Race Against The Darkness

Life Is Strange: Race Against The Darkness (also known simply as Race Against The Darkness) is a superhero film based on the video game franchise of the same name. The film is a prequel to Chronicle and Life Is Strange: The Guardian and serves as a film continuation of Young Avengers: Reactivated.

The film stars Xochitl Gomez as America Chavez and Walker Scobell as Matt Garetty.

Also with Mark Pellegrino as Higgs, Jean Reno as Martin Ashland, Jamie Dornan as Chris Garetty, Shay Mitchell as Emily Taylor, Gina Carano as Kira, Keith L. Williams as Steve, Jacob Tremblay as Andrew, Abby James Witherspoon as Casey, Dakota Johnson as Anna and Rachel Zegler as Lisa

Synopsis
An epic but deadly adventure begins, mixing extraordinary but uncontrollable powers, peaceful life becoming nightmarish, unshakable friendship but cosmic and tragic destiny. America Chavez finds herself propelled into the unknown universe where she will have to protect her male alternate-self 14-year-old Matt Garetty from a dark fate. This adventure will herald the beginning of "The Guardian" but also the end of America Chavez, maybe even... death.

Plot
LONG PLOT

Years ago, Anna Garetty share an extraordinary story from her world to her son Matt. He eagerly asks what lies on the other side of the door. Anna promises to tell the rest of the story in full detail next time, but Matt is disappointed that he didn't know the end of the story that night. He knows his mother has magical stories to share and will have plenty of time to listen.

Years later, America Chavez wakes up in a field of grass, disoriented and with a headache. She finds herself on the property of a castle, where she is surrounded by snipers. Despite her fear, America escapes, displaying her exceptional skills. She encounters a mysterious man named Higgs, who reveals her name and asks her to return her necklace. America tries to flee, but is interrupted by Higgs who asks her to return it. She regains her necklace and flees. She tries to escape in a van, but the van crashes, knocking her into a ravine. In a moment of darkness and confusion, 14-year-old Matt woke up abruptly in his classroom. He thought the whole frantic chase was just a realistic nightmare, feeling temporary relief.

Matt, a student, is grappling with the loss of his mother five years ago, causing him emotional turmoil. His mother's unspoken grief often leads to disrespectful behavior towards his father, Chris, and his teacher, Emily. Matt's emotional distance and reluctance to share feelings with his father and teacher are causing him to act defiantly. Despite his sensitivity, Emily tries to support him.

Matt, feeling left out and misunderstood, finds himself alone at home with his father, Chris, who went on a date with Emily, his teacher. Their dog, Hawking, escapes and runs outside, causing Matt to chase him. As he follows, he encounters a star symbol and hears something in his father's garage. It was there that he discovered a stranger seated, a gunshot wound to the abdomen. It was America, the one he had met before in his other universe. Matt, surprised and confused, tells America that he was 14 years old. She understood then that she was indeed in Matt's universe, but in the year 2005. The pieces of the puzzle began to fit together. After somehow patching herself up inside the house, America tried to remind Matt of their previous encounter, but he couldn't remember anything. However, he realized he was talking to his other self. In the moments that followed, America explained to Matt that when she returned to her own universe, their memories would reconcile and it's likely he wouldn't remember meeting her. This explained why Matt had no memory of her in her current reality.

After receiving treatment, America informs Matt about her plans to go to the pharmacy. Matt is concerned about her flashy outfit and the smell of smoke, mentioning his mother's accident three and a half years ago. As they search for suitable clothes, America mentions their closet hasn't been cleaned out. Matt feels the void left by his mother's absence. Matt looks at a photo of America at age 7 with his two mothers, evoking nostalgia and sadness. He asks America if she misses them, to which she responds that she'd rather not talk about it, as it's a sensitive and emotional topic for her. America was finishing her bath and saw a white woman in the mirror. She was startled and disappeared, feeling a shiver down her spine. She knew something dangerous and mysterious was about to happen, and her presence in the world troubled her deeply. She wondered what he wanted from her and why he appeared in the mirror.

