new reality. As they grapple with the unfolding crisis, the attendees search for connection, humor, and a sense of normalcy amidst the extraordinary circumstances.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Asteroid City (2023)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Asteroid City (2023). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1950s

The 1950s were marked by post-war optimism, cultural shifts, and the rise of television as a dominant form of entertainment. This decade saw the birth of new technologies and a fascination with space exploration. Asteroid City captures this era's essence while intertwining themes of family, loss, and the surreal.

Location

Asteroid City

Asteroid City is a fictional desert town set in a retro-futuristic world reminiscent of the 1950s. It is known for hosting a Junior Stargazer convention, drawing various participants and attendees. The town's atmosphere combines classic Americana with elements of science fiction, particularly when disrupted by an extraterrestrial event.

🌵 Desert 🏙️ Fictional

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:55

Main Characters – Asteroid City (2023)

Meet the key characters of Asteroid City (2023), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Augie Steenbeck (Tom Hanks)

Augie is a war photojournalist who arrives at Asteroid City with his children following a tragic loss. He is portrayed as a caring father grappling with grief while trying to maintain strength for his family. His journey involves confronting his own vulnerabilities and fostering connections with others amid unfolding chaos.

📸 Photojournalist 👨‍👧‍👦 Father 💔 Grieving

Midge Campbell (Scarlett Johansson)

Midge is a jaded yet recognized actress attending the Junior Stargazer convention. Throughout the story, she reveals layers of vulnerability as she navigates her feelings for Augie, while also balancing her role as a mother. Her romance with Augie serves as both a source of hope and a moment of tenderness in the otherwise chaotic setting.

🎬 Actress 💖 Romantic Interest 🌟 Jaded

Woodrow (Tom Hanks' son)

Woodrow is Augie's intellectually curious teenage son who seeks to understand his father's complexities while dealing with the emotional aftermath of their mother's passing. His experiences at the convention allow him to form a deep bond with another attendee, adding to the story's exploration of young love.

👦 Son 💡 Curious 💘 Young Love

Stanley (Tom Hanks)

Stanley is Augie's father-in-law, who represents the strained family ties and the unspoken truths regarding trauma and loss. His character embodies the generational divide over how to process sorrow, providing a backdrop against which Augie's character development unfolds.

👴 Father-in-law 🥴 Stressed 📖 Narrator

General Grif Gibson (Jeff Goldblum)

General Gibson is a five-star General overseeing the situation in Asteroid City. His authoritative persona is challenged by the bizarre events unfolding at the convention. Throughout the story, his character illustrates the military's response to fear and how it interacts with the innocence of the young attendees.

🪖 Military 🚨 Authoritarian 💼 Leader

Dinah (Scarlett Johansson's daughter)

Dinah is Midge's daughter, who participates in the convention alongside her mother. Her character represents the younger generation's innocence and curiosity amidst the adult turmoil. The bond she forms with Woodrow underscores the theme of teenage exploration.

👧 Daughter 💫 Innocent 💞 Young Love

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:55

Major Themes – Asteroid City (2023)

Explore the central themes of Asteroid City (2023), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Loss

The theme of loss pervades the narrative as Augie grapples with the recent passing of his wife, affecting his relationship with his children. This emotional weight forces Augie to confront truths and connect with others who share in different forms of loss. The interactions created throughout the Junior Stargazer convention highlight the universal struggle of coping with grief.

🚀 Exploration

Exploration takes center stage in Asteroid City, both literally and metaphorically. The characters navigate not only the physical desert landscape but also their personal journeys of discovery, innovation, and understanding. The unexpected arrival of a UFO symbolizes the wider unknowns in life and the quest for knowledge beyond our earthly concerns.

💞 Romance

Romance blossoms amid the chaos of the Junior Stargazer convention, particularly between Augie and Midge, as well as between their children. These connections provide moments of warmth and hope, emphasizing the importance of human relationships in navigating life's challenges. The budding romances serve as a contrast to the overarching themes of loss and uncertainty.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:55

Unlock the Full Story of Asteroid City

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

Asteroid City Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Asteroid City, 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.

Asteroid City Summary

Asteroid City Timeline

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

Asteroid City Timeline

Asteroid City Ending Explained

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

Asteroid City Ending Explained

More About Asteroid City

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

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