News of the World

News of the World

Year: 2020

Runtime: 118 min

Language: english

Director: Paul Greengrass

ActionAdventureDramaHistoryWestern

Following the Civil War, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, a seasoned storyteller, takes on a vital mission in Texas. He must deliver Johanna, a young girl raised by the Kiowa people, to her surviving relatives. Their journey through a vast and dangerous landscape is fraught with peril, challenging their bond and exposing them to the harshness of a nation rebuilding itself. They face both natural obstacles and cultural clashes as they strive to reach their destination.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – News of the World (2020)

Explore the full timeline and setting of News of the World (2020). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1870

The film takes place in 1870, a period marked by the turmoil and socio-political changes following the United States Civil War. The era is characterized by the hard transition from slavery, racial tensions, and the lingering scars of conflict, as people adjust to a new societal order and norms.

Location

Texas, Dallas, Castroville, Erath County, Leonberger family homestead

The movie is set in the expansive landscapes of Texas as Captain Kidd traverses the state. Dallas represents a crucial waypoint where conflict brews amidst the tension following the Civil War, while Castroville and the Leonberger family homestead exemplify the rural life and struggles faced by families in the aftermath of the upheaval.

🏜️ Texas 🏙️ Dallas 🏡 Homestead

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:52

Main Characters – News of the World (2020)

Meet the key characters of News of the World (2020), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd

A seasoned former Confederate officer, Kidd is resilient and determined, navigating the complexities of his post-war life while undertaking the responsibility of guiding Johanna. His character illustrates the conflict between his past loyalties and his newfound mission to protect the innocent.

🧑‍✈️ Captain 🌍 Journeyman

Johanna Leonberger

Johanna, initially kidnapped and raised by the Kiowa, is a young girl who embodies resilience and adaptability. Despite her traumatic past, she showcases strength and resourcefulness, ultimately forming a deep bond with Kidd that transcends their initial circumstances.

👧 Orphan 🌿 Survivor

Ella Gannett

Ella runs the inn in Dallas and serves as a crucial ally for Kidd and Johanna. She possesses a deep understanding of the Kiowa culture, acting as a bridge between Kidd and Johanna's worlds, showcasing the theme of empathy amidst division.

🏨 Innkeeper 🤝 Ally

Farley

Farley is portrayed as a racist cattle baron who represents the violent oppression of non-white individuals during this tumultuous period. His character amplifies the film's exploration of societal conflict and the struggle for justice.

👮‍♂️ Antagonist ⚔️ Racist

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:52

Major Themes – News of the World (2020)

Explore the central themes of News of the World (2020), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👨‍👧 Family

At its core, the film explores themes of family and connection amidst hardship. Captain Kidd’s journey with Johanna transforms from mere duty to genuine affection, culminating in their bond as a father-daughter duo. This evolving relationship demonstrates the power of love and responsibility across societal divides.

⚔️ Conflict

The narrative is steeped in conflict, both internal and external. Kidd faces moral dilemmas as he navigates post-war tensions while protecting Johanna from various threats, reflecting the broader societal struggles over race, land, and power in the aftermath of war.

📖 Knowledge

The theme of knowledge underpins Kidd’s character as he reads the news to communities, symbolizing the dissemination of information as both a privilege and a responsibility. By the film's end, this theme extends to Johanna's own empowerment through education, highlighting the transformative power of learning.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:52

Unlock the Full Story of News of the World

Don't stop at just watching — explore News of the World 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 News of the World is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

News of the World Summary

Read a complete plot summary of News of the World, 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.

News of the World Summary

News of the World Timeline

Track the full timeline of News of the World with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

News of the World Timeline

More About News of the World

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about News of the World: 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 News of the World

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