Star Trek: The Motion Picture

Star Trek: The Motion Picture

Year: 1979

Runtime: 132 min

Language: English

Director: Robert Wise

AdventureSci-FiMystery

When Earth is threatened by a massive alien cloud, Admiral James T. Kirk and the Enterprise crew are called upon to investigate. They soon discover the cloud is controlled by a powerful, malevolent artificial intelligence with a dangerous agenda. As the Enterprise pursues the cloud, a deadly probe is unleashed, abducting Lieutenant Ilia. An android duplicate of Ilia appears, leading the crew on a perilous quest to understand the intelligence's directive and save all life.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)

Trace every key event in Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) 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

Alien Force Detected

In the year 2273, a monitoring station named Epsilon Nine detects an ominous alien force cloaked within a vast cloud of energy. This cloud is rapidly approaching Earth, signaling potential danger to the planet.

2273 Epsilon Nine
2

Destruction of Klingon Warships

As the energy cloud approaches, it obliterates three advanced Klingon K'I'Inga-class warships on its path. This devastating event underscores the threat the cloud poses to nearby space.

3

Enterprise Undergoing Refurbishment

Meanwhile, on Earth, the starship Enterprise is undergoing extensive refurbishment to upgrade its systems. The iconic vessel is a crucial asset for Starfleet, and its modernization is a high priority.

Earth
4

Kirk's Promotion to Admiral

Former captain James T. Kirk receives a promotion to Admiral and assumes the role of Chief of Starfleet Operations in San Francisco. His leadership experience is called upon as the looming threat approaches Earth.

San Francisco
5

Enterprise Sent to Investigate

Starfleet determines that the Enterprise should be sent to investigate the mysterious cloud, as it is the only ship within range. The mission presents a chance to test the newly implemented systems aboard the ship.

6

Kirk Takes Command

Kirk takes command of the Enterprise, creating tension with Captain Willard Decker, who has been overseeing the refit. Kirk’s command decisions lead to friction as they navigate the challenges of the mission.

7

Tragic Transporter Malfunction

During initial systems tests, a tragic malfunction with the transporter results in the loss of two crew members, including the science officer. This incident highlights the risks involved with the ship's new systems.

8

Spock Joins the Crew

Kirk brings Commander Spock onboard as the new science officer after the tragedy. Spock reveals that during a ritual on his home planet, he sensed a consciousness within the energy cloud, adding urgency to their mission.

9

Encounter with Alien Vessel

As the Enterprise approaches the energy cloud, it is suddenly attacked by an alien vessel. However, Spock quickly deduces that the alien is attempting to communicate rather than attack.

10

Ilia Abduction

A probe from the alien vessel appears on the bridge, attacking Spock and abducting the navigator, Ilia. This abduction triggers a complex emotional struggle for Captain Decker, who has a romantic past with Ilia.

11

Discovery of V'Ger

Spock performs a telepathic mind meld with the alien vessel and uncovers that it is a living machine named V'Ger. This realization leads to the understanding that V'Ger is seeking its creator.

12

V'Ger Threatens Earth

When V'Ger does not receive a response to its broadcasted signal seeking its creator, it retaliates by launching probes aimed at eliminating life on Earth. The crew realizes the urgency in addressing V'Ger’s distress.

13

Kirk's Plan of Action

Kirk explains the situation to the robotic Ilia and vows to share vital information with V'Ger to quell its anger. He leads the Enterprise towards the heart of V'Ger, aiming to resolve the impending crisis.

14

Revelation of Voyager 6

At the center of the machine, it is revealed that V'Ger is actually Voyager 6, a 20th-century space probe. Thought to be lost, it was enhanced by an alien race and has gained consciousness over time.

15

Decker's Sacrificial Union

In a climactic moment, Decker volunteers to merge with V'Ger and the Ilia probe, creating a new form of life. This decision secures peace for Earth and opens the door for new adventures for the Enterprise.

Last Updated: October 28, 2024 at 17:54

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Star Trek: The Motion Picture Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Star Trek: The Motion Picture

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