What Is Postal About?
The premise of Postal in 246 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the dusty outskirts of Paradise, Arizona, a red‑haired loner known only as Postal Dude dwells in a cramped caravan trailer, sharing the space with his fiery spouse, The Bitch. Their modest home sits behind a modest suburban house, a setting that feels both ordinary and slightly askew, hinting at the oddities that linger just beneath the surface of everyday life. The town itself is a patchwork of quiet streets, quirky locals, and an ever‑present sense that something is just a little off‑kilter.
When a simple misdialed phone call thrusts Postal Dude into a cascade of inexplicable circumstances, his routine quickly unravels. What begins as a harmless mistake soon spirals into a series of increasingly bizarre encounters, each one pulling him deeper into a world where the line between the mundane and the surreal grows ever thinner. The atmosphere is charged with a dark, irreverent humor that invites both laughter and unease, as ordinary errands become the backdrop for unpredictable chaos.
The film’s tone dances between satirical commentary and absurdist mayhem, painting a portrait of a man forced to confront an escalating reality that seems to mock his attempts at normalcy. Through witty observation and a constantly shifting sense of danger, Postal Dude navigates a landscape where every interaction feels simultaneously familiar and alien. The audience is left to wonder just how far the situation will stretch before reality itself collapses, all while rooting for a protagonist whose only weapon may be his unflinching, sardonic outlook.
What Happens in Postal?
The complete story of Postal, from the first scene to the last, in 452 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.
Spoilers ahead
As the Postal Dude, an elongated figure sporting a vibrant mane of red hair, a goatee, sunglasses, a sleek black leather trench coat, and a T-shirt featuring a curious grey alien, resides in his run-down caravan trailer situated behind a home in the charming town of Paradise, Arizona. He shares this modest living space with his relentless wife, affectionately dubbed “The Bitch”. The game’s storyline unfolds over the course of seven days, from Monday to Friday, each day presenting a new array of tasks for the Postal Dude to fulfill.
At the start of each day, players find themselves charged with seemingly trivial errands, such as retrieving milk or confessing sins. However, the core of Postal 2 lies in the freedom it grants players to approach these tasks however they see fit - whether opting for a more serene approach or unleashing outright chaos and violence upon the oblivious townsfolk. This sentiment is captured beautifully in the game’s tagline: > “Remember, it’s only as violent as you are!” Each task offers diverse pathways to completion, often presenting multiple solutions for players to explore.
One of the game’s distinctive features is a mission that can be triggered when the Postal Dude takes a brief respite from his daily grind to relieve himself. In this scenario, players embark on the Postal Dude’s quest to address his newly acquired case of gonorrhea.
Throughout his journey, the Postal Dude encounters incessant instigation from the locals, who seem to take pleasure in testing his limits. He experiences a range of humiliations, including vulgar gestures, theft, assaults from various protesting factions, and harassment by an obnoxious convenience store owner/terrorist alongside his line-cutting patrons. Daily life is further complicated by interactions with an unexpected marching band, the lethal toy mascot Krotchy, members of the Paradise Police Department and SWAT team, aggressive ATF agents, the National Guard, an idiosyncratic religious cult, cannibalistic butcher shop employees, fervent al-Qaeda terrorists (including the notorious Osama bin Laden), and even the once-cherished child actor Gary Coleman, to name just a few.
As Friday afternoon approaches, the scene reaches a frenzy; the environment descends into chaos and lawlessness prevails. A gloomy sky darkens overhead, and cats begin their eerie descent, signaling an ominous atmosphere. Meanwhile, the townsfolk arm themselves, turning the streets into a combat zone filled with erratic gunfire that asserts a deadly tempo. In this apocalyptic setting, the Postal Dude returns to his modest trailer, only to find himself in a fiery dispute with his wife over a slight - specifically, her unfulfilled desire for “rocky road” ice cream at the game’s outset. The tension mounts until an unexpected gunshot reverberates through the air, leaving players in suspense as the credits begin to roll.
Postal Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
13 key events in the order they happen, from “Introduction to the Postal Dude” to “Credits Roll”. 12 events name a place, across 8 locations.
- 1
Introduction to the Postal Dude
The Postal Dude is introduced as the unique protagonist, living in a rundown caravan behind a home in Paradise, Arizona. His distinct appearance, complete with red hair and a leather trench coat, sets the tone for the outlandish scenarios to come.
When:Monday Where:Paradise, Arizona
- 2
Daily Errands Begin
As the game kicks off, the Postal Dude is tasked with seemingly mundane errands such as retrieving milk or confessing sins. These tasks serve as the foundation for the player’s exploration of the bizarre world surrounding him.
When:Monday Morning Where:Postal Dude's Trailer
- 3
Chaos Unleashed
Players discover the freedom afforded by the game to tackle their tasks in any manner they see fit. They can choose to be peaceful or embrace a more violent approach, each decision leading to wildly different outcomes and reactions from the townsfolk.
Where:Town of Paradise
- 4
A Moment of Controversy
One of the more unique missions presents itself when the Postal Dude decides to take a break to relieve himself. This comedic yet bizarre scenario propels the player into a quest related to his newly acquired case of gonorrhea.
When:Tuesday Where:Public Restroom
- 5
Local Hostility
Throughout his daily adventures, the Postal Dude faces relentless harassment from the local residents, who seem to take pleasure in pushing his buttons. This constant provocation culminates in a series of humiliating encounters with various factions.
