How to Blow Up a Pipeline Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

Trailer

Director: Daniel Goldhaber
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Release year: 2022
Runtime (length): 1h 44min
IMDb rating: 6.9/10 (11K votes)
Rotten Tomatoes: 85%

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0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of millennials, fueled by kombucha and existential dread, decide that the best way to solve climate change is by having a very loud and destructive camping trip near a pipeline.

🍿 How to Blow Up a Pipeline: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Xochitl and Theo

The film introduces Xochitl and Theo, lifelong friends from Long Beach, California. They live in a community heavily polluted by oil refineries. Xochitl’s mother dies during a heatwave, leading her to believe climate change is to blame.

Disillusionment and Radicalization

Xochitl becomes frustrated with the slow progress of her college’s divestment campaign. She seeks more direct and aggressive action against the fossil fuel industry. Theo, battling leukemia, shares her sense of urgency and anger.

The Pipeline Plot

Xochitl and Theo, along with Theo’s girlfriend Alisha, recruit five strangers who share their motivations. Together, they devise a plan to detonate a section of an oil pipeline in West Texas. The film follows their planning, preparation, and execution of the plot, interweaving flashbacks to reveal their personal stories and reasons for joining the cause.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

If you plan to watch the movie first, watch here and come back to this section afterward.

See Spoilers and Ending

The Aftermath (SPOILER)

After successfully blowing up the pipeline, the group disperses. The film briefly shows the consequences of their actions and the fates of the individual members. While some escape and continue their activism, others face legal repercussions. The ending is left somewhat open-ended, allowing viewers to consider the moral and ethical implications of their actions.

Moral Ambiguity and Impact (SPOILER)

The film deliberately avoids a clear-cut resolution, leaving the audience to grapple with questions of justification and the effectiveness of radical environmentalism. The ambiguous ending prompts reflection on whether the ends justify the means, and what constitutes legitimate protest in the face of climate crisis.

🎬 Cast & Characters

Xochitl (Ariela Barer): Driven by the loss of her mother to climate change, Xochitl is a determined activist who plans the pipeline explosion.
Theo (Sasha Lane): Battling leukemia and living in a polluted city, Theo joins Xochitl in the pipeline plot seeking justice and change.
Alisha (Jayme Lawson): As Theo’s girlfriend, Alisha supports the pipeline operation driven by her own convictions.
Rowan (Kristine Froseth): Involved in the pipeline scheme, Rowan carries the weight of her personal struggles and hidden motives.
Michael (Forrest Goodluck): A skilled bomb-maker, Michael contributes his expertise to the pipeline operation driven by his own past and beliefs.
Logan (Lukas Gage): A reckless and troubled individual, Logan’s involvement in the pipeline plot is fueled by his disdain for the system.

💬 Memorable Quotes

Michael: “If the American empire is calling us terrorists then we’re doing something right.” – Expresses his conviction that their actions are justified given the scale of the climate crisis and the opposition they face.

💰Box Office

Budget: $500,000
Domestic Gross: $750,010
Worldwide Gross: $1,046,811

💥 How to Blow Up a Pipeline Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I just saw ‘How to Blow Up a Pipeline’ and I’m still buzzing. The tension was insane! The way they showed each character’s backstory through flashbacks kept me glued to the screen, and I really felt their desperation. Honestly, it made me think about how far people are willing to go when they feel like they’re out of options. That whole sequence where they are setting up the explosives? I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.

Who would enjoy:
- “Viewers interested in environmental issues.”
- “Fans of heist thrillers with a political edge.”
- “Those who enjoy thought-provoking and morally ambiguous films.”
Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong language.”
- “Depictions of violence and explosive devices.”
- “Themes of illness and death.”
- “Discussion of political extremism.”

