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 – Asteroid City (2023)

Trace every key event in Asteroid City (2023) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Documentary Overview

A television host introduces a documentary that explores the making of *Asteroid City*, a play by Conrad Earp. The retrospective is presented in vibrant widescreen color, offering a contrast to the classic black-and-white visuals of the accompanying television special.

2

Arrival at Asteroid City

War photojournalist Augie Steenbeck arrives in the fictional desert town of Asteroid City with his teenage son Woodrow and three daughters. Their trip takes a turn when their car unexpectedly breaks down, prompting Augie to call his estranged father-in-law, Stanley.

Asteroid City
3

Father-in-law Encounter

While on the phone with Stanley, Augie is pushed to share the painful truth about their mother's death with his children. This revelation adds tension to Augie's already strained relationship with Stanley, highlighting family dynamics amid grief.

4

Meeting Midge Campbell

Augie and Woodrow meet Midge Campbell, a renowned actress who arrives at the convention with her daughter Dinah. As they connect, a romantic subplot emerges between Augie and Midge, alongside a budding romance between Woodrow and Dinah, adding depth to the storyline.

Asteroid City
5

Junior Stargazer Convention

The Junior Stargazer convention kicks off as General Grif Gibson addresses the attendees at the Asteroid City crater. The event brings together honored teenagers, scientists, and dignitaries, creating a celebration of innovation and achievement.

Asteroid City Crater
6

UFO Encounter

As the convention unfolds, a UFO appears and disrupts the festivities, capturing Augie's attention. An alien emerges from the craft and takes a remnant of the meteorite, shifting the tone of the event from celebratory to chaotic.

Asteroid City
7

Military Quarantine Imposed

In the wake of the UFO incident, General Gibson orders a military quarantine for Asteroid City, mandating thorough evaluations for all attendees. The sudden quarantine brings fear and uncertainty to the gathering, impacting all families present.

Asteroid City
8

Attempt to Contact the Alien

Using Dr. Hickenlooper’s equipment, the Stargazer honorees attempt to communicate with the alien. Their efforts demonstrate their youthful determination to bridge the gap between humans and extraterrestrial life, amidst the chaos surrounding them.

9

Leaking Information

In a clever act of rebellion, young Ricky manages to divert a guard's attention and contacts his school newspaper to leak news about the quarantine. This act of courage raises questions about authority and freedom of information during a crisis.

Asteroid City
10

Rebellion Begins

With national attention on Asteroid City, the tension escalates as General Gibson faces pressure to lift the quarantine. The unexpected return of the UFO further complicates matters, leading to a unification of the children, scientists, and parents in a stand against military authority.

Asteroid City
11

Quarantine Continues

After the UFO's return, General Gibson reinstates the quarantine even stronger than before, calling for further restrictions. This decision intensifies the emotions of those trapped in the town, who begin devising plans to challenge the military’s control.

Asteroid City
12

Augie’s Departure

As the quarantine ends, Augie and his family are among the last to leave Asteroid City. In a moment of reflection, Woodrow announces his secured fellowship funding while Midge shares her contact info with Augie, hinting at new beginnings.

Asteroid City
13

Conrad Earp's Journey

In a subplot, playwright Conrad Earp meets actor Jones Hall, who auditions for his play and is quickly cast. Their professional relationship evolves into a romantic one, showing the intertwining aspects of love and ambition in the theater world.

14

Challenges of the Play

During the production, Hall confesses to director Schubert Green about his doubts concerning the role of Augie. Green’s encouragement provides Hall with the confidence to convey the depth of his character amidst the pressures of live theater.

15

Tragic Loss

Despite the successful run of the play, Conrad Earp suffers a tragic accident, losing his life six months into its performance. This poignant conclusion underscores the fragility of life and the legacy left behind in art.

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 01:45

Unlock the Full Story of Asteroid City

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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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Asteroid City

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Asteroid City

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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