Panic Room

Panic Room

Year: 2002

Runtime: 112 min

Language: English

Director: David Fincher

Thriller

Following a divorce, Meg Altman and her daughter Sarah move into a brownstone in New York City, unaware that their new home will soon become a terrifying trap. When three burglars break in, the pair find themselves forced to hide in the home’s specially designed panic room. As the intruders search the house, Meg and Sarah must use their wits to survive, discovering that the burglars have a deeper connection to them than they initially suspected and the safety of their refuge is far from guaranteed.

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Timeline & Setting – Panic Room (2002)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Panic Room (2002). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events take place in contemporary times, reflecting modern security concerns and family dynamics. The film captures the societal fear of home invasions and the lengths to which one will go to protect loved ones. Elements such as the use of technology for security are highlighted, representing the era's dependence on modern solutions.

Location

New York City, Upper West Side

The movie is set in New York City, specifically the Upper West Side, a neighborhood known for its historic brownstones and vibrant community. The area offers a blend of urban life with parks and cultural institutions, making it a desirable location for families. The fortified brownstone serves as a stark contrast to the bustling city outside, creating a sense of isolation amid the threat.

🏙️ City 🏡 Residential

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:08

Main Characters – Panic Room (2002)

Meet the key characters of Panic Room (2002), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Meg Altman (Jodie Foster)

Meg is a recently divorced mother who exemplifies strength and resourcefulness in a life-threatening situation. Her fierce determination to protect her daughter highlights her maternal instincts, propelling her to confront intruders with courage. Throughout the film, she evolves from a victim to a powerful figure willing to fight for her family's safety.

👩‍👧 Mother 💪 Resilience 💔 Divorce

Sarah Altman (Kristen Stewart)

Sarah, Meg's 11-year-old daughter, represents innocence caught in a chaotic scenario. As she faces danger, her character's vulnerability is juxtaposed with moments of bravery, especially during her medical emergency. Her relationship with her mother adds emotional weight to the story, showcasing the deep connection between them amidst their struggles.

👧 Daughter ⚠️ Diabetes 🏃‍♀️ Courage

Junior (Jared Leto)

Junior is the impulsive and reckless grandson of the home's previous owner, whose greed leads him to orchestrate the robbery. His character oscillates between intimidation and desperation, particularly when his plans unravel. His choices and actions establish a critical conflict in the narrative and serve as a catalyst for the unfolding chaos.

🚨 Intruder 💸 Greed 😠 Recklessness

Burnham (Forest Whitaker)

Burnham is a conflicted character torn between his job and his moral compass. Despite his involvement in the robbery, he displays moments of compassion, particularly towards Sarah. His internal struggle and eventual decision to help Meg and Sarah provide a nuanced portrayal of redemption amid criminality.

🔒 Security 🤔 Conscience 🤝 Redemption

Raoul (Dwight Yoakam)

Raoul is the violent enforcer hired by Junior, embodying the darkest side of the heist. His aggressive nature creates heightened tension and danger for Meg and Sarah. As his actions spiral out of control, he becomes a significant threat, amplifying the stakes of the burglary.

🔫 Gunman ⚔️ Violence 🚷 Threat

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:08

Major Themes – Panic Room (2002)

Explore the central themes of Panic Room (2002), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛡️ Survival

The theme of survival is central to the film as Meg and Sarah are faced with life-threatening danger in their own home. Their desperate attempts to escape and call for help showcase the instinct to protect family at all costs. The narrative explores the physical and emotional survival of the characters amid chaos and fear.

🧩 Family

Family dynamics play a critical role, with Meg's determination to safeguard her daughter highlighting maternal instincts. The strained relationship with her ex-husband brings depth to the concept of family, illustrating how crises can force individuals to confront their past and work together. The bond between mother and daughter is tested but ultimately strengthens through adversity.

💰 Greed

Greed drives the intruders to invade Meg and Sarah's home, with their actions revealing the darker aspects of human nature. The lure of money leads to betrayal and moral conflict, especially evident in Burnham's character, who grapples with his choices. The film critiques how greed can corrupt relationships and lead to dire consequences.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:08

Unlock the Full Story of Panic Room

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

Panic Room Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Panic Room, 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.

Panic Room Summary

Panic Room Timeline

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

Panic Room Timeline

More About Panic Room

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More About Panic Room

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