Prospect (2018) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Prospect is set on a remote alien moon covered by treacherous, toxic forests. This harsh and unforgiving environment serves as the backdrop for the characters' quest to harvest valuable gems, with hidden treasures scattered throughout the dangerous landscape.

• alien moon
• setting
• toxic forest
• location

The events of Prospect unfold over a short period of three days, referred to as 'cycles' in the movie. This time constraint creates urgency as the characters must complete their gem-harvesting mission and return to their transport before being stranded on the dangerous moon.

• time period
• three days
• cycles

Prospect explores three primary themes: greed, survival, and adventure. Greed drives characters to pursue hidden riches, leading to moral dilemmas and betrayal. Survival dominates as characters face dangers from both the toxic environment and ruthless gem-seekers. Adventure runs through the journey into the unknown, testing characters' resilience in a hostile landscape.

• themes
• greed
• survival
• adventure

Cee is the teenage protagonist played by Sophie Thatcher. She begins the film as an anxious and dependent girl but evolves into a resourceful and determined survivor. Her moral compass is tested as she navigates the dangerous alien environment and the complexities of trust with her father and other characters.

• cee
• protagonist
• teenage character

Damon is Cee's father, played by Jay Duplass. He is characterized by his ambition and risk-taking nature, driven by his relentless desire to find wealth through the 'mother lode' of gems. His pursuit of riches strains his relationship with Cee and leads to perilous decisions that affect their survival.

• damon
• father
• parent

Ezra is a cunning gem-seeker played by Pedro Pascal who encounters Cee and Damon on the alien moon. He embodies the themes of greed and betrayal, willing to use violence for his own survival. Despite his antagonistic actions, a complex relationship develops between Ezra and Cee during their ordeal.

• ezra
• gem-seeker
• pedro pascal

Oruf is the leader of a nomadic group encountered by the main characters. Played by Andre Royo, he adds complexity to the survival narrative with his own motives. His character highlights how desperation drives people to make tough choices in the harsh environment, showcasing the interplay between cooperation and conflict.

• oruf
• nomadic group
• leader

Cee and Damon's relationship is strained by his obsessive pursuit of wealth. As father and daughter, they begin the journey together, but Damon's greed-driven decisions create tension and ultimately force Cee to become more self-reliant. The dynamic evolves from dependence to a more complicated bond shaped by survival needs.

• father daughter
• relationship
• family

The alien moon features a toxic forest environment filled with dangerous wildlife and hidden hazards. The atmosphere is poisonous, and the landscape is treacherous, making every outdoor movement risky. Characters must navigate this perilous terrain while competing with ruthless adversaries also seeking valuable gems.

• alien environment
• toxic
• dangerous wildlife

Greed is the central driving force in Prospect, pushing characters to risk their lives for hidden riches. The film shows how the pursuit of wealth leads to moral compromises, betrayals, and desperate circumstances. Damon's obsession with finding the mother lode ultimately threatens his and Cee's survival, illustrating greed's destructive power.

• greed
• wealth
• mother lode
• betrayal

Survival dominates Prospect as characters face constant life-or-death threats from both the toxic environment and violent gem-seekers. The film explores the extreme choices people make under pressure, including trust and betrayal. Cee's transformation from dependent to pragmatic survivor reflects the harsh realities of their situation.

• survival
• trust
• danger
• life or death