Independence Day: Resurgence

Twenty years after a catastrophic alien invasion, the United Nations establishes the Earth Space Defense (ESD). This organization aims to reverse-engineer alien technology and safeguard Earth from future extraterrestrial threats by utilizing military bases on the Moon, Mars, and Rhea.

As part of its operations, the ESD sets up its headquarters at the infamous Area 51 in Nevada. This location is pivotal for research and development, allowing the ESD to coordinate defenses and strategize against potential alien threats.

On the eve of the 20th anniversary of their survival from the alien invasion, ESD Director David Levinson travels to the African nation of Republique Nationale D'Umbutu. He engages in discussions concerning a dormant alien destroyer discovered in the region that has suddenly activated its lights, signaling a potential danger.

During his visit, Levinson and Dr. Catherine Marceaux discover an undamaged alien destroyer, which had been halted during the initial conflict. The alien crew's distress signal to their home world raises urgent concerns of a possible return of alien forces.

At Area 51, Dr. Brakish Okun awakens after two decades in a coma following a psychic assault by the alien Harvester. His revival marks a significant moment as he begins to recover and rejoin the efforts of the ESD.

Jake Morrisson works as a space tug operator at the ESD Moon base and is engaged to Patricia Whitmore. Despite his involvement in Earth’s defense initiatives, he experiences tension with Captain Dylan Dubrow-Hiller due to past incidents during their training as test pilots.

On July 3, a spherical ship emerges from a wormhole near the ESD’s Moon base. Levinson tentatively believes it is a friendly alien vessel, but the world's Security Council opts to destroy it out of fear, leading to miscommunications and chaos.

The ESD's decision to shoot down the unidentified ship leads to a critical misunderstanding and highlights tensions among global leaders. This misguided action foreshadows the impending threat humanity will soon face once again.

Disregarding orders, Jake and his friend Charlie Miller pilot a space tug to retrieve Levinson and his team. They venture towards the wreckage of the alien craft, successfully bringing back a spherical container for further research.

On July 4, a massive alien mothership appears, measuring over 3,000 miles in diameter. This ship destroys Earth's defenses and creates panic, prompting Jake and the pilots to make a hasty retreat amidst the chaos.

In an effort to understand the alien threat, former President Whitmore interrogates an alien captive. He learns that the invaders function with Eusociality and are led by a colossal Queen, indicating a structured and dangerous hierarchy within their species.

Levinson proposes a plan to destroy the Queen to halt the invasion. The ESD, led by Captain Dylan, embarks on a counteroffensive, but they fall into a trap set by the aliens and suffer significant losses during the encounter.

Back at Area 51, Dr. Okun activates the sphere retrieved earlier, unveiling a benevolent AI designed to rescue survivors from targeted worlds. However, this activation alerts the alien Queen, who begins to prepare for an attack.

As the threat from the Queen intensifies, ESD forces establish a strategic plan to trap her with a decoy and fusion explosives. Whitmore sacrifices himself to detonate the explosives, injuring the Queen while Jake and his team strategize to finish the job.

In a climactic finale, Patricia pilots a fighter jet to disable the Queen's shield, enabling Dylan and his team to finally bring down the alien Queen. With her defeat, the mothership retreats, and humanity receives advanced technology from the AI for future defense.