Knowing (2009)
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A man discovers a series of numbers that predict global catastrophes and must decide how to react as the final event approaches.
The story
In 2009, a man named John Koestler discovers that a set of numbers on a paper found in a time capsule from 1959 are actually dates, death tolls, and geographical coordinates of major disasters that have occurred over the past 50 years. Upon realizing that the list contains three more upcoming events, he becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth. As he investigates the origins of the paper, he realizes that his own family is inextricably linked to these occurrences. He must now navigate a world where the future is seemingly predetermined, and the final entries on the list suggest a looming, catastrophic event that threatens all of humanity.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In 1959, a girl named Lucinda Embry records a series of numbers on a paper, which are later placed in a time capsule. In 2009, these numbers are discovered by John Koestler, an astrophysics professor. He realizes the numbers predict major disasters, including the Oklahoma City bombing and 9/11. He discovers three more events are yet to occur. While investigating, John encounters a girl named Diana and her granddaughter Abby. They discover that the final entries on the list are not numbers but the letters 'EE', implying 'Everyone Else'. John learns that a massive solar flare will strike Earth on the final date. He discovers that the 'whispering' voices heard by Lucinda and his son Caleb are from beings who are leading children to safety on interstellar arks. In the end, John realizes the children are being saved while the Earth is destroyed by the solar flare. Caleb and Abby are transported to a new world, while John remains behind to face the end with his family.
- First release year
- 2009
- Runtime (minutes)
- 121
- Production countries
- United States; United Kingdom; Australia
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Alex Proyas
- Writers
- Ryne Douglas Pearson · screenplay; Juliet Snowden · screenplay; Stiles White · screenplay; Ryne Douglas Pearson · story
- Cast and characters
- Nicolas Cage; Rose Byrne; Chandler Canterbury
- Genres
- science fiction; thriller
- Themes
- determinism vs free will; apocalypse
- Tone and mood
- moody; suspenseful
- Setting
- Massachusetts, New York, and various locations in the United States during 1959 and 2009.
- Premise and plot tags
- disaster; science fiction; prophecy
- Reception
- The film received mixed-to-negative reviews, with praise for the acting, visual style, and atmosphere, but criticism regarding its plausibility and ending.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 41 · scale: 100 · review count: 27
- Awards and nominations
- Best Single Visual Effect of the Year · Visual Effects Society Awards · 8th · nominated
- Production trivia
- The film was originally attached to several directors at Columbia Pictures.; The film's score features classical works, including Beethoven's Symphony No. 7.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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