Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Plot summary

The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu (2009) Plot Summary & Timeline

The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu (2009) movie poster

The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu is a 2009 horror and adventure film directed by Henry Saine and Justin Giddings, running 1 hour 18 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 632 words (about 3 minutes to read) and covers 13 key events in order, 6 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu.

to read the plot summary
3 min
key events in the timeline
13
characters profiled
6
themes explained
3
Loading streaming availability…
The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu (2009) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 18m
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu About?

The premise of The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu in 296 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In a drab, neon‑lit city where routine hangs like a thin veil over the ordinary, Jeff wrestles with a dead‑end call‑center job and the ache of a life that feels perpetually on hold. He moves through fluorescent corridors and quiet apartments, haunted more by missed opportunities than by anything supernatural—until an unexpected visitor from a covert organization arrives. The revelation that he is the last living descendant of a famous horror storyteller shatters his familiar world, suggesting that the mythic nightmares his ancestor penned may have a far stranger origin than anyone imagined.

The newfound burden comes with an ancient object, an alien relic whose fragments, if reunited under certain celestial conditions, could unleash a primordial force that has slept beneath the waves for eons. Guarding this secret thrust Jeff into an uneasy partnership with his longtime friend Charlie, a comic‑book artist whose imagination teeters between humor and the macabre. Along the way they enlist a former classmate, Paul, whose obsessive knowledge of the mythic lore adds a scholarly edge to their otherwise impulsive quest. Together they form an unlikely trio, each bringing a distinct perspective: practical cynicism, creative curiosity, and obsessive expertise, all united by the growing sense that something far larger than their personal struggles is at stake.

The film balances a creeping, otherworldly dread with the banter of everyday friendship, creating a tone that feels simultaneously intimate and vast. Shadows of forgotten seas and whispered legends linger just beyond the city’s bright façade, hinting at a world where dust‑covered books might conceal gateways to ages past. As the trio steps onto a path that bridges the mundane with the cosmic, the audience is left wondering how far ordinary lives can stretch before they are pulled into the depths of an ancient, unfathomable terror.

Full plot

What Happens in The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu?

The complete story of The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu, from the first scene to the last, in 632 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

Jeff Philips, Kyle Davis, is stuck in a dead-end call center job, where the endless queue of customer complaints blends into the same tired routine day after day. His ordinary world begins to crack when Professor Lake, a loyal member of a secret society, shows up at his apartment with a mind-bending revelation: Jeff is the last descendant of H. P. Lovecraft and has been chosen to guard a relic with unimaginable power. The stakes are cosmic—if the relic’s pieces are brought together at the exact moment the stars align, the sunken city of R’lyeh will rise from the sea and the demonic Cthulhu will be unleashed upon an unsuspecting world. The weight of this warning sits heavy on Jeff, but the danger is swift and intimate, as ancient forces move to reclaim what was hidden.

Stakes escalate as squid-like “deep ones” slip into the modern world, attacking without mercy. Jeff flees the immediate threat with his friend from work, Charlie, Devin McGinn, a comic book artist who has a knack for turning terrifying myths into vivid sketches. The three quickly realize they are not just dealing with a local mystery; they’re entangled in a ritual that reaches into decades of occult lore and a web of cultists who will stop at nothing to reunite the relic. The pursuit pulls them toward a reluctant ally, Paul, Barak Hardley, an old high school acquaintance who happens to be an expert on the Cthulhu mythos. Paul’s knowledge helps them read ancient sigils, decode prophecies, and anticipate the cult’s next moves, shifting the odds in their favor even as the danger grows more personal and intimate.

The trio’s search leads them across a desolate landscape toward the sea-salted horizon, where they hope to locate Captain Olaf, Gregg Lawrence, a weathered sailor with first-hand experience with the cult’s reach. Olaf’s RV becomes a fragile sanctuary, a rolling fortress where they trade frantic escapes for risky plans and hard-won camaraderie. Yet the Cult’s relentless followers close in, and the battle for control of the relic erupts in a brutal showdown that tests loyalty, courage, and the boundaries of belief. Paul is captured during the assault, only to escape later and reunite with the others in Olaf’s cramped mobile fortress, where the stakes feel even more personal and immediate.

