Terminator: Dark Fate begins with a shocking twist: after the events of Terminator 2, a T-800 successfully kills John Connor, seemingly preventing Skynet from rising. However, a new artificial intelligence called Legion emerges, leading to a different apocalyptic future where machines still wage war against humanity.
In 2020 Mexico City, a new advanced Terminator model, the Rev-9, is sent from the future to assassinate Dani Ramos, a young factory worker. To protect her, an enhanced human soldier named Grace is also sent back. Dani and Grace soon find themselves hunted relentlessly by the deadly Rev-9.
As they flee, they receive unexpected help from Sarah Connor, who has spent years tracking and destroying Terminators. Sarah reveals she’s been getting mysterious messages guiding her to these machines. The source turns out to be the same T-800 that killed John but has since developed a conscience and a new life under the name “Carl.”
Carl joins their mission to stop the Rev-9 and prevent the future where Dani becomes a key figure in the human resistance. It’s revealed that Dani, not her brother or anyone else, is the future leader meant to inspire and unite humanity against Legion.
The final battle takes place at a dam, where Grace and Carl sacrifice themselves to destroy the Rev-9. With their mission complete, Sarah and Dani drive off together, determined to change the future and prepare for the war still to come.