The story is set in a post-apocalyptic future where humanity has been nearly wiped out by a deadly virus released in 1996. The survivors live underground, and scientists work to uncover the origins of the virus to develop a cure. Convicted criminal James Cole (Bruce Willis) is selected to travel back in time to gather information about the virus and locate the mysterious “Army of the Twelve Monkeys,” believed to be responsible for the outbreak.

Cole is sent to various points in the past, including the years 1990 and 1996. In 1990, he is mistakenly sent six years earlier than intended and is incarcerated in a mental institution, where he meets Dr. Kathryn Railly (Madeleine Stowe), a psychiatrist, and Jeffrey Goines (Brad Pitt), a mentally unstable patient with radical environmentalist views. Cole’s claims about being from the future and his knowledge of events yet to come cause Dr. Railly to question his sanity.

After being retrieved and sent back to his own time, Cole is eventually sent back to 1996, where he reconnects with Dr. Railly. This time, she begins to believe his story as events unfold exactly as Cole predicted. Together, they attempt to track down the Army of the Twelve Monkeys, led by Jeffrey Goines, who is now an activist leader. However, it becomes clear that the group’s activities are not directly related to the virus.

As Cole’s mental state deteriorates from the stress of time travel and his traumatic experiences, he starts to doubt his own perceptions of reality. The film explores the fluidity of time and the complex interplay between fate and free will. Cole’s mission takes a fateful turn as he discovers that the true cause of the virus’s release is not what he initially thought.

In a twist ending, it is revealed that the virus was released by Dr. Peters (David Morse), an assistant to a prominent virologist, who plans to spread the virus globally. Cole and Railly’s efforts to stop him lead to a tragic and seemingly predestined conclusion at an airport, where young Cole witnesses his own death, an event that has haunted his dreams throughout the film.

“Twelve Monkeys” is notable for its atmospheric direction, complex narrative structure, and thought-provoking themes. Terry Gilliam’s visual style brings a unique and surreal quality to the film, emphasizing the disorienting nature of time travel and the dystopian future. The film’s production design, with its gritty, industrial aesthetic, enhances the sense of a world in decay.

Bruce Willis delivers a powerful performance as James Cole, portraying a man tormented by his experiences and determined to complete his mission despite growing doubts. Madeleine Stowe provides a strong counterbalance as Dr. Railly, whose transformation from skeptic to believer adds depth to the story. Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Jeffrey Goines earned critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, showcasing his versatility and intensity.

“Twelve Monkeys” received widespread critical acclaim upon its release and has since become a cult classic. Its exploration of time travel, mental illness, and the nature of reality continues to resonate with audiences and influence the science fiction genre.

Overall, “Twelve Monkeys” is a compelling and intellectually engaging film that challenges viewers to consider the implications of time travel and the fragility of human existence. Its blend of thriller elements, character-driven drama, and philosophical inquiry makes it a standout work in Terry Gilliam’s filmography and a significant contribution to science fiction cinema.