In a library, Matt and America research the multiverse, discussing a mysterious encounter with a "White Lady" and their romantic history with Lisa. America explains the complexity and potential dangers of the multiverse, introducing the idea of a higher entity called "He-Above-All" to avoid the connotations of "God." Matt finds this perspective intriguing as it allows for personal interpretation. America leaves for the bathroom, and a man approaches Matt, who is drawn to his research in the library. Matt recognizes the man's voice as belonging to Higgs, whom he encountered in a nightmare. Realizing the danger, America attacks Higgs, prompting Matt to join the confrontation. A fight in the library leads to Matt escaping through the door, leaving America trapped with Higgs. Higgs taunts America, who urges him to run for safety. Matt reluctantly follows America's advice, leaving America in a perilous situation.

Higgs denies responsibility for sending America to this universe, claiming someone else manipulated the multiverse. America questions Higgs about his intentions, to which he cryptically replies that he's here for fun and enjoys observing the multiverse's complexities. Higgs orders a soldier to attack America, who dodges and engages in combat. America disarms the soldier but must escape. She opens a window and lands outside. In a state of panic and chaos, Matt rushes to the nearest museum to escape the gunfire in the streets. He hides in a dark corner of the museum, attempting to catch his breath and remain safe. Meanwhile, America arrives at the museum to confront more of Higgs' men. She uses her superpowers, guns, and a pair of nunchucks to take down several of them in a fierce battle. America finds Matt and get him of here.

Matt's father, Chris, is concerned about his son's unexpected outing and America's special powers. Matt tries to explain America's connection to the multiverse to his father, who is confused. America activates her powers, revealing her connection to the multiverse. Chris is surprised by the display of multiverse-related powers and understands the gravity of the situation. Matt and America are puzzled by Chris's mention of the multiverse. America explains the concept of the multiverse and her role as an interdimensional traveler. Matt learns about his mother Anna's involvement with her world and questions why she never shared it with him. Chris reveals that he and Anna were hunters of supernatural creatures but suggested Anna kept the multiverse a secret to protect Matt's life. As men search for America, Chris prepares false identities, money, and weapons from a hidden safe. Matt and America are curious about these preparations, and Chris emphasizes the need to adapt and stay safe. Matt confronts his father, Chris, about his silence about his past adventures, expressing regret for his actions after his mother's death. Chris explains that he wanted to protect Matt, providing a stable upbringing. Matt apologizes, emphasizing their strong bond and family unity, while Chris reassures Matt.

In a dangerous situation with gunfire, Matt, Chris, America, and their dog Hawking take cover behind a car. Chris instructs everyone to stay low and seek shelter. As they face their attackers, Chris is knocked out, and America steps forward to protect them with her special sword. Matt mistakenly compares it to a lightsaber, but America skillfully wields her sword in a fierce battle. In a car chase, Attackers relentlessly target Chris, Matt, America, and Hawking. America battles an attacker manipulating her skeleton, but her efforts are ineffective. Chris is trapped in a car crash, prompting Matt to use a gun to defend himself. America struggles to free Chris from the wreckage. Chris is worried about America's intentions and urges her to protect Matt. He adamantly refuses to leave his father's side, displaying unwavering loyalty. America, along with Hawking, pulls Matt away from the car, despite his protests. A truck crashes into the car, causing an explosion that knocks out America, Hawking, and Matt, leaving them unconscious in flames.

Matt is unconscious and experiences flashbacks of his father Chris and his mother Anna's death. He recalls confronting Chris about the hidden truth of the multiverse and Chris's explanation for protecting him. Matt wakes up in a car wreckage, feeling regrets and understanding of his father's sacrifices. As America, Matt, and Hawking flee, a thrilling car chase ensues through the city streets. America skillfully fights back against attackers, and a soldier engages in a brutal duel, leading to a dramatic collision with a truck. The group evades a police chase. An explosion marks their escape, and Matt helps the injured America move through the crowded streets.

