What Is End of Days About?
The premise of End of Days in 306 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the waning moments of the 20th century, New York City pulses with a nervous energy that feels almost prophetic. Skyscrapers loom like silent sentinels while the streets hum with whispered rumors of impending doom, and the looming turn of the millennium casts a pall of dread over every corner. The city’s familiar neon glow is tinged with an uneasy anticipation, suggesting that something far larger than ordinary crime is about to unfold.
Amid this urban anxiety walks Jericho Cane, a former police officer whose once‑steady world has been shattered by personal loss. Now working on the fringes of a private security outfit, he carries the weight of his own haunted past while trying to navigate a city that seems to be teetering on the edge of an unseen abyss. His instincts for protection are matched by a deep‑seated need for redemption, setting the stage for a reluctant hero who is both weary and determined.
The heart of the mystery centers on Christine York, a seemingly ordinary woman whose destiny has become intertwined with the looming crisis. Unaware of the ancient prophecy that marks her as crucial to the night’s fate, she moves through the city with a quiet resilience that both grounds and unsettles those around her. Her connection to the looming threat creates a tension that is as much emotional as it is supernatural, pulling Jericho into a desperate quest to shield her from forces that lurk beyond ordinary comprehension.
Together, the pair embody a clash of old‑world duty and modern dread, set against a backdrop where faith, fear, and the frantic race toward midnight converge. The tone is a blend of gritty urban thriller and ominous supernatural suspense, promising a battle that will test belief, courage, and the very soul of the city as it stands on the brink of a new era.
What Happens in End of Days?
The complete story of End of Days, from the first scene to the last, in 645 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.
Spoilers ahead
In 1979, a newborn girl named Christine York is marked by Satanists, including her doctor, Dr. Abel, and her guardian, Mabel, as the one destined to bear Satan’s son during the final hour of New Year’s Eve, 1999. This revelation comes about as a priest at the Vatican observes a celestial comet, referred to as the “Eye of God,” signaling the birth of this pivotal figure. Tasked by the Pope, the priest embarks on a mission to protect Christine from the impending evil. However, a faction of Vatican Knights, led by a corrupted cardinal, contends that she must be eliminated to thwart Satan’s plans—a notion opposed by most of the clergy, including the Pope, who believe that taking a life to stop evil is inherently sinful.
Fast forward twenty years to the end of 1999, where retired cop Jericho Cane (Arnold Schwarzenegger) grapples with deep sorrow following the brutal murder of his wife and daughter at the hands of hit men. He now works for an elite security firm alongside his friend Bobby Chicago. During an assignment to protect a Wall Street banker, they find themselves ambushed by a priest named Thomas Aquinas. Upon capturing him, they unwittingly uncover that the banker is under Satan’s possession and possesses formidable powers. As fate would have it, Satan brutally eliminates Aquinas, crucifying him on a hospital ceiling.
Determined to protect Christine, Jericho and Bobby begin their search for her after discovering vital clues inscribed on Aquinas’s skin. After rescuing the now-adult Christine York from an assassination attempt by the Vatican Knights, tragedy strikes when Satan appears and blows up their getaway van, claiming Bobby’s life in the explosion. As chaos ensues, Jericho confronts Mabel—a woman possessed by a supernatural force—who proves a formidable adversary despite her age.
With tensions rising, Jericho faces off against corrupt police officers, including Marge, his old superior, who are in league with Satan. After an intense confrontation, he faces demonic retribution when Satan resurrects Marge to further his own plans, sending the police on a search for Jericho and Christine. Seeking refuge, the duo turns to Father Kovak, who elucidates the dire situation: Satan aims to unite with Christine as part of a centuries-old prophecy.
“Satan’s greatest trick was to convince mankind that he does not exist.”
Understanding the grave stakes, Jericho urges Christine to go into hiding. However, she chooses to remain with Kovak, leading to a confrontation with Jericho’s inner turmoil as Satan attempts to manipulate him using visions of his lost family. When Jericho finally resolves to save Christine, his efforts draw him into a cat-and-mouse game with the Vatican Knights, who are also pursuing her.
