🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Alex Proyas
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Thriller, Action, Drama
- Release year: 2009
- Runtime (length): 2h 1min
- IMDb rating: 6.2/10 (254K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 21%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Nic Cage decodes a time capsule note filled with disaster dates, realizes the world’s ending, but instead of, you know, warning everyone effectively, he just hangs out with his kid until aliens scoop them up for a fresh start, leaving the rest of us to fry.
🍿 Knowing: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Time Capsule and the Numbers
In 1959, a young, troubled girl named Lucinda hears voices and writes down a series of numbers for a school time capsule. Fifty years later, in 2009, the capsule is opened, and Lucinda’s coded message ends up with Caleb, the son of astrophysicist John Koestler. John, a grieving widower, initially dismisses the numbers as random.

Deciphering the Code
John soon discovers the numbers correlate with dates and death tolls of past disasters. He realizes Lucinda’s message accurately predicted major catastrophes over the last 50 years. Three sets of numbers remain, indicating impending disasters. As John investigates, he becomes increasingly concerned for his son, who begins to hear voices and is visited by mysterious figures.

Preventing the Unavoidable
John races against time to decipher the remaining codes and prevent the impending disasters. He teams up with Diana, Lucinda’s daughter, to understand the full scope of the predictions. They discover the final event is a global catastrophe, a solar flare that will destroy all life on Earth.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- John Koestler (Nicolas Cage): A grieving astrophysicist who discovers a coded message predicting past and future disasters, driving him to protect his son.
- Caleb Koestler (Chandler Canterbury): John’s son, who receives the coded message and begins to hear voices, marking him as one of the ‘chosen’ children.
- Diana (Rose Byrne): Lucinda’s daughter who initially disbelieves John but eventually aids him in understanding the message and protecting her daughter.
- Abby (Lara Robinson): Diana’s deaf daughter who also possesses the ability to hear the mysterious voices and is chosen to be saved.
- Lucinda Embry (Lara Robinson): The young girl who wrote the coded message predicting disasters and is connected to the supernatural events.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- John Koestler: “These numbers… they’re not random. They’re dates, coordinates… body counts.” – John realizes the numbers from the time capsule predict past and future disasters.
- John Koestler: “I think it’s a warning.” – John’s realization that the numbers predict catastrophic events prompts his investigation.
- Diana: “My mother said I would die on October 19th.” – Diana reveals her mother’s prediction, adding to the sense of impending doom.
- Caleb Koestler: “They’re taking us away.” – Caleb tells his father that the strangers are going to take them to a safer place.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $50,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $79,957,634
- Worldwide Gross: $183,658,498
💥 Knowing Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so ‘Knowing’ is one of those movies that messes with your head. I walked in expecting a typical disaster flick, but it turned into something way weirder. The plane crash scene was insane, and I seriously jumped. The ending, though… I’m still not sure what to make of it. Like, aliens and a new Eden? It’s the kind of movie you talk about for days, trying to figure it all out. I loved how it made me think, even if it also made me feel a bit confused.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of science fiction thrillers”
- “Viewers interested in disaster movies with a supernatural twist”
- “Those who enjoy movies with Nicolas Cage”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Intense disaster sequences”
- “Graphic depictions of death and destruction”
- “Disturbing imagery”
- “Some violence”
Professional Reviews
- Rotten Tomatoes: “While ‘Knowing’ offers a compelling premise and some visually stunning disaster sequences, it ultimately succumbs to a convoluted plot and an unsatisfying resolution.
- IGN: ” ‘Knowing’ is a mixed bag, featuring intense disaster scenes and a strong performance from Nicolas Cage, but it’s dragged down by its far-fetched plot and an ending that may leave audiences scratching their heads.
- Common Sense Media: “Suspenseful sci-fi has scary images, themes; teens OK. ‘Knowing’ is intense and thought-provoking, but parents should be aware of its dark themes and some disturbing disaster imagery.
Audience Reactions
The disaster scenes are incredibly well done and genuinely terrifying, especially the plane crash.: Viewers found the disaster sequences intense, gripping and visually spectacular.
The plot is thought-provoking and unique, offering more than just a simple disaster movie experience.: People appreciated the film’s attempt to explore deeper themes like determinism, faith, and the end of the world.
Overall Consensus: Despite strong visuals and a compelling premise, ‘Knowing’ receives mixed reviews due to a convoluted plot and divisive ending. However, it remains a thought-provoking and suspenseful experience for many.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film’s director, Alex Proyas, is known for his visually striking and atmospheric films such as ‘Dark City’ and ‘The Crow’.”
- “The plane crash sequence was filmed in one continuous shot to enhance its realism and impact.”
- “The film explores themes of determinism versus randomness, faith versus science, and the possibility of predestined events.”
🖥️ How to Watch Knowing?
Knowing is available for streaming on platforms such as Paramount+ and Epix. You can also rent or buy it on demand through services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Knowing, you might like these similar films:
- The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008): Explores themes of impending global catastrophe and alien intervention in human affairs.
- Dark City (1998): Directed by Alex Proyas, it shares a similar visual style and themes of existential mystery.
- Signs (2002): Focuses on a father grappling with faith amidst mysterious events and potential alien contact.
- Arrival (2016): Features a protagonist deciphering a complex message with global implications, and contact with extraterrestrial beings.
🛒 Knowing Related Products
- Knowing (Blu-ray): Experience ‘Knowing’ in stunning high definition with this Blu-ray edition. Relive the suspense and unravel the mysteries of the film with enhanced visuals and sound.
- Numerology: The Complete Guide: Dive deeper into the world of numbers and predictions with this comprehensive guide to numerology. Explore the hidden meanings behind numbers and their influence on your life.
- Apocalypse Survival Kit: Be prepared for anything with this comprehensive survival kit. Packed with essential supplies for disaster scenarios, it ensures you’re ready when the end is near.
- Alienware Aurora R16 Gaming Desktop: The Aurora R16 is a stunning machine, with all the power and features you need to enjoy your favorite games. The Alienware Command Center software provides you with tools for overclocking, monitoring temperatures, managing fan speeds, and controlling AlienFX lighting.
🎧 Soundtrack
Knowing features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “The Planets, Op. 32: IV. Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity” – performed by Gustav Holst
- “Etude Op. 25, No. 7 in C sharp minor” – performed by Frédéric Chopin
- “Endut! Hoch Hech!” – performed by Popol Vuh
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The numbers in Knowing represent the dates, locations, and death tolls of major disasters that have occurred over the past 50 years, as well as predictions for future catastrophes. These numbers were written by a troubled young girl named Lucinda in 1959.
The mysterious figures are revealed to be extraterrestrial beings who select certain children to save from the impending global disaster. They guide these children to a new world to begin a new civilization after Earth is destroyed by a solar flare.
The ending of Knowing depicts the Earth’s destruction by a solar flare. Some children are saved by extraterrestrial beings and taken to a new planet to start a new civilization. The ending explores themes of sacrifice, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of destruction and renewal.
🔥 Bonus Content
Exploring Knowing
If you’re a fan of mystery thrillers, you’ll want to check out this video essay on Knowing. It delves deep into the film’s intriguing plot and explores its hidden meanings.
Knowing reviewed by Mark Kermode
Looking for a second opinion on Knowing? Check out this review by Mark Kermode. He gives his honest thoughts on the film’s plot, acting, and overall execution.
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