What Is Apocalypse How About?
The premise of Apocalypse How in 214 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
Apocalypse How is an Emmy‑nominated Discovery Channel documentary that dives into one of humanity’s oldest questions: how might it all come to an end? Built around the widely discussed 2012 Mayan calendar prophecy, the film sets a tone of fascination and unease, inviting viewers to look ahead with both curiosity and caution.
Rather than settling on a single answer, the documentary explores a range of doomsday scenarios that scientists and theorists have long debated. From the rumbling threat of volcanic eruptions and the silent spread of global pandemics to the sudden violence of an asteroid impact or the distant danger of a nearby stellar event, each possibility is examined with a blend of scientific insight and atmospheric storytelling. The menace of human‑made destruction — nuclear and biological weapons — adds a sobering, self‑inflicted dimension to the discussion.
What emerges is a thought‑provoking portrait of a species capable of both extraordinary achievement and terrifying self‑destruction. The film balances eerie visuals and expert commentary, creating a mood that is equal parts wonder and dread. By the time the credits roll, viewers are left to sit with the unsettling truth that the apocalypse may not arrive as a single cataclysm, but as one of many quiet or explosive possibilities already written into the fabric of our world.
What Happens in Apocalypse How?
The complete story of Apocalypse How, from the first scene to the last, in 827 words (about 4 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.
Spoilers ahead
Set during the tumultuous landscape of the Vietnam War in 1969, the story follows Captain Benjamin L. Willard, a seasoned MACV-SOG operative. Willard is summoned to the I Field Force headquarters located in Nha Trang, where he is given a grim and highly classified assignment. He is informed that Colonel Walter E. Kurtz, a highly decorated U.S. Army Special Forces officer, has gone rogue. Kurtz has established himself at a secluded jungle outpost in eastern Cambodia, where he is waging a brutal, unauthorized war against the North Vietnamese Army, the Viet Cong, and the Khmer Rouge.
Having completely severed ties with his superiors, Kurtz now commands a diverse force of American soldiers, Montagnards, and local Khmer militia who have begun to treat him more like a deity than a military officer. Willard’s specific orders are cold and absolute:
“terminate [Kurtz’s] command… with extreme prejudice.”
To accomplish this, Willard is assigned to a U.S. Navy river patrol boat (PBR). This vessel is led by Chief Petty Officer Phillips and manned by a crew consisting of Lance Johnson, “Chef” Hicks, and “Mr. Clean” Miller. Together, they begin a treacherous journey, quietly navigating the waters of the Nùng River to reach the remote outpost.
Before they can enter the mouth of the Nùng, the crew rendezvous with the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, a helicopter-borne air assault unit under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore. Although Kilgore is unaware of the true nature of Willard’s mission, he takes a keen interest in the group upon discovering that Lance is a well-known fellow surfer. Kilgore agrees to provide an escort through the Viet Cong-held coastal mouth, resulting in a massive, full-scale air assault on a local village, punctuated by the booming sounds of “Ride of the Valkyries” blasting from loudspeakers.
As the journey continues, the psychological toll of the war begins to manifest. While Kilgore attempts to persuade Lance to surf on the newly captured beach, Willard remains focused on the mission. During a brief stop ashore to gather mangos, Willard and Chef are startled by a tiger, an encounter that triggers a brief mental breakdown for Chef. Slowly, Willard notices cracks forming within the crew. Tensions escalate between Willard and the Chief, as Willard insists that his secret mission takes precedence over the Chief’s standard patrol duties. To emphasize the gravity of the situation, Willard partially reveals the nature of his orders.
While studying the dossier on Colonel Kurtz, Willard is struck by the man’s history. He discovers that Kurtz had previously sacrificed a prestigious assignment at the Pentagon to join the Special Forces, effectively destroying his own chances for traditional career advancement. At a remote outpost, the crew receives a dispatch bag containing mail. Within it, Willard finds a chilling revelation: another MACV-SOG operative, Captain Richard Colby, had been sent on an identical mission to eliminate Kurtz but had instead joined him.
The voyage becomes increasingly chaotic and deadly. Under the influence of LSD, Lance accidentally activates a smoke grenade, which draws enemy fire and leads to the death of Mr. Clean. Further upriver, the tragedy continues when the Chief is impaled by a spear thrown by Montagnards. In a final, desperate act of violence, the dying Chief attempts to kill Willard with the spear still protruding from his chest, but Willard manages to overpower and suffocate him.
Now commanding the PBR himself, Chef accompanies Willard and Lance to the final destination. They arrive at Kurtz’s outpost, which is an ancient Khmer temple. The site is haunting, teeming with Montagnards and littered with the remains of those who perished there. Upon arrival, they are greeted by an American photojournalist who speaks of Kurtz’s genius. Willard finds Colby and five other American soldiers who have defected to Kurtz’s side. Leaving Chef behind with strict orders to call in an airstrike if they do not return, Willard and Lance venture deeper into the camp to find the Colonel.
