Contract to Kill

Contract to Kill 2016

Directed by

Keoni Waxman

Keoni Waxman

Made by

Lionsgate

Lionsgate

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Plot Summary


As U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) border patrol agents apprehend two high-ranking terrorists associated with Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Daesh, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) uncovers a dangerous scheme in the making. The agency fears that these extremists are covertly negotiating with José Rivera, the ferocious leader of the Sonora Cartel, facilitating the smuggling of terrorists from Mexico into the United States. To thwart this risky operation, former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and CIA Agent John Harmon—a man with a past of dismantling a Sonora compound and eliminating its former head, El Mini Oso—is called into action by CIA intermediary Matt Beck.

Harmon assembles a skilled team, including his former love interest and FBI agent Zara Hayek, renowned for her expertise in surveillance and infiltration, alongside Matthew Sharp, a drone piloting ace. Learning that the secretive meeting between the terrorist coalition and the Sonora Cartel is to be held in Istanbul, Turkey, Harmon’s team goes undercover to surveil the plans of Hezbollah leader Ayan Al-Mujahid and Rivera. Unfortunately, their covert operation is compromised when Al-Mujahid notices Sharp’s drone circling overhead, leading him to terminate the meeting in haste.

In a pulse-pounding sequence that follows, Harmon finds himself in a thrilling car chase and shootout against Al-Mujahid’s henchmen, during which he unveils the nefarious target of the terrorists’ plans: Abdul Rauf, a notorious bomb-maker who instigated the catastrophic downing of a Crimea Airlines plane in Syria. In a twist of fate, Rivera’s accomplices storm Harmon’s safe house, capturing Hayek and taking her into enemy hands. Unwilling to back down, Harmon and Sharp pursue Al-Mujahid to the luxurious Palace Hotel, where an intense confrontation ensues, resulting in the downfall of Al-Mujahid and his crew.

Rivera and Rauf manage to escape to Rivera’s fortress in Rumelifeneri, but Harmon is relentless in his pursuit. In a gripping final showdown, he confronts and vanquishes both Rivera and Rauf, marking a substantial victory for U.S. intelligence efforts. The film wraps up with Harmon reuniting with Hayek, reflecting on the crucial role that operatives like him play in the shadows to protect global security.

Timeline


Terrorist Apprehension

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) border patrol agents apprehend two high-ranking terrorists connected to Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and Daesh. This alarming discovery alerts the Central Intelligence Agency about a possibly dangerous scheme in development.

The CIA's Concern

The CIA uncovers indications that the terrorists are negotiating with José Rivera, the brutal leader of the Sonora Cartel. This partnership could facilitate the smuggling of extremists from Mexico into the United States, prompting urgent action.

Call to Action

To avert the imminent threat posed by the terrorists and the cartel, former DEA and CIA agent John Harmon is called back into action. Harmon has a history with the Sonora Cartel, having previously dismantled one of its compounds and eliminated its former leader.

Assembling the Team

Harmon gathers a team of skilled operatives, including FBI agent Zara Hayek, known for her infiltration skills, and drone pilot Matthew Sharp. The team prepares to take on the challenge of dismantling the terrorist operation with a well-coordinated plan.

Surveillance in Istanbul

The team discovers that a secretive meeting between the terrorist coalition and the Sonora Cartel will take place in Istanbul, Turkey. They go undercover to monitor the negotiations led by Hezbollah leader Ayan Al-Mujahid and Rivera.

Istanbul, Turkey

Compromised Operation

During the surveillance, Sharp's drone is spotted by Al-Mujahid, compromising their mission. The terrorist leader abruptly terminates the meeting, forcing the team to act quickly to salvage their operation.

Istanbul, Turkey

Car Chase and Shootout

In a thrilling series of events, Harmon engages in a car chase and shootout against Al-Mujahid's henchmen. Through this encounter, he uncovers that the terrorists' target is Abdul Rauf, a notorious bomb-maker responsible for various attacks.

Istanbul, Turkey

Hayek Captured

As tensions escalate, Rivera's henchmen invade Harmon's safe house, capturing Hayek and abducting her. This event sets the stage for a more personal and high-stakes pursuit as Harmon vows to rescue her.

Confrontation at the Palace Hotel

Harmon and Sharp confront Al-Mujahid at the luxurious Palace Hotel, leading to an intense showdown. This confrontation results in the defeat of Al-Mujahid and his crew, marking a significant step in their mission.

Palace Hotel

Pursuit of Escaped Fugitives

Despite the setback, Rivera and Rauf manage to escape to Rivera's fortified hideout in Rumelifeneri. Harmon refuses to give up the chase and continues his relentless pursuit to bring them to justice.

Rumelifeneri

Final Showdown

In a dramatic confrontation, Harmon tracks down Rivera and Rauf at their hideout. He defeats both of them, securing a major victory for U.S. intelligence and preventing further terror attacks.

Rumelifeneri

Reunion and Reflection

The film concludes with Harmon reuniting with Hayek after their harrowing ordeal. They share a moment of reflection on the importance of their work in safeguarding global security and the sacrifices they make.

Characters


John Harmon (Steven Seagal)

A seasoned former DEA and CIA Agent, John Harmon is driven by a strong sense of justice and a personal stake in dismantling criminal networks. He showcases resilience and a relentless pursuit of threats against global security. Harmon's complex past adds depth to his character, making his motivations relatable yet haunting.

🕵️‍♂️ Secret Agent 💔 Love Interest

Zara Hayek (Jemma Dallender)

Zara Hayek is an expert FBI agent with a rich background in surveillance and infiltration. Her character is essential to the operation, as her skills and previous relationship with Harmon add emotional layers to the narrative. Zara's determination and bravery are put to the test when she is captured, highlighting her resilience in the face of danger.

💪 Strong Woman ❤️ Love Interest

Ayan Al-Mujahid (Sergiu Costache)

As the Hezbollah leader, Ayan Al-Mujahid represents a formidable antagonist in the film. His cunning intelligence and tactical prowess make him a dangerous foe for Harmon and his team. Al-Mujahid's actions drive the conflict forward, ultimately leading to intense confrontations that elevate the film's stakes.

💣 Terrorist Leader 😈 Antagonist

Setting


Time period

The movie unfolds in the contemporary landscape of espionage and counter-terrorism, reflecting the ongoing global threats posed by extremist groups. This period sees heightened tensions and intelligence operations aimed at dismantling dangerous networks that threaten national security.

Location

Istanbul, Turkey, Rumelifeneri

Istanbul, a vibrant city straddling Europe and Asia, serves as a critical location for the covert meeting between terrorists and the Sonora Cartel. Known for its rich history and cultural significance, Istanbul is a melting pot of various influences. Rumelifeneri, where the film's climax takes place, is a fortress that adds a raw edge to the story, representing both a stronghold of danger and a strategic point of confrontation.

🏙️ City 🏰 Fortress

Themes


🕵️‍♂️

Espionage

The theme of espionage is central to the film, showcasing the intricate world of undercover operations carried out by intelligence agencies. It highlights the risks and moral dilemmas faced by operatives tasked with stopping formidable threats. Through the lens of former agents, the film reveals the relentless fight against terrorism which often occurs in the shadows.

🔥

Conflict

Conflict permeates the narrative, manifesting through intense confrontations between various intelligence agents and terrorist organizations. The film captures the high stakes of global security issues, emphasizing that every decision can lead to catastrophic consequences. The struggle between good and evil is portrayed through well-choreographed action sequences and the moral complexities that come with them.

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