12 Monkeys

"12 Monkeys" is a 1995 science fiction thriller directed by Terry Gilliam. The film is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a deadly virus has decimated humanity, forcing survivors to live underground. James Cole, a prisoner from 2035, is sent back in time to 1990 and later to 1996 to find the source of the virus. His mission involves navigating through time, encountering characters like Jeffrey Goines and Dr. Kathryn Railly, and unraveling the mystery behind the Army of the 12 Monkeys. The film explores themes of fate and free will through Cole's experiences. Despite his efforts to alter the past, events unfold as they were destined to, illustrating a predestination paradox. The movie's narrative is structured into episodic chapters, each with its own conflict and resolution, ultimately leading to a tragic conclusion. "12 Monkeys" is noted for its complex portrayal of time travel and its psychological impact on characters, raising questions about the possibility of changing the course of history.