Contact

Year: 1985

Runtime: 68 mins

Language: English

Director: Alan Clarke

WarDrama

A platoon of British paratroopers on border patrol in South Armagh face a series of tense encounters.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Contact 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 – Contact (1985)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Contact (1985). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Location

Arecibo Observatory, Puerto Rico, Very Large Array, New Mexico, Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, Hokkaido, Japan, Vega star system

The story spans multiple iconic locations tied to the search for extraterrestrial life. It centers on the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico and the Very Large Array in New Mexico as the hubs of first contact efforts, then expands to the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral for the construction of the machine. It also touches on Hokkaido, Japan, where a second machine is reportedly built, and the Vega system as the destination of the journey, emphasizing international collaboration and the cosmic scale of the endeavor.

🛰️ Space 🔬 Science 🌌 Exploration

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:05

Main Characters – Contact (1985)

Meet the key characters of Contact (1985), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:05

Major Themes – Contact (1985)

Explore the central themes of Contact (1985), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:05

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about tense border patrols like Contact

Military patrols facing constant danger and moral dilemmas in hostile territory.If you liked the high-stakes tension of Contact, explore these movies about military units on border patrol. These films capture the psychological strain and sudden violence of operating in hostile, uncertain territories, featuring stories of soldiers facing unseen threats and tough moral choices.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread follow a unit or individual stationed in a disputed or hostile area. The plot is driven by a series of tense encounters rather than one large battle, building a sense of pervasive danger. Character arcs often involve coping with fear, maintaining discipline under extreme stress, and grappling with the ethics of their mission, leading to a climax that tests their resolve and humanity.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their immersive, high-tension settings and the specific psychological experience of border duty. They share a steady, methodical pacing that allows dread to build, a medium-to-high intensity fueled by constant threat, and a tone that balances the bleak reality of conflict with moments of hope and camaraderie.

Bittersweet war dramas with personal journeys like Contact

Character-driven war stories where survival comes with profound emotional scars.Viewers who appreciated the personal journey and bittersweet tone of Contact will find similar resonance in these war dramas. These movies focus on the emotional and psychological impact of conflict on soldiers, featuring thoughtful pacing, medium emotional weight, and endings that are hopeful yet scarred by loss.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern is a personal quest for survival, purpose, or sanity within the machinery of war. The plot intertwines external threats with internal crises, forcing characters to make difficult choices that define their humanity. The journey concludes not with clear-cut victory, but with a nuanced resolution that acknowledges what was lost and what was barely saved, leaving a lasting melancholic resonance.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their balanced mix of tense external action and introspective character drama. They share a steady pacing that allows for philosophical depth, a medium emotional weight that feels impactful without being crushing, and a consistently bittersweet tone that finds pockets of hope amidst despair.

Unlock the Full Story of Contact

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

Contact Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Contact, 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.

Contact Timeline

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

Contact Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Contact that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About Contact

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Contact: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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Discover movies like Contact 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.