Matt is concerned as America tends to her gunshot wounds. She reassures him and describes how to use medical supplies to clean and bandage the wounds. After the procedure, Matt seems upset and quiet, which worries America. He retreats to the bathroom with her permission, where his resentment and melancholy grow. He uncontrollably punches the mirror, hurting and bleeding his hand, because his father is dead. In a tense moment, Matt, a character in a tragic situation, expresses his desire to leave the situation. America confronts him, attempting to reason with him, but Matt unexpectedly punches America twice. He blames America for not saving his father and demands that she use her powers to prevent the tragedy. America explains that she doesn't possess the power to manipulate time in this way. Matt challenges America's explanations, dismissing children's stories and happy endings. America assures Matt that her actions are driven by protecting him. Matt implores America to stop treating him as fragile and insists that he is capable of understanding and facing the truth. He questions whether America is working for the attackers, which she denies. Frustrated and hurt by the secrets and uncertainty surrounding him, Matt decides to leave, leaving America feeling like she's lost her trust.

America confronts Higgs, who proposes joining him in creating a new world and revealing the truth about her parents' death. America is wary, questioning his promises. Higgs counters, claiming Matt has immense potential to reshape the multiverse. America rejects his proposal, refusing to betray her principles for revenge. They discuss the possibility of discovering the truth about her parents, but America refuses. Higgs accuses America of responsibility for Chris's death, challenging her character. America, filled with sadness and anger, asserts her commitment to protecting others and rejects Higgs's accusations of indifference. Higgs disappears, leaving America tormented by his words and revelations.

America uses the chance to discuss the hazards of the multiverse with Matt as he, Hawking, and Matt visit a market to buy food and clothing. They both feel uneasy as she admits the complexity of the situation while expressing her doubt over Higgs' ultimate objective and motivations. In Paris, the trio meets Professor Martin Ashland, who shares a personal story about his connection to Matt's parents, Chris and Anna, who were hunters of supernatural creatures. Ashland explains how they met Anna and shared a passion for the unexplored and supernatural. As Ashland continues his story, he mentions Matt's math teacher, Emily, who was once a con artist and thief. Matt is shocked to learn about her criminal past but is curious about how she ended up with his parents. Professor Ashland explains that Emily had a turning point in her life after narrowly escaping death, and she renounced her criminal activities to seek redemption with Chris and Anna. Matt begins to contemplate the complexities of people's lives and the possibility of change. Matt and America discover a photo of Anna with an unknown man in Professor Ashland's office. Ashland reveals that the man was Anna's brother and Matt's uncle, who was also a supernatural creature hunter. The uncle was part of the team with Anna and Chris, but tragically lost his life during a mission against a formidable adversary. This revelation leaves Matt feeling overwhelmed and in need of some fresh air, as he grapples with the newfound knowledge about his family's history.

America was deep in her study of the White Lady when Professor Ashland came up to Matt and struck up a conversation. America came back with knowledge about the White Lady and was prepared to share her discoveries with Matt and Professor Ashland as they were conversing. A startling revelation emerged as Matt learnt from Professor Ashland who the White Lady really was and as America discovered it online. Azrael, the Angel of Death, was in fact the White Lady. The knowledge that his own life was in immediate jeopardy made Matt and America's heart sink. The tension was noticeable when Matt and Professor Ashland were present. Matt abruptly turned to face America, his eyes filled with disappointment and betrayal as he was overcome with rage and uncertainty. America struggled to find the appropriate words to describe the situation as she felt the weight of his gaze. Matt and America engaged in a heated argument. Matt felt hurt and angered for keeping the truth from him, while America defended her actions, claiming she was trying to protect him. The tension escalated, with both feeling frustrated and disappointed. America's frustration boiled over as she revealed her own emotional burden, including her sacrifice and the pain of losing loved ones. She emphasized that Matt took his father's presence for granted and needed to grow up to understand their situation. In a heated argument, Matt confronted America about her actions and the consequences they would have on those who cared for her, including her fiancée Lisa and her friends, the Young Avengers. He emphasized that her choices would have a profound impact on them. America listened silently, reflecting on the pain and concern he had caused. His emotional plea made her reconsider her choices.