When the night closes in, Star Spawn, the cult’s terrifying general, along with the deep ones, corners the survivors in Olaf’s RV. In the chaos, the relic is left behind in a hurried scramble to flee, and Star Spawn manages to reassemble it just as the full horror of the ritual becomes clear: everyone but Jeff is wracked with excruciating pain, a cruel reminder that he alone bears the Lovecraft lineage that powers the relic—and the fate of the world. Cthulhu’s long-awaited escape plan seems nigh, and the pressure to act becomes almost unbearable.

In a last-ditch act of defiance, Jeff pushes through the fear and fires a line of dynamite, a desperate move that obliterates Star Spawn, shatters the reassembled relic, and severs the immediate threat to humanity. The world is saved, but the battle remains etched in memory—the price of knowledge, the burden of lineage, and the fragile line between myth and reality.

The story doesn’t end with a quiet denouement. Sometime later, the surviving allyship between Jeff and Charlie matures into something steadier as Charlie signs a new comic book that chronicles their extraordinary escapade. Jeff arrives one evening with an ancient map hinting at more artifacts they must safeguard, hinting that their journey is far from over. The two set their sights on the Antarctic, chasing rumors of relics that lie beyond the known world, and they head for the Mountains of Madness, where new mysteries await and old legends threaten to awaken once again.

Timeline

The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

13 key events in the order they happen, from “Professor Lake reveals Jeff's lineage and the relic” to “Descent to the Antarctic and Mountains of Madness”. 12 events name a place, across 11 locations.

  1. 1

    Professor Lake reveals Jeff's lineage and the relic

    Professor Lake arrives at Jeff's apartment to reveal that Jeff is the last descendant of H. P. Lovecraft and must guard a mysterious relic. Lake explains that if the relic is reunited while the stars align, the sunken city of R'lyeh will rise and the demonic Cthulhu will be released. Jeff is tasked with preventing the relic's return and protecting the world from an ancient threat.

    When:afternoon Where:Jeff's apartment

  2. 2

    Deep ones attack; Jeff flees with Charlie

    Moments later, squid-like deep ones attack, driving Jeff into a desperate escape. He flees through the city streets with his coworker and friend Charlie, a comic book artist. Panic spreads as the cult's forces close in from all sides.

    When:early evening Where:city streets

  3. 3

    The trio meets Paul, mythos expert

    The group stumbles upon Paul, an old high school acquaintance who is an expert on the Cthulhu mythos. They recruit him to help decipher the relic and the looming threat. Paul's knowledge becomes crucial to understanding what they must safeguard.

    Where:city outskirts

  4. 4

    Desert trek to Captain Olaf

    To seek guidance, they head toward the desert to find Captain Olaf, a sailor with first-hand experience with the cult. The journey shifts from urban chaos to barren landscapes as they press on. Olaf's RV becomes their shelter and potential base of operations.

    Where:desert

  5. 5

    Cult attack; Paul is captured

    In the desert, cult followers ambush them and capture Paul. The others manage to escape but vow to rescue him. The capture raises the stakes as the relic's fate hangs in the balance.

    Where:desert outskirts

  6. 6

    Paul escapes and reunites at Olaf's RV

    Paul escapes his captors and reunites with Jeff, Charlie, and Olaf at the captain's RV. They regroup, knowing the cult will continue to hunt them. The RV becomes a temporary fortress against their pursuers.

    When:later Where:Olaf's RV

  7. 7

    Star Spawn and deep ones corner them

    Inside the RV, Cthulhu's general, Star Spawn, along with deep ones, close in and threaten to overwhelm them. The group fights furiously, trying to find a way to escape with the relic still in play. Tension peaks as the creatures surround their vehicle.

    When:climax Where:Olaf's RV

  8. 8

    Relic left behind during the escape

    In the haste of escape, Jeff and Charlie leave the relic behind on the road. Star Spawn quickly reassembles the relic, tightening the danger around them. The act sets the stage for a final showdown.

    When:immediate Where:on the road near RV

  9. 9

    Relic reassembled; Jeff bears the pain of the bloodline

    With the relic reassembled, the Lovecraft lineage endures excruciating pain while everyone else suffers. Jeff remains immune, as the last in the bloodline, underscoring the personal cost of preventing the apocalypse. The moment foreshadows the final confrontation.

