K-PAX

A mysterious figure appears at New York's Central Station just in time to intervene in a woman's mugging. His decisive action and unorthodox demeanor attract the attention of the police, leading to his unexpected arrest.

During the police interrogation, the man identifies himself as Prot, claiming to be an extraterrestrial from K-PAX, a planet located 1,000 light years away. His bewildering answers only add to the officers' confusion, resulting in his commitment to the Psychiatric Institute of Manhattan.

Psychiatrist Dr. Mark Powell begins therapy sessions with Prot, aiming to unravel the enigma behind his extraterrestrial claims. Over time, Prot's articulate stories about K-PAX and its civilization both fascinate and mystify Mark.

Prot shares that he is 337 years old and explains his journey to Earth, which took 4 years and 9 months traveling at six times the speed of light. He describes K-PAX as a utopia devoid of families, laws, and punishment, challenging Mark's understanding of reality.

While Prot captivates patients, Dr. Mark Powell grapples with his failing marriage to Rachel and the distance from his college-aged son, Michael. Mark's dissatisfaction with his personal life becomes evident as he seeks answers within Prot's insights.

Prot's presence brings hope to other patients like Ernie, Doris, and Howie, leading them to believe in his extraterrestrial origins. He inspires them with the idea that he can take one of them to K-PAX when he departs, igniting a collective aspiration to escape.

As the departure date of July 27 at 5:51 AM approaches, the patients express their eagerness to join Prot. With hopes high, they bond over their collective desire to leave Earth, resulting in emotional breakthroughs for some.

Prot gives Howie three tasks to confront his phobia of germs. Howie successfully faces his fears by spotting a rare blue bird and stepping out of his comfort zone, signifying personal growth triggered by Prot's influence.

Mark's regression hypnosis reveals that Prot may actually embody Robert Porter, a man mourning the traumatic loss of his family. This revelation leads Mark to delve deeper into Robert's tragic past and understand the human condition behind Prot's facade.

On the fateful day, the hospital staff observes static on the camera feed in Prot's room precisely at the expected time of his departure. They discover Robert Porter in a catatonic state, implying that Prot's essence has left him.

As the other patients fail to recognize Robert, they are left in confusion regarding Prot's sudden disappearance. Meanwhile, Mark is left to reflect on the impact of Prot's presence and the inspiration it brought to himself and the others.

In the wake of Prot's departure, Mark resolves to mend his fractured family relationships. His character grows as he consciously works to reconnect with his son Michael, cherishing the time they have together while embracing awareness of life's fragility.

Influenced by Prot's words, Mark embarks on his own journey of healing and redemption. He internalizes the message of making the most of their time, leading to a profound change in how he values both personal connections and the nature of existence.