Where:Town of Paradise
- 6
Encounter with Krotchy
During his escapades, the Postal Dude comes face to face with Krotchy, the lethal toy mascot. This encounter adds an outrageous layer to the chaos unfolding in Paradise as players navigate through absurd challenges.
Where:Public Square
- 7
Conflicts with Authorities
The Postal Dude's interactions escalate with various law enforcement agencies, including the Paradise Police Department and SWAT team. The tension peaks as these authorities attempt to maintain order amidst the unfolding pandemonium.
When:Wednesday Where:Town Center
- 8
National Guard's Arrival
As unrest grows, the National Guard is called in to restore order in Paradise. Their involvement only exacerbates the chaos, as both the locals and authorities engage in a frenetic display of resistance and mayhem.
When:Thursday Where:Paradise Streets
- 9
The Arrival of the Religious Cult
An idiosyncratic religious cult makes its appearance, contributing yet another bizarre element to the unfolding drama. Their fervent beliefs clash with the Postal Dude’s increasingly chaotic circumstances, adding to the comedic chaos.
Where:Town Square
- 10
Apocalyptic Turn
By Friday afternoon, the atmosphere shifts to one of impending doom as the sky darkens. The townsfolk prepare for battle, transforming the streets into a combat zone filled with erratic gunfire and lawlessness.
When:Friday Afternoon Where:Paradise, Arizona
Show the other 3 events of Postal Hide the last 3 events
- 11
Confrontation with His Wife
Returning to his trailer, the Postal Dude finds himself embroiled in a fiery argument with his wife over her unmet craving for rocky road ice cream. This domestic squabble serves as a humorous contrast to the chaos outside.
When:Friday Evening Where:Postal Dude's Trailer
- 12
Climactic Finale
The narrative builds to a tense climax as an unexpected gunshot rings out, leaving players on the edge of their seats. This suspenseful moment marks a turning point, as the game hints at a dramatic conclusion.
When:Friday Night Where:Postal Dude's Trailer
- 13
Credits Roll
As the credits begin to roll, players reflect on the chaotic week they have navigated through. The blend of humor, violence, and absurdity encapsulates the essence of **Postal 2**, leaving a lasting impression.
Who Are the Main Characters in Postal?
2 characters, among them Postal Dude (Dave Foley) and The Bitch: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 1 of them link to the actor’s page.
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Postal Dude (Dave Foley)
Played by Dave Foley
The Postal Dude is a unique character marked by his distinctive style and laid-back attitude. His resilience is tested as he faces constant provocations from the townspeople, embodying the struggle against absurdity and frustration. Despite the chaos surrounding him, he remains a relatable figure navigating the complexities of modern life.
- 🧑🎤 Protagonist
- 🤠 Resilience
- TB
The Bitch
Referred to as 'The Bitch,' she is the Postal Dude's relentless wife whose dissatisfaction adds tension to the already chaotic narrative. Her desire for simple pleasures, like ice cream, contrasts sharply with the violent events unfolding around them. This character adds depth to the storyline, showcasing personal conflicts amid larger societal issues.
- 👩❤️👨 Domestic Conflict
- 😒 Discontent
Where and When Is Postal Set?
Postal is set in Paradise and Arizona (Contemporary). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Contemporary
The events of the movie unfold in a modern, contemporary setting that reflects current societal norms and issues. This era is marked by a mix of everyday mundanity and absurdity, mirroring the chaotic nature of modern life. The juxtaposition of trivial errands against a backdrop of escalating violence presents a satirical commentary on contemporary culture.
Where
Paradise, Arizona
Paradise, Arizona, is depicted as a charming yet chaotic small town, characterized by its serene initial appearance that hides a tumultuous undercurrent. The locale serves as the backdrop for the Postal Dude's outrageous errands and numerous confrontations. Known for its eccentric residents and unpredictable events, Paradise becomes a vivid setting for comic and violent escapades throughout the game's narrative.
- 🏞️ Landscape
- 🌆 Town
What Are the Themes of Postal?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Chaos and Morality.
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01
Chaos
The theme of chaos permeates throughout the movie, showcasing the unpredictability of daily life as the Postal Dude navigates a series of bizarre tasks. This chaos is not merely external; it reflects a deeper exploration of human behavior when pushed to the limits. The film highlights how individuals respond to absurdity, with a blend of humor and violence threading through the narrative.
-
02
Morality
Morality is questioned as the Postal Dude faces a range of challenging dilemmas, from mundane errands to more ethically ambiguous scenarios. The freedom to choose between peaceful resolutions or violent reactions serves as a critique of societal norms. The exploration of moral boundaries invites viewers to reflect on their own values in a world filled with absurdity.
What Kind of Film Is Postal?
Dark in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Ambiguous
A fast-paced, chaotic, and intentionally crude black comedy that creates a satirical and anarchic atmosphere from mundane beginnings, culminating in an ambiguous and violent climax.
- chaotic
- satirical
- crude
- anarchic
- absurd
- violent
- social satirical comedy
- video game adaptation
- descent into chaos
- everyday life gone wrong
Content notes: strong violence, sexual content, crude humor, strong language, themes of humiliation.
Quiz
How well do you remember Postal? Test yourself on the story.
