Children of Men

Children of Men

Year: 2006

Runtime: 109 min

Language: English

Director: Alfonso Cuarón

AdventureSci-FiDramaMysteryThriller

In a bleak future, eighteen years have passed since the birth of a child, plunging the world into despair and chaos. London is ravaged by violence and gripped by nationalistic fervor. Theo, a former activist now working as a disillusioned bureaucrat, is tasked with protecting a young woman who unexpectedly carries the possibility of humanity's renewal. He must navigate a dangerous journey, confronting his past and fighting to safeguard the future of mankind.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Children of Men 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 – Children of Men (2006)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Children of Men (2006). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2027

The year 2027 marks a bleak future for humanity, grappling with a global crisis of female infertility. Society has crumbled, leading to despair and brutality as nations tighten their borders and militarized factions rise. A significant past event in 2008 further compounds the tragedy, with a flu pandemic causing personal and societal loss.

Location

United Kingdom, Azores

The United Kingdom serves as the last stronghold in a world ravaged by infertility and turmoil. Known now as a militarized police state, it is characterized by chaos and a relentless pursuit of asylum seekers. The Azores, a group of islands off the coast of Portugal, is mentioned as a potential sanctuary where the elusive Human Project operates, aimed at restoring fertility and hope for humanity.

🌆 Dystopia 🚢 Refugee Camp

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:16

Main Characters – Children of Men (2006)

Meet the key characters of Children of Men (2006), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Theo Faron (Clive Owen)

Theo is a disenchanted bureaucrat who once fought for social justice but is now mired in apathy. After re-encountering his estranged wife and learning about Kee's pregnancy, he reluctantly re-engages with his ideals. His transformation from cynicism to determination illustrates the power of hope and responsibility amid chaos.

👨‍⚖️ Activism 🌪️ Disillusionment

Julian Taylor (Julianne Moore)

Julian is a passionate leader of The Fishes and Theo’s former wife, whose commitment to change is personal and deadly serious. Her tragic fate serves as a catalyst for Theo’s actions and highlights the emotional stakes involved in their fight. Julian’s character represents both the struggle for justice and the impact of loss.

💪 Leadership 😢 Sacrifice

Kee

Kee is a young refugee whose unexpected pregnancy becomes central to the plot's drive for survival and hope. Her innocence and vulnerability contrast sharply with the surrounding chaos, making her a symbol of renewal. Kee's journey from despair to fortitude showcases the persistent human spirit.

👶 Hope 🌍 Refugee

Jasper Palmer (Michael Caine)

Jasper is Theo's old hippie friend, offering wisdom and a glimpse of better times. As a former cartoonist, he personifies a lost generation yearning for peace. His involvement in the mission underscores themes of friendship and solidarity as he aids Theo in navigating a dangerous world.

🎨 Art 🤝 Friendship

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:16

Major Themes – Children of Men (2006)

Explore the central themes of Children of Men (2006), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Survival

The theme of survival permeates the film as characters navigate a world teetering on the brink of collapse. Theo’s journey to protect Kee and her newborn highlights the lengths to which individuals will go to preserve life. In a desperate struggle against oppressive forces, themes of hope and resilience emerge amidst desolation.

💔 Loss

Loss heavily influences the narrative, especially through Theo's regrets over his son and the tragedy that befalls Julian. The emotional weight of personal and societal losses weighs on the characters, shaping their motivations. The realization of Kee's pregnancy becomes a poignant symbol of hope within this backdrop of despair.

🤝 Rebellion

Rebellion against authoritarian control is central to the story, as various groups engage in conflict regarding immigration and rights. The Fishes embody revolutionary zeal, yet their methods pose ethical dilemmas. This theme raises questions about sacrifice, loyalty, and the complexities of fighting for a cause.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:16

Unlock the Full Story of Children of Men

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

Children of Men Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Children of Men, 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.

Children of Men Summary

Children of Men Timeline

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

Children of Men Timeline

More About Children of Men

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Children of Men: 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 Children of Men

Similar Movies to Children of Men

Discover movies like Children of Men 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.