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Artemis Fowl Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Artemis Fowl (2020). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


On the picturesque coast of Ireland, chaos erupts at Fowl Manor as a media frenzy takes hold, all stemming from a collection of world-renowned relics that have been stolen and linked to the influential businessman, Artemis Fowl Sr.. Amid the turmoil, Mulch Diggums is apprehended at the manor, and during his interrogation by British intelligence, he claims that his employer has snatched the potent “Aculos”. In order to validate the existence of magic, Diggums relays the story of Artemis Fowl Jr..

Just three days prior, we meet the brilliant 12-year-old Artemis Fowl Jr., who resides with his widowed father, Artemis Sr., at Fowl Manor. A distressing turn of events occurs when his father mysteriously vanishes from his boat, accused of pilfering various priceless artifacts present onboard. In a moment of urgency, Artemis Jr. receives a call from a mysterious, hooded figure, who, while holding his father hostage, demands the return of the Aculos—a powerful artifact that Artemis Sr. has hidden away. Domovoi “Dom” Butler, his loyal bodyguard, reveals a secret library filled with documentation that proves the existence of magical beings, a legacy of the Fowl family.

Meanwhile, in the underground world of Haven City, the realm of fairies, Mulch, a comically oversized dwarf and thief, gets intercepted by Holly Short, a reconnaissance officer with the Lower Elements Police (LEPrecon), leading to his imprisonment. Tasked with locating the Aculos, which is considered the fairies’ most vital resource, Commander Julius Root dispatches his team. Foaly, the centaur technical advisor, identifies an unauthorized entity making its way to the surface. Despite the loss of her father, Beechwood Short, who perished while attempting to steal the Aculos, Holly takes to the skies to investigate. Her resolve strengthens when she intervenes during a rogue troll’s attack on a human wedding, utilizing a “time freeze” to eliminate the threat and erase the humans’ memory of the event.

As Dom’s niece Juliet arrives at Fowl Manor, a series of revelations unfold. Through his father’s journal, Artemis learns that Beechwood had previously taken the Aculos to Artemis Sr. in an effort to safeguard it from the hooded figure, who turns out to be Opal Koboi—a vengeful fairy intent on annihilating humanity. Determined to fulfill his mission, Artemis sends Dom on a stakeout at the Hill of Tara. Holly, intent on avenging her father’s tarnished legacy, disobeys direct orders and flies to the same hill, where she stumbles upon Beechwood’s ID tag but is swiftly captured by Dom and imprisoned within Fowl Manor’s walls.

As the LEPrecon forces under Commander Root begin sealing off Fowl Manor using a time freeze, Artemis and Dom bravely counteract their efforts using Holly’s advanced equipment. Artemis takes a stand, demanding the return of the Aculos in exchange for Holly’s freedom while declaring a ban on fairies entering his abode as long as he lives. Bound by fairy regulations, Root negotiates with Mulch to break out of prison, proposing a shortened sentence in return for helping them infiltrate Fowl Manor. As Mulch digs his way into the manor and gains access to Artemis Sr.’s secured safe, the frantic search for the Aculos intensifies. In a daring move, Artemis frees Holly and pleads for her assistance.

In a shocking twist, Lieutenant Briar Cudgeon, a traitor working for Koboi, seizes control of the LEPrecon unit and sets a captured troll loose within the manor, obstructing all forms of magic. Mulch swallows the Aculos just as Artemis, Holly, Juliet, and Dom narrowly escape the rampaging troll. In a tragic turn of events, Dom sacrifices himself to save Artemis from the rampaging troll, leading to a dramatic confrontation where Holly’s fellow officers go against protocol and restore her magic, allowing her to revive Dom.

As Mulch and the LEPrecon team flee just before the time freeze collapses, Artemis resolutely holds onto the Aculos, refusing to hand it over to Koboi. In a stroke of hope, Holly agrees to employ its powers to save Artemis Sr. As Koboi threatens Artemis Sr., Holly bravely calls him to Fowl Manor. During this emotional reunion, Artemis Sr. reveals how Holly’s father sacrificed himself to guard the Aculos and provides her with a list of Koboi’s accomplices. Holly vows to return the Aculos to Haven City, where a now-reinstated Root orders her to look into each name on the list.

In a final twist, Artemis dares Koboi, declaring his intent to pursue her. Meanwhile, Mulch’s interrogator presents him with an offer of freedom in exchange for assisting in capturing Artemis Sr. However, Mulch cleverly divulges that Artemis orchestrated his own arrest to validate the existence of magic to the authorities, confirming the world of magic exists on camera. As the interrogator calls for reinforcements, the Fowls’ helicopter descends to rescue Mulch, who, alongside Holly, makes a hasty exit into the sky.

Artemis Fowl Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Artemis Fowl (2020) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


Chaos at Fowl Manor

A media frenzy erupts at Fowl Manor as world-renowned relics are reported stolen. Among the confusion, Mulch Diggums is apprehended by British intelligence, leading to significant interrogations.

Fowl Manor

Introduction of Artemis Fowl Jr.

