Mortal Engines

Mortal Engines

Year: 2018

Runtime: 128 min

Language: English

Director: Christian Rivers

ActionAdventureSci-FiThrillerFantasy

In a post-apocalyptic future where cities roam the land and consume others for resources, London is the most powerful of these mobile behemoths. A young woman named Hester Shaw, scarred and seeking revenge, finds herself targeted by the city’s ruthless ruler. She unexpectedly joins forces with a quick-witted outcast who questions London's dominion. Together, they must confront Hester’s mysterious past and fight to prevent the city's devastating plans and determine the world’s fate.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Mortal Engines 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 – Mortal Engines (2018)

Trace every key event in Mortal Engines (2018) 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

The Sixty Minute War

A catastrophic event known as the Sixty Minute War drastically reshapes the landscape of civilization. This devastating conflict leads to the creation of mobile predator cities that hunt smaller counterparts in a survival practice termed 'Municipal Darwinism.'

Global
2

Rise of the Anti-Traction League

In the aftermath of the war, the Anti-Traction League emerges, advocating for stable settlements and protection through the Shield Wall in Asia. This organization stands in stark contrast to the predatory nature of mobile cities, representing a different approach to survival.

Asia
3

London captures Salzhaken

The city of London, under the leadership of Lord Mayor Magnus Crome, captures and absorbs the mining town of Salzhaken. This ruthless act signifies London's dominance and the relentless pursuit of resources in a world where survival depends on the predation of others.

Salzhaken
4

Hester Shaw’s Vengeance

Hester Shaw, a masked woman from Salzhaken, is determined to assassinate Thaddeus Valentine, the Head of the Guild of Historians. Her quest for vengeance is fueled by the trauma of her mother's murder at Valentine's hands, propelling her into a dangerous conflict.

Salzhaken
5

Tom Natsworthy’s Mission

Tom Natsworthy, a young Apprentice Historian, is tasked with gathering 'Old-Tech' for London's museum. Accompanied by Valentine’s daughter Katherine, this mission thrusts Tom into a web of intrigue and danger that will change his life forever.

London
6

Hester’s Escape

Amidst her attempt to carry out her assassination plot, Hester escapes when Tom intervenes. This encounter reveals the dark past of Hester's life, including her mother's tragic fate and the deep scars it has left on her psyche.

London Waste Chute
7

The Betrayal

Tom shares Hester’s revelation about Valentine with him, only to be betrayed and pushed down the very chute he tried to save Hester from. This pivotal moment sets off a chain of events filled with peril as he navigates betrayal and lies.

London
8

Captured in Scuttlebug

Tom and Hester find themselves trapped in the town of Scuttlebug, which initially appears to be a safe haven. The townsfolk's true intentions to sell them into slavery reveals the constant danger that lurks in this brutal new world.

Scuttlebug
9

Rescue at Rustwater

In a dramatic turn, Anna Fang, an Anti-Traction League agent, rescues Tom and Hester during the chaotic slave market in Rustwater. Hester's connection to a reanimated cyborg named Shrike is unveiled, hinting at her troubled past and the ongoing conflict.

Rustwater
10

The Threat of MEDUSA

As Hester and Tom journey on Anna's airship, they learn about the deadly weapon MEDUSA, which has the potential to obliterate cities. United with the Anti-Traction League, they plot to prevent a catastrophic future driven by relentless ambition.

Airhaven
11

Shrike’s Last Stand

A climactic battle ensues in Airhaven where Shrike, the cyborg, acknowledges Hester’s love for Tom before succumbing to his injuries. This moment underscores the emotional stakes involved as the characters grapple with love, loss, and sacrifice.

Airhaven
12

Valentine’s Coup

Manipulating public support, Valentine orchestrates a coup against Lord Mayor Crome, promising conquest over the Shield Wall. His ruthless ambition sets the stage for an impending assault on the Anti-Traction League's stronghold and further conflict.

London
13

The Climax at St. Paul's Cathedral

In the story's climax, Hester, Tom, and their allies infiltrate St. Paul's Cathedral to confront Valentine. A fierce duel breaks out where shocking truths are revealed, culminating in a dramatic showdown that alters the fate of the cities involved.

St. Paul's Cathedral, London
14

The Destruction of London’s Engine

Tom ingeniously dismantles London’s main engine with Katherine’s covert assistance, thwarting Valentine’s malicious plans. This act of rebellion brings about the collapse of London’s oppressive regime, a pivotal moment in the battle for survival.

London
15

A New Dawn

In the wake of the upheaval, the citizens of London unite with the Anti-Tractionists, signaling a new beginning. As Tom and Hester take flight in the Jenny Haniver, they embark on a journey of exploration, leaving behind the horrors of their past.

Air above London

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 01:42

Unlock the Full Story of Mortal Engines

Don't stop at just watching — explore Mortal Engines in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Mortal Engines is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Mortal Engines Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Mortal Engines, 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.

Mortal Engines Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Mortal Engines

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Mortal Engines

Mortal Engines Ending Explained

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

Mortal Engines Ending Explained

More About Mortal Engines

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Mortal Engines: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Mortal Engines

Similar Movies to Mortal Engines

Discover movies like Mortal Engines 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.