Professional Reviews

IndieWire: “Goldhaber masterfully crafts a tense and thought-provoking thriller that challenges viewers to consider the ethics of radical environmentalism. The film’s strength lies in its commitment to portraying its characters with complexity, making the audience grapple with difficult questions rather than providing easy answers.
The Hollywood Reporter: “While the film’s message can feel heavy-handed at times, the taut direction and strong performances from the ensemble cast make for a compelling watch. The film’s exploration of individual motivations adds depth to what could have been a simplistic polemic.
Variety: “A timely thriller that grapples with complex issues, but sometimes struggles to balance its message with compelling character development. ‘How to Blow Up a Pipeline’ is undeniably relevant, but its execution lacks subtlety.

Audience Reactions

The film’s realistic portrayal of young activists and their motivations resonated deeply with viewers.: Viewers praised the film’s intensity, thought-provoking themes, and its ability to spark discussions about climate action.

The film shows a balanced view between extremism and reason.: Many found it tense, engaging and a great action film.

Overall Consensus: A tense and thought-provoking thriller that explores the complexities and motivations behind radical environmental activism, prompting viewers to consider the ethical implications of such actions.

Awards

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🛠️ Behind the Scenes

“The film is loosely based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Andreas Malm, which argues for property destruction as a legitimate form of environmental activism.”
“Several cast members also served as co-producers and co-writers, contributing to the film’s authentic portrayal of the characters’ motivations.”
“The filmmakers consulted with a technical advisor who had experience in counterterrorism to ensure the accuracy of the bomb-making process depicted in the film.”
“Filming took place in New Mexico, chosen for its resemblance to West Texas landscapes and availability of remote locations.”

🖥️ How to Watch How to Blow Up a Pipeline?

How to Blow Up a Pipeline is currently available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for theatrical availability. Subscriptions to these platforms may be required for streaming.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed How to Blow Up a Pipeline, you might like these similar films:

The East (2013): Features a similar theme of eco-activism and a group taking direct action against corporate polluters, examining the moral complexities of their methods.
The China Syndrome (1979): Deals with themes of corporate negligence and environmental disaster. This could appeal to viewers interested in movies that question corporate power and safety.
Argo (2012): If viewers enjoy tense situations, they may find similar enjoyment in Argo as well.
Sneakers (1992): Viewers may find Sneakers to have the same level of technical interest.

🛒 How to Blow Up a Pipeline Related Products

How to Blow Up a Pipeline: Learning to Fight in a World on Fire: The book that inspired the film is a manifesto for radical climate action, arguing that property destruction is a legitimate form of protest in the face of environmental destruction. A foundational text for understanding the film’s themes and motivations.
Eco-Activist Starter Kit: Show your support for environmental activism with this kit. It can be an olive branch to start discussions with the opposition.
Climate Change Action Game: Fight against climate change in a virtual world. Make decisions that affect the environment, build sustainable infrastructure, and engage in protests and activism. Learn about the complexities of climate solutions while playing.
Limited Edition ‘How to Blow Up a Pipeline’ Movie Poster: A high-quality, limited edition poster featuring striking artwork from the film. Each poster is individually numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

🎧 Soundtrack

How to Blow Up a Pipeline features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

Is How to Blow Up a Pipeline based on a true story?

While the film is fictional, it is inspired by Andreas Malm’s non-fiction book of the same name, which explores the idea of property destruction as a legitimate form of environmental activism. The characters and specific events in the movie are not based on real people or occurrences.

What is the message of How to Blow Up a Pipeline?

The film explores themes of climate change, environmental activism, and the moral complexities of radical action. It raises questions about the effectiveness of different forms of protest and the responsibility of individuals in addressing environmental issues. The film’s message is open to interpretation and encourages viewers to consider the ethical implications of the characters’ actions.

Where was How to Blow Up a Pipeline filmed?

How to Blow Up a Pipeline was filmed in New Mexico, USA. The film’s setting is West Texas.

🔥 Bonus Content

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Hey, ever wondered why some bikers are always in accidents? This short video hilariously highlights the importance of using your rear view mirrors! It’s a quick and funny reminder we could all use, especially on the road – so check it out.