Rim of the World

Rim of the World

Year: 2019

Runtime: 98 min

Language: English

Director: McG

ActionAdventureSci-FiComedy

During summer camp, four teenagers—Alex, ZhenZhen, Dariush, and Gabriel—find themselves facing an unexpected intergalactic invasion. They must overcome their differences and work together to survive the chaos. Armed with a mysterious key, the teens embark on a thrilling adventure to save the planet from alien forces, learning the importance of trust and courage in the process.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Rim of the World 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 – Rim of the World (2019)

Trace every key event in Rim of the World (2019) 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

Alex arrives at summer camp

Alex finds himself reluctantly attending Rim of the World, a summer camp designed to help kids connect and enjoy the outdoors. He struggles with his social withdrawal and the recent loss of his father in a fire, feeling out of place amidst the cheerful camp activities.

Summer 2023 Rim of the World Camp
2

Meeting new friends

At camp, Alex meets Zhen Zhen and Dariush, both of whom are also facing their challenges. Zhen Zhen, a charming orphan from China, and Dariush, a vocal boy from a wealthy background, form an unlikely friendship with Alex as they bond over their status as outcasts.

Rim of the World Camp
3

Dariush's misguided advice

During their leisure time, Dariush tries to help Alex confront his fear of heights by encouraging him to approach a cliff. Their conversation is interrupted by Gabriel, a new boy, which leads to unexpected events as their phones buzz with urgent evacuation alerts.

Afternoon Campgrounds
4

Alien invasion begins

As the children rush back to camp, they witness explosive bursts lighting up the sky, signifying the start of a devastating alien invasion. The once-joyful atmosphere turns to panic as their camp is lay deserted, and fear grips the group.

Rim of the World Camp
5

Encounter with a dying astronaut

Upon discovering the camp abandoned save for the counselor, they are startled when a dragon spaceship crashes nearby. A dying astronaut emerges, handing Alex a crucial key and instructing him to deliver it to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the last hope against the aliens, before being killed by an alien creature.

Near the camp
6

The plan to reach JPL

Despite the daunting challenge of reaching JPL, situated 70 miles away, Zhen Zhen proposes that they could simply hand the key to a government official. This sets the group on a journey filled with risks and encounters with military personnel and criminals.

Southern California
7

Meeting Lou at the sheriff's office

The group visits a sheriff's office where they meet Lou, a prisoner seeking help to reconnect with his son. Moved by Lou's story, Alex decides to help him escape, showcasing their growing sense of compassion in the face of chaos.

Sheriff's Office
8

Tragic encounter with Marines

After escaping the sheriff's office, the kids are fortunate to meet Marines who are evacuating civilians. However, as they present the key to the commander, an alien attack ensues, resulting in chaos and the loss of life among the soldiers.

Evacuation site
9

Ambush by the treacherous Lou

As night falls, while hiding out in Gabriel's former home, they are ambushed by Lou and his gang. In the ensuing conflict, Alex refuses to give up the key, leading to a fight that is further complicated by an alien attacking during the chaos.

Night Gabriel's home
10

An SOS from JPL

While traversing through the forest, they receive a desperate SOS call from JPL. This call boosts their determination, proving that their mission is essential and giving them renewed hope to continue despite the dangers ahead.

Forest
11

The daring drive to JPL

The team changes into more practical clothing at a mall and borrows a Ford Mustang, unveiling Zhen Zhen's hidden driving skills. Speeding towards their goal, they face more alien threats, highlighting the life-or-death urgency of their journey.

Mall
12

Arrival at JPL

Upon arriving at the JPL facility, they discover the key's initial recipient is deceased. Despite this grim reality, they manage to communicate with a general at NORAD, revealing the key's crucial role in initiating a defense program to combat the alien mothership.

Jet Propulsion Laboratory
13

Fighting for survival

As Alex aligns a communication dish on the rooftop, Zhen Zhen descends into the basement to initiate emergency power. Both face fierce alien resistance, with Zhen Zhen successfully securing the basement while Alex lures an alien into a trap.

JPL Facility
14

Launching the Excalibur weapon

In a climactic moment, Zhen Zhen, Dariush, and Gabriel quickly launch the Excalibur weapon. Watching from below as the alien mothership is obliterated in the sky serves as a testament to their bravery and determination under extreme pressure.

JPL Facility
15

Reuniting with family

After their harrowing adventures, Alex reunites with his mother, bringing a heartfelt conclusion to his traumatic journey. The group is celebrated for their courage and resilience, demonstrating that even the unlikeliest heroes can rise to the occasion.

JPL Facility

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 16:04

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Rim of the World Summary

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Rim of the World Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Rim of the World

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Rim of the World

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