Oblivion Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Tom Cruise fixes drones and rediscovers his love for the Empire State Building, only to realize he’s a clone fighting for a giant, sassy Tetris piece.

🍿 Oblivion: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Earth in 2077

In 2077, Earth is a desolate wasteland, ravaged by a war with alien scavengers (‘Scavs’) that destroyed the moon and led to widespread destruction. Jack Harper and Victoria Olsen are stationed at Tower 49, maintaining drones that protect energy converters extracting resources for human colonies on Saturn’s moon, Titan. They believe they are the last humans on Earth, working under the supervision of Sally, who is located on a space station called the Tet. Their memories were wiped five years prior for operational security.

The Odyssey Crash and Julia’s Arrival

Jack experiences recurring dreams of a life before the war with a woman he does not recognize. When an American spacecraft, the Odyssey, crashes nearby, he discovers that it contains hibernating humans. He rescues Julia, recognizing her as the woman from his dreams. Drones attack the crash site, but Jack saves Julia. This event triggers a series of revelations and forces Jack to question his understanding of his mission and Earth’s history. Julia reveals that the Odyssey mission was a NASA mission reassigned when the Tet was discovered near Saturn.

The Truth Revealed

Captured by a group of Scavs led by Malcolm Beech, Jack learns that the Scavs are actually human survivors. Beech reveals that the Tet is an alien artificial intelligence exploiting Earth’s resources. Jack and Victoria are clones created by the Tet to maintain the drones and suppress human resistance. Beech convinces Jack to reprogram a drone to destroy the Tet. This sets Jack on a path to uncover the truth about his past and the nature of the alien presence on Earth.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jack (Tom Cruise): A drone repairman haunted by fragmented memories, who discovers the truth about his identity and the war-ravaged Earth.
• Julia (Olga Kurylenko): A woman from Jack’s past, who awakens from a long sleep to reveal the true nature of their mission and relationship.
• Victoria (Andrea Riseborough): Jack’s partner, loyal to the mission until conflicting emotions reveal her programmed nature.
• Beech (Morgan Freeman): The leader of the human resistance, revealing the truth about the Tet and the alien invasion to Jack.
• Sally (Melissa Leo): The mission commander, appearing as a human face of the Tet, an alien AI controlling Earth’s resources.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jack Harper: “If we have souls, they’re made of the love we share, undimmed by time and bound by death.” – Jack reflects on the nature of love and connection in the face of oblivion.
• Beech: “Are you an effective team?” – Beech’s poignant question to Jack is meant to make him start questioning the true nature of his reality.
• Victoria: “We’re a team, Jack.” – Victoria emphasizes their partnership, reflecting her loyalty and adherence to their mission, before her world is shattered.
• Jack Harper: “Is it possible to miss a place you’ve never been? Mourn a time you never lived?” – Jack wonders to Julia if the memories he is experiencing are real.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $120,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $89,107,235
• Worldwide Gross: $286,168,572

💥 Oblivion Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing ‘Oblivion’ in the theater and being blown away by the visuals. The desolate Earth landscapes were breathtaking, and the sky tower was so cool! While the story felt a bit familiar, Tom Cruise delivered a solid performance. The M83 soundtrack made the whole experience truly unforgettable. I still listen to it regularly. It is a sci-fi movie that stuck with me because it made me feel something.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of science fiction films with post-apocalyptic settings”
  • “Viewers who enjoy Tom Cruise action movies”
  • “People interested in stories about memory, identity, and artificial intelligence”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Sci-Fi Violence”
  • “Brief suggestive scene”
  • “Mild language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Oblivion offers stunning visuals and a compelling mystery, elevated by Cruise’s performance. However, the plot borrows heavily from classic sci-fi tropes, making it feel somewhat derivative despite its technical prowess.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Joseph Kosinski crafts a visually arresting post-apocalyptic world in ‘Oblivion.’ The film’s strength lies in its atmosphere and design, but the narrative becomes convoluted and predictable, hindering its overall impact.
• Empire: “Visually stunning, Oblivion offers an immersive sci-fi experience with a thought-provoking narrative, even if it treads familiar ground. M83’s score elevates the film’s emotional impact and grandeur.