Willard is eventually captured and questioned by Kurtz before being locked away in a bamboo cage. In a horrifying turn of events, Kurtz appears one night and drops the severed head of Chef into Willard’s lap. After being released, Willard is warned against attempting to escape. Kurtz spends his final hours lecturing Willard on his theories of war, expressing admiration for the ruthlessness of the Viet Cong and requesting that Willard tell his son the truth regarding his mutiny.
The tension culminates during a ceremonial killing of a water buffalo by the Montagnards. In a frantic, visceral rage, Willard attacks Kurtz with a machete, effectively dismembering him. As the life fades from him, Kurtz whispers his final words:
“the horror”
Following the death of their leader, the remaining followers watch in silence as Willard departs, carrying Kurtz’s writings with him. In a gesture of submission, the Montagnards bow down to Willard. He leads Lance back to the PBR, and they finally depart from the jungle.
The story is narrated by Aaron May.
Apocalypse How Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Willard Summoned to Headquarters” to “The Killing of Kurtz”. 15 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Willard Summoned to Headquarters
In 1969, during the Vietnam War, MACV-SOG operative Captain Benjamin L. Willard is summoned to I Field Force headquarters in Nha Trang. The officers there reveal that U.S. Army Special Forces Colonel Walter E. Kurtz has gone rogue, waging a brutal war against North Vietnamese Army, Viet Cong, and Khmer Rouge forces without permission from his commanders.
When:1969 Where:Nha Trang
- 2
The Mission: Terminate with Extreme Prejudice
Willard is given the secret assignment to assassinate Colonel Kurtz, who is based at a remote jungle outpost in eastern Cambodia. Kurtz commands American, Montagnard, and local Khmer militia troops who worship him. The official order is to 'terminate [Kurtz's] command... with extreme prejudice.'
Where:Nha Trang
- 3
Joining the PBR Crew
Willard joins a U.S. Navy river patrol boat (PBR) commanded by Chief Petty Officer Phillips. The crew includes Lance Johnson, 'Chef' Hicks, and 'Mr. Clean' Miller. Their mission is to quietly navigate up the Nùng River to reach Kurtz's outpost.
Where:Nùng River
- 4
Rendezvous with Kilgore's Air Cavalry
Before reaching the coastal mouth of the Nùng, the boat meets the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, a helicopter-borne air assault unit commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore. Kilgore hasn't been briefed on Willard's mission, but becomes far more engaged after discovering that Lance, a well-known fellow surfer, is aboard.
Where:Nùng River Coast
- 5
Air Assault on the Viet Cong Village
Kilgore agrees to escort the boat through the Viet Cong-held coastal mouth of the Nùng River. A full-scale helicopter air assault is executed on the village, with 'Ride of the Valkyries' blaring from loudspeakers. After conquering the beach, Kilgore tries to convince Lance to surf, but Willard gathers the sailors and continues the mission.
Where:Viet Cong Village
- 6
Tiger Encounter
While going ashore to find mangos, Willard and Chef are surprised by a tiger in the jungle. Chef suffers a brief mental breakdown from the terrifying encounter. Willard begins to notice cracks forming in the crew's morale.
Where:Jungle Shore
- 7
Tensions Rise Aboard the PBR
Tensions escalate when Willard insists that his secret mission takes priority over the Chief's usual patrol objectives. To convince the Chief of the mission's importance, Willard partially reveals his classified orders. The crew grows increasingly wary as they push deeper into hostile territory.
Where:Nùng River
- 8
Studying Kurtz's Dossier
As the boat travels upriver, Willard carefully studies Kurtz's dossier. He is shocked to learn of Kurtz's mid-career sacrifice, in which he left a prestigious Pentagon assignment to join Special Forces, all but destroying his chances for career advancement. Willard begins to question the man he was sent to kill.
Where:Nùng River
- 9
Captain Colby's Fate Revealed
At a remote U.S. Army outpost, the boat receives a dispatch bag containing official and personal mail. Willard learns that another MACV-SOG operative, Special Forces Captain Richard Colby, was sent on an earlier mission identical to his own. Troublingly, Colby has since joined Kurtz instead of completing his assignment.
Where:U.S. Army Outpost
- 10
LSD Attack and Mr. Clean's Death
Lance activates a smoke grenade while under the influence of LSD, accidentally attracting enemy fire. The young crewman 'Mr. Clean' Miller is killed in the attack. The crew is shaken as the journey grows deadlier the further they travel upriver.
Where:Nùng River
Show the other 5 events of Apocalypse How Hide the last 5 events
- 11
The Chief's Death
Further upriver, the Chief is impaled by a spear thrown by Montagnards. With the spear point protruding from his chest, he attempts in his dying moments to kill Willard. Willard overpowers and suffocates him, leaving only Chef and Lance aboard the PBR.
Where:Nùng River
- 12
Arrival at Kurtz's Outpost
Willard reveals his mission to Chef, who now commands the PBR. They arrive at Kurtz's outpost, a Khmer temple teeming with Montagnards and strewn with the remains of victims. Willard, Chef, and Lance are greeted by an American photojournalist who praises Kurtz's genius, and Willard encounters Colby among the Montagnards.
