Directed by
Ferdinando Cito Filomarino
Made by
Netflix
Discover the intricate plot of Beckett (2021). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Beckett, portrayed by John David Washington, is an American tourist in the midst of political turmoil in Athens, Greece. Determined to escape the chaos with his girlfriend, April, played by Alicia Vikander, Beckett sets off to their hotel. However, tragedy strikes when he dozes off at the wheel and crashes their car into an abandoned house in a mountain village in Epirus. The accident claims April’s life, but amidst the wreckage, Beckett catches a glimpse of a boy being whisked away by a mysterious blonde woman.
The following day, local police officer Panos Koronis as Officer Xenakis interrogates Beckett. While he expresses relief that the house was vacant, Beckett confides in him about the boy and the woman he saw. After the police encounter, Beckett returns to the scene with suicidal intent, but the blonde woman, Lena Kitsopoulou, interrupts him and opens fire. A desperate chase ensues, forcing Beckett to jump off a cliff to evade her and Xenakis, both of whom are determined to capture him.
Spending a restless night in an abandoned truck, Beckett is discovered by hunters who take him back to the village, where one helps treat his injuries. However, holed up in a house, he leaps out of a window to avoid another confrontation with the woman and Xenakis. Struggling to survive, he encounters a couple of beekeepers who lend him a phone to call the U.S. embassy in Athens. Yet, with their response indicating a 24-hour wait for help, Beckett decides to make his own way there.
His journey sees him board a train heading back to Athens, but trouble finds him again when Xenakis attempts to detain him. In the ensuing chaos, Beckett pulls the emergency brake, accidentally injuring Xenakis in the process before fleeing once more. Once in Athens, he learns about the kidnapped boy, Dimos Karras, from activists Vicky Krieps as Lena and Maria Votti as Eleni, who claim he is the son of a liberal politician in grave danger from a far-right faction entrenched within the police.
After parting ways with Lena and Eleni to avoid a police roadblock, Beckett navigates the subway to reach the U.S. embassy, where he faces another assault—this time by a man with a knife. Inside, he’s met by embassy staffer Boyd Holbrook as Tynan, who reveals that April’s body has been sent to the morgue. Beckett shares what he knows about Dimos and the activists, only for Tynan to suggest taking him to a reliable cop for help. However, after stepping outside, Tynan betrays him with a taser, prompting Beckett to escape yet again.
Reuniting with Lena and Eleni during a protest, Beckett warns them about Tynan, who soon arrives with the police in pursuit. This chaos culminates at a political rally, where gunfire erupts. Beckett finds temporary refuge in a basement but is confronted by Tynan, who reveals that Dimos’ father has just been assassinated. The twisted roots of political corruption and organized crime come to light, implicating the U.S. in a plot against Karras.
Despite Tynan’s assurances that he can leave now that Karras is dead, Beckett refuses to let the truth go unchallenged and knocks Tynan out. As he searches for Lena and Eleni, he spots the blonde woman again—finding her meeting with Xenakis, who has locked Dimos in his car’s trunk. A struggle ensues, during which Beckett gets shot but ultimately overpowers the woman and confronts Xenakis. In a harrowing climax, he manages to free Dimos, jumping onto the car from a high vantage point and knocking out Xenakis in the process.
In a poignant final moment, Beckett reflects on the heart that April had drawn on his palm before the accident, a symbol of love amidst the chaos that surrounded them, and contemplates the fragility of life, realizing the debt he feels towards fate for surviving.
Track the key events of Beckett (2021) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Arrival in Athens
Beckett and his girlfriend April arrive in Athens, Greece, eager to experience the city's beauty. However, their vacation takes a dark turn as they quickly find themselves amidst escalating political unrest in the region.
Car Accident
While driving to their hotel, Beckett tragically dozes off at the wheel, leading to a devastating crash into an abandoned house in a remote mountain village. The accident claims April's life, leaving Beckett in shock and grief, and he witnesses a boy being taken by a mysterious blonde woman during this traumatic event.
Police Interrogation
Beckett is soon interrogated by local police officer Panos Koronis, also known as Officer Xenakis. He shares his harrowing account of the accident and the boy he saw being taken, but is met with skepticism and disinterest from the authorities.
Desperate Encounter
Overwhelmed with despair, Beckett returns to the site of the crash intending to end his life. However, the blonde woman he previously saw interrupts him and opens fire, forcing him into a frantic escape as he jumps off a cliff to evade capture.
Hunter's Discovery
Beckett spends a restless night hiding in an abandoned truck, only to be discovered by local hunters the following morning. They take him back to the village, where one of them assists in treating his injuries, giving him a brief respite.
Fleeing Again
After recovering, Beckett tries to find safety but is forced to leap out of a window to escape another deadly encounter with the blonde woman and Officer Xenakis. His relentless flight continues as he struggles to survive in an increasingly hostile environment.
