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Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (2011) movie poster

Plot Summary

Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (2011) Plot Summary Explained

Release, runtime and language
2011 · 112 min · Japanese
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Directed by
Hideaki Anno, Kazuya Tsurumaki, Masayuki

Amidst an ongoing apocalypse and attacks by monstrous beings known as Angels, young pilots Shinji and Rei confront a new set of challenges. The arrival of the spirited Asuka and the mysterious Mari further complicates matters. These four individuals must work together, piloting giant Evangelion units, to defend humanity. Their battles test not only their strength but also their emotional and psychological limits, forcing them to confront personal sacrifices and the true cost of survival.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What happens: full plot
  3. 3 Plot questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance
  6. 6 Every angle
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Full plot summary · contains spoilers

What Happens in Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance: Full Plot Summary

The whole story of Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (2011) explained, from the opening scene to the final frame: every key event, every twist and what it all adds up to. Read it as a quick recap before the sequel, to check a scene you missed, or to finally understand what really happened.

As the Third Angel breaks free from its confinement at NERV's Arctic stronghold, Bethany Base, the scene is set for the emergence of a new pilot: Mari Illustrious Makinami. Commanding the Evangelion Provisional Unit-05, she valiantly confronts this rogue entity, ultimately resorting to a self-destruct sequence for her EVA, making a daring escape just in time.

In a poignant moment of reflection, Shinji Ikari (Shinji) and his father Gendo (Gendo) visit the grave of Yui, the mother and wife they both cherished deeply. Their solemn moment is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of the Seventh Angel, which is swiftly eliminated by Evangelion Unit-02, piloted with unyielding resolve by Asuka Langley Shikinami (Asuka). Simultaneously, Ryoji Kaji presents Gendo with a mysterious suitcase holding the elusive "Key of Nebuchadnezzar," stating cryptically that the destruction of Unit-05 had proceeded exactly as anticipated.

Gendo and his loyal aide, Kozo Fuyutsuki, venture to NERV's lunar compound, Tabgha Base, where they glimpse the development of Evangelion Mark.06, an EVA that stands apart from all others. Although they are denied permission to land, they catch sight of Kaworu Nagisa (Kaworu) adrift in space, creating an unexpectedly striking visual. During Gendo's absence, the Eighth Angel makes a sudden attack on Tokyo-3, prompting Shinji, Asuka, and Rei to hastily formulate a strategy under the guidance of Misato Katsuragi (Misato). The ensuing conflict leaves both Unit-00 and Unit-01 battered and in need of repair.

Upon returning, Gendo urges SEELE to expedite the repairs on both Evas; however, they only agree to fix Unit-01, leaving Unit-00 neglected. In an effort to mend the rift between Gendo and Shinji, Rei organizes a heartfelt dinner gathering. Meanwhile, Mari arrives in Tokyo-3, setting the stage for unfolding events that will further explore the depths of friendship and loyalty.

An unfortunate incident at NERV's U.S. branch results in the loss of Unit-04, which prompts the U.S. government to send Unit-03 to Tokyo-3. Due to an international treaty limiting the number of operational Evangelions per nation, NERV quarantines Unit-02 and arranges a test for Unit-03 on the same day as Rei's dinner party. Asuka steps up to replace Rei as the test pilot to ensure the dinner remains joyful. However, once activated, Unit-03 falls under the malignant control of the Ninth Angel, unleashing chaos in its wake.

Struggling with the ethical ramifications of his father's directives, Shinji pilots Unit-01 but hesitates to engage the possessed EVA out of fear of harming his friend Asuka, who remains trapped inside. Gendo commands the activation of the Dummy System, granting Unit-01 independent operation, which leads to a devastating outcome as it ruthlessly dismantles Unit-03, crushing its cockpit with raw mechanical force. The emotional wounds inflicted upon Shinji by his father's lack of empathy compel him to flee NERV, leaving a wake of uncertainty and sorrow.

As Asuka endures the aftermath of her harrowing encounter with the Angel, she is left battered and confined to quarantine as a precaution against the threat of mental contamination. Meanwhile, Shinji, in a state of panic, escapes the city, only to be intercepted by the Tenth Angel, forcing him into an emergency shelter for safety. Gendo's intentions to operate Unit-01 without Shinji are thwarted once more, leading Mari to take command of Unit-02 and initiate a single-handed assault on the Angel. With fierce determination, Mari unleashes an array of attacks, yet the Angel proves too powerful, leaving Unit-02 significantly damaged. In a dramatic twist, Rei joins the fray with the crippled Unit-00, propelling herself like a projectile and firing a missile that, although it fails to obliterate the Angel, successfully distracts it temporarily.