Where:Kurtz's Outpost, Cambodia
- 13
Imprisoned in the Bamboo Cage
In the camp, Willard is questioned by Kurtz and then locked in a bamboo cage. One night, Kurtz appears and drops Chef's severed head into Willard's lap, a brutal response to Chef's orders to call in an airstrike. Willard is later released but warned never to attempt escape.
Where:Kurtz's Outpost, Cambodia
- 14
Kurtz's Lectures on War
Kurtz lectures Willard on his theories of war, praising the ruthlessness of the Viet Cong. He asks Willard to tell his son the truth about his mutiny. The Montagnards ceremonially kill a water buffalo, setting the stage for Willard's decisive act.
Where:Kurtz's Outpost, Cambodia
- 15
The Killing of Kurtz
Willard attacks Kurtz with a machete during the water buffalo ceremony, dismembering him in a frantic rage. Kurtz collapses and silently whispers 'the horror' before dying. Willard departs with Kurtz's writings as the followers watch and bow down to him, and leads Lance back to the PBR to leave the outpost.
Where:Kurtz's Outpost, Cambodia
Who Are the Main Characters in Apocalypse How?
5 characters, among them Captain Benjamin L. Willard, Colonel Walter E. Kurtz and Chef: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 1 of them link to the actor’s page.
- CB
Captain Benjamin L. Willard
Willard is a complex character torn between duty and morality. Tasked with a controversial mission, he embodies the internal conflict of a soldier in a morally ambiguous war. As he journeys upriver, his experiences reflect his struggle against the external horrors and his inner demons.
- 🧑✈️ Soldier
- 😨 Internal Conflict
- CW
Colonel Walter E. Kurtz
Kurtz is a former highly respected officer who has descended into a chaotic leadership style that defies military protocol. His charisma and intelligence are overshadowed by his madness, illustrating the extreme consequences of war on one's psyche. His philosophical musings on the nature of conflict reveal a deeply troubled mind.
- 👨🦳 Authority
- 🧠 Philosopher
- C
Chef
Chef is a member of Willard's team, whose lightheartedness is starkly juxtaposed against the grim reality they face. His character experiences a breakdown symbolizing the strain of combat and survival. Chef's trajectory highlights the fragility of sanity under duress.
- 🍳 Cook
- 📉 Breakdown
- LJ
Lance Johnson
Lance is the youthful and adventurous member of the crew, representing the innocence lost in the chaos of war. His addiction to drugs compounds the difficulties faced during their mission, showcasing how escapism becomes a coping mechanism for trauma. His character arc illustrates the impact of war on youth.
- 🏄♂️ Adventurer
- 🚬 Troubled
- N(
Narrator (Aaron May)
Played by Aaron May
The Narrator serves as a guiding voice throughout the film, providing context and insight into the unfolding events. His observations offer a layered understanding of the war's complexity and emotional weight. Through the narration, the audience perceives the psychological landscape of the characters more profoundly.
- 🎤 Storyteller
- 📜 Observer
Where and When Is Apocalypse How Set?
Apocalypse How is set in Nha Trang and Cambodia (1969). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1969
Set during the height of the Vietnam War, 1969 was a pivotal year marked by significant military actions and increasing public dissent against the conflict. This period reflects the complexities of warfare, where moral dilemmas and the horrors of battle often intersected. The narrative captures the essence of a disintegrating war strategy and the psychological toll on those involved.
Where
Nha Trang, Cambodia
The movie primarily takes place in the dense jungles of Cambodia, particularly near a remote outpost where Colonel Kurtz has established his command. Nha Trang, a coastal city in Vietnam, serves as the initial location where Captain Willard receives his orders. These contrasting locations highlight the brutal and chaotic environment of the Vietnam War.
- 🏞️ Jungle
- 🏙️ City
What Are the Themes of Apocalypse How?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them War, Survival and Madness.
-
01
War
The movie delves deep into the harrowing realities of war, examining its brutal impact on soldiers and civilians alike. It presents a stark portrait of the moral ambiguity faced by military personnel and highlights the psychological fractures that occur amidst chaos. The representation of war is not just physical but profoundly existential, challenging the notions of heroism and authority.
-
02
Survival
Survival is a central theme as characters navigate treacherous environments and moral dilemmas. The struggle to maintain one's humanity in the face of overwhelming brutality is poignantly illustrated through Willard's journey. Each character's encounter with danger and their responses depict the instinctual drive to survive, often leading to tragic outcomes.
-
03
Madness
The theme of madness permeates the narrative, showcasing how war can warp minds and blur the lines between sanity and insanity. Kurtz's descent into madness serves as a cautionary tale about the effects of power and isolation. Willard's psychological unraveling reflects the madness that war can instill not only in individuals but within the fabric of society.
What Kind of Film Is Apocalypse How?
Tense in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Ambiguous
An informative yet unsettling documentary that systematically walks viewers through apocalyptic scenarios, blending scientific curiosity with ominous warnings about humanity's potential extinction.
- tense
- ominous
- informative
- cautionary
- speculative
- foreboding
- apocalypse
- mayan prophecy
- extinction events
- natural disasters
Content notes: nuclear weapons discussion, pandemic scenarios, disaster footage, extinction scenarios.
Quiz
How well do you remember Apocalypse How? Test yourself on the story.
