Next (2007) Characters, Themes & Settings

Year: 2007

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Director: Lee Tamahori

ActionSci-FiThrillerFantasyRomance

A Las Vegas magician named Cris Johnson possesses a unique ability: he can see events just minutes before they happen. Nicolas Cage stars in this thriller, portraying Cris as he's pursued by a government agent, Julianne Moore, who wants to use his gift to avert a looming nuclear disaster threatening Los Angeles and potentially the world. The film follows their tense relationship as they race against time to prevent catastrophe.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Next 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 & Setting – Next (2007)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Next (2007). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Location

Las Vegas, Arizona, Los Angeles, Flagstaff

Las Vegas is a vibrant city known for its bustling entertainment scene, casinos, and nightlife, serving as the backdrop for Cris's gambling exploits. Arizona provides a desert landscape that contrasts with the urban atmosphere of Las Vegas, highlighting Cris's journey. Los Angeles is a major city that represents the looming nuclear threat in the narrative, while Flagstaff serves as a pivotal point in Cris's connection with Liz.

🌆 City 🌄 Desert 🏙️ Urban

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:22

Main Characters – Next (2007)

Meet the key characters of Next (2007), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:22

Major Themes – Next (2007)

Explore the central themes of Next (2007), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:22

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Ticking-clock thrillers like Next

Desperate races against time to prevent catastrophic disasters.If you liked the desperate, fast-paced race to stop a nuclear bomb in Next, you'll find more movies like it here. These films feature high-stakes scenarios, a relentless ticking clock, and heroes pushed to their limits to avert catastrophe.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern revolves around a clear, impending doom—be it a bomb, plague, or natural disaster—that establishes a fixed deadline. The story follows a protagonist or team as they navigate obstacles, outsmart antagonists, and confront the overwhelming pressure of time running out.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are grouped by their shared foundation of a ticking-clock plot. They generate a consistent mood of urgent anxiety through fast pacing, high intensity, and the constant reminder of catastrophic consequences, making for a gripping, edge-of-your-seat experience.

Movies with gifted reluctant heroes like in Next

Ordinary people with extraordinary powers thrust into world-saving crises.Fans of Next's Cris Johnson, a man with precognition forced to stop a terrorist attack, will enjoy similar films. This thread gathers stories about ordinary people with special abilities who become unlikely heroes in high-stakes situations.

high-stakestensethrillingemotionalgifted-heroreluctant-saviorsci-fi-thriller

Narrative Summary

The journey begins with a protagonist who wants a normal life but is discovered by a powerful organization or faced with a crisis they cannot ignore. Their personal motivations, often a loved one, clash with the overwhelming external demand, creating a compelling arc of reluctant acceptance and heroic action.

Why These Movies?

These films share a core character archetype: the reluctant savior. They blend sci-fi or fantasy concepts with thriller pacing, creating a mix of high-intensity action and heavy emotional weight as the hero grapples with fate, choice, and sacrifice.

Unlock the Full Story of Next

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

Next Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Next, 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.

Next Timeline

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Next Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Next that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About Next

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

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Discover movies like Next 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.