As the tension escalates, Jericho’s determination leads him to a climactic battle between good and evil, where personal sacrifices are made, and loyalties are tested. Betrayed by Bobby, and ambushed by Satan’s forces, Jericho fights back against overwhelming odds. After a fierce battle within Satan’s hideaway, he and Christine make a desperate escape into a subway car. In a final showdown, Jericho uses a grenade launcher to force an escape from the collapsing train, leaving Satan scrambling for a new host after destroying the banker’s form.
No longer able to evade his destiny, Jericho finds himself in a church, praying for strength as Satan emerges in his true, monstrous form. In an intense battle for control, Jericho uses a statue of Saint Michael to free himself from Satan’s grasp in a final act of redemption, enabling Christine’s survival just as the clock strikes midnight. As the year 2000 dawns, Satan is cast back into the abyss, leaving Jericho to witness the serene vision of his family before he passes on, knowing his sacrifice saved Christine and prevented darkness from consuming the world. With New York rejoicing, Christine expresses her heartfelt gratitude to Jericho, forever changed by the extraordinary events of that fateful night.
End of Days Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
16 key events in the order they happen, from “Christine's Marking” to “Dawn of Year 2000”. 4 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
Christine's Marking
In 1979, a newborn girl named Christine York is marked by Satanists, including her doctor and her guardian. This marking signifies her fate as the one destined to bear Satan's son during the climactic moment of New Year's Eve, 1999.
When:1979
- 2
The Eye of God
A priest at the Vatican witnesses a celestial comet, known as the 'Eye of God,' marking the impending birth of a pivotal figure. This celestial event elevates concern among church leaders regarding Christine's safety and potential fate.
Where:Vatican
- 3
Papal Mission
The Pope assigns the priest to protect Christine from the evil forces plotting against her. However, a group of Vatican Knights believes the only way to prevent Satan's rise is to eliminate Christine, opposing the Pope's directive.
- 4
Jericho's Loss
Fast forward twenty years to the end of 1999, retired cop Jericho Cane is devastated by the brutal murder of his wife and daughter by hitmen. This personal tragedy leaves him emotionally scarred and changes his view on life.
When:1999
- 5
Ambush and Revelation
While working security for a Wall Street banker, Jericho and his partner Bobby Chicago are ambushed by the priest Thomas Aquinas. Upon capturing him, they discover that the banker is possessed by Satan and possesses immense power.
- 6
Aquinas's Fate
Satan brutally eliminates Aquinas by crucifying him on a hospital ceiling, showcasing his power and intent. This horrifying act propels Jericho into a desperate mission to protect Christine and unravel the unfolding chaos.
Where:Hospital
- 7
Finding Christine
Jericho and Bobby, upon realizing the threat to Christine, begin their quest to locate her. They decode vital clues found on Aquinas's skin, guiding them toward her location and providing hope amid the turmoil.
- 8
Assassination Attempt
After locating Christine York, the duo successfully rescues her from an assassination attempt by the Vatican Knights. However, tragedy ensues when Satan reveals himself, destroying their escape vehicle and killing Bobby in the explosion.
- 9
Confrontation with Mabel
Jericho faces Mabel, Christine's guardian, who has become possessed by a supernatural force. Despite her age, she proves to be a fierce adversary, complicating Jericho's mission to protect Christine.
- 10
Corrupted Allies
As tensions rise, Jericho confronts corrupt police officers, including his former superior Marge, who are allied with Satan. This betrayal expands the peril surrounding Jericho and Christine as they seek sanctuary.
Show the other 6 events of End of Days Hide the last 6 events
- 11
Father Kovak's Revelation
In their search for safety, Jericho and Christine meet Father Kovak, who explains Satan's grand plan to unite with her as part of a long-standing prophecy. This revelation stresses the urgency of their situation and elevates Jericho's determination to protect her.
- 12
Christine's Decision
Despite Jericho's insistence for her to hide, Christine decides to stay with Father Kovak. This choice ignites a conflict within Jericho as he must navigate his own fears and the manipulative tactics of Satan.
- 13
Cat and Mouse Game
Jericho's resolve to save Christine leads him into a harrowing game of cat and mouse with the Vatican Knights. Their pursuit culminates in chaotic clashes that push Jericho's skills and determination to the limit.
