What Is Next About?
The premise of Next in 291 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the neon‑lit underbelly of Las Vegas, Cris Johnson makes a living as a modest magician, dazzling casino crowds while quietly exploiting a bewildering gift: he can glimpse two minutes into his own future. That fleeting foresight turns everyday tricks into a high‑stakes gamble, letting him stay one step ahead of losses, police, and the inevitable randomness of a city that never sleeps. The film opens with his routine life, a blend of sleight of hand and solitary wonder, rooted in a world where illusion and reality blur at every corner.
When the U.S. intelligence community catches wind of his ability, Callie Ferris—a determined NSA agent—arrives with a proposition that turns the stakes from personal profit to global consequence. She believes Cris’s vision could be the key to averting a looming nuclear disaster that threatens Los Angeles and, by extension, the world. Their uneasy partnership is forged in tension: a charismatic rogue who lives in the moment and a disciplined operative obsessed with control. The tension crackles as they navigate a cat‑and‑mouse dance across desert highways, glittering casinos, and shadowy government offices, each aware that every choice may ripple forward in ways neither fully understands.
Beyond the chase, the story is flavored by a lingering curiosity that haunts Cris—a recurring vision of a woman he’s never met, compelling him to return to the same roadside diner day after day. That mysterious presence adds a subtle, human thread to the high‑octane thriller, suggesting that even someone who can see the near future is still drawn by the ordinary mysteries of connection and longing. The tone balances slick, pulse‑pounding suspense with moments of introspective wonder, inviting the audience to ponder how far one might go when the future is just a heartbeat away.
What Happens in Next?
The complete story of Next, from the first scene to the last, in 606 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Cris Johnson, portrayed by Nicolas Cage, possesses a unique gift that allows him to glimpse into his future, albeit only for a duration of two minutes and exclusively concerning himself. This peculiar ability is complicated further by a singular vision of a woman entering a diner—one that drives him to visit the establishment daily at 8:09 in hopes of meeting her. By day, Cris performs as a small-time magician in Las Vegas, supplementing his earnings through gambling, expertly using his power to win modest sums against the house.
His unusual talents soon draw the interest of NSA Agent Callie Ferris, who has deduced his potential to assist in thwarting a nuclear threat posed by Russian terrorists. However, before Ferris can make contact, Cris’s gambling exploits attract the attention of casino security. By forecasting the actions of those pursuing him, he skillfully eludes both his pursuers and the local police.
Despite skepticism from NSA Director Wisdom (Jim Beaver), Ferris is given a challenge: track down Cris within five days. Teaming up with fellow agent Cavanaugh (Tory Kittles), she locates Cris but loses him when he anticipates her arrival. Having foresaw the entire conversation with Ferris, he is well-prepared for her attempts to enlist his help.
One evening, as he resumes his vigil at the diner, he finally encounters Liz Cooper, played by Jessica Biel—the woman from his earlier vision. Cris discovers that he holds the power not only to see the future but also to manipulate it based on his actions. When Liz’s aggressive ex-boyfriend confronts them, Cris envisions multiple outcomes of his interference and strategically chooses his actions to win Liz’s favor. As she is heading towards Flagstaff, Cris cunningly persuades her to give him a ride, unaware that Ferris is tailing them while the terrorists, monitoring FBI movements, tighten their grip.
With the nuclear device’s location traced back to Los Angeles, Ferris convinces her superiors to include Cris in their operation, especially as the threat inches closer to realization. In a race against time, Cris and Liz find themselves spending the night in a motel, where Ferris attempts to dissuade Liz, alleging that Cris is dangerous. In a surprising twist, Liz defies Ferris and warns Cris about the impending danger, revealing the reality of his foresight.
After a daring rescue against some falling logs puts Cris in the FBI’s crosshairs, he finds himself taken captive as the terrorists kidnap Liz. The NSA pressures Cris to yield a vision that will aid them. Instead of foreseeing the bomb’s detonation, he sees a terrible scenario where Liz is fatally harmed, strapped to a bomb vest. This drives him to escape and rush to save her.
