Beyond Skyline (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie is primarily set in Los Angeles, a diverse metropolitan city that serves as the initial location before the story expands to Southeast Asia. The city becomes the ground zero of the alien invasion, with its marina functioning as a temporary refuge after catastrophic events and the underground subway tunnels providing both escape routes and dangerous encounters.

• los angeles
• setting
• locations
• alien invasion
• city

Beyond Skyline features several important locations: the LA marina serves as a chaotic refuge after a nuclear explosion, the underground subway tunnels symbolize both escape and danger, the Southeast Asian jungle represents wild survival challenges, and hidden ancient ruins house the human resistance hideout. Each setting reflects different stages of the survivors' journey from urban chaos to alien-controlled wilderness.

• marina
• subway tunnels
• jungle
• ruins
• settings
• locations

The events unfold during a chaotic period marked by an alien invasion and societal collapse, occurring simultaneously with the events of the earlier film Skyline. This era is characterized by desperation, survival Mode, and the emergence of human resilience against otherworldly threats, with a nuclear explosion adding to the urgency and sense of impending doom.

• time period
• alien invasion
• timeline
• skyline events
• era

The central theme of Beyond Skyline is the strained yet powerful bond between Mark Corley and his estranged son, Trent. Mark's desperate search for his son drives the entire narrative, with his determination to save Trent representing love and sacrifice amid chaos. Their journey reflects the struggle to reconnect while facing immense challenges, ultimately rekindling their relationship during dire circumstances.

• father-son bond
• mark corley
• trent
• family
• love
• sacrifice
• theme

The survival theme portrays characters facing relentless alien dangers and the threat of betrayal while fighting not just for their lives but for humanity's future. The story emphasizes the need to adapt and collaborate with unlikely allies, highlighting the essence of cooperation in desperate times. This theme underscores the human spirit's resilience against overwhelming odds.

• survival
• humanity
• resistance
• aliens
• adaptation
• cooperation
• theme

The resistance theme encapsulates humanity's struggle against alien oppressors, with the formation of a resistance movement emphasizing the fight for freedom and autonomy. Characters band together against the common alien enemy, revealing the strength found in unity and the will to reclaim their world from otherworldly control.

• resistance
• aliens
• unity
• freedom
• fight
• rebellion
• theme

Mark Corley is a determined and resourceful police detective portrayed by Frank Grillo. His primary motivation is his love for his estranged son, Trent. Throughout the movie, he evolves from a father in despair to a leader in crisis, showing resilience in protecting those he cares about. His character arc represents transformation through loss and courage.

• mark corley
• frank grillo
• detective
• father
• protagonist
• motivation

Trent is Mark Corley's son, portrayed by Jonny Weston. He symbolizes hope and potential in the story. His struggle to reclaim his identity from alien control emphasizes the theme of family and sacrifice. His bond with Mark ultimately rekindles during dire circumstances, showcasing the power of connection even in the darkest times.

• trent
• mark's son
• hope
• alien control
• family
• transformation
• character

Audrey, played by Bojana Novakovic, is a transit operator who showcases strength and adaptability in the fight for survival. She provides crucial support for Mark and Trent, embodying the fight for humanity's survival. Her experience and compassion are vital for the group's cohesion amidst the chaos of the alien invasion.

• audrey
• bojana novakovic
• transit operator
• survivor
• support
• helper
• character

Sua, portrayed by Iko Uwais, is initially a formidable member of a drug cartel seen as a threat but ultimately becomes a crucial ally in the fight against the aliens. He displays both strength and internal conflict regarding violence, showcasing the theme of redemption through pivotal choices made during the crisis.

• sua
• iko uwais
• cartel
• ally
• redemption
• fighter
• character

Sarge, played by Antonio Fargas, is a blind homeless man who exhibits wisdom and bravery despite his disability. His character brings an unexpected perspective to the survival narrative, demonstrating selflessness in the face of danger while defending the vulnerable. His journey highlights the complexity of human resilience.

• sarge
• antonio fargas
• blind
• homeless
• wisdom
• sacrifice
• character

Beyond Skyline takes place during an alien invasion that causes societal collapse and mass disappearances. The world is characterized by desperate survival conditions where humanity must unite against a powerful alien force. The movie explores how ordinary people become unlikely heroes while uncovering the truth behind the alien threat.

• alien invasion
• world context
• society
• collapse
• humanity
• threat
• sci-fi