As the Angel wraps itself around Unit-00, assimilating its core into its being, Shinji rushes to Gendo's side, pleading for the chance to pilot Unit-01 once again. Fueled by a fiery resolve, Shinji engages the Angel, with his EVA running low on power as he valiantly battles. Though he eventually succumbs to exhaustion, Unit-01 miraculously surges back to life in a berserk state, compelled by Shinji’s righteous fury over Rei’s predicament. In an explosive display of primal strength, Unit-01 obliterates the Angel, enabling Shinji to reach out and save Rei from its clutches. As he cradles her in his arms, Shinji expresses gratitude to Rei for her efforts to bridge the divide with Gendo, ultimately coming to terms with the impossibility of their relationship. The remnants of the Angel, now infused with Unit-00's core, become absorbed by Unit-01, which then transcends its previous form, sprouting magnificent radiant wings as Misato witnesses in awe.

In a moment of stark revelation, Ritsuko comprehends the true nature of the EVA’s transformation, recognizing that it has evolved into a divine entity, on the brink of initiating Third Impact and the potential end of the world. As the very fabric of existence begins to fracture, a post-credits scene unfolds, revealing a spear that pierces Unit-01 from the Moon, effectively destabilizing it and averting disaster. In the aftermath, Kaworu descends, his eyes emanating an otherworldly brilliance as he proclaims he will finally show Shinji what true happiness looks like.

Last updated: November 22, 2024 at 18:07

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Plot questions answered

Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance Plot Explained: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask most about Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (2011): what happens in the confusing scenes, why the characters do what they do, the twists, hidden details and what the ending means. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Why does Mari self-destruct Unit-05 against the Third Angel?

Mari triggers Unit-05's self-destruct sequence to destroy the Third Angel, which has broken free from containment at NERV's Arctic stronghold Bethany Base. She makes a daring escape just before the explosion, sacrificing the Eva but eliminating the Angel threat.

  • mari
  • unit-05
  • third angel
  • self-destruct
Q2

What is the Key of Nebuchadnezzar that Kaji gives Gendo?

The Key of Nebuchadnezzar is a mysterious suitcase given to Gendo by Ryoji Kaji. Its contents remain cryptic, but Kaji notes that the destruction of Unit-05 proceeded exactly as anticipated, suggesting the Key is tied to larger plans involving the Angels and NERV's objectives.

  • key of nebuchadnezzar
  • kaji
  • gendo
  • suitcase
Q3

Who is Kaworu and why is he drifting in space near Tabgha Base?

Kaworu Nagisa is seen adrift in space near NERV's lunar compound Tabgha Base while Gendo and Fuyutsuki observe the development of Evangelion Mark.06. His appearance is mysterious and visually striking, setting up his significant role in the story as a key figure connected to the Angels and SEELE's plans.

  • kaworu
  • tabgha base
  • space
  • mark.06
Q4

Why does Unit-03 get possessed by the Ninth Angel?

Unit-03 becomes controlled by the Ninth Angel during its test flight, which was rushed due to an international treaty limiting operational Evangelions. Asuka had taken the pilot seat from Rei to allow the dinner party to proceed, and the Angel infiltrates Unit-03's systems, turning the Eva against Tokyo-3.

  • unit-03
  • ninth angel
  • asuka
  • possession
Q5

What is the Dummy System and why does it destroy Unit-03?

The Dummy System is a technology that allows an Evangelion to operate independently without a pilot. When Shinji hesitates to attack the possessed Unit-03 (fearing for Asuka's safety inside), Gendo activates the Dummy System, causing Unit-01 to brutally destroy Unit-03 and crush its cockpit with mechanical force.

  • dummy system
  • unit-03
  • gendo
  • shinji
Q6

Why does Shinji flee NERV after the battle with Unit-03?

Shinji escapes from NERV because of the emotional trauma caused by his father's cold decision to activate the Dummy System, forcing him to indirectly kill his friend Asuka. Gendo's lack of empathy and willingness to use Shinji as a tool without regard for his feelings shatters Shinji emotionally.

  • shinji
  • nerv
  • flee
  • trauma
  • gendo
Q7

What happens to Rei during the battle against the Tenth Angel?

Rei pilots the crippled Unit-00 to join the battle against the Tenth Angel. She propels herself like a projectile and fires a missile that, while failing to destroy the Angel, distracts it temporarily. The Angel then wraps around Unit-00, assimilating its core into its being.

  • rei
  • unit-00
  • tenth angel
  • sacrifice
Q8

Why does Unit-01 transform and grow wings during the battle?

