Firebird 2015 A.D.

The story is set in the year 2015 in a near-future United States. The government outlaws civilian use of gasoline and cars, with Burners hunted by the DVC. Dialogue later suggests gasoline is not actually scarce, highlighting the political nature of the restriction.

Most of the action unfolds in a near-future American Southwest desert and along desolate roads. Key locations include Red's desert drives, a ramshackle barn where Jill and Cameron interact, and a DVC campsite where enforcement confrontations take place. The barren settings underscore the film's themes of speed, rebellion, and survival against strict controls.

🛡️ Resistance

Mobility becomes a core battleground as civilians resist a nationwide car ban. Red and the Burners embody a quiet insurgency against DVC control. Shana's disapproval of McVain's brutality highlights the ethical cost of rebellion. The pursuit of freedom through speed and risk sits at the heart of the film.

🚗 Automobility

Cars symbolize identity, memory, and escape for the Burner community. Red's 1980 Pontiac Firebird Turbo Trans Am stands as a symbol of defiance and nostalgia. Races in the desert and plans to chauffeur a senator frame the car as a political instrument. The obsession with car culture shows how mobility becomes a form of resistance.

👨‍👦 Family Bond

Red's relationship with his son Cameron anchors the story. Red tries to share the thrill of driving with Cameron as a way to connect. Cameron's attitude shifts between skepticism and curiosity about rebellion. The road adventures test and strengthen their bond under danger.

⚖️ Oppression

The DVC's tactics reveal a system where law enforcement enforces control through brutality. McVain embodies the corrupt edge of power, clashing with moments of moral conflict (Shana). Jill's assault and rescue illustrate the human cost of authoritarian rule. The senator's planned trip exposes how politics can be used to legitimize control.