Cowboys & Angels

Cowboys & Angels

Year: 2004

Runtime: 89 min

Language: English

Director: David Gleeson

DramaComedy

Awkward 20-year-old Shane Butler feels like life is passing him by while stuck in a dull desk job. A move to a new apartment leads to an unexpected friendship with Vincent Cusack, a free-spirited fashion student. Despite their differences, the two men find common ground, and Shane's long-dormant artistic aspirations begin to awaken as he rediscovers his passions.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Cowboys & Angels 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 – Cowboys & Angels (2004)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Cowboys & Angels (2004). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1873

The year 1873 was marked by tension and transformation in the American West, with settlers pushing deeper into native lands and the discovery of gold catalyzing conflict. This period showcases the struggles between pioneering communities and the supernatural, symbolizing the broader themes of survival and resilience amidst chaos.

Location

New Mexico Territory, Absolution

The New Mexico Territory is characterized by its arid landscapes and rugged beauty, known for its historical significance during the American West expansion. Absolution, a dusty town within this territory, serves as a backdrop for the unfolding drama. This setting highlights the clash between civilization and the unknown, embodied by the alien invasion.

🏜️ Desert 🏙️ Town

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:36

Main Characters – Cowboys & Angels (2004)

Meet the key characters of Cowboys & Angels (2004), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jake Lonergan (Allen Leech)

Jake Lonergan begins as a fugitive with a clouded past, only to discover his potential as a hero against an extraterrestrial threat. Initially driven by self-preservation, his character arc transitions towards selflessness and resolve. He grapples with his memory and identity, evolving into a figure of resilience and bravery.

👨‍🦰 Protagonist 🔥 Hero

Ella Swenson (Amy Shiels)

Ella Swenson is an enigmatic traveler whose motives seem hidden beneath layers of mystery. Her character serves as a catalyst for Jake's transformation, revealing deeper truths about the alien invasion. Ella embodies strength and sacrifice, ultimately rising from tragedy to face the threat alongside her allies.

🧝‍♀️ Enigmatic 💪 Sacrifice

Sheriff John Taggart (Michael Legge)

Sheriff John Taggart is portrayed as a conflicted authority figure, torn between his duty to uphold the law and the emerging chaos around him. Initially skeptical of Jake, his character evolves to recognize the greater threat, showcasing the complexity of moral choices in desperate times. Taggart represents resilience within the community.

👮 Lawman ⚖️ Authority

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:36

Major Themes – Cowboys & Angels (2004)

Explore the central themes of Cowboys & Angels (2004), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👽 Alien Invasion

The theme of alien invasion pervades the narrative, presenting a direct threat to humanity and showcasing the fear of the unknown. It raises questions about identity, belonging, and the fight for survival in the face of external forces. This conflict ultimately unites the diverse group of characters against a common enemy, highlighting their growth and solidarity.

⚔️ Vengeance and Redemption

Vengeance fuels Jake Lonergan's journey as he seeks to confront his past and the alien perpetrators of his anguish. His quest for redemption intertwines personal loss and collective struggle, as he must overcome his own demons to save others. The theme reflects a complex interplay between grief, sacrifice, and the pursuit of justice.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:36

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

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.

Bittersweet Survival Stories Like Cowboys & Angels

Stories of hard-won survival where victory comes with a heavy personal cost.If you enjoyed the survival-focused, high-stakes journey of Cowboys & Angels, explore similar movies where characters endure brutal conditions and forge bonds under pressure. These films capture the gritty reality of fighting for a future, often ending with a bittersweet mix of hope and sorrow.

tensegrittybrutalhopefultragicdesperatesurvival

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread follow a group or individual confronting a severe external threat. The journey emphasizes physical and emotional endurance, the formation of a 'found family' for survival, and a climactic resolution that secures safety but rarely without profound personal loss, leaving characters irrevocably changed.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared high-intensity survival scenarios, dark and gritty tone, and emotionally heavy conclusions. They resonate with viewers seeking stories about human resilience that don't shy away from the tragic costs of victory.

Fast-Paced Chaotic Action Dramas Similar to Cowboys & Angels

Fast-paced stories where constant danger and moral conflict drive the plot.Fans of the fast-paced, high-intensity action in Cowboys & Angels will find more movies here that deliver a similar adrenaline rush. These films feature chaotic confrontations, constant peril, and a driving narrative pace that keeps the stakes elevated from start to finish.

chaotictenseepicbrutalgrittydesperaterelentless

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a rapid succession of major events—attacks, chases, and confrontations—that leave little room for respite. The plot is linear and action-driven, propelled by an immediate and overwhelming threat that forces characters into a continuous state of reaction and survival.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their breakneck pacing, high-intensity action sequences, and a consistently tense, gritty atmosphere. They appeal to audiences looking for a thrilling, emotionally charged experience that prioritizes momentum and visceral impact.

Unlock the Full Story of Cowboys & Angels

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

Cowboys & Angels Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Cowboys & Angels, 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.

Cowboys & Angels Summary

Cowboys & Angels Timeline

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

Cowboys & Angels Timeline

Cowboys & Angels Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Cowboys & Angels 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.

Cowboys & Angels Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Cowboys & Angels

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Cowboys & Angels: 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 Cowboys & Angels

Similar Movies to Cowboys & Angels

Discover movies like Cowboys & Angels 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.