Audience Reactions

Stunning visuals and immersive world-building captivated viewers.: Many praised the film’s visuals and the M83 soundtrack.

Thought-provoking themes resonated with those looking for more than just action.: Some viewers appreciated the film’s attempt to explore deeper themes.

Overall Consensus: Oblivion is visually stunning and features a strong score, but the derivative plot may disappoint some viewers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Filming took place in Iceland for ten days, utilizing the near 24-hour daylight. Director Joseph Kosinski intentionally chose this to contrast with the typical dark settings of classic sci-fi films like Alien and Blade Runner.”
• “The film’s IMAX release presented the film open-matte, at an aspect ratio of 1.90:1, which provided more picture information at the top and bottom of the frame compared to standard theatrical and home video releases.”

🖥️ How to Watch Oblivion?

Oblivion is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability as offerings may change. Buying or renting through these platforms may provide affiliate opportunities.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Oblivion, you might like these similar films:

• Moon (2009): Both films explore themes of identity, memory, and cloning in isolated, futuristic settings.
• Source Code (2011): Features a protagonist reliving moments to uncover a larger truth, similar to Jack’s journey of self-discovery.
• War of the Worlds (2005): Both movies feature Tom Cruise in a sci-fi action role dealing with a catastrophic alien invasion.
• Edge of Tomorrow (2014): Thematic similarities with the protagonist reliving moments and being key to humanity’s survival against an alien threat.
• I Am Legend (2007): Both films are set in a post-apocalyptic world with a lone survivor, and feature themes of isolation and survival.

🛒 Oblivion Related Products

• Oblivion (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – Limited Edition Vinyl: A limited edition vinyl pressing of M83’s iconic soundtrack. This collector’s item includes exclusive artwork and remastered audio, perfect for audiophiles and fans of the film’s atmospheric score. A must-have for any serious film music collector.
• Tom Cruise: Oblivion – Collector’s Edition Blu-Ray: This collector’s edition Blu-Ray includes behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted scenes, and interviews with the cast and crew. The set is packaged in a premium steelbook case with exclusive artwork, perfect for die-hard fans of the film.
• Oblivion Movie Poster – Framed: High-quality framed poster of the movie ‘Oblivion’. Perfect for displaying in a home theater, office, or living room. It captures the essence of the film’s stunning visuals and post-apocalyptic setting.
• Drone Model Kit Inspired by Oblivion: High-quality drone model kit replicating the design from the film ‘Oblivion’. The kit includes detailed instructions, allowing fans to build and display their own replica of the iconic drones from the movie. A must-have for model enthusiasts and fans of ‘Oblivion’.

🎧 Soundtrack

Oblivion features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Oblivion” – performed by M83
• “M83 – StarWaves” – performed by M83
• “I’m Sending You Away” – performed by M83
• “Ramble On” – performed by Led Zeppelin

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Everything Wrong With Oblivion In 12 Minutes Or Less

Hey there, movie buff! Ever wonder what’s really wrong with Oblivion? This video from CinemaSins has got you covered. They’ll point out all the hilarities and inconsistencies in 12 minutes or less. Get ready for a fun-filled critique!

How Oblivion Should Have Ended

Psst, fellow movie lover! Curious about how Oblivion could have wrapped up differently? Check out this HISHE video. They’ll give you a hilarious and unexpected ending that will leave you wondering, ‘Why didn’t they do it this way?’

Why OBLIVION Refused to Settle For Green Screens

Attention, movie tech enthusiasts! This video takes us on a detailed journey into the innovative filmmaking methods behind Oblivion. Get ready to uncover the secrets of how they pulled off those stunning visuals without relying on green screens. Trust me, it’s a captivating watch!

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