Directed by
Chris Caldwell
Made by
Gunpowder & Sky
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Prospect (2018). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
A teenage girl, Cee]( /actor/sophie-thatcher) (portrayed by Sophie Thatcher), along with her father Damon (played by Jay Duplass), embarks on an adventurous journey to a remote alien moon with the objective of striking it rich. They have secured a valuable contract to extract a substantial deposit of elusive gems hidden deep within the moon’s treacherous and toxic forest. However, there’s a pressing condition: they must return to the orbiter within three cycles (days), or risk being stranded indefinitely as the final transport back to Earth will leave without them.
As they begin their descent in a transport module, complications arise, resulting in an off-course landing. Despite the setbacks, Damon pushes forward, much to the growing concern of Cee, who is increasingly anxious about potentially missing their return shuttle. When Damon finally strikes gold by extracting a precious gemstone, it appears they have enough to ensure their survival, yet his ambition drives him to pursue the mother lode, which could yield a fortune in gems.
In the midst of their quest, they encounter others in the wilderness, leading to a desperate struggle for survival. During this time, Damon crosses paths with Ezra (played by Pedro Pascal), another gem-seeker who has his own designs on their haul. Tensions mount as Ezra demands Damon relinquish the keys to the transport pod. Damon reveals the location of the mother lode—dubbed the queen’s lair—promising to share the riches, leading to a scheme where they aim to keep everything for themselves, severing ties with the contract-holding company.
An ambush is meticulously set up by Damon with Cee, resulting in a confrontation with Ezra and his partner. In the chaos, shots are fired, leaving Damon critically wounded and Cee narrowly escaping when Ezra attempts to finish the job. Stranded with a damaged pod, Cee faces the prospect of being hunted as Ezra pursues her, further complicating their already dire situation.
As they navigate their plight, Cee is faced with a moral dilemma—they must journey toward the mother lode while navigating various hostile encounters. They come across a group of nomads led by Oruf (played by Andre Royo), who demand an exchange of gems for crucial medical supplies. A chaotic escape follows, with Cee and Ezra parting ways at different times, yet fate draws them back together as they each renounce any illusions of betrayal.
They soon find themselves amidst another crew of gem hunters, but the situation becomes dire as they negotiate for passage off the planet. Ezra drives the hard bargain, but risks are involved as extracting gems can turn deadly. After several attempts, a moment of defiance leads to confrontation with the ship’s captain and crew. Despite being injured, Ezra urges Cee to leave him behind, but she refuses to abandon him.
Together, they strategize through the dangers and manage to evade their pursuers, ultimately finding their way back to the orbiter. Their incredible journey underscores not just the peril of their mission, but also the evolving nature of trust and survival against the backdrop of ruthless ambition and the unforgiving environment of the alien moon.
Follow the complete movie timeline of Prospect (2018) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Setting Off
Cee and her father Damon embark on a thrilling adventure to a remote alien moon. Their mission is to extract valuable gems hidden within its toxic forest, with the urgent stipulation of returning within three cycles.
Off-Course Landing
While descending in their transport module, complications lead to an off-course landing. Despite the setback, Damon remains determined to push forward, causing Cee to feel anxious about meeting their returning shuttle deadline.
Striking Gold
Damon successfully extracts a precious gemstone, which raises their hopes of financial security. However, driven by ambition, he becomes obsessed with finding the ultimate treasure, known as the mother lode.
Encountering Ezra
Deep in the wilderness, Damon and Cee encounter Ezra, a fellow gem-seeker with questionable intentions. Tensions escalate as Ezra demands control over their gem haul, sparking a conflict over trust and resources.
The Queen's Lair
Damon, in hopes of appeasing Ezra, reveals the location of the mother lode, which he has coined the queen's lair. This decision leads them down a collaborative yet treacherous path of greed and deception.
Setting the Ambush
In a moment of desperation, Damon and Cee plot an ambush against Ezra and his partner. The situation escalates into chaos when shots are fired, resulting in Damon sustaining critical injuries.
Cee's Escape
As Ezra attempts to finish the job on Damon, Cee narrowly escapes. Unfortunately, she is left stranded with a damaged transport pod and must contend with being hunted by Ezra.