When Shinji witnesses Rei's predicament, he experiences righteous fury that triggers Unit-01's berserk state. In this state, Unit-01 obliterates the Angel and absorbs its core (which contains Unit-00's core), causing the Eva to transform into a divine entity with radiant wings, on the brink of initiating Third Impact.

Foreshadowing: Earlier scenes established that Evas can evolve beyond their standard capabilities when exposed to Angel cores.

  • unit-01
  • wings
  • third impact
  • divine transformation
Q9

What stops Unit-01 from completing Third Impact?

A spear pierces Unit-01 from the Moon, effectively destabilizing the Eva's transformation into a divine entity and averting the full Third Impact. This mysterious intervention prevents the end of the world that was about to unfold.

  • spear
  • moon
  • third impact
  • unit-01 stopped
Q10

What does Kaworu mean when he says he will show Shinji true happiness?

In the post-credits scene, Kaworu descends with glowing eyes and tells Shinji he will show him true happiness. This hints at Kaworu's mysterious intentions and his connection to Shinji, suggesting a potential redemption arc or deeper emotional relationship that will unfold in the next film.

Foreshadowing: Kaworu's striking appearance earlier in the film near Tabgha Base foreshadows his significant role in Shinji's journey.

  • kaworu
  • shinji
  • happiness
  • promise
  • final scene
Q11

Why is Asuka quarantined after the Unit-03 incident?

Asuka is left battered and confined to quarantine as a precaution against mental contamination after her harrowing encounter with the Angel inside Unit-03. The possessed Eva nearly killed her, and NERV fears the Angel's influence might still affect her psychologically.

  • asuka
  • quarantine
  • mental contamination
  • unit-03
Q12

Why does SEELE only agree to repair Unit-01 and not Unit-00?

SEELE agrees to expedite repairs only on Unit-01, neglecting Unit-00, which deepens the strain between Gendo and Shinji. This decision reflects SEELE's priorities and preferences, particularly focusing on Unit-01 (the Eva connected to Shinji's mother Yui), while showing disregard for Rei's Unit-00.

  • seekle
  • unit-01
  • unit-00
  • repairs
  • gendo
Q13

Why does Rei organize a dinner gathering for Shinji and Gendo?

Rei organizes a heartfelt dinner gathering in an effort to mend the rift between Shinji and Gendo. This moment highlights Rei's caring nature and her desire to help Shinji find connection with his father, though the dinner is disrupted by the Unit-03 emergency.

  • rei
  • dinner
  • gendo
  • shinji
  • family reconciliation

Movie threads

More Movies Like Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Apocalyptic psychological thrillers like Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance

High-stakes survival stories where the looming apocalypse exacerbates deep psychological wounds. If you liked the intense psychological strain amidst global catastrophe in Evangelion: 2.0, explore more movies like it. This collection features similar high-stakes sci-fi and drama stories where characters grapple with existential threats and deep-seated trauma, creating a uniquely heavy and anxious viewing experience.

  • apocalyptic
  • anxious
  • oppressive
  • desperate
  • psychological
  • berserk
  • Tone: dark, oppressive, desperate
  • Pacing: fast, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread typically unfold within a collapsing world, where a direct, massive threat (like monstrous invasions or environmental disasters) forces characters to confront not only the external danger but also their own profound psychological vulnerabilities, often related to trauma, identity, and fractured relationships. The narrative often escalates towards a potentially world-altering climax.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared atmosphere of high-intensity dread, blending fast-paced apocalyptic action with deeply introspective and emotionally heavy character studies. They share a dark tone, complex psychological themes, and an experience that is both visually spectacular and mentally taxing.

Movies with ambiguous apocalyptic endings like Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance

Stories where world-shattering events end on a deeply uncertain, yet potentially hopeful, note. Fans of the morally and existentially complex ending of Evangelion: 2.0 will find similar stories here. Discover movies like it that conclude with a major, world-changing event and an ambiguous feeling, blending catastrophe with a faint hint of hope or redemption, leaving the future uncertain.

  • melancholic
  • apocalyptic
  • existential
  • desperate
  • ambiguous
  • thought-provoking
  • Tone: dark, melancholic, ambiguous
  • Pacing: variable, building to climax
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a relentless escalation towards a climactic event of global or personal significance—a symbolic 'impact'. This event is halted or resolved in a way that prevents total annihilation but leaves the state of the world and characters profoundly uncertain. The journey is heavy, focusing on sacrifice and existential crisis, culminating in an ending that is neither purely tragic nor happy, but hauntingly open-ended.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their shared approach to endings. They prioritize emotional and philosophical resonance over tidy conclusions, creating a powerful and lingering effect. They share a high emotional weight, complex themes, and a tone that balances darkness with a fragile, ambiguous sense of potential.

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Every angle

Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (2011) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

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