Logo What's After the Movie

Test your knowledge of The Archies with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Archies (2023). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


Mr. Hiram Lodge (Alyy Khan), a fervent capitalist, makes his return to Riverdale with grand ambitions to transform the town into a commercial hub filled with new plazas and hotels. His singular focus is profit, disregarding the wishes of the local residents. During a clandestine meeting with Mr. Dawson (Vinay Pathak), a council member, Hiram unveils his plans that could potentially devastate the community’s historical fabric.

In a bold move, Hermione Lodge ([Kamal Sidhu]) proposes that the hotel should not be built on the town’s outskirts but right in the center, specifically where the cherished Green Park stands. This park, a symbol of Riverdale’s heritage since its establishment in 1914, is a sanctuary where generations of children have planted trees, embodying the town’s Anglo-Indian roots. Mr. Dawson, aware of the emotional stakes, realizes the uphill battle he faces in convincing the locals to support this destruction, despite Hiram’s offer to finance his campaign for District Contractor.

As the local community remains blissfully unaware of Mr. Lodge’s ulterior motives, he eyes the businesses of beloved establishments such as Pam’s salon, Suzie’s flower shop, and Hal’s bookshop to pave the way for his plaza. This forces the owners to inform their tenants to either vacate or match the hefty rents that Lodge is willing to pay.

Veronica Lodge, Hiram’s daughter, hosts a gathering at her home, attended by her close friend Betty (Khushi Kapoor) and a host of other characters, including Jughead (Mihir Ahuja) and Archie (Agastya Nanda). Tensions rise as Reggie ([Vedang Raina]) treats his friend Dilton ([Yuvraj Menda]) poorly, and the dynamics between Archie, Betty, and Veronica become increasingly complicated, particularly as Archie juggles feelings for both girls.

As the looming threat of Green Park’s destruction grows, Archie decides against pursuing his dream to study abroad, realizing that he cannot abandon his friends or his beloved town. Inspired, he rallies Betty, Veronica, and their friends to combat Hiram’s plans. They embark on a grassroots campaign to gather signatures, hoping to thwart the construction of the hotel.

Despite facing setbacks, including the betrayal of a council insider, they remain undeterred. Their collective efforts culminate in a community vote where residents ultimately oppose Hiram’s proposal, forcing him to halt the development.

In a poignant twist, Hiram comes to respect his daughter’s courage to stand up for her beliefs. The narrative concludes with Archie and his friends realizing that their fight was not just about saving a park, but rather about the values of friendship, community, and not allowing money to dictate their lives. They emerge with newfound wisdom, united by their victory against the establishment.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of The Archies (2023) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


Hiram Lodge Returns to Riverdale

Mr. Hiram Lodge arrives back in Riverdale, eager to implement his vision of transforming the town into a commercial hub. His ambitious plans involve constructing new plazas and hotels, emphasizing profit over the community's needs.

Riverdale

Hiram's Hidden Agenda

In a secretive meeting with Mr. Dawson, a local council member, Hiram reveals his plans that threaten to disrupt the town's historical fabric. Hiram's relentless pursuit of profit blinds him to the emotional ties that the community has to their heritage.

Hermione's Proposal

Hermione Lodge suggests that the proposed hotel should be built in the heart of Riverdale, displacing the beloved Green Park where generations have created memories. This audacious proposal catches Mr. Dawson off guard, as he understands the community's deep-rooted attachment to the park.

Green Park

Local Businesses Affected

The arrival of Hiram's plans threatens cherished local businesses including Pam's salon, Suzie's flower shop, and Hal's bookshop. The owners are pressured to either vacate their premises or meet the inflated rents Hiram is willing to offer.

Various locations in Riverdale

Veronica Hosts a Gathering

Veronica Lodge organizes a gathering at her house, bringing together friends including Betty, Jughead, and Archie. Tensions arise during the event, particularly between Reggie and his friend Dilton, highlighting the complexities of their relationships.

Veronica's home

Archie's Internal Conflict

Faced with the impending destruction of Green Park, Archie grapples with the decision to study abroad or remain in Riverdale. Ultimately, he recognizes the importance of standing by his friends and the town he loves, making a pivotal choice.

Riverdale

Rallying the Community

Inspired by the threat to the park, Archie motivates his friends, including Betty and Veronica, to fight against Hiram's plans. They launch a grassroots campaign to gather signatures, emphasizing the need to protect their community.

Riverdale

Setbacks in the Fight

The group faces significant challenges, including setbacks from a betrayal within the council that complicates their efforts. However, their determination to save Green Park remains unwavering, showcasing their resilience.

