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 12-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 and her son Matt share an extraordinary story from her world. Matt 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, 12-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 12 years old. She understood then that she was indeed in Matt's universe, but in the year 2002. 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 two 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.

Cast

 * Xochitl Gomez as America Chavez
 * Walker Scobell as Matt Garetty (12 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".