Matt and America were in a room filled with contemplation and introspection, grappling with the weight of their decisions and the complex emotions surrounding their mission to stop Higgs. As America stared at her reflection in the mirror, memories of her mother's deaths resurfaced, reinforcing her deep-seated pain and anger. Overwhelmed, she couldn't contain her anger and desperation, violently striking the mirror with her fists. America fell to her knees, overcome by stifled sobs, and came face to face with the harsh reality that there was no turning back, no way to alter the death that awaited her. Professor Ashland, seeing America's tears and bloodied hands, apologizes for revealing the truth to Matt. They discuss America's impending death, with America expressing fear of leaving her loved ones behind. Ashland offers support and emphasizes America's risk-taking for her loved ones. He adds: "This story, this is the beginning for him and the end for you." Matt overhears their conversation, leading to mixed emotions, and he walks away, leaving America alone with her thoughts and emotions.

Matt noticed America asleep in the living room and reflected on her loyalty and protection. He found a holographic video device on a shelf and activated it in the guest bedroom with Hawking. The videos brought back memories of his own parents, filling Matt with emotion and empathy. Matt wakes up to find Higgs, the man responsible for his father's death and causing immense pain in his life. Higgs confirms his identity and offers him a "present" and everything he wants. Matt refuses, revealing that Chris's death was an improvisation and that Matt is the key to something significant. The conversation takes a darker turn when Higgs claims to find Matt and access the "key" to a new world. Matt resists, and Higgs insinuates that America is already dead. Higgs tries to manipulate Matt by suggesting he can bring America's mothers back and discover the cause of their death. Matt remains silent, but Higgs expresses empathy for Matt's burden and warns of dire consequences if he doesn't comply. Matt questions why he was chosen for this, and Higgs cryptically responds that it had to be him. Higgs disappears, leaving Matt alone with his thoughts.

America dreams of her fiancée, Lisa. The dream evokes memories of their love. When America wakes up, she finds Matt missing and discovers that Professor Ashland and Hawking are dead and found Matt, hanged in the dark. A haunting voice, resembling Lisa, questions her love and accuses her of not fighting for their love. The nightmare intensifies, with Lisa turning to an evil version of America, blaming her for their mothers' deaths. America wakes up, realizing the dream was a nightmare, and tears fill her eyes. America and Matt prepare for their journey, leaving Hawking with Professor Ashland due to the dog's danger. Hawking accepts the mission with sadness, bidding Matt a heartfelt goodbye. Matt confesses to America that he doesn't want to die, but America comforts him and promises to find a way to save him. They share a confident look. Matt apologizes for his past actions towards America, who accepts his apology. They sing "Wanted Dead or Alive" together, creating a bonding moment. However, the realization of their journey's bittersweetness weighs on America, as Ashland said, This is the beginning for him and the end for her.

Higgs leaves and goes back to his headquarters, fabricating stories about America Chavez and Matt Garetty being missing. Due of their potential usefulness and talents, his unnamed creator is insistent on catching them alive. Matt will be used by the maker to change their world. Higgs questions his ability to manage them, but the creator highlights their tenacity and resolve. Higgs is reminded of their ability to influence events remotely by the creator, who also stresses how crucial success is. Higgs is given an ultimatum that if he fails, he would suffer the repercussions, leaving him to bear the burden of his task and its difficulties. He recognizes Kira's potential as an ally in his quest for dominance. Despite her anger towards America, Higgs acknowledges her strength and determination. He plans to recruit Kira and exploit her determination to capture Matt Garetty,. Kira agrees to join forces with Higgs to capture Matt and eliminate America.

