Daylight

Daylight

Year: 1996

Runtime: 114 min

Language: English

Director: Rob Cohen

ActionAdventureDramaThriller

A group of robbers attempting a heist inadvertently cause a massive explosion and tunnel collapse in New Jersey. Several survivors find themselves trapped deep underground, facing a desperate fight for survival. Former special forces operative Kit Latura, drawing on his specialized knowledge, must lead them through the perilous, unstable environment before they run out of time and hope.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Daylight (1996)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Daylight (1996). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late Night, 11 PM to Midnight

The events transpire during a fateful late night, emphasizing themes of urgency and panic as chaos ensues. The timeframe heightens the experience of the characters, encapsulating the danger and unpredictability of the scenario. This particular time is not only about rescue efforts but also represents a climax of personal struggles faced by the characters.

Location

Upstate New York, Manhattan, New Jersey, highway tunnel

The story unfolds primarily in a highway tunnel linking Manhattan to New Jersey, a crucial infrastructure that becomes a site of disaster. The tunnel, built in 1921, is an engineering marvel but is now under threat due to hazardous activities and unfortunate events. Upstate New York serves as the backdrop for the illegal operations that lead to the catastrophe, contrasting the urban landscape of Manhattan with the chaos occurring underground.

🏙️ City 🚧 Infrastructure 🌊 Water

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:34

Main Characters – Daylight (1996)

Meet the key characters of Daylight (1996), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Kit Latura (Sylvester Stallone)

Kit Latura, a former EMS chief turned taxi driver, embodies bravery and resourcefulness in the face of catastrophe. As the primary hero, he takes on the responsibility of leading others to safety, showcasing his deep sense of duty and courage. His character represents a figure of hope amidst despair, driving the narrative towards survival.

🚑 Hero 💪 Courageous

Maddy Thompson (Amy Brenneman)

Maddy Thompson is a struggling playwright grappling with personal failures, yet she rises to the occasion when disaster strikes. Her compassion and determination drive her to rescue the trapped juvenile offenders, illustrating her growth throughout the ordeal. Maddy’s character represents resilience and the power of human connection.

🎭 Creativity ❤️ Compassionate

Roy Nord (Viggo Mortensen)

Roy Nord is an athlete who initially takes charge in seeking an escape route for the trapped victims. His character experiences a profound transformation as he confronts life-threatening challenges, making his demise a significant turning point in the story. Roy's actions underline the tensions between leadership and the precariousness of life in dire situations.

🏃‍♂️ Athlete ❗ Determined

George Tyrell (Stan Shaw)

George Tyrell is a transit cop who represents the law and order amidst chaos. His character struggles with the limitations of his authority during the disaster, showcasing the challenges faced by emergency responders. George's journey highlights themes of sacrifice and urgency as he navigates through the wreckage.

🚓 Law Enforcement ⚠️ Sacrificial

Eleanor (Claire Bloom)

Eleanor is an elderly woman who finds herself trapped in the tunnel with her husband. Her tragic fate emphasizes the emotional stakes of the disaster and the profound loss felt by those left behind. Eleanor's character serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of life, especially in crisis situations.

👵 Vulnerable 💔 Tragic

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:34

Major Themes – Daylight (1996)

Explore the central themes of Daylight (1996), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔥 Survival

The theme of survival is central to the movie as characters face imminent danger and must work together to escape. It highlights the resilience of human spirit in the face of catastrophic circumstances. The desperate actions of Kit and Maddy embody the lengths one will go to protect others and seek safety.

👥 Community

In the dire circumstances within the tunnel, bonds are forged among the trapped individuals. The movie illustrates how adversity brings people together, creating a sense of community even among strangers. Their shared struggle cultivates empathy and the will to survive as they rely on one another for hope and support.

💔 Loss

The theme of loss resonates through the narrative, notably with the tragic fate of Eleanor and the emotional toll it takes on her husband. This emotional weight adds depth to the story, emphasizing the harsh realities of life-and-death situations. Each character's journey reflects personal losses and the impact it has on their will to survive.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:34

Unlock the Full Story of Daylight

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

Daylight Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Daylight, 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.

Daylight Summary

Daylight Timeline

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

Daylight Timeline

More About Daylight

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Daylight: 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 Daylight

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