We meet the brilliant 12-year-old Artemis Fowl Jr. living with his widowed father, Artemis Sr. Their lives are turned upside down when Artemis Sr. mysteriously disappears from his boat, accused of theft.

Fowl Manor

The Mysterious Call

Artemis receives a distressing call from a hooded figure holding his father hostage. The figure demands the return of the Aculos, a powerful artifact that has been hidden by Artemis Sr.

Discovery of the Secret Library

Domovoi 'Dom' Butler, Artemis's loyal bodyguard, reveals a hidden library filled with ancient documentation about magical beings. This discovery highlights the legacy of the Fowl family and sets the stage for the challenges ahead.

Fowl Manor

Capturing Mulch in Haven City

In the underground world of Haven City, Mulch Diggums, a comical dwarf, is captured during an encounter with Holly Short, a reconnaissance officer. This event initiates the search for the Aculos, essential for fairies.

Haven City

Holly's Heroic Intervention

Despite the loss of her father, Holly Short proves her bravery by intervening in a rogue troll's attack at a human wedding. She uses a 'time freeze' ability to erase the memory of the event from the humans.

Human Wedding Venue

Artemis's Revelation about the Aculos

As Artemis explores his father’s journal, he learns about the Aculos's significance and how his father was involved with the fairies. The journal reveals that Beechwood Short had previously taken the Aculos to Artemis Sr. for safekeeping.

Fowl Manor

The Ill-Fated Stakeout

Artemis sends Dom on a stakeout to the Hill of Tara to gather more information about the Aculos. Simultaneously, Holly disobeys orders and investigates the same hill, where she uncovers vital evidence but is captured by Dom.

Hill of Tara

Negotiation and Intrusion

As the LEPrecon forces under Commander Root aim to seal off Fowl Manor with a time freeze, Artemis counters their efforts. He demands the return of Holly in exchange for the Aculos, asserting his control over the situation.

Fowl Manor

Betrayal and Chaos

Lieutenant Briar Cudgeon, a traitor aligned with the villainous Opal Koboi, unleashes a captured troll inside Fowl Manor. This chaos results in the loss of magical control, adding urgency to Artemis's mission.

Fowl Manor

Mulch's Daring Act

In a desperate move, Mulch Diggums swallows the Aculos just as Artemis, Holly, Juliet, and Dom attempt to escape. Their narrow escape becomes a pivotal moment in their quest to protect the artifact.

Fowl Manor

Dom's Sacrifice

In a moment of heroism, Dom sacrifices himself to save Artemis from the rampaging troll. This results in a dramatic confrontation that highlights the stakes involved in the battle over the Aculos.

Fowl Manor

The Aculos's Power

As the chaos escalates, Holly decides to use the powers of the Aculos to save Artemis Sr. Their emotional reunion reveals hidden sacrifices, including Holly’s father's connection to the Aculos.

Fowl Manor

Vow for Revenge

Finally, in a defiant act, Artemis declares his intention to pursue Opal Koboi after the chaos settles. Mulch’s clever machinations ensure that the existence of magic is confirmed to the authorities.

Escape into the Skies

In the climax of the story, the Fowls’ helicopter descends to rescue Mulch as he makes a hasty escape with Holly. This moment signifies the ongoing adventure and their struggle against the oppressive forces of Koboi.

Fowl Manor

Artemis Fowl Characters

Explore all characters from Artemis Fowl (2020). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Artemis Fowl Jr. (Ferdia Shaw)

Artemis Fowl Jr. is a brilliant 12-year-old boy with a sharp intellect, known for his cunning and strategic mind. He is determined to rescue his father, unveiling the existence of magic along the way. Despite his youth, his actions reveal a depth of maturity and resilience as he faces numerous challenges.

🧠 Genius 🕵️‍♂️ Determined

Holly Short (unknown)

Holly Short is a dedicated and skilled reconnaissance officer in the LEPrecon, representing the fairy world. Driven by a sense of justice and personal loss, she is determined to recover the Aculos and avenge her father's legacy. Her bravery and resourcefulness shine through, making her a pivotal character in the fight against evil.

🧚‍♀️ Fairy ⚔️ Vengeful

Domovoi Butler (Nonso Anozie)

Domovoi 'Dom' Butler is Artemis’s loyal bodyguard, known for his strength and dedication. He acts as a protector and mentor to Artemis, embodying loyalty and bravery throughout their perilous journey. Dom's ultimate sacrifice reflects his unwavering commitment to Artemis's safety, solidifying his role as a true hero.

🦸‍♂️ Protector 💪 Loyal

Mulch Diggums (Josh Gad)

Mulch Diggums is a comedically oversized dwarf and a skilled thief who adds humor and tension to the story. His unique capabilities play a crucial role in the pursuit of the Aculos, while his character arc explores themes of redemption and loyalty. Despite his flaws, Mulch's journey is essential in bridging the worlds of humans and fairies.

