What Is Meteor About?
The premise of Meteor in 288 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the aftermath of a world‑shattering meteor strike, the landscape is reduced to ash and fractured hope. The sky, once a familiar canopy, now looms with a perpetual haze that turns every sunrise into a reminder of the catastrophe. Society’s structures have crumbled, and the remnants of civilization cling to survival amid the ruins of once‑bustling towns and empty highways. The tone is stark and gritty, painted with the cold blues of early morning and the muted reds of dying fire, creating a world where every breath feels like a gamble.
Against this bleak backdrop, the hardened rancher emerges as a stoic survivor, his weather‑worn face bearing the weight of countless hardships long before the sky fell. He carries an unspoken code of self‑reliance, honed by years of tending to unforgiving land, and his taciturn nature masks a deep well of resourcefulness. By his side is the resourceful young woman, whose quick wit and innate ingenuity make her a beacon of adaptability in a world that rewards cleverness above brute strength. Their meeting is as much a collision of two worlds as it is a meeting of necessity, each recognizing in the other a chance to navigate the chaos that surrounds them.
Together they must contend with a band of dangerous mercenaries—opportunists who have seized upon the widespread devastation to carve out their own rule. The mercenaries’ ruthless pursuit adds a pulse of relentless tension, turning every step across the shattered terrain into a precarious dance between caution and daring. As the pair learns to trust one another’s disparate skills, the story teeters between desperate survival and the faint, persistent flicker of hope that perhaps, even in the darkest of times, humanity can find a way to endure.
What Happens in Meteor?
The complete story of Meteor, from the first scene to the last, in 383 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
A massive collision occurs between a comet and an asteroid dubbed Orpheus, which now heads for Earth on a catastrophic trajectory. This five-mile-wide meteor brings chaos as smaller, swifter fragments fall to the ground, prompting the United States government and military to engage in a web of political posturing. Central to the narrative is Dr. Bradley (Sean Connery), who oversees a covert nuclear missile platform named Hercules, while his Soviet counterpart, Dr. Alexei Dubov (Brian Keith), operates a similar platform known as Peter the Great.
As the situation escalates, President (Henry Fonda) grapples with military advisors who caution against acknowledging Hercules’ existence. In a bold move, the President informs the nation about Hercules, portraying it as a visionary response to the imminent threat posed by Orpheus. He extends an olive branch to the Soviets, suggesting they also possess the foresight of such technology.
With the clock ticking, Bradley and Sherwood maneuver to the control center for Hercules, discreetly situated beneath the Sony Building in New York, under the command of Major-General Adlon (Martin Landau). In an effort to ease tensions, Dubov and the eloquent voice of his assistant, Tatiana Donskaya (Natalie Wood), arrive at the facility. Dubov hesitantly agrees to collaborate with Bradley on theoretical strategies, despite the political constraints preventing an acknowledgment of the Soviet’s defensive capabilities.
As fragments of the meteor continue to wreak havoc on Earth, the Soviets finally concede the existence of their weapon platform and agree to cooperate. The two platforms, Hercules and Peter the Great, are reoriented to target the meteor. In a stunning turn of events, Peter the Great launches its missiles first, followed by Hercules, but not before a devastating fragment obliterates New York City, reducing iconic structures to ash.
Within the control center, chaos unfolds as workers face impending doom from the East River flooding their makeshift sanctuary. The surviving crew members muster their resolve and escape through the subway, amid urgent broadcasts relaying the news of their success: Orpheus has either been destroyed or redirected harmlessly.
Finally, the scene transitions to an airport adorned with both Soviet and American flags. In this poignant moment, Dubov and Tatiana bid farewell to Bradley and the team, boarding a flight destined for Russia, embodying a glimmer of hope amidst the shared struggle against a common foe.
Meteor Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
10 key events in the order they happen, from “Collision with Orpheus” to “A Hopeful Farewell”. 4 events name a place, across 3 locations.
- 1
Collision with Orpheus
A massive collision between a comet and an asteroid named Orpheus sends it hurtling toward Earth on a catastrophic trajectory. The five-mile-wide meteor triggers chaos as smaller fragments begin to fall, posing an imminent threat to the planet.
- 2
Government Response
In response to the threat, the United States government and military engage in a web of political maneuvering while scrambling to prepare for the potential disaster. Tensions rise as the nation grapples with the looming disaster and what actions are necessary.
- 3
Dr. Bradley's Role
Dr. Bradley oversees a covert nuclear missile platform called Hercules, playing a pivotal role in the defense strategy against Orpheus. His expertise becomes crucial as the situation escalates and conventional methods begin to fail.
- 4
President's Dilemma
President Henry Fonda faces intense pressure from military advisors who advise him against revealing the existence of Hercules. In a bold move, he decides to inform the nation, framing it as a visionary response to the meteor threat.
- 5
Soviet Cooperation
Amid escalating chaos, Dr. Alexei Dubov, the Soviet counterpart, along with his assistant Tatiana Donskaya, arrives to discuss potential cooperation. Despite the political tension, Dubov agrees to collaborate with Bradley on strategies to combat Orpheus.
