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 – Panic Room (2002)

Trace every key event in Panic Room (2002) 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

Meg and Sarah Move In

Recently divorced Meg Altman and her daughter Sarah take possession of a fortified brownstone in New York City. The house includes a 'panic room' designed for protection, a feature they hope will provide a sense of security in their new life.

Night of the move New York City
2

Intruders Break In

On the very night of their move, the tranquility is brutally interrupted when Junior, Burnham, and Raoul invade Meg and Sarah's new home. They are after $3 million in bearer bonds secured in the panic room's floor safe.

Night of the move Upper West Side
3

Panic Room Sealed

Upon realizing the home has occupants, the intruders are forced to adjust their approach. Meg and Sarah, alerted by the commotion, quickly lock themselves inside the panic room, only to discover that their only phone line is dead.

Moments after the break-in Inside the Panic Room
4

Desperate Measures

As the intruders plot to force Meg and Sarah out of the panic room, they begin pumping propane gas into the air vents. Tension rises as Raoul's recklessness escalates the danger, threatening the lives of everyone in the house.

During the robbery Inside the Panic Room
5

Explosion in the Panic Room

In a harrowing moment, Meg ignites the propane gas while huddled with Sarah. The resulting explosion vents into the outside area, injuring Junior and briefly giving them a moment of relief amidst the chaos.

During the robbery Inside the Panic Room
6

Calls for Help

The Altmans attempt various methods to signal for help, including sending a flashlight signal to a neighbor. However, their pleas for assistance go unnoticed, leaving them increasingly desperate.

During the robbery Inside the Panic Room
7

Stephen's Intervention

In a moment of panic, Meg manages to contact her ex-husband Stephen just before the intruders cut the line. His arrival, however, only escalates the danger as he becomes a hostage and is brutally beaten by Burnham and Raoul.

During the robbery Outside the Panic Room
8

Sarah's Medical Crisis

As tensions rise, Sarah suffers a diabetic seizure and her Glucagon syringe is left outside the panic room. Time is of the essence as Meg fights to retrieve it, knowing her daughter's health is at severe risk.

During the robbery Inside the Panic Room
9

Tense Showdown

Utilizing Stephen's unconscious state, Burnham tricks Meg into briefly leaving the panic room. In a moment of tension, she fights against Raoul for the syringe, demonstrating her determination to save her daughter.

During the robbery Inside the Panic Room
10

Burnham's Compassion

Burnham, conflicted by his role, administers the injection to Sarah after Meg successfully retrieves the syringe. He expresses remorse for his choices, revealing his motivations to provide a better life for his own child.

During the robbery Inside the Panic Room
11

Police Arrive

As police officers respond to Stephen's earlier call, the stakes rise as Raoul threatens Sarah's life. In a desperate move, Meg deceives the officers to ensure her daughter's safety, leaving the situation precarious.

During the robbery Outside the Panic Room
12

The Great Escape

With the robbery unraveling, Burnham manages to crack the safe and discovers a staggering $22 million in bearer bonds. The robbers attempt their escape, holding Sarah hostage as Meg tries to intervene.

During the robbery Inside the Panic Room
13

Final Confrontation

In a brave act, Meg strikes Raoul with a sledgehammer, creating a moment of chaos. This distraction allows Burnham to return and confront Raoul, ultimately shooting him to protect Meg and Sarah.

During the robbery Inside the Panic Room
14

Resolution and New Beginnings

After the police storm the house and apprehend Burnham, he chooses to let the bearer bonds drift away. In the aftermath, Meg and Sarah emerge resilient, ready to start fresh as they search for a new home, leaving the trauma behind.

After the crisis Upper West Side

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 12:45

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Panic Room

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