High Life

High Life

Year: 2019

Runtime: 113 min

Language: English

Director: Claire Denis

AdventureSci-FiDramaMysteryHorror

Aboard a ship destined for a black hole, Monte reflects on his troubled past while caring for his young daughter. As the journey progresses, the unsettling quiet is broken by the mysterious doctor, whose actions are linked to the disappearance of the original death-row crew. Facing isolation and confronting dark memories, Monte finds solace in fatherhood and struggles to understand the ship's purpose and the events that led to their desperate situation, ultimately facing an unknown future together.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – High Life (2019)

Trace every key event in High Life (2019) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Mission Initiation

A group of death-sentenced criminals embarks on a high-stakes mission to extract energy from a black hole. They board a massive spacecraft equipped with essential living facilities, embarking on a journey that will test their limits in ways they never imagined.

2

Creation of Artificial Gravity

After three years in space, the ship’s continuous acceleration creates artificial gravity, enabling the crew to travel at nearly 99% the speed of light. The transformation changes life aboard the ship, introducing new dynamics among the crew members.

Three years into the voyage
3

Dr. Dibs's Experiments

Dr. Dibs, the ship's scientist, becomes obsessed with creating a child through artificial insemination, using male crew members for sperm donations. Her personal history of violence and regret hangs heavily over her as she offers incentives for participation.

4

Monte's Resistance

Among the inmates is Monte, a celibate prisoner who vehemently rejects Dr. Dibs's advances. His past—a violent act committed as a child—haunts him, and he finds solace in the ship's garden alongside his friend Tcherny.

5

Captain Chandra's Deteriorating Health

As the ship nears its destination, Captain Chandra suffers from grave health issues linked to radiation exposure. The situation becomes dire, leading to Dr. Dibs performing euthanasia on him, ultimately claiming control of the ship following his death.

6

Tragic Loss

Tragedy strikes when pregnant inmate Elektra dies along with her newborn due to radiation. This event escalates tensions aboard as the crew confronts the harsh realities of survival in their cramped and alien environment.

7

The Night of Violence

Amidst rising tensions, a violent altercation occurs when Ettore attempts to assault Boyse. Monte intervenes, resulting in a fierce escalation of violence that further fractures the fragile community aboard the ship.

8

The Forced Impregnation

In a disturbing turn of events, Dr. Dibs forcibly impregnates Boyse with Monte's sperm. This shocking manipulation sets off a chain reaction of chaos aboard the ship as the crew grapples with the implications of this act.

9

Boyse's Ascendancy

As the ship approaches the black hole, Nansen prepares the shuttle for their critical mission. Fueled by desperation, Boyse assassinates Nansen and assumes control of the shuttle, leading to unprecedented changes in leadership.

10

Monte's Burden of Parenthood

With the birth of his child, Monte faces the harrowing responsibilities of parenthood while surrounded by death and decay on the ship. He struggles to keep the vessel operational as he tends to the cries of his newborn daughter, Willow.

11

Isolation and Reflection

Monte preserves the bodies of deceased crew members in cryogenic suspension, confronting the stark realities of their situation. The loneliness of space weighs heavily on him as he tries to provide a semblance of normalcy for Willow.

12

A New Arrival

Decades into their voyage, another ship approaches, sparking hope and trepidation for Monte and Willow. The unexpected arrival poses new challenges as Monte grapples with what this means for their isolated existence.

13

Willow's Desire

As Willow grows into a teenager, she yearns for companionship, urging Monte to retrieve a stray dog from the incoming ship. Monte, however, remains cautious, fearing any contamination that could threaten their fragile lives.

14

Journey into the Black Hole

Willow convinces Monte to venture through the black hole, a risky decision that promises uncertainty. As they reach for an alluring yellow light, they confront their hopes and fears in a pivotal moment that could reshape their destinies.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 16:24

Unlock the Full Story of High Life

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High Life Summary

Read a complete plot summary of High Life, 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.

High Life Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in High Life

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape High Life. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in High Life

High Life Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of High Life? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

High Life Ending Explained

More About High Life

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More About High Life

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