Chain Reaction

Chain Reaction

Year: 1996

Runtime: 107 min

Language: English

Director: Andrew Davis

ActionSci-FiDramaThriller

As global isolation grips society tight, a single phone call sparks a chain reaction of chaos, sending shockwaves through a seemingly ordinary life. The dominoes begin to fall, propelling a desperate individual into a high-stakes game of survival and deception.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Chain Reaction (1996)
Trace every key event in Chain Reaction (1996) 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

Eddie's Discovery

Eddie Kasalivich, a student machinist, discovers how to obtain energy from burning hydrogen while working from home. His breakthrough leads to the realization that only water is left as a residue, marking a significant advancement in energy science.

2

Lab Perfection

The following day, Eddie brings his discovery to the lab and, along with his team, perfects the machine designed to generate energy from hydrogen. The atmosphere is celebratory as they finally achieve stability in their experiments.

University of Chicago Lab
3

The Celebration Party

To celebrate their success, the team throws a party in the lab. The atmosphere is filled with excitement and optimism as everyone revels in the accomplishments made in energy research.

University of Chicago Lab
4

The Kidnapping

After the party, Dr. Lily Sinclair faces an unexpected problem when her car battery dies. Eddie offers to help, but while they are away, Dr. Lu Chen is abducted by unknown assailants in the lab, leading to a life-threatening situation.

University of Chicago Lab
5

Eddie's Return

Eddie returns to the lab after ensuring Lily gets home safely, only to discover a suspicious van leaving the area and alarms ringing from within. Rushing inside, he finds Alistair Barkley unconscious and Chen missing, adding to the chaos.

University of Chicago Lab
6

Lab Explosion

Eddie realizes the hydrogen reactor is unstable and attempts to regain control but is locked out of the system. Realizing the imminent threat, he flees on his bike, just moments before a massive explosion obliterates the lab and nearby streets.

University of Chicago Lab
7

Police Interrogation

In the aftermath of the explosion, Eddie is questioned by police and later the FBI. They seek answers about the blast, leaving Eddie feeling cornered and bewildered by the unfolding events.

8

Frame Up

Eddie and Lily start to suspect they are being framed when fake evidence appears in their homes. Realizing the danger they are in, they decide to go on the run, seeking safety and answers.

9

Hiding at the Observatory

The duo seeks refuge at an observatory owned by Maggie McDermott, an old friend of Eddie's. They regroup and strategize while remaining vigilant against further threats.

Maggie's Observatory
10

Contacting Paul

Eddie and Lily attempt to contact Paul Shannon, the project's chief financier, for assistance. However, their communication draws unwanted attention, leading to another close encounter with danger.

11

The Betrayal

At a meeting with Lyman Earl Collier, Paul reveals the truth about the conspiracy against Eddie and Lily. The confrontation turns hostile, resulting in Lily's capture while Eddie narrowly escapes.

C-Systems Research Complex
12

Eddie's Infiltration

Eddie traces the license plate of the ambushers to the C-Systems Research facility. Seizing the opportunity during a reactor failure, he sneaks inside to rescue Lily and Chen.

C-Systems Research Complex
13

Setting the Reactor to Explode

During his confrontation with the C-Systems board, Eddie strikes a deal for his freedom while sabotaging the reactor. He sends crucial evidence of his innocence to the FBI just before setting the reactor to explode.

C-Systems Research Complex
14

Desperate Escape

Eddie and Lily show incredible resourcefulness as they manage to escape from the impending reactor explosion. They navigate through chaos, narrowly avoiding death as they confront security personnel.

C-Systems Research Complex
15

A New Beginning

As the FBI arrives, they take Eddie and Lily to safety, finally convinced of their innocence. Paul exits the scene, leaving behind a trail of deceit, as he plans his next move regarding C-Systems.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 19:26

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