High Life

High Life

Year: 2019

Runtime: 113 min

Language: English

Director: Claire Denis

AdventureSci-FiDramaMysteryHorror

As Monte's spaceship hurtles towards a black hole, he and his infant daughter are left to confront the horrors of their past. The eerie silence is shattered by the enigmatic doctor's sinister intentions, which led to the disappearance of the death-row crew. In this desolate odyssey, fatherhood becomes the sole salvation as they unravel the mystery behind the ship's downfall and face the abyss together.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen High Life 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 & Setting – High Life (2019)
Explore the full timeline and setting of High Life (2019). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Future

Set in a dystopian future where criminals are sent on perilous missions, the film explores the consequences of human actions and the quest for survival in extreme conditions. Advanced technology enables space travel at near light-speed, while elements of desperation and moral decay fuel the narrative.

Location

Black Hole, Space Ship

The movie primarily takes place aboard a massive spacecraft navigating the depths of space. This ship is a self-sufficient environment that features living quarters, gardens, and medical facilities, allowing the crew to survive the harsh realities of space travel. The backdrop of a black hole looms, representing both danger and the unknown, creating a surreal atmosphere.

🌌 Sci-Fi 🚀 Space

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:12

Main Characters – High Life (2019)
Meet the key characters of High Life (2019), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Monte (Robert Pattinson)

Monte is portrayed as the lone celibate inmate, burdened by his past while trying to navigate the treacherous dynamics aboard the ship. His commitment to rejecting Dr. Dibs's manipulations showcases his resilience. He evolves into a caring father, grappling with the responsibilities of parenthood in an unforgiving environment.

🧑‍🚀 Space 👨‍👧 Fatherhood

Dr. Dibs (Juliette Binoche)

Dr. Dibs is a complex antagonist, driven by the ambition of creating life through artificial means. Her past, marked by tragedy and violence, influences her actions onboard, leading to ethical dilemmas that affect the crew's fate. Her relentless pursuit of control adds tension to the already strained environment.

👩‍🔬 Science 🌪️ Manipulation

Elektra (Gloria Obianyo)

Elektra is a pregnant inmate who represents the hopes and vulnerabilities of the crew amid their struggles. Her tragic fate highlights the harsh realities of their situation, emphasizing themes of loss and the fragile nature of life within space travel. Her death serves as a pivotal moment that escalates the tension.

💔 Tragedy 🚼 Vulnerability

Boyse (Mia Goth)

Boyse is a dynamic character whose desperation leads her to drastic actions as the plot unfolds. Her transformation and ultimate decision to take control reflect the extreme circumstances of her situation, showcasing her struggle for agency in a world that seeks to control her destiny.

🔥 Violence 👩‍⚖️ Agency

Chandra (Lars Eidinger)

As the captain of the ship, Chandra struggles with serious health issues stemming from radiation exposure. His eventual euthanasia at Dr. Dibs's hands underscores the dire conditions the crew faces. His leadership and ultimate fate impact the dynamics of power aboard the spacecraft.

🚢 Leadership ⚠️ Health

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:12

Major Themes – High Life (2019)
Explore the central themes of High Life (2019), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛸 Isolation

The theme of isolation is central to the narrative, as the characters are trapped in a confined space away from Earth. This physical solitude mirrors their emotional detachment, leading to complex relationships and power dynamics among the crew. Their desperate situations often push them to confront their own humanity.

⚖️ Morality

The movie delves into themes of morality, particularly through Dr. Dibs's unethical experiments and the characters' struggles with guilt and redemption. Each character's past actions influence their present choices, raising questions about justice and the value of life in dire circumstances.

👶 Parenthood

Parenthood emerges as a significant theme, particularly through Monte's relationship with his child, Willow. Despite the chaotic environment, Monte's desire to protect and care for his child highlights his humanity amid desolation. The struggles of unexpected parenthood and the legacies we leave behind form poignant elements of the storyline.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:12

Similar Movies to High Life
Discover movies like High Life that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.