😂 Comedic 🤝 Redeemable

Opal Koboi (unknown)

Opal Koboi is the film's primary antagonist, a vengeful fairy intent on dominating the human world. Her cunning and manipulative traits drive much of the conflict, challenging the protagonists at every turn. Koboi's fierce ambition to reclaim power highlights the darker aspects of the magical realm.

😈 Villain 🔥 Ambitious

Artemis Fowl Settings

Learn where and when Artemis Fowl (2020) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

The movie unfolds in a contemporary setting, particularly highlighting modern challenges like media frenzy and high-stakes conflicts involving magic, technology, and social dynamics. It juxtaposes the teenage struggles of Artemis Fowl Jr. with the complexities of a hidden magical society, illustrating the clash between old-world magic and modernity.

Location

Fowl Manor, Haven City, Hill of Tara, Ireland

Fowl Manor is a grand estate located on the picturesque coast of Ireland, serving as the home of Artemis Fowl Jr. and his father. It becomes a focal point of chaos amid a frantic search for stolen magical relics. Haven City, the underground realm of fairies, represents a vibrant yet secretive world known for its magical inhabitants and hidden technology, contrasting sharply with the human world above.

🏰 Fowl Manor 🌌 Haven City ⛪ Hill of Tara 🇮🇪 Ireland

Artemis Fowl Themes

Discover the main themes in Artemis Fowl (2020). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


🧙‍♂️

Magic vs Reality

The theme of magic versus reality is central to the narrative, as the characters navigate between the human world and a secret realm filled with magical beings. Artemis Fowl Jr.'s journey to uncover the truth about his father's disappearance intertwines with his quest to validate magic's existence, challenging societal perceptions. The story highlights how the coexistence of these two worlds can lead to chaos and conflict.

🦸‍♂️

Heroism

Heroism is explored through Artemis's determination to save his father and Holly's quest for justice in the face of adversity. Both characters display immense bravery as they confront formidable foes, including the vengeful Opal Koboi. The narrative emphasizes the importance of loyalty and sacrifice, especially showcased in Dom's selfless act to save Artemis.

⚔️

Family

Family ties and legacies play a vital role in the movie, particularly the relationship between Artemis Jr. and Artemis Sr. The mystery of Artemis Sr.'s disappearance and the protection of their lineage embody the weight of familial responsibility. The film illustrates how family connections can motivate characters to act with honor and courage, even in perilous situations.

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Artemis Fowl Ending Explained

Unravel the ending of Artemis Fowl (2020) with our detailed explanation. Understand the final scenes, character fates, and unresolved questions.


At the end of Artemis Fowl, the story hints at a future adventure involving Artemis and the fairies. In the final scenes, Artemis calls Opal and teases her about his victory, unknowingly warning her that he has entered a new, dangerous world that he doesn’t fully understand. Meanwhile, Holly is given permission by the LEPrecon to investigate her father’s mysterious death—presumed to have been caused by Opal. These moments set the stage for a potential sequel, where Artemis and Holly could team up to confront Opal and uncover more of the fairy world’s secrets. However, despite these hints, the film’s poor reception and Disney’s decision to release it directly on streaming suggest that a second film is unlikely. The film’s low ratings and mixed reviews cast doubt on whether a sequel will happen, and the aging of the actor playing Artemis would also complicate future stories. Ultimately, the ending leaves the door open for more adventures, but it seems unlikely they will be made, leaving fans to wonder if the story of Artemis Fowl will continue in future adaptations or remain a closed chapter.

Artemis Fowl Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of Artemis Fowl (2020). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.


In the rolling green hills of Ireland, a prodigious twelve‑year‑old named Artemis Fowl lives under the shadow of a storied family name. Gifted with razor‑sharp intellect and a flair for elaborate schemes, Artemis navigates a world where cutting‑edge technology meets ancient folklore. When he captures a fairy in a daring ransom plot, his actions set off a ripple that reaches far beyond his manor, hinting at forces that have long lingered unseen beneath the surface of everyday life.

Beneath the countryside lies a hidden realm of fairies, a bustling underground metropolis that fuses magic with sophisticated machinery. This secret society is as formidable as it is mysterious, governed by rules that have kept their world safe for centuries. Within its ranks, an eager young officer named Holly Short balances the rigid expectations of her order with a fierce curiosity about the human world above.

Artemis’s plan quickly draws the attention of those who guard the fairy city, pitting his strategic brilliance against their enchanted expertise. By his side stands his steadfast guardian Dom Butler, whose loyalty and quiet competence provide a steady anchor amid escalating tension. The interplay between Artemis’s calculated precision and Holly’s intuitive grasp of magic creates a compelling dance of wit and wonder, each trying to outthink the other while glimpsing the humanity—or otherness—beyond their own lives.

The tone of the story swirls between high‑stakes intrigue and a playful sense of discovery, inviting viewers into a universe where scientific ingenuity and enchanted lore coexist in fragile harmony. As the two worlds inch closer to a possible clash, secrets about Artemis’s lineage begin to surface, promising that the true battle may be as much about identity and legacy as it is about survival. The film’s blend of clever humor, sleek visuals, and a palpable sense of mystery ensures that every twist feels both inevitable and delightfully unexpected.

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