Early Man (2018) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie is set in a vibrant crater oasis that serves as the home for Dug and his tribe. This location is a remnant of an asteroid impact, surrounded by treacherous wastelands and active volcanoes, which contrasts with the tribe's lively existence. Some of the action also takes place in a location resembling modern-day Manchester, particularly during the football matches against the Bronze Age civilization.

• crater oasis
• setting
• wasteland
• volcano
• Manchester
• location

The events begin during the Neo-Pleistocene age, right after dinosaurs went extinct due to an asteroid strike. The timeline then progresses through the Stone Age, showcasing primitive tribes, before transitioning to the Bronze Age with the arrival of Lord Nooth's army. This progression highlights the technological and social changes between these prehistoric eras.

• neo-pleistocene
• stone age
• bronze age
• prehistoric
• time period
• dinosaur extinction

Football is central to the plot, symbolizing teamwork, strategy, and resilience. Dug's journey transforms him from a simple caveman to a football strategist who rallies his tribe against the advanced Bronze Age forces. The game serves as a vehicle for the tribe's self-discovery and growth, showcasing how sports can unite disparate groups and challenge established norms.

• football
• soccer
• team
• strategy
• sports
• underdog
• competition

Dug is the spirited and ambitious young caveman protagonist voiced by Eddie Redmayne. He dreams of greatness beyond his tribal limitations and shows a natural knack for leadership and adaptability. His determination to learn and teach football to his tribe illustrates his growth as a character and inspires those around him to believe in themselves.

• dug
• caveman
• protagonist
• eddie redmayne
• leader
• hero

Lord Nooth is the imposing leader of the Bronze Age army, voiced by Tom Hiddleston. He is characterized by his authoritative demeanor and ambitious drive for control and wealth. His desire to mine the tribe's land drives the main conflict of the movie, and his eventual downfall comes through the very game he underestimates, football.

• lord nooth
• villain
• bronze age
• tom hiddleston
• antagonist
• mining

Goona is a passionate and resourceful vendor voiced by Maisie Williams who breaks traditional gender barriers in her pursuit of football. She becomes a pivotal coach for Dug's tribe, encouraging teamwork and developing strategies. Her character embodies empowerment and the importance of inclusion in sports, despite historical limitations placed on women.

• goona
• maisie williams
• coach
• female empowerment
• football
• vendor

Queen Oofeefa is a shrewd and cunning character voiced by Miriam Margolyes who manipulates events around her for her own advantage. Her keen understanding of power dynamics and scheming nature make her a formidable presence in the Bronze Age court. Despite her manipulative tendencies, her comedic interactions provide many of the film's lighter moments.

• queen oofeefa
• miriam margolyes
• scheming
• villain
• comedy
• power

The theme of survival permeates the film as Dug's tribe faces various challenges in their unforgiving prehistoric landscape. Their quest for freedom from the oppressive Bronze Age forces underscores a struggle against adversity. This struggle tests their physical capabilities, ingenuity, and spirit, proving that perseverance and determination can lead to triumph against overwhelming odds.

• survival
• freedom
• oppression
• adversity
• perseverance
• struggle
• tribe

Unity is a key theme as Dug rallies his tribe to work together against their common enemies. The collaboration with Goona, despite historical gender roles, signifies breaking barriers and fostering inclusion. The climax emphasizes that when people unite despite their differences, even the most underdog groups can overcome formidable challenges.

• unity
• teamwork
• collaboration
• together
• community
• inclusion
• underdog

Early Man delivers a classic underdog story message about courage and determination against powerful opponents. The film shows that determination, creativity, and unity can overcome technological and numerical disadvantages. It emphasizes that believing in yourself and working together can lead to victory even when facing seemingly impossible odds.

• underdog
• courage
• determination
• victory
• David vs Goliath
• perseverance
• determination

The conflict represents the clash between two eras, the primitive Stone Age tribe led by Dug and the technologically advanced Bronze Age army led by Lord Nooth. Lord Nooth and his forces arrive intending to mine the land, threatening the tribe's peaceful existence. This conflict symbolizes the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to civilization and the struggles that come with technological progress.

• bronze age
• stone age
• conflict
• technology
• civilization
• mining
• invasion