Total Recall

Total Recall

Year: 1990

Runtime: 113 min

Language: English

Director: Paul Verhoeven

ActionAdventureSci-FiThriller

In the near future, construction worker Doug Quaid dreams of visiting Mars but lacks the funds. He opts for a virtual vacation through implanted memories, but the procedure malfunctions. Suddenly, Quaid finds himself pursued and branded as a dangerous assassin. He begins to question his identity, unsure if he’s a construction worker or a trained secret agent with a hidden past. As he investigates, he uncovers a web of conspiracies and faces a fight for survival, unsure who he can trust.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Total Recall (1990)

Trace every key event in Total Recall (1990) 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

Quaid's Mundane Life

In the year 2084, Douglas Quaid, a construction worker on Earth, leads an ordinary life with his wife Lori. Despite the apparent normalcy, he is haunted by recurrent dreams of visiting Mars, leaving him feeling unfulfilled and restless.

2084 Earth
2

Seeking Adventure at Rekall

Driven by his dreams, Quaid decides to visit Rekall, a company offering memory implantation for vacations that never happened. Ignoring a coworker's warnings about potential dangers, he opts for an exhilarating fantasy trip to Mars as a secret agent.

Rekall
3

The Implantation Process Goes Wrong

During the memory implantation, Quaid's procedure takes an unexpected turn when the technicians discover that he has already undergone a memory wipe. Panic ensues as Quaid believes their actions have revealed his true identity, leading to a chaotic confrontation.

Rekall
4

The Escape from Rekall

Quaid manages to escape Rekall amidst confusion, but upon awakening in a taxi, he finds himself with no memory of the previous events. His journey takes a dark turn when he is ambushed by former colleagues who warn him about Rekall.

Taxi
5

Betrayed by Lori

Returning home, Quaid attempts to confide in Lori about his experience. To his shock, she reveals her true nature, disclosing that she is not his real wife and turns against him, prompting him to flee his apartment in fear.

Quaid's Apartment
6

A Mysterious Ally

In hiding, Quaid is approached by a mysterious man who hands him a briefcase filled with crucial items for survival. Inside, he discovers money, a disguise, and a video message from his former self, Hauser, revealing his past as a rebel sympathizer.

7

Journey to Mars

Quaid travels to Mars, following leads to find the truth about his identity. His path leads him to the lawless district of Venusville, where he hopes to piece together his fragmented memories and encounters his past connections.

Mars
8

Encounter with Melina

At a bar called The Last Resort, Quaid meets Melina, Hauser's former lover. Initially skeptical of Quaid's intentions, Melina is reluctant to help him, highlighting the complexities of trust in their chaotic circumstances.

Venusville
9

Confrontation with Lori and Edgemar

Lori, accompanied by Dr. Edgemar, the creator of Rekall, confronts Quaid, trying to convince him that his experiences are fabricated. Just as he starts to doubt himself, Quaid senses Edgemar's tension and reacts defensively, leading to a deadly struggle.

Venusville
10

Alliance with the Rebels

After defeating Lori, Quaid teams up with Melina, joining forces with a band of rebels resisting Cohaagen's oppressive regime. Together, they navigate the dangers of Mars to reach the rebels' headquarters and unveil their plans against Cohaagen.

Rebels' Headquarters
11

The Secrets Uncovered

Inside the rebel headquarters, Quaid meets Kuato, a powerful figure who accesses Quaid's mind to reveal the existence of an alien reactor. This reactor is pivotal to generating breathable air on Mars, hidden by Cohaagen to maintain control.

12

Betrayal and Capture

As tension escalates, Quaid discovers that Benny, the taxi driver, is a traitor who betrays the rebels. This treachery leads to Kuato's death and Quaid's subsequent capture by Cohaagen's forces.

13

The Final Confrontation

Cohaagen reveals that Quaid's journey has been a ruse to dismantle the resistance and reprograms Melina to be devoted to him. Despite the dire situation, Quaid and Melina manage to escape and make their way to the alien reactor.

14

Activating the Alien Reactor

In a climactic showdown, Quaid reaches the control room of the alien reactor just before Cohaagen. With quick thinking, Quaid activates the reactor, flooding Mars with breathable air and shattering Cohaagen's control over the planet.

Alien Reactor
15

A New Beginning

As the inhabitants of Mars step into the newfound atmosphere, Quaid reflects on his tumultuous journey and questions the reality of his experiences. Embracing his freedom, he shares a tender moment with Melina amidst the transforming Martian landscape.

Mars

Last Updated: November 02, 2024 at 13:37

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Total Recall Summary

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Total Recall Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Total Recall

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Total Recall

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Total Recall Spoiler-Free Summary

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