    When:just before final confrontation Where:inside or near RV

  10. 10

    Jeff destroys Star Spawn and the relic

    As Cthulhu gears up to escape, Jeff shoots dynamite, destroying Star Spawn and severing the relic's connection to the cult. The blast saves the world but destroys the relic's power and alters their quest. The immediate danger collapses as the creatures dissipate.

    When:final confrontation Where:captain Olaf's RV

Show the other 3 events of The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu
  1. 11

    Aftermath and lingering threat

    Sometime after the victory, the survivors reckon with the cost of their triumph and the fragile peace they've earned. The world seems safe for now, but the mythic threat remains latent just beneath the surface. They prepare to face whatever comes next with renewed resolve.

  2. 12

    Comic signing; Jeff arrives with a dangerous map

    Sometime later, Charlie is giving a comic book signing about their adventures, insisting the tale is true. Jeff arrives with an ancient map showing more artifacts they must safeguard, hinting at further dangers ahead. The two teammates steel themselves for another voyage.

    When:later Where:comic book signing event

  3. 13

    Descent to the Antarctic and Mountains of Madness

    They depart for the Antarctic, heading toward the Mountains of Madness in search of more artifacts to guard. The journey signals a broader mythic scope beyond their first encounter with Cthulhu. The expedition foreshadows a new chapter in their vigil.

    When:future Where:Antarctica, Mountains of Madness

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu?

6 characters, among them Jeff Philips (Kyle Davis), Paul (Barak Hardley) and Captain Olaf (Gregg Lawrence): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.

  • Kyle Davis as Jeff Philips (Kyle Davis) in The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu

    Jeff Philips (Kyle Davis)

    Played by Kyle Davis

    Jeff Philips is stuck in a dead-end call center job, living a relatively ordinary life until a secret relic pulls him into a cosmic conspiracy. He becomes the reluctant guardian of the relic and the last Lovecraft descendant, a lineage that demands courage in the face of ancient horror. Throughout the chase, he relies on quick thinking and improvisation to survive cultist pursuit. In the end, he acts decisively to stop the apocalypse and protect the world.

    • 🧭 Reluctant hero
    • 🧠 Quick thinker
    • 🛡️ Brave
  • P(

    Paul (Barak Hardley)

    Played by Barak Hardley

    Paul is an expert on the Cthulhu mythos who joins Jeff to decipher the relic's significance. He is knowledgeable, cautious, and a capable ally when confronted by cultists. He is captured by the cult and later escapes to rejoin the others at Olaf's RV, contributing his lore and strategic thinking to the group's plans.

    • 🧠 Scholar
    • 🧭 Resourceful
    • 🤝 Loyal
  • CO

    Captain Olaf (Gregg Lawrence)

    Played by Gregg Lawrence

    Captain Olaf is a seasoned sailor with first-hand experience with the cult. He offers practical knowledge and a tough, resourceful mindset, guiding the group through danger. His RV provides a mobile base for their operations, and his weathered expertise helps them survive hostile encounters.

    • ⚓ Sailor
    • 🗺️ Mentor
    • 🛡️ Rugged
  • S(

    Starspawn (Ethan Wilde)

    Played by Ethan Wilde

    Starspawn is Cthulhu's general, a monstrous cosmic threat that corners the group in the Captain Olaf's RV. Its presence embodies the film's Lovecraftian horror and the existential danger facing humanity. The confrontation with Starspawn drives the climax and the relic's ultimate fate.

    • 👹 Monster
    • 🌌 Cosmic threat
  • C(

    Charlie (Devin McGinn)

    Played by Devin McGinn

    Charlie is Jeff's comic book artist friend who provides support and wit during their escape. He brings creativity and a hopeful perspective to the danger, contributing to the group's plan and documenting their adventures for a future book.

    • 🧑‍🎨 Artist
    • 🤝 Loyal friend
    • 🎭 Witty
  • PL

    Professor Lake (Edmund Lupinski)

    Played by Edmund Lupinski

    Professor Lake is a member of a secret society who reveals to Jeff that he is the last Lovecraft descendant. He provides crucial lore and context for the relic, initiating the quest and guiding the initial steps of the group.

