What Is Cool World About?
The premise of Cool World in 317 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a world where neon lights flicker over the desert and imagination leaks into the streets, there exists a hidden dimension of pure, kinetic color. Cool World is a surreal playground populated by animated beings—“doodles”—who move with the swagger of classic cartoons while hinting at something darker beneath their glossy veneer. The realm pulses with a glossy, almost tactile visual style, inviting anyone who catches a glimpse to wonder how far the line between reality and fantasy truly runs.
Frank Harris is a young soldier stepping back into civilian life, still carrying the weight of a war that left him adrift. Troubled by memories that feel more like sketches than solid facts, he finds himself inexplicably drawn into the vibrant streets of Cool World, where he discovers he is the only flesh‑and‑blood presence among the endlessly shifting ink‑filled inhabitants. The experience is both intoxicating and unsettling, offering him a chance to explore a reality where the rules of the ordinary no longer apply.
Jack Deebs, an ambitious artist haunted by a relentless stream of visions, has long turned his bizarre dreams into comic panels, hoping to capture the electric energy of that other side. His creative drive becomes a portal, pulling him toward the same animated expanse that once beckoned Frank. There, he encounters the mesmerizing Holli Would, a charismatic doodle whose allure is matched only by the forbidden nature of her world. Their connection hints at possibilities that could reshape both their lives, yet the very act of bridging the two realms feels like stepping onto a tightrope over an abyss.
The film balances a playful, comic‑book aesthetic with an undercurrent of tension, suggesting that every brushstroke between the human world and Cool World carries weight. As the characters navigate this dazzling yet precarious interface, the audience is invited to revel in the visual spectacle while pondering the cost of letting imagination cross over into reality.
What Happens in Cool World?
The complete story of Cool World, from the first scene to the last, in 405 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 2 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
The film intricately weaves together two distinct realms: the tangible world we inhabit and the vibrant Cool World, filled with animated beings known as “doodles.” The story unfolds in 1945 Las Vegas, where Frank Harris (played by Brad Pitt), a returning GI, reunites with his mother. However, tragedy strikes when a motorcycle accident leads to her untimely death. Overwhelmed with grief and haunted by visions, Frank finds himself drifting into the animated Cool World.
Fast forward to 1992, and we meet Jack Deebs, portrayed by Gabriel Byrne, who is serving time for the murder of a man caught in a compromising situation with his wife. During his imprisonment, Jack is frequently visited by hallucinations of Cool World and its alluring inhabitant, Holli Would, played by Kim Basinger. To cope with his circumstances, Jack channels his experiences into a comic series that draws inspiration from his vivid visions of this animated universe.
Upon his release and return to Las Vegas, Jack is unexpectedly pulled into the whimsical realm of Cool World, where Holli harbors the desire to engage with him intimately in hopes of transforming into a real human. However, such relationships are strictly forbidden in Cool World, as they could endanger the boundary separating the two dimensions. As events unfold, Frank’s mission alongside his doodle ally, Nails, revolves around preventing any illicit interactions that could destabilize their worlds.
As the plot thickens, it becomes apparent that Frank has developed feelings for Lonette, a seductive animated waitress, adding a layer of complexity to the unfolding drama. In a fateful twist, Jack and Holli’s union results in her transformation into a noid—actual human form. The repercussions of their actions ripple through both worlds, leading to moments where they morph into grotesque doodle forms.
In a climactic turn, Holli discovers the Golden Spike of Power, a vital element that upholds the balance between dimensions, but her attempts to reclaim her doodle form unleash chaotic creatures into the real world. Jack undergoes a metamorphosis into a powerful humanoid doodle as he strives to restore the spike to its rightful place. In this tumultuous finale, Frank sacrifices himself in an effort to halt Holli, only to find rebirth as a doodle, allowing him to pursue a romantic connection with Lonette. Amidst the fantastical chaos, Jack is left to navigate his new life in the Cool World, with hopes of marrying Holli while confronting the unpredictable nature of their intertwined fates.
Cool World Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Frank's Return to Las Vegas” to “Jack's Hope for Future”. 14 events name a place, across 3 locations.
- 1
Frank's Return to Las Vegas
In 1945 Las Vegas, Frank Harris returns home as a GI and is excited to reunite with his mother. However, this moment of joy quickly turns tragic when she is killed in a motorcycle accident, leaving Frank devastated and alone.
When:1945 Where:Las Vegas
- 2
Frank's Descent into Grief
Overwhelmed by grief from losing his mother, Frank begins to experience haunting visions. These visions draw him into the animated realm known as Cool World, marking the beginning of his unusual journey.
Where:Cool World
- 3
Jack's Imprisonment
Fast forward to 1992, Jack Deebs is in prison for a violent crime stemming from a confrontation with a man who was involved with his wife. During his incarceration, Jack is often visited by hallucinations of Cool World, blurring the line between reality and fantasy.
When:1992 Where:Prison
- 4
Creating Comic Inspirations
To cope with his time in prison, Jack begins to create a comic series that channels his frequent hallucinations. These comics feature characters and stories from his vivid imaginings of Cool World, solidifying his connection to this animated realm.
Where:Prison
- 5
Jack's Release and Journey to Cool World
Upon his release from prison, Jack unexpectedly finds himself pulled into the animated realm of Cool World. This fantastical transition allows him to meet Holli Would, the alluring inhabitant who seeks to engage with him.
Where:Cool World
- 6
Holli's Desire to Become Human
Inside Cool World, Holli Would expresses her longing to transform from a doodle into a real human, which is against the rules of her universe. Her ambitions complicate her relationship with Jack, who becomes her object of fascination.