Where:Control Center of Hercules
- 6
Reorientation of Platforms
As time runs out, both Hercules and the Soviet platform, Peter the Great, are reoriented to target the incoming meteor. This agreement marks a significant shift in cooperation between the two nations as they face a common enemy.
- 7
Missile Launch
In a desperate attempt to neutralize the threat, Peter the Great launches its missiles first followed by Hercules. However, before their missiles can take full effect, a large fragment of the meteor devastates New York City.
Where:New York City
- 8
Chaos in the Control Center
Within the control center of Hercules, chaos erupts as flooding from the East River threatens the crew's makeshift sanctuary. Amid the impending doom, the surviving crew members musters their courage and swiftly navigate their escape.
Where:Control Center of Hercules
- 9
Breaking News
As the crew makes their escape, urgent broadcasts inform the public that Orpheus has either been successfully destroyed or redirected into a safe trajectory. This moment brings a wave of relief as the immediate crisis appears to be averted.
- 10
A Hopeful Farewell
In a poignant conclusion, Dubov and Tatiana bid farewell to Bradley and the rest of the team at an airport adorned with Soviet and American flags. Their departure signifies a newfound hope amidst their shared struggle against a catastrophic threat.
Where:Airport
Who Are the Main Characters in Meteor?
5 characters, among them Dr. Bradley (Sean Connery), Dr. Alexei Dubov (Brian Keith) and President (Henry Fonda): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Dr. Bradley (Sean Connery)
Played by Sean Connery
Dr. Bradley is a pivotal character who oversees the covert nuclear missile platform, Hercules. He embodies a blend of authority and determination as he navigates the political landscape to protect the Earth from impending doom. His role highlights the responsibilities placed on leaders during a crisis.
- 👨⚕️ Scientist
- 🌍 Leader
-
Dr. Alexei Dubov (Brian Keith)
Played by Brian Keith
Dr. Dubov serves as the Soviet counterpart working on the missile platform Peter the Great. Initially hesitant, he ultimately embraces collaboration with the Americans, showcasing a character evolution indicative of the film's themes of cooperation. His character reflects the complexities of political divides and shared humanity.
- 👨⚕️ Scientist
- 🇷🇺 Soviet
-
President (Henry Fonda)
Played by Henry Fonda
The President plays a crucial role in managing the crisis, balancing military advice with public communication. He is depicted as a leader willing to take bold actions while navigating diplomatic waters, embodying the urgency and stress of decision-making during global threats.
- 👔 Politician
- 🇺🇸 Leader
-
Major-General Adlon (Martin Landau)
Played by Martin Landau
Major-General Adlon is the commanding officer at the Hercules control center. His military background adds a layer of tension to the situation as he manages both the technology and personnel amidst chaos. His character represents the military's integral role in crisis management.
- 🎖️ Military
- 🌍 Commander
-
Tatiana Donskaya (Natalie Wood)
Played by Natalie Wood
Tatiana serves as Dr. Dubov's assistant and represents the voice of collaboration and hope. She plays a significant role in bridging the gap between Soviet and American efforts, showcasing a character who embodies grace under pressure. Her presence highlights the human element in the catastrophic scenario.
- 👩💼 Assistant
- 🇷🇺 Diplomat
Where and When Is Meteor Set?
Meteor is set in New York City (Contemporary). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Contemporary
The movie takes place in a contemporary time period where modern technology is pivotal in addressing global threats. This era is marked by political tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union as they navigate collaboration amidst rivalry. The narrative reflects the urgency of crisis management in the face of imminent danger.
Where
New York City
New York City serves as a critical location in the film, showcasing its bustling urban landscape and iconic structures. It is known for its cultural diversity and significance as a global hub. The events of the movie highlight the city's vulnerability to catastrophic threats.
- 🌆 City
- 🌍 Earth
What Are the Themes of Meteor?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Cooperation, Destruction and Political Tension.
-
01
Cooperation
A prominent theme of the movie is the necessity for cooperation between rival nations in times of crisis. As the threat of the meteor looms, characters from opposing sides are compelled to work together to devise a solution. This theme underscores the importance of unity and diplomacy in overcoming shared challenges.
-
02
Destruction
The theme of destruction is central to the film's narrative, particularly illustrated by the catastrophic impact of the meteor fragments. The obliteration of New York City signifies the dire consequences of inaction. The film explores how humanity confronts the potential for mass destruction, prompting urgent responses from politicians and military leaders.
-
03
Political Tension
Political tension between the United States and the Soviet Union is a crucial backdrop for the story. As military strategies unfold, the film navigates the intricate relationships and rivalries that shape global responses to disaster. The delicate balance of power and trust is tested, revealing the complexities of international relations.
What Kind of Film Is Meteor?
Tense in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A tense and catastrophic Cold War thriller with a relentless pace, depicting a desperate global race to prevent extinction while major cities are destroyed, ending on a note of fragile, bittersweet cooperation.
- tense
- anxious
- urgent
- catastrophic
- grim
- hopeful
- global disaster
- race against time
- international cooperation
- cold war politics
Content notes: mass destruction, civilian casualties, apocalyptic scenario, military violence.
Quiz
How well do you remember Meteor? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Meteor
Stream it on Fawesome and Hoopla, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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