Strange New World

The movie opens with a documentary-style introduction to Avalonia, a mysterious and captivating land. Explorer Jaeger Clade leads an expedition through a snow-covered region alongside his son Searcher and their crew. This marks the start of their adventurous journey into the unknown world.

During the expedition, Searcher nearly falls into an icy crevice but is rescued by Jaeger. Searcher then discovers a plant emitting energy, which he keeps hidden. Despite his father's skepticism, this plant becomes central to their future, as others become eager to learn more about its potential.

Jaeger dismisses Searcher’s findings and gives him a compass before heading off alone, disappearing from his son's life. This moment creates a rift, with Searcher feeling abandoned but determined to safeguard the plant and its energy source.

Years later, Searcher lives a peaceful life on a farm with his family, mining Pando from the energy plant he discovered. His wife Meridian and son Ethan are part of his everyday routine, revealing a simpler life compared to his past adventures.

Callisto Mal, a former crew member of Jaeger and leader of Avalonia, visits the Clades to warn them of issues with Pando. She emphasizes that unresolved problems could threaten the entire land, prompting Searcher to join her on a mission while leaving Ethan behind.

Searcher joins Callisto's ship, Venture, traveling down a dangerous sinkhole beneath Avalonia. The voyage takes them to a subterranean world where they encounter strange creatures and face initial threats, setting the stage for their deeper exploration.

Searcher and Legend meet Jaeger Clade in the underground world. Initially mistaken as a hallucination, Jaeger recognizes Searcher when he returns his compass. This reunion reveals Jaeger's desire to explore beyond the mountains, reigniting past spirits of adventure.

The crew finds a colossal creature, which research reveals is Avalonia itself. The energy plant, Pando, is identified as harmful, surrounding the creature's heart and threatening its life. Ethan and Searcher team up to explore further and understand the true nature of their world.

Searcher and Jaeger have a heartfelt moment where they reconcile their differences while attempting to save Avalonia. Meanwhile, Ethan tries to bridge the gap between them using his trading cards, but their misunderstandings persist, highlighting generational conflicts.

The crew ventures to the heart of the creature to destroy the Pando cluster, which is draining its life force. During the attempt, the cluster is torn apart, and new life unexpectedly begins to regenerate on the creature's heart, symbolizing hope and renewal.

With Pando gone, Avalonia begins to recover, moving towards sustainable energy sources like wind turbines. The creature, now alive and healing, signifies a new beginning for the land and its inhabitants, closing the story of exploration and conservation.

A year later, Ethan chooses to stay in the underground world with friends Splat and Diazo, writing a letter to his father Searcher about his well-being. Meanwhile, Jaeger reconnects with his ex-wife and influences Searcher to enjoy more peaceful farming life.

Searcher and Jaeger, once estranged, rekindle their relationship through farming and shared experiences. The film closes with a sense of unity, hope, and the continuation of their bond, symbolizing reconciliation and new beginnings.