Community Vote

The culmination of Archie's campaign results in a community vote that directly addresses Hiram's development proposal. The residents, united in their shared love for the town, overwhelmingly oppose the construction of the hotel.

Riverdale

Hiram's Realization

In an unexpected turn of events, Hiram Lodge reflects on the courage displayed by his daughter, Hermione. He comes to respect her ability to stand up for her beliefs, marking a transformation in their relationship.

Victory for the Community

With the vote against development, Archie and his friends celebrate their victory in saving Green Park. They realize that their fight was not merely about a park but about the deeper values of friendship, community, and standing against greed.

Emerging Wisdom

The struggles faced by Archie and his friends lead to a deeper understanding of their community. They emerge stronger and wiser, recognizing that unity and the preservation of their heritage are paramount.

Characters

Explore all characters from The Archies (2023). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Mr. Hiram Lodge

Hiram Lodge is a fervent capitalist focused solely on profit and transformation of Riverdale. His ambition drives his disregard for the local community, representing the face of corporate greed in the film.

💼 Capitalist 🏢 Ambitious

Veronica Lodge

Veronica Lodge, Hiram's daughter, embodies the courage to stand up for her beliefs. Her growth throughout the movie highlights her commitment to friendship and community, as she rallies her peers against her father's plans.

👧 Strong-willed 💖 Compassionate

Jughead Jones

Jughead Jones is a close friend of Veronica and is characterized by his intelligence and creativity. He provides support to his friends throughout their grassroots campaign, illustrating the importance of teamwork.

🧠 Intelligent 🤔 Supportive

Archie

Archie is torn between his dreams and the love he has for his town and friends. His decision to forgo studying abroad signifies his deep-rooted connection to Riverdale, making him a pillar of the community.

🎸 Passionate ❤️ Loyal

Betty

Betty is portrayed as a compassionate and determined character who values friendship. She plays a critical role in mobilizing support for the community's cause, demonstrating her caring nature.

💖 Compassionate 💪 Determined

Setting

Learn where and when The Archies (2023) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

The narrative unfolds in contemporary times, highlighting modern issues such as urban development and community activism. The challenges faced by the residents reflect a growing tension between commercial interests and local heritage.

Location

Riverdale, Green Park

Riverdale is a small, tight-knit community known for its rich history and strong local ties. The heart of the town features Green Park, a cherished green space since 1914 that symbolizes the town's Anglo-Indian roots and serves as a peaceful retreat for locals.

🏙️ Town 🌳 Park

Themes

Discover the main themes in The Archies (2023). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


🤝

Community

The film emphasizes the importance of community and collective action against external threats. The friends unite to protect their town's heritage, showcasing the power of solidarity in the face of adversity.

🌱

Heritage

Heritage plays a vital role as the characters fight to preserve Green Park, a symbol of their history. The struggle represents a broader theme of valuing one's roots and standing against commercialization that threatens local culture.

💔

Friendship

Friendship is central to the storyline, particularly in the complicated dynamics between Archie, Betty, and Veronica. Their bonds are tested but ultimately strengthen as they unite for a common cause, illustrating that true friendship withstands challenges.

The Archies Ending Explained

Unravel the ending of The Archies (2023) with our detailed explanation. Understand the final scenes, character fates, and unresolved questions.


The ending of “The Archies” sees the young residents of Riverdale fighting to save Green Park from being demolished to make way for a hotel, driven by the greed of Hiram Lodge and a local council. Despite the initial setback of losing the vote in favor of the project, Archie and his friends rally the community to stand against the destruction. They collect over 4,500 signatures from residents opposing the hotel, which leads to an unexpected victory. The town’s citizens, including Veronica, who ultimately shows her support for the cause, vote against the development, forcing Mr. Lodge to halt his plans. This victory is a significant moment not only for the preservation of Green Park but also for the values of community and environmental conservation.

In the process, Archie’s desire to study abroad is replaced by a sense of responsibility toward his town and friends. He realizes that true ‘greener pastures’ are where his roots are, and this motivates him to stand up for what he believes is right. The victory demonstrates that when a community unites for a common cause, it’s possible to overcome those with power and money. The story ends with the young characters learning important life lessons—that genuine change often requires persistence and collective action, and that not everything valuable can be bought. Ultimately, they prove that the power of ordinary citizens, especially when united, can challenge even the most entrenched capitalist interests, preserving their town’s heritage and natural beauty.

Movies with Similar Twists and Themes

Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.


© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.