Songbird (2018) Plot Summary & Timeline

In the dystopian future of 2024, the spread of a mutated and deadly version of the coronavirus called COVID-23 has plunged society into chaos, with the disease attacking the brain and leading to death within just 48 hours. To manage the crisis, the government has established quarantine zones (“q-zones”) for severely infected individuals, while those with immunity, known as “munies,” are required to wear yellow bracelets that allow them to go outside without fear of being detained or harmed. These zones have been heavily criticized and likened to concentration camps, reflecting the grim reality faced by many.

Amidst this turmoil, the story follows Nico Price (/actor/kj-apa), a dedicated bike courier working for Lester’s Gets, a company catering to wealthy clients. Nico is immune to the virus, which makes him a valuable asset in this fractured society. One day, he delivers a package to an ungrateful customer living in a heavily fortified home, passing through a decontamination pod that ensures safety from contamination. His employer, Lester (/actor/craig-robinson), keeps track of Nico’s movements via GPS, but he considers Nico one of his best workers.

Nico communicates daily with his girlfriend, Sara Garcia (/actor/sofia-carson), who lives with her grandmother, Lita (/actor/elpidia-carillo). Their relationship offers a semblance of normalcy in a tumultuous world, maintained through video chats and digital interactions. The story reveals various layers of society, including William and Piper Griffin (/actor/brad-wittford and /actor/demi-moore), a wealthy couple living with their immunocompromised daughter Emma (/actor/lia-mchugh). Emma is distressed by her weakened state and fears being taken to a q-zone, while her mother Piper indulges in black-market deals, selling passes that allow people to leave their homes illegally—highlighting the desperation and moral ambiguity prevalent during these times.

Meanwhile, May (/actor/alexandra-daddario), a talented singer, struggles to keep her career afloat. She performs live streams and paid covers in lieu of traditional gigs, building a small but loyal following. Her biggest admirer, Michael Dozer (/actor/paul-walter-hauser), a disabled army vet who works on drones, develops a friendship with May, often communicating via video chat. Despite her budding friendship with Michael, May becomes entangled with William, who is secretly sleeping with her, disregarding the safety protocols associated with the pandemic.

The narrative intensifies when Nico fails to deliver a package on time, prompting Lester to send a drone to locate him. The drone finds Nico after he has paused to talk to Sara outside her apartment, exposing him to potential danger. Nico then attempts to create a movie night for Sara by projecting a film on his wall and sharing the experience via video chat, but tragedy strikes when Lita develops a severe cough, signaling her falling ill.

Soon after, Emmett Harland (/actor/richard-elis), a ruthless sanitation department official, arrives with quarantine workers to detain Sara’s neighbor, Alice. Despite Sara’s denials of recent contact with Alice, Harland’s team quickly detects Lita’s fever—an alarming sign of infection—leading to a confrontation. Harland questions Sara about her interactions, but she remains cautious. When Nico learns about Lita’s worsening condition and her death by Sara’s side, he becomes determined to free her and others from Harland’s oppressive grip.

In a desperate effort to escape, Nico seeks out the black-market passes Piper sells, eventually confronting William at his home. William is confronted with the reality of the immunity bracelets—special tokens that confirm immunity but are illegal to trade—prompting a tense exchange. Piper, suspecting their exposure, bans Nico from the property and provides him with an address to pursue other options. Meanwhile, Sara plans to care for Lita, attempting to keep her safe.

Harland’s forces storm Sara’s apartment, forcing her to hide. She manages to knock out a guard to steal his hazmat suit, allowing her to escape only to be captured later when Harland realizes she is immune. Her predicament becomes even more perilous as Harland captures her, threatening her safety.

Amidst this chaos, May and Michael plan an escape from William’s clutches. William soon finds May and begins to attack her physically, but Michael intervenes with a drone armed weapon, eliminating William and saving her life. This act of heroism underscores the ongoing fight against those abusing their power in times of crisis.

Later, Nico tries to retrieve an immunity bracelet from the Griffin residence but is caught at gunpoint by Piper. Recognizing his sincerity, Piper agrees to help and hands over the bracelet for Sara. When Nico returns to confront Harland, he finds him waiting to kill him. Nico acts swiftly, stabbing Harland in the neck and escaping, ultimately calling Lester for help in rescuing Sara.

With Lester’s assistance, including drone surveillance, Nico manages to locate Sara at Q-zone Alpha, where she is on the verge of being detained. Nico reaches her just in time, slips her the immunity bracelet, and they finally share a moment of relief—touching and kissing despite the dystopian circumstances. The story concludes with a glimpse into the future, revealing that three months later, Piper has exposed William and Harland’s criminal activities. Meanwhile, May and Michael maintain their virtual relationship, and Nico and Sara are seen riding away together on a motorcycle, symbolizing hope and resilience amidst chaos.

“What’s After the Movie” captures a gripping tale of survival, love, and rebellion set against a backdrop of societal collapse, unfolding through the interconnected lives of characters fighting to preserve their humanity in a world turned upside down.