Asteroid City

In the vibrant American desert town of Asteroid City, circa 1955, a Junior Stargazer convention has been taking place. This convention brings together young aspiring astronauts from all over the country to indulge in the wonders of space exploration and to compete for the best scientific projects. Among the youthful attendees is six-year-old Rupert Marx, also known as Ruper, the precocious son of famous director Lester Marx. Rupert, being a creative and inquisitive child, sees the convention as an exceptional opportunity to learn more about the cosmos and connect with his idol, famous astronaut John Glenn. Compounding Rupert's thrill at attending the convention is his time with his new friend Lucille. As the convention commences, Rupert meets a former astronaut turned radio host. He begins forming close relationships and friendships with the individuals in attendance, including his father, a talented artist and eccentric filmmaker. However, world-changing events eventually disrupt the convention and infuse real-life astrophysical phenomena into the typical cadet experience. News about U.S. threats to deliver nuclear strikes against Earth and high-stakes solar storms reaches the entire nation. Panic begins to seize townspeople and the convention attendees. Some people start running for their lives. A sense of urgency sweeps over Asteroid City. Under intense stress and sudden alarm, disaster lurks and the citizens of the small town prepare to face untimely existential catastrophes. It quickly becomes apparent that there's tension not solely among international relations. Long-buried societal issues begin to resurface. Tensions arise among convention participants. Other participants become irate at others; to others, more moderate than expected. In this tumultuous, sensationalized environment, they stand divided rather than facing the severe problems that had begun. As tensions reach their boiling point and the town is beset with danger, Rupert Marx remains steadfast. With unwavering optimism and relentless curiosity about his love for astronomy, Rupert works tirelessly to bring together people from widely disparate factions and attempts to unite his fellow young strangers. Confronting fears and anxiety of the sudden global panic in which he finds himself, Rupert creates an opportunity for unconventional heroes to step forward and face a momentous challenge together. As U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower's leadership is scrutinized and American politics faces uncertainty, Asteroid City becomes the fulcrum of a hopeful and terrifying journey that shakes the integrity of those attending the Junior Stargazer convention. No longer a peaceful family convention but now embroiled with monumental and precarious threats, a small desert town transforms before an entire nation. While numerous and powerful events eventually overpower Asteroid City, their true essence shows a deeper purpose – sparking unpredictable changes, fostering constructive rebellion and forging an ever-lasting spirit in young minds that reaches new heights. Throughout the pivotal moments unfolding in the town of Asteroid City, the convention never progresses as planned. As crises unfold, Ruper becomes the driving force behind creating the unexpected. These life lessons would eventually guide him and motivate his development as a resilient free spirit and artist. This moment of catastrophic transformation brings young onlookers to ponder their purpose in this rapidly changing planet often during moments characterized by societal disorder.