America shares her life experiences, including the loss of her mother at a young age, with Matt during their car ride. She emphasizes the importance of her family, the Young Avengers, and her relationship with Lisa. Matt listens attentively and shows empathy, understanding the pain of losing loved ones. In return, Matt shares his own experiences, including his mother's tragic accident and the emotional impact on him and his mother. America offers condolences and empathy, creating a connection between the two friends.

Upon arriving at Hernandez's rental, America and Matt initially encounter an empty location, causing suspicion. America prepares her gun for possible threats. However, their apprehension turns to relief when they realize Hernandez, an old friend of Matt's father, is present. Hernandez is excited to see Matt again and offers his assistance. America introduces herself under an alias, and they all head into Hernandez's trailer, with Matt following and America deciding to explore the surroundings. Matt struggles to explain the situation to Hernandez, but he conveys the urgency of their need for transportation in a specific direction. Initially, Hernandez is hesitant and unable to provide the means they require. However, when Matt mentions Chris's death and pleads for his help, Hernandez's stance softens. He agrees to do his best to secure a plane that will take them in the desired direction, motivated by both his friendship with Matt and the gravity of their situation.

Matt informs America about their upcoming flight and suggests they rest before leaving. America, drunked, teases Matt, calling him "despotic and small" and referring to her heroic stature as "America Chavez." Matt reminds America that they are on a mission and shares a personal story about her husband's wife's death in a fire. This deeply saddens America, leading her to question her ability to save the woman and her feelings of responsibility for Chris. Matt tries to console her, but America's anger flares, and she expresses regret for not trying to change her destiny. As Matt tries to help America to bed, she asks him to promise to kill her if she becomes a monster. America insists, but Matt refuses, stating that making such a promise is horrible and won't change anything.

On Hernandez's cargo ship, America, partially intoxicated, shares a heartfelt conversation with Matt about Chris's loss. She reflects on her purpose and the importance of saving people. She shares that she has inherited the skills of her twin sister, Catalina, and has taken on her emotions. The loss of her parents is particularly heavy on her heart, and she feels she should have saved them. Matt offers reassurance, explaining that they cannot change the past and that they cannot save everyone. He also imparts a valuable lesson, saying that being a hero doesn't require big actions, but just the right ones.

Ashland and Hawking are in a car when Higgs and his men appear. They escape and try to escape through dark, deserted streets. The night becomes increasingly intense, and Ashland instructs Hawking to find a place to hide while he continues running. Ashland hides behind a trash can, but Higgs appears silently stalking him. He taunts Ashland, expressing his determination not to let him escape. Ashland tries to fight back but is disarmed by Higgs. Higgs asserts his control over Ashland and orders his men to subdue him. Ashland's fear and worry intensify as he realizes Higgs has a sinister plan. Hawking remains hidden in the shadows, powerless to intervene in the unfolding situation.

Matt wakes up on the plane, only to discover that it's empty, and he's in a colorful place that's revealed to be the dimension of America, named "Utopian Parallel." He encounters an 8-year-old America. Matt follows her and witnesses her having fun with her mothers, but he's remembered that it's the day where Americaa's mothers get sucked by a portal. In a desperate attempt to change the past, Matt tries to call out to them, but they don't respond. A portal suddenly appears and sucks America's mothers in. Matt manages to grab America's hand but can't prevent her from being pulled into the portal. Matt turns around and finds out himself on a dark forest and suddenly attacked by unknown wolf. Matt wakes up on the plane, realizing that it was a vivid and distressing dream. He looks around to find that he's still on the plane with America, and everything is as it should be. Matt decides to keep his distressing nightmare to himself, not wanting to worry America with his dark thoughts. Despite trying to reassure her that he's fine, America senses his unease and offers her support. As they arrive in the desert with Hernandez, they are told to put on backpacks and position themselves on a square in the middle. Matt and America question the contents of the backpacks, but before they can get answers, Hernandez suddenly knocks them out and they find themselves parachuting down into the desert. They manage to land safely and joke about trusting Hernandez's unconventional methods.