Where:Cool World
- 7
Frank and Nails' Mission
As Jack interacts with Holli, Frank emerges from his own journey and teams up with his doodle ally, Nails. Their primary mission is to safeguard the boundaries between the two realms and prevent any forbidden interactions that could jeopardize their existence.
Where:Cool World
- 8
Frank's Growing Affection for Lonette
While navigating the complicated dynamics of Cool World, Frank finds himself developing feelings for Lonette, a seductive animated waitress. This emotional entanglement adds a layer of complexity to the already turbulent events unfolding in Cool World.
Where:Cool World
- 9
Jack and Holli's Union
In a critical moment, Jack and Holli unite, leading to her transformation into a noid, which is an actual human form. This transformation triggers unforeseen consequences that cause chaos in both Cool World and the real world.
Where:Cool World
- 10
Holli's Search for the Golden Spike
Amid the chaos of their actions, Holli discovers the Golden Spike of Power, an essential element that maintains the balance between the two worlds. However, her attempts to reclaim it unleash chaotic creatures that threaten the fabric of both realms.
Where:Cool World
Show the other 4 events of Cool World Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Jack's Transformation
As the situation escalates, Jack transforms into a powerful humanoid doodle, gaining extraordinary abilities. He embarks on a quest to restore the Golden Spike and save both Cool World and the tangible realm from imminent disaster.
Where:Cool World
- 12
Frank's Sacrifice
In a climactic turn of events, Frank makes the ultimate sacrifice in a bid to stop Holli from wreaking havoc with the Golden Spike's power. This act leads to his rebirth as a doodle, symbolizing his commitment to his new reality.
Where:Cool World
- 13
Embracing a New Identity
After being reborn as a doodle, Frank begins his new life filled with possibilities in Cool World. He can now pursue a romantic relationship with Lonette, exploring the complexities of love across the boundaries of their distinct realms.
Where:Cool World
- 14
Jack's Hope for Future
With the chaotic elements settled, Jack plans his future alongside Holli, hoping for a normal life in Cool World. He navigates the unpredictability of their intertwined fates while grappling with his new identity.
Where:Cool World
Who Are the Main Characters in Cool World?
3 characters, among them Jack Deebs (Gabriel Byrne), Holli Would (Kim Basinger) and Frank Harris: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 2 of them link to the actor’s page.
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Jack Deebs (Gabriel Byrne)
Played by Gabriel Byrne
Jack Deebs is a complex character, grappling with guilt and the surreal consequences of his actions. Serving time for a crime fueled by emotional turmoil, he uses his vivid hallucinations of Cool World to create a comic series that reflects his inner struggles. His tumultuous journey leads him to navigate both love and the chaotic consequences of his desires.
- 💔 Guilt
- 🎨 Creativity
-
Holli Would (Kim Basinger)
Played by Kim Basinger
Holli Would is a seductive and ambitious inhabitant of Cool World, driven by her desire to experience human reality. Her character embodies the longing for connection and the chaos that ensues when boundaries are disregarded. Holli's transformation from doodle to noid represents her struggle with identity and the powerful implications of her choices.
- 💋 Seduction
- 🌀 Chaos
- FH
Frank Harris
Frank Harris is a returning GI, marked by tragedy and grief. His character serves as a protector of the boundaries between the real and animated worlds. Overwhelmed by loss, he finds a new purpose in preventing chaos in Cool World while exploring his own emotional connections.
- 😢 Grief
- 🛡️ Protector
Where and When Is Cool World Set?
Cool World is set in Las Vegas and Cool World (1945, 1992). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1945, 1992
The movie spans two significant time periods: the aftermath of World War II in 1945, a time marked by societal change and personal trauma, and the early 1990s, a decade defined by cultural experimentation. These eras reflect the characters' struggles and evolution, from Frank Harris's grief in the post-war context to Jack Deebs's battle with guilt and identity in a more modern, albeit troubled, society.
Where
Las Vegas, Cool World
Las Vegas is known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment, making it a fitting backdrop for the film's contrasting realities. On the other hand, Cool World is a whimsical animated realm inhabited by 'doodles' that embodies the essence of creativity and fantasy. This duality highlights the stark differences between the mundane reality and the imaginative escapism of animation.
- 🏙️ City
- 🎨 Animation
What Are the Themes of Cool World?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love, Transformation and Balance.
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01
Love
The theme of love is portrayed in its various forms, from Frank's sacrificial love for his world and Lonette to Jack's obsessive desire for Holli. These relationships highlight the conflict between desire and the consequences of crossing boundaries. Ultimately, love drives the characters' actions and decisions, impacting the balance between their realities.
-
02
Transformation
Transformation acts as a central theme, as characters evolve through their experiences in both real and animated realms. Jack's metamorphosis into a noid symbolizes his struggle with identity and the consequences of his choices. This theme underscores the fluid nature of self, highlighting how personal experiences shape who they become.
-
03
Balance
The film explores the delicate balance between two dimensions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order in both the real and animated worlds. Frank and Jack's efforts to navigate and protect these realms serve as a reminder of the risks associated with crossing boundaries. The Golden Spike of Power is a symbol of this balance, representing the fragility of their coexistence.
What Kind of Film Is Cool World?
Dark in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Mixed
A fast-paced, chaotic crossover of animation and live-action that explores forbidden desires and artistic obsession within a surreal landscape, leading to grotesque consequences and a cosmically unstable ending.
- surreal
- erotic
- chaotic
- grotesque
- fantastical
- unsettling
- reality crossover
- sexual desire
- artistic creation
- forbidden love
Content notes: sexual content, murder.
Quiz
How well do you remember Cool World? Test yourself on the story.