Call for Help
In a moment of desperation, Beckett encounters a couple of beekeepers who lend him a phone. After managing to contact the U.S. embassy, he learns that assistance is at least a day away, prompting him to take matters into his own hands.
Train to Athens
Beckett boards a train heading back to Athens, hopeful to find safety and clarity. However, trouble follows him as Officer Xenakis attempts to detain him once again, leading to a chaotic confrontation on the train.
Learning of Dimos
Upon arrival in Athens, Beckett is approached by activists who inform him about a kidnapped boy named Dimos Karras, the child of a liberal politician. They reveal the precarious situation he is in, further entangling Beckett in the dangerous political machinations at play.
Embassy Assault
Beckett finally reaches the U.S. embassy, hoping for protection. Yet, upon his arrival, he is attacked by a man with a knife, forcing him to fight for his life once again in an environment that should offer him refuge.
Tynan's Betrayal
After sharing his information regarding Dimos with embassy staffer Boyd Holbrook's character, Tynan, Beckett is quickly betrayed and tasered. This shocking turnaround leaves him no choice but to escape into the chaos outside.
Protest Reunification
While navigating the turmoil of a protest, Beckett reunites with Lena and Eleni. They work together to evade pursuing police, fearing for their lives as tensions escalate and dangers loom around them.
Political Rally
At a political rally, gunfire erupts, heightening the sense of dread in the atmosphere. Amidst the chaos, Beckett finds temporary refuge in a basement, only to be confronted by Tynan, who reveals shocking information about the assassination of Dimos' father.
The Final Confrontation
Determined to save Dimos, Beckett confronts the blonde woman and Officer Xenakis. After a harrowing struggle, he manages to free Dimos from the trunk of the car, culminating in a fierce showdown that tests his will to survive against all odds.
Reflections of Love
In a poignant final moment, Beckett reflects on April's heartfelt drawing on his palm before the accident. This symbol of love and the fragility of life saves him from despair as he contemplates his survival amidst the chaos.
Meet the characters that bring Beckett (2021) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Beckett (John David Washington)
Beckett is portrayed as an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances. His journey is marked by a profound sense of loss, urgency, and determination as he faces betrayal and danger at every turn. He evolves from a tourist seeking safety to a fierce protector of truth and justice.
April (Alicia Vikander)
April serves as a poignant symbol of love, her tragic death prompting Beckett's transformative journey. Though her presence is felt posthumously, she embodies the life and hope that Beckett strives to protect. Her relationship with Beckett is central to the emotional weight of the narrative.
Officer Xenakis (Panos Koronis)
Xenakis is depicted as a conflicted law enforcement officer who embodies the themes of corruption and betrayal. His actions create a direct obstacle for Beckett, showcasing the moral ambiguity present within those tasked with upholding the law. His complicity raises questions about loyalty and justice.
Lena (Lena Kitsopoulou)
Lena emerges as a crucial ally in Beckett's turmoil, representing the local resistance against systemic oppression. Her brave interventions illustrate her commitment to protecting the innocent amidst danger. Lena's character adds depth to the themes of survival and courage.
Tynan (Boyd Holbrook)
Tynan is a complex character who initially appears trustworthy but ultimately reveals himself to be a source of betrayal. His role illuminates the darker side of political machinations and the vulnerability of those seeking help.
Uncover the settings of Beckett (2021), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
While the specific time period is not mentioned, the film captures a contemporary landscape marked by political turmoil and societal unrest. The backdrop of a vibrant yet chaotic Athens resonates with the current global challenges of accountability and the fight against oppression.
Location
Athens, Epirus
The movie unfolds in Athens, the vibrant capital of Greece, known for its rich history and political tension. The story moves to a mountainous area in Epirus, characterized by its tranquil villages and breathtaking landscapes. This juxtaposition of chaotic urban life and serene nature highlights the protagonist's struggle amidst turmoil.
Explore the core themes of Beckett (2021). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Survival
The theme of survival plays a pivotal role as Beckett navigates through life-threatening situations and moral dilemmas. His relentless pursuit of truth, driven by personal loss, underscores the human spirit's resilience. The pursuit of safety and justice amidst chaos resonates deeply with viewers.
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Corruption
Political corruption serves as a critical theme in the narrative, reflecting the deep-seated issues within the government and law enforcement. Beckett's confrontation with corrupt officials sheds light on the larger systemic injustices affecting innocent lives. The film invites viewers to question authority and seek accountability.
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Love & Loss
Love and loss intertwine throughout Beckett's journey, particularly highlighted by his relationship with April. Her death becomes a driving force in his quest for redemption and justice. The heart symbol drawn on his palm acts as a poignant reminder of love's enduring presence even amidst grief and turmoil.
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