Dark Matter

Dark Matter

Year: 2008

Runtime: 88 min

Language: English

Director: Shi-Zheng Chen

Drama

Driven by ambition and idealism, Chinese science student Liu Xing pursues a PhD in America during the early 1990s. As he immerses himself in his dark matter research, he confronts the challenges of academic politics and cultural isolation. His journey explores the complexities of pursuing a dream while navigating the expectations of family and colleagues, ultimately leading him on an unexpected path.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Dark Matter 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 – Dark Matter (2008)

Trace every key event in Dark Matter (2008) 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

Arrival at Valley State University

Liu Xing, a brilliant Chinese student, arrives at Valley State University, aiming to take his academic journey to new heights. This marks the beginning of his adventure and the challenges he will face as he adapts to American life.

Valley State University
2

Support from Joanna Silver

Joanna Silver, a wealthy university patron, takes an interest in Liu Xing's potential and offers her help. Her support proves crucial as Xing navigates the complexities of a new culture and an unfamiliar educational environment.

3

Joining the Cosmology Group

Xing is accepted into a prestigious cosmology group led by his idol, Professor Jacob Reiser. This opportunity allows him to work alongside brilliant minds and further develop his scientific skills under expert guidance.

4

Learning from Professor Reiser

Under Professor Reiser’s direction, Xing dives deep into the complexities of cosmology, learning the intricacies of the origins of the universe. His dedication quickly makes him a favored protégé, promising a bright future.

5

Exploring Dark Matter

Xing becomes increasingly fascinated with dark matter, an elusive phenomenon that he believes plays a critical role in shaping the universe. This obsession sets him apart from his peers and creates a divergence from Reiser’s established theories.

6

Conflict with Reiser's Model

As Liu Xing delves deeper into his studies, he starts formulating his own theories which clash with Professor Reiser's model. This scientific divergence creates a rift between mentor and student, complicating their relationship.

7

Scientific Breakthroughs

Xing achieves significant breakthroughs in his research, further solidifying his reputation within the academic community. However, these accomplishments also provoke jealousy and skepticism from others in the group.

8

Facing Obstacles

As Liu Xing's success grows, he begins encountering unexpected obstacles, both from competing peers and institutional barriers. These challenges threaten his academic advancements and mental wellbeing.

9

Strains on Mentor-Mentee Relationship

The pressure of Xing's rising fame and his controversial theories leads to growing tension between him and Professor Reiser. Their once supportive relationship becomes strained as loyalties are tested.

10

Crisis and Reflection

Xing faces a personal and academic crisis that forces him to reflect on his journey and the sacrifices he has made. This moment of introspection is critical for his growth as both a scientist and an individual.

11

Revisiting the Theory

In light of recent events, Liu decides to revisit his theories and reconsider his approach to cosmology. This marks a pivotal shift in his understanding of science and its implications for his future.

12

Confronting Jealousy

Competing students begin to openly express their jealousy towards Xing and undermine his research. This hostility complicates his academic environment and further tests his resilience.

13

The Final Presentation

Xing prepares for a critical final presentation where he will unveil his findings on dark matter. This moment serves as a culmination of his hard work and a chance to assert his place in the academic world.

14

Turning Point in Career

The outcome of his presentation becomes a turning point for Xing’s career, impacting his relationships and future opportunities in science. Depending on the reception, this moment could redefine his journey.

15

Resolution and Growth

By the end of the film, Liu Xing emerges with a clearer understanding of both his scientific ambitions and personal journey. His experiences have shaped him into a more resilient individual ready to face future challenges.

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 20:30

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Movies about academic pressure like Dark Matter

Stories of brilliant minds grappling with the politics and isolation of high-stakes academia.For viewers who liked the intellectual and emotional challenges of Dark Matter, this collection features similar movies about academic ambition, mentorship, and the politics of truth within competitive institutions. These character-driven dramas explore what happens when idealism meets systemic resistance.

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The narrative typically follows a talented individual entering a prestigious institution or field with high hopes. Their journey involves a clash between pure intellectual pursuit and the entrenched politics of their environment, often involving a complex mentor relationship. The story builds towards a realization that success is not just about brilliance, but also about navigating unspoken rules and power dynamics.

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Movies in this thread are grouped by their shared focus on the intellectual and emotional battleground of academia or research. They share a cerebral, often melancholic mood, a steady pacing that mirrors methodical work, and a bittersweet tone that comes from the gap between ambition and reality.

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Character studies of individuals striving for belonging and purpose in an unfamiliar culture.If you appreciated the themes of cultural displacement and isolation in Dark Matter, this list includes similar movies about outsiders navigating unfamiliar social landscapes. These stories focus on the bittersweet emotional weight of striving for acceptance and success while feeling profoundly alone.

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These stories often begin with hope and arrival in a new setting, followed by a gradual buildup of isolation and cultural friction. The protagonist's internal conflict between adapting and preserving their identity drives the plot. The resolution tends to be nuanced, acknowledging both personal growth and the lasting scars of the experience, rather than offering a simple happy ending.

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These films are connected by their exploration of the outsider experience and the emotional complexity of displacement. They share a melancholic and introspective mood, a steady pacing that allows for character depth, and a consistently bittersweet tone that captures the mixed outcomes of such journeys.

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Dark Matter Summary

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Dark Matter Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Dark Matter

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Dark Matter Spoiler-Free Summary

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