Two friends dive into the intoxicating world of New York City's nocturnal playground, but their pursuit of excitement soon spirals into a heart-pounding thriller as they encounter danger lurking beneath the city's glittering surface.

Two friends dive into the intoxicating world of New York City's nocturnal playground, but their pursuit of excitement soon spirals into a heart-pounding thriller as they encounter danger lurking beneath the city's glittering surface.

Does Nighthawks have end credit scenes?

No!

Nighthawks does not have end credit scenes.

Ratings


Metacritic

56

Metascore

6.6

User Score

IMDb

6.3 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

64

%

User Score

Movie Quiz


Nighthawks Quiz: Test your knowledge on the thrilling 1981 film 'Nighthawks' and its characters, plot twists, and dramatic events.

What event marks the beginning of 'Nighthawks'?

Plot Summary

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The narrative follows the gripping lives of two NYPD detectives, Det. Sgt. Deke DaSilva and Det. Sgt. Matthew Fox, who undertake undercover operations to combat crime in New York City. The story introduces us to a notorious terrorist, Heymar Reinhardt, also known as Wulfgar, as his ruthless actions unfold.

The film opens on New Year’s Eve 1979, under the cover of darkness, where Deke, disguised as a woman, is involved in a sting operation aimed at capturing muggers targeting the elderly. Deke proves his mettle when he quickly apprehends a thug on the subway after a thrilling chase.

As events progress to January 4, 1980, in New York City, the pair is immersed in a high-risk drug raid that reveals the underlying corruption within their department. Fox confronts a dealer attempting to bribe him but finds himself grappling with his rage, contemplating the morals of his badge as the boy bear witness.

On January 6, the narrative shifts to London, where Wulfgar, after committing a bombing at a department store triggered by a flirtation with a salesgirl named Catherine Mary Stewart, incites a reign of terror across the city. Back in New York, Deke and Fox learn of their reassignment to a specially formed Federal-State unit dedicated to counter-terrorism. They meet with Lieutenant Munafo, who delivers the news with a volatile temper.

At the helm is Peter Hartman from INTERPOL, who briefs the team about Wulfgar’s imminent arrival fueled by desires for media attention. Wulfgar’s presence becomes a sinister shadow, evident when, in an unexpected twist, he truthfully confesses to the flight attendant Pam, Hilarie Thompson, his identity as an international terrorist, blurring the lines between fear and casual conversation.

Wulfgar’s disturbing declaration culminates in a series of bombings in the financial district, deeply affecting Pam and leading to her tragic demise as DaSilva and Fox work tirelessly to track him down. As they piece together leads and follow a trail of mayhem, the detectives find themselves on a harrowing pursuit through the nightlife and subway system, where one wrong decision could cost lives.

The image of Wulfgar continues to evolve as he seeks refuge and plots revenge against the diligent officers who pursued him, elevating the stakes as he infiltrates a United Nations event. With tensions escalating, the horrifying climax arrives when he takes hostages in a hijacked tram, forcing Deke to confront his darkest fears while under the pressure of saving lives.

Through a crescendo of conflict, Deke’s resolve is tested as he confronts Wulfgar in a chilling showdown, ultimately leading to a heart-stopping conclusion as Deke outsmarts and takes down the terrorist, leaving behind a poignant reminder of their fierce battle against the evil that threatened their city. As snow begins to fall, Deke watches as justice is served, mourning both the loss and the resolve of the human spirit amidst chaos.

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