Higgs uses Ashland's daughter as leverage to secure Professor's cooperation. He threatens her life and demands compliance with his plans. Ashland reluctantly agrees, understanding the consequences. Higgs warns him not to underestimate the situation, stating his daughter's life is at stake. Despite Ashland's warning, Higgs remains confident in his control, despite Ashland's warning about potential dire consequences.

Matt and America embark on a journey through the desert, unable to find the mysterious location Ashland mentioned. They encounter an unusual stone arch, but it turns out to be a mirage. Disappointed, they climb a mountain, hoping to find a way out, but their view remains the vast desert. A distant oasis provides some relief, and they rest in the shade to quench their thirst. America tries to use her powers to try something but fails. Curious, Matt decides to give it a try. He channels an unknown energy, causing the ground to shake and creating a sandstorm. In the midst of this chaos, an ancient temple emerges from the ground. Both Matt and America are astonished by this mysterious turn of events and decide to explore the temple. Inside the mysterious temple, America and Matt explore its ancient interior, intrigued by the inscriptions and symbols adorning the walls. They hope to find clues that might shed light on their situation.

America and Matt search for an ancient language and encounter a dusty cylinder on a platform. They activate the cylinder, which triggers a holographic message from an elderly man named Eron, who identifies himself as the guardian of ancient knowledge. Eron teaches them about the "Cylinder of the Ancients" and how to locate "The Guardian," a powerful entity protecting the "Angels" transcending the multiverse. However, "The Guardian" has yet to be born, so America and Matt must wait for the right time to find them. After Eron's message ends, America destroys the cylinder to protect the information. Matt, curious about the multiverse and The Guardian, asks America about their purpose and connection.

Matt and America rush through a dark tunnel, pursued by unknown creatures. Fear and adrenaline drive them to hide, eventually emerging outside. A helicopter approaches, causing a crash and explosion. Hernandez is killed. Matt and America escape, jumping inside a cliff. America channels her powers to create a portal, transporting them to another place.

Cast

 * Xochitl Gomez as America Chavez
 * Walker Scobell as Matt Garetty (14 years old)
 * Hawking (The dog)


 * Mark Pellegrino as Higgs
 * Jean Reno as Martin Ashland
 * Jamie Dornan as Chris Garetty
 * Shay Mitchell as Emily Taylor
 * Gina Carano as Kira
 * Keith L. Williams as Young Steve
 * Jacob Tremblay as Young Andrew
 * Abby James Witherspoon as Young Casey
 * Dakota Johnson as Anna
 * Rachel Zegler as Lisa

Locations

 * Seattle, Washington
 * Paris, France
 * Sahara Desert, North Africa

Events

 * "Glitch"

Items

 * Mag-Cyl (Lightsaber)
 * Guns
 * Kimber Warrior
 * Colt M1911
 * M4A1
 * AR-15
 * M249 light machine gun
 * Mossberg 590
 * Beretta 90-TWO
 * Mecha

Sentient Species

 * Humans
 * Utopians
 * Angels

Creatures

 * Dogs
 * Monster Dogs
 * Evil Demon Monkeys

Mentioned

 * Doctor Strange
 * Spider-Man
 * Young Avengers
 * Catalina Chavez

Production
Following the widespread acclaim from critics and box office success of the previous film, Matt Reeves expressed interest to create a Life is Strange's franchise.

In May, it was announced that Matt Reeves and Jean-Maxime Moris (co-founder of the game Life is Strange) have the green light for several films, so spin-offs, prequels, sequels and series with Theo Martin (Mike's potrayal), and rests of cast reprise their respective roles.

A prequel is in development focusing the Young Avengers: Reactivated's season finale of Season 2, With Xochitl Gomez and Walker Scobell reprise their respective roles. It will focusing on a young Matt and America Chavez in a dark new adventure against a "young Invictus". Theo Martin and Chad Stahelski confirms that they will be producers. Gomez confirms that will be "the end of America Chavez' era" and the beginning of "The Guardian".