Moral Dilemma
Cee grapples with her own morality as she ventures towards the mother lode. She faces various treacherous encounters that test her resolve in the hostile environment.
Nomads' Exchange
Cee encounters a group of nomads led by Oruf, who demands gems in exchange for crucial medical supplies. The negotiation leads to a chaotic escape, further complicating Cee's precarious state.
Fateful Reunion
Throughout their tumultuous journey, Cee and Ezra part ways only to be reunited as they confront the reality of their situation. Both renounce any notions of betrayal while navigating their shared peril.
Negotiating Passage
Cee and Ezra find themselves amidst another crew of gem hunters, negotiating for safe passage off the moon. The risks of gem extraction loom large as tensions flare within the crew.
Confrontation and Defiance
A moment of defiance leads to a direct confrontation with the ship's captain and crew. Despite being injured, Ezra persuades Cee to leave him, but her determination to stay with him strengthens their bond.
Strategy for Survival
Cee and Ezra devise a strategy to evade their pursuers, capitalizing on the chaos around them. Their shared experiences foster a deeper trust as they work together to find their way back.
Return Journey
Against all odds, Cee and Ezra navigate back towards the orbiter. Their incredible journey is a testament to their resilience in the face of ambition and the harsh realities of the alien moon.
Reflections on Survival
Having faced numerous trials, Cee reflects on the nature of trust and survival. The harrowing experiences transform her understanding of both herself and her relationship with Ezra.
Explore all characters from Prospect (2018). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Cee (Sophie Thatcher)
Cee is a teenage girl who displays resilience and adaptability amidst dire circumstances. Her character evolves from anxious and dependent to one of resourcefulness and determination as the story progresses. Cee's moral compass is tested as she navigates the treacherous environment and the complexities of trust.
Damon (Jay Duplass)
Damon is Cee's father, characterized by his ambition and risk-taking nature. His desire for wealth drives the plot forward and leads to perilous decisions. As a father, his relationship with Cee is strained by his relentless pursuit of the mother lode, ultimately affecting their chances of survival.
Ezra (Pedro Pascal)
Ezra is a cunning gem-seeker with his own agenda, whose interactions with Damon and Cee heighten the film's tension. His character embodies the themes of greed and betrayal, as he's willing to resort to violence for his own survival. Despite his actions, a complex relationship develops between him and Cee.
Oruf (Andre Royo)
Oruf is a leader of a nomadic group with his own motives, adding another layer of complexity to the struggle for survival. His character highlights the consequences of desperation in a tough environment, showcasing the interplay between cooperation and conflict during their journeys.
Learn where and when Prospect (2018) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
Three cycles (days)
The events take place over a short period of three days, often referred to as cycles. This time constraint heightens the tension as the characters navigate their challenges with the looming threat of being stranded. The immediate urgency of returning to their transport fuels the characters' desperation as they seek survival and fortune.
Location
Remote Alien Moon, Toxic Forest
The movie is set on a remote alien moon, characterized by its treacherous and toxic forests. This moon is a harsh and unforgiving environment where the quest for elusive gems unfolds. Known for its hidden treasures and dangerous wildlife, this otherworldly terrain serves as the backdrop for the main characters' survival struggles.
Discover the main themes in Prospect (2018). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Greed
Greed plays a central role in the film as characters are driven by their desire to uncover hidden riches. This ambition leads to moral dilemmas, betrayal, and the pursuit of danger. The story showcases how greed can fracture relationships and lead to desperate circumstances.
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Survival
Survival is a predominant theme as Cee and Damon face dangers both from the environment and other gem-seekers. The film explores the lengths individuals will go to secure their lives and the choices they make under extreme pressure. Trust and betrayal interweave with the fight for survival, reflecting the harsh realities of their situation.
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Adventure
Adventure is elegantly woven throughout the narrative as Cee and Damon embark on a journey into the unknown. Their expedition unfolds in a hostile landscape filled with challenges, making their quest for gems a thrilling experience. The uncertainty of their adventure tests their resilience and resourcefulness.
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