Close Encounters of the Third Kind

In the Sonoran Desert, French scientist Claude Lacombe, along with his American interpreter David Laughlin and a team, stumbles upon Flight 19, a squadron of missing United States Navy bombers. The planes, which mysteriously vanished over the Bermuda Triangle on December 5, 1945, are found in pristine condition but without any crew members.

Nearby, an elderly man shares a bizarre experience of seeing the sun shine at night, adding a layer of mystery to the regions around Flight 19. His account intrigues Lacombe and his team, hinting at strange occurrences linked to aerial phenomena.

Air traffic controllers in Indianapolis report a near collision between two commercial flights and an unidentified flying object. This event underscores the escalation of UFO sightings within the region, suggesting a significant and unexplained presence in the sky.

In Muncie, Indiana, three-year-old Barry Guiler experiences a magical moment when his toys appear to come to life. His mother, Jillian, is alarmed as he ventures outside, illustrating the strange power influences in the area that align with the UFO phenomena.

Utility lineman Roy Neary investigates widespread power outages and encounters a UFO that grazes his face with brilliant lights. The extraordinary experience leaves him entranced, fueling his obsession with understanding these mysterious aerial visitors.

Researchers in the Gobi Desert uncover the SS Cotopaxi, an intact ship that mysteriously resides in the middle of a desert, void of crew members. This finding heightens the intrigue surrounding strange disappearances linked to the sea and sky.

As Roy's obsession grows, Jillian begins experiencing frightening attempts by unseen entities, ultimately leading to the abduction of her son, Barry. Her desperate situation heightens the urgency for answers regarding the extraterrestrial phenomena around them.

In Dharamsala, Northern India, witnesses report UFOs emitting a unique five-tone melody. Scientists broadcast this melody into space, receiving a cryptic sequence of numbers in return, suggesting a possible communication with extraterrestrial beings.

Using the mysterious numerical sequence received, Laughlin deciphers coordinates that lead to Devils Tower in Wyoming. This discovery prompts a militarized response from the U.S. Army, masking their preparations for an imminent alien encounter as a train derailment.

Roy's behavior becomes increasingly erratic due to his alien fixation, prompting his wife Ronnie to leave him with their children. The escalation of UFO sightings and the ensuing chaos contribute to a rift in their family dynamic.

After hearing about a supposed train wreck, both Roy and Jillian recognize the mountain they have been obsessing over. Ignoring public safety warnings, they set out for Devils Tower, driven by a shared vision of the extraterrestrial connection.

Upon arrival at Devils Tower, Roy and Jillian witness UFOs emerging from the night sky. Government teams utilize light and sound on an expansive electrical billboard to attempt communication with the craft, hoping to make contact with the aliens.

As the mothership arrives, it releases countless abductees from various periods of history, including World War II pilots and sailors from the Cotopaxi. Jillian joyfully reunites with her son Barry amidst the chaos of the event.

The extraterrestrials select Roy for interstellar travel, prompting a whirlwind of emotions as he prepares to ascend into the mothership. The encounter starkly highlights the profound effects the UFO phenomena have had on his life and relationships.

As Roy enters the spacecraft, an alien gestures using Curwen hand signs that correspond to the five-note melody. This poignant exchange illustrates a moment of connection between humans and extraterrestrial beings, marking the culmination of their encounters.