In a tense showdown at the parking garage, Cris uses his abilities to dodge bullets while engaging with the terrorists, revealing just how potent his powers can be. With the terrorist threat seemingly neutralized, they soon discover the bomb has already been relocated. As they attempt to track it, Ferris shows Cris a seismograph to help him uncover any signs of the impending explosion. However, as he concentrates, he realizes he has made a dreadful miscalculation; the bomb explodes at sea, devastating the port and inflicting catastrophic damage on the city.
In a twist of fate, time resets to a day before in their hotel room in Arizona. Realizing that Liz’s involvement has allowed him to envision the chain of events leading to the nuclear catastrophe, Cris acknowledges the profound impact of choice on the future. With renewed purpose, he contacts Ferris to offer his help once more, assuring Liz he will return. > “Every time you look into the future, it changes.”
Next Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Cris's Unique Gift” to “A New Resolve”. 10 events name a place, across 9 locations.
- 1
Cris's Unique Gift
Cris Johnson discovers he has the ability to see two minutes into his own future. This unusual talent leads him to live a life of petty gambling and small-time magic in Las Vegas.
Where:Las Vegas
- 2
Daily Vigil at the Diner
Every day at 8:09, Cris visits a diner in hopes of meeting a mysterious woman he has seen in his visions. He feels compelled to find her and this drives a significant part of his life.
When:8:09 AM Where:Diner
- 3
NSA's Interest
NSA Agent Callie Ferris becomes aware of Cris's abilities and sees him as a potential asset to prevent a looming nuclear threat from Russian terrorists. She aims to make contact and recruit him for the mission.
- 4
Casino Pursuit
As Cris continues his gambling spree using his powers, he inadvertently catches the attention of casino security. He must use his foresight to evade them and the local police.
Where:Las Vegas Casino
- 5
Finding Cris
With a tight deadline of five days, Ferris and her partner Cavanaugh track down Cris. However, Cris anticipates Ferris's arrival, managing to evade her attempts to connect.
- 6
Meeting Liz
Cris finally meets Liz Cooper, the woman from his visions. This encounter reveals his ability not just to foresee the future, but also to influence it through his choices.
Where:Diner
- 7
Ride to Flagstaff
Cris persuades Liz to give him a ride towards Flagstaff while oblivious to the threats tailing them, including Ferris and the terrorists. This marks a turning point in both their lives.
Where:On the road
- 8
Nuclear Threat Emerges
Ferris determines that the nuclear threat has a location traced back to Los Angeles. She secures Cris's involvement in the operation to help neutralize the danger.
Where:Los Angeles
- 9
Motel Night
Cris and Liz spend the night in a motel, where Ferris attempts to dissuade Liz from being with Cris. However, Liz warns Cris about the imminent danger, revealing his foresight's reality.
Where:Motel, Arizona
- 10
Kidnapping and Capture
After a tense moment involving falling logs, Liz is kidnapped by terrorists. Cris finds himself in custody as the NSA pressures him to provide critical insights into the situation.
Show the other 5 events of Next Hide the last 5 events
- 11
A Vision of Danger
Cris experiences a horrifying vision where Liz is in mortal danger, strapped to a bomb vest. This profoundly disturbs him and fuels his determination to escape and rescue her.
- 12
Showdown with Terrorists
In a climactic encounter at a parking garage, Cris uses his powers to outsmart and fight against the terrorists, showcasing the extent of his abilities to dodge bullets and plan strategically.
Where:Parking Garage
- 13
Realization of a Grave Mistake
Despite neutralizing the immediate terrorist threat, Cris realizes that he has miscalculated the bomb's location. The devastating explosion at sea leads to massive destruction in the city.
Where:Port
- 14
Time Resets
In a shocking twist, Cris finds himself back in the hotel room a day earlier. He understands that Liz's presence has significantly affected his visions and the course of events.
