The Humanity Bureau

The Humanity Bureau

Year: 2018

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Rob W. King

Echo Score: 38
ActionAdventureSci-Fi

In a future ravaged by global warming, the American Midwest is devastated, and a harsh government agency known as The Humanity Bureau enforces a policy of banishment. They send the most vulnerable citizens to the remote colony of New Eden. Caseworker Noah Kross, portrayed by Nicolas Cage, questions the Bureau's methods when investigating a desperate mother's request to save her son. As he delves deeper, Kross risks everything to expose the Bureau’s dark agenda and fight for those considered expendable.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Humanity Bureau (2018)

Trace every key event in The Humanity Bureau (2018) 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

Introduction to Dystopia

The film opens with a bleak portrayal of a dystopian America ravaged by war, environmental devastation, and political upheaval. This barren wasteland serves as the backdrop for a society where resources are scarce, and survival is a daily struggle for its inhabitants.

2

The Role of the Humanity Bureau

The Humanity Bureau is introduced as an oppressive organization that ruthlessly maintains societal efficiency. It sentences those deemed unproductive to deportation towards the desolate New Eden, a place that symbolizes despair and hopelessness.

3

Noah Kross Assigned

Noah Kross, portrayed by Nicolas Cage, is a stalwart agent of the Bureau tasked with deporting Chester Hills, a despondent former governor. During their tense encounter, Chester reveals that he clings to 'the truth,' culminating in a violent confrontation that tests Kross's resolve.

Chester's residence
4

Meeting Rachel and Lucas

Kross's next assignment takes him to assess Rachel Weller, a struggling single mother, and her son Lucas. Despite their grueling circumstances, their resistance to the Bureau's demands stirs sympathy within Kross, prompting him to delay his report for Lucas's music recital.

Rachel's home
5

Bureau's Fury

Kross’s act of kindness ignites the Bureau's ire, leading to a close scrutiny by his superior, Adam. Simultaneously, Chester’s cryptic remarks about New Eden deepen Kross's curiosity, pushing him closer to uncovering the grim realities behind their operations.

6

Rachel Captured

The following morning brings a shocking revelation: Rachel has been captured by the Bureau. In a daring moment, Lucas bravely blinds Adam with a BB gun, allowing Kross and the Weller family to escape from their pursuers with seconds to spare.

Bureau headquarters
7

Fleeing at the Gas Station

Kross and the Weller family find temporary refuge at a gas station, where they confront the brutal realities of their situation. When Kross's credit card fails, he resorts to holding the station owner at gunpoint, before the owner selflessly aids their escape.

Gas station
8

Backlash at the Bureau

Back at the Bureau, Adam faces dire consequences for letting Kross escape. The director delivers a chilling threat involving a child's tooth, symbolizing the grim fate that awaits those marked for elimination—a stark reminder of the Bureau's monstrous objectives.

Bureau headquarters
9

Journey to New Eden

Determined to uncover the truth, Kross embarks on a treacherous journey with Rachel and Lucas, leaving behind the Bureau’s vehicle in search of freedom. They enlist the help of a mysterious figure who offers insight into a safer route but warns of the deadly radiation hazards ahead.

Desolate landscape
10

Tension in the Group

As the trio maneuvers through the perilous landscape, tensions peak when Kross reveals his knowledge of Rachel Weller’s true identity. This revelation unearths a haunting history, leading to a bitter confrontation between Kross and Rachel, revealing deep emotional scars.

Forest
11

The Past Uncovered

Flashbacks reveal Kross’s past connection to the real Rachel, who made an unimaginable choice during a period of famine. The harrowing discovery unveils the tragic circumstances that resulted in Rachel's imposter raising Lucas while concealing the truth of his lineage.

12

False Alarm at Nuclear Power Plant

The trio arrives at a nuclear power plant that has been falsely branded as radioactive. Upon checking their instruments, they uncover the truth behind the facade, realizing the guide’s deceit was meant to dissuade them from seeking freedom elsewhere.

Nuclear power plant
13

Confrontation at the Border

As they reach the border, tensions flare when Agent Adam and his team confront Kross. In a desperate attempt to save Rachel, Kross reluctantly surrenders the memory card, only to discover it contains empty footage, making the sacrifice tragically futile.

Border crossing
14

Chaos Ensues

In the aftermath of Adam's brutal act that leads to Rachel’s death, Lucas manages to escape amidst the chaos. The Canadian authorities arrive just in time to capture the remaining Bureau agents, marking a destructive turn in the film’s narrative.

15

Revelation and Rebellion

In a dramatic twist, the true memory card is found hidden within the rabbit's foot, exposing the horrific reality of New Eden. This revelation sparks a significant rebellion against the Bureau, setting the stage for an impending civil war as society begins to fight back.

16

A Symbol of Hope

In the poignant finale, Lucas visits a serene lake once cherished by Kross, honoring his father’s memory. This act symbolizes hope and resilience amidst the wreckage of their world, suggesting a chance for recovery and renewal amid ongoing chaos.

A tranquil lake

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 12:18

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Narrative Summary

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The Humanity Bureau Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Humanity Bureau

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Humanity Bureau

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