- 14
Climactic Showdown
In the climactic battle, Jericho faces overwhelming odds against Satan’s forces, culminating in a fierce confrontation within Satan's stronghold. The stakes are personal, and betrayal lurks as he fights to save Christine.
- 15
Redemption and Sacrifice
Jericho, praying for strength in a church, confronts Satan in his true form. Through a final act of redemption using a statue of Saint Michael, he enables Christine's survival just as midnight strikes, fulfilling his destiny.
When:New Year's Eve, 1999 Where:Church
- 16
Dawn of Year 2000
With the clock striking midnight, Satan is cast back into the abyss, and Jericho witnesses a vision of his family. His sacrifice saved Christine and prevented the forces of darkness from obliterating the world.
When:Year 2000 Where:New York
Who Are the Main Characters in End of Days?
3 characters, among them Jericho Cane (Arnold Schwarzenegger), Christine York (Robin Tunney) and Mabel (Gabriel Byrne): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Jericho Cane (Arnold Schwarzenegger)
Played by Arnold Schwarzenegger
Jericho Cane is a complex character, marked by personal tragedy and deep-seated anger stemming from his family's brutal murder. As a retired cop turned security personnel, he has a rugged exterior, but beneath lies a deeply caring individual driven by a sense of duty to protect others, especially Christine. His evolution throughout the film from a man grieving his past to a valiant hero highlights his resilience and ability to confront evil.
- 🕵️♂️ Vigilante
- 😢 Tragic Hero
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Christine York (Robin Tunney)
Played by Robin Tunney
Christine York is a pivotal character whose life is intricately linked to a darker prophecy. She displays courage in the face of impending doom, standing against forces far beyond her comprehension. As the film progresses, her transformation from a target to a powerful figure represents the fight against fate, and her resilience plays a crucial role in the narrative.
- 👧 Protagonist
- 🌟 Chosen One
-
Mabel (Gabriel Byrne)
Played by Gabriel Byrne
Mabel is an intriguing character, serving as both a guardian figure and a formidable adversary possessed by a supernatural entity. Her duality adds complexity to the narrative, showcasing how even those meant to protect can be corrupted. Her age juxtaposed with her power exemplifies the theme of appearances versus reality.
- 👵 Guardian
- 🧙♀️ Possessed
Where and When Is End of Days Set?
End of Days is set in Vatican and New York (1979, 1999). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1979, 1999
The film takes place at the cusp of the millennium, a time marked by existential fears about the end of days and apocalyptic prophecies. The late 1970s and 1990s were periods that witnessed significant social changes, technological advancements, and heightened anxiety about the future, setting a fitting backdrop for the supernatural conflict at its core.
Where
Vatican, New York
The Vatican is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church, famed for its historic architecture and as a site of significant religious events. New York, meanwhile, is a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant culture and diverse population, serving as a backdrop for consequential events in this film.
- 🏛️ Vatican
- 🌆 New York
What Are the Themes of End of Days?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Good vs Evil, Fate and Destiny and Loss and Redemption.
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01
Good vs Evil
The primary theme revolves around the battle between good and evil, as embodied by Jericho and Satan. Jericho's struggle against the forces of darkness highlights the timeless conflict present in human existence. This theme is explored through personal sacrifice and moral dilemmas, culminating in a showdown that tests the characters' faith and resolve.
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02
Fate and Destiny
Fate and destiny play a crucial role in the narrative, particularly concerning Christine, marked from birth for a significant purpose. The interplay between predetermined roles and individual choices drives the characters to confront their destinies, ultimately leading to a climactic resolution on New Year's Eve.
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03
Loss and Redemption
Loss and redemption are illustrated through Jericho's personal journey as he copes with the tragedy of his family's murder. The quest to save Christine becomes a means of redemption for his past failures, showcasing how love and sacrifice can lead to healing and hope amidst despair.
What Kind of Film Is End of Days?
Dark in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A relentless and high-stakes apocalyptic thriller that plunges a grief-stricken hero into a desperate race against time to stop Satan, creating a dark and intensely suspenseful viewing experience.
- apocalyptic
- desperate
- intense
- thrilling
- gritty
- oppressive
- good versus evil
- apocalyptic prophecy
- personal redemption
- satanic ritual
Content notes: graphic violence, demonic possession, crucifixion, murder, apocalyptic themes.
Quiz
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