    • 🧠 Scholar
    • 🕵️‍♂️ Secretive
    • 🗝️ Knowledgeable
Setting

Where and When Is The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu Set?

The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu is set in Jeff's apartment, desert, Captain Olaf's RV, R'lyeh (sunken city), Mountains of… (Modern day). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.

When

Modern day

Set in contemporary times, the narrative blends a routine call center job with sudden encounters of ancient myth and cosmic horror. It follows a tight timeline that moves from the apartment to desert, RV, and ultimately Antarctica. The events unfold over a short span, highlighting how ordinary people confront extraordinary danger.

Where

Jeff's apartment, desert, Captain Olaf's RV, R'lyeh (sunken city), Mountains of Madness, Antarctica

From Jeff's urban apartment to the open desert, the story shifts between mundane life and dangerous pursuits. The desert road and Captain Olaf's RV provide a mobile base for the chase and battles with cultists. The adventure culminates with hints of the sunken city R'lyeh and the Mountains of Madness, signaling a cosmic horizon beyond everyday life.

  • 🌆 Urban
  • 🏜️ Desert
  • 🚐 RV
  • 🧊 Antarctic expedition
Themes

What Are the Themes of The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Legacy, Cosmic Threat and Adventure & Alliance.

  1. 01

    Legacy

    The revelation that Jeff is the last Lovecraft descendant drives the story. The relic and its proper guardianship demand a personal sacrifice beyond ordinary life. The theme explores how lineage can shape responsibility, even when it conflicts with a desire for normalcy. Jeff's choices redefine what it means to be a protector of humanity.

  2. 02

    Cosmic Threat

    The existence of Cthulhu and Star Spawn introduces a scale greater than any human concern. The relic's reunification would unleash an apocalypse, forcing the characters to confront fear with courage. The contrast between a mundane world and ancient cosmic forces underlines the film's horror. The showdown in the RV stage a crisis of survival.

  3. 03

    Adventure & Alliance

    The journey from the desert to Captain Olaf's RV and then to Antarctica requires trust and teamwork. Each ally brings a different expertise, turning a small group into a capable team. Travel becomes a vehicle for growth as they confront relentless cult members. The story emphasizes that cooperation can overcome overwhelming odds.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu?

Light in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Light
Pacing
Fast
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
Medium
Ending
Happy

A fast-paced and goofy buddy adventure that mixes lighthearted comedy with Lovecraftian monster-hunting, feeling more like a funny road trip than a serious horror film.

  • adventurous
  • quirky
  • goofy
  • buddies on a mission
  • lighthearted horror
  • nerdy
  • lovecraftian horror
  • chosen one
  • buddy adventure
  • ancient evil

Content notes: monster violence, disembowelment.

Quiz

How well do you remember The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu? Test yourself on the story.

Take the quiz
Loading streaming availability…
Read next

Movies Like The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu With a Plot Summary

6 films close to The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu in story and themes that have a full plot summary here: The Relic (2020) and In Search of Lovecraft (2008) lead.

All plot summaries

Missing a Movie Plot Summary?

Tell us which film you want explained next: the full story, the timeline, the characters and the ending.

Request a summary
FAQ

The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu Plot Questions

5 quick answers about The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu about?

In a drab, neon‑lit city where routine hangs like a thin veil over the ordinary, Jeff wrestles with a dead‑end call‑center job and the ache of a life that feels perpetually on hold.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu take place?

The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu is set in Jeff's apartment, desert, Captain Olaf's RV, R'lyeh (sunken city), Mountains of Madness… (Modern day). Set in contemporary times, the narrative blends a routine call center job with sudden encounters of ancient myth and cosmic horror.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu?

The story follows Jeff Philips (Kyle Davis) (played by Kyle Davis), Paul (Barak Hardley) (played by Barak Hardley), Captain Olaf (Gregg Lawrence) (played by Gregg Lawrence) and Starspawn (Ethan Wilde) (played by Ethan Wilde); the character guide covers 6 characters in all.

All the characters

What are the main themes of The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Legacy, Cosmic Threat and Adventure & Alliance.

The themes explained

Who directed The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu?

The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu (2009) was directed by Henry Saine and Justin Giddings and runs 1 hour 18 minutes.

Henry Saine’s films

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app