Where:Hotel Room, Arizona
- 15
A New Resolve
Determined to change the outcome, Cris reaches out to Ferris to offer his assistance once again. He assures Liz that he will return, emphasizing his new understanding of choice and its impact on the future.
Who Are the Main Characters in Next?
3 characters, among them Cris Johnson, Callie Ferris and Liz Cooper: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Cris Johnson
Played by Nicolas Cage
Cris Johnson is a small-time magician with the extraordinary ability to see glimpses of his future, which he uses strategically to navigate challenges. He struggles with the implications of his powers, often feeling overwhelmed by the burden of knowing potential outcomes. His determination to protect Liz and evade threats showcases his resilience and moral complexity.
- 🎩 Magician
- 🔍 Seer
- 🏃♂️ Protector
-
Callie Ferris
Played by Julianne Moore
Callie Ferris is a tenacious NSA agent determined to utilize Cris's unique gift in the fight against terrorism. She is pragmatic and focused, willing to take risks to ensure national security, but shows a degree of empathy towards Cris. Her character reveals the challenges of balancing duty with understanding the humanity of those involved.
- 👮♀️ Agent
- 🛡️ Protector
- 📜 Strategic
-
Liz Cooper
Played by Jessica Biel
Liz Cooper is a central figure in Cris's life, a woman whose presence drives his motivations. She is portrayed as compassionate and brave, standing by Cris in critical moments despite the dangers they face. Her relationship with Cris emphasizes the importance of love and personal connections amidst the chaos of their lives.
- 💖 Love Interest
- 🌟 Brave
- 🌍 Grounded
Where and When Is Next Set?
Next is set in Las Vegas, Arizona, Los Angeles and Flagstaff (Modern Day). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Modern Day
The movie is set in the contemporary era, reflecting the realities of modern technology and the ongoing threat of terrorism. This time period features elements of urgency and technological advancement, especially in the context of national security and intelligence operations.
Where
Las Vegas, Arizona, Los Angeles, Flagstaff
Las Vegas is a vibrant city known for its bustling entertainment scene, casinos, and nightlife, serving as the backdrop for Cris's gambling exploits. Arizona provides a desert landscape that contrasts with the urban atmosphere of Las Vegas, highlighting Cris's journey. Los Angeles is a major city that represents the looming nuclear threat in the narrative, while Flagstaff serves as a pivotal point in Cris's connection with Liz.
- 🌆 City
- 🌄 Desert
- 🏙️ Urban
What Are the Themes of Next?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Fate, Love and Conflict.
-
01
Fate
The theme of fate plays a crucial role as Cris learns that his ability to see the future can be manipulated through choice. Each decision he makes impacts the potential outcomes of his visions, showcasing the delicate balance between destiny and free will. The movie explores how understanding one's future can lead to significant changes in the present.
-
02
Love
Love emerges as a strong theme as Cris's connection with Liz drives his actions and decisions. Despite the chaos surrounding them, their relationship becomes a source of motivation for Cris, pushing him to save her and alter the dire future he sees. This romantic bond highlights the intersection of personal stakes with larger threats.
-
03
Conflict
Conflict arises on multiple levels, including Cris's internal struggle with his powers and the external threats from terrorists. The tension between the NSA's pursuit of Cris and his desire to live a normal life amplifies the narrative's urgency. Ultimately, the climax centers around the battle to save Liz and avert disaster.
What Kind of Film Is Next?
Tense in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Happy
A fast-paced and anxious thriller where a man's ability to see minutes into the future is used in a desperate race against time to prevent a nuclear catastrophe, creating a tense and high-stakes atmosphere.
- anxious
- suspenseful
- urgent
- high-stakes
- tense
- romantic
- time travel
- precognition
- nuclear threat
- fbi investigation
Content notes: nuclear threat, kidnapping, terrorism, implied mass death.
Quiz
How well do you remember Next? Test yourself on the story.
