Directed by
Hannes Þór Halldórsson
Made by
Epic Pictures
Discover the intricate plot of Cop Secret (2022). 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.
Böðvar “Bússi” Böðvarsson, an unconventional and rule-breaking cop, finds himself partnered with the adept and disciplined Klemenz as they embark on a thrilling investigation into a series of perplexing bank robberies that have taken place across Reykjavík, during which, bafflingly, nothing seems to have been stolen. The latest incident sees Bússi in hot pursuit of a mysterious woman on a motorbike who makes a daring escape from the scene. Despite Klemenz’s vehement protests—particularly since his son is in the back seat—they chase her through the bustling streets of Reykjavík, weaving through shopping malls, only for her to slip away to the nearby town of Garðabær. Stopped at the town’s outskirts due to jurisdiction issues, they encounter Hörður Bess, another cop who takes over the chase. Determined to follow, Bússi ignores Klemenz’s warnings, leading them to an abandoned warehouse where an accidental discharge of his partner’s gun results in Klemenz getting injured, while the elusive woman manages to escape yet again.
Both Bússi and Hörður are well-known in the police community: Bússi is notorious for his rough approach to law enforcement, while Hörður, a former male model, is an intriguing blend of wealth, charm, and unparalleled language skills—he speaks an impressive 15 languages but refuses to utter a word in Danish “on principle.” The rivalry between these two officers intensifies as they each strive to earn the title of Iceland’s toughest and most proficient cop.
After an episode of recklessness leads to Bússi being reprimanded by his superior, Þorgerður, for causing $700 in damages during the failed pursuit, he returns home to his girlfriend Lilja. Yet tensions mount when their relationship takes a turn for the worse due to Bússi’s emotional distance. In a moment of temptation, he briefly lingers over a male model magazine before discarding it, a gesture that reflects his inner turmoil.
In a deserted factory, the enigmatic Rikki Ferrari convenes with his criminal gang, which includes the motorbike rider Stefanía, who intriguingly communicates solely in dubbed English. As they discuss their next target, tensions arise when a criticism about their poor operational planning leads Rikki to shoot one of his own men, Svavar, through the hand—delivering a cruel lesson about questioning authority in their ranks.
The next day ushers in chaos as Bússi, responding to a call about an ongoing heist, enters the bank alone and unexpectedly encounters Hörður inside. Together, they swiftly neutralize the criminals, only for Stefanía to launch a cyber attack aimed at compromising the bank’s security systems. Amidst the fray, a brief touch between Bússi and Hörður hints at the simmering attraction between them, but the situation escalates when a gang member takes a woman hostage. In a desperate act, Bússi shoots the hostage in the shoulder to save her life, leading to both he and Hörður dispatching the last of the criminals. In the aftermath, Stefanía is captured by local law enforcement.
Back at the precinct, Bússi interrogates Stefanía but resorts to violence, breaking her finger and firing shots into the wall in a bid for information. The only significant piece of intel she reveals is an ominous hint regarding the upcoming women’s football match between Iceland and England scheduled for that Saturday.
As the plot thickens, Bússi and Hörður find solace together over drinks, igniting a passionate kiss in a restroom that solidifies their connection. However, Bússi awakens alone the next day to find that Klemenz has requested to no longer partner with him, resulting in Hörður being assigned as his new cop counterpart—a decision that fuels Bússi’s rage.
Determined to track down Stefanía, who has recently been released, they follow her to another abandoned factory where Hörður recognizes Rikki from their mutual modeling days—a figure who vanished after a fateful explosion. The tension in the gang ripples as Stefanía confronts Rikki about her supposed betrayal just as a radio DJ, Heiðar Austmann, begins broadcasting their heist plan and hints that the perfect time to strike is during the distraction of the national football game, unleashing Rikki’s wrath.
In a reckless twist, Rikki interrogates Heiðar over the radio, leading to his execution, and soon after, Bússi and Hörður stumble upon a crime scene where they capture only one gang member, who meets a fiery end at Stefanía’s hands to obliterate any evidence.
Their journey plunges deeper into darker territories as they enlist a hacker named Loa, discovering links to Chinatown through a burnt USB drive captured from the scene. Yet their leads turn fatal when a mysterious sniper takes out Bússi’s landlord while attempting to connect the dots, forcing Hörður to retaliate—accidentally causing immense destruction in Chinatown in the process, angering both Þorgerður and Prime Minister Jon Gnarr.
As personal relationships dissolve, Bússi ends his romance with Lilja, finally recognizing his identity by accepting his attraction to Hörður. Their ensuing secret rendezvous deepens their connection, just as the stakes escalate with Rikki capturing sensitive photos as leverage over Bússi, threatening to expose his newfound truths unless he quits the police force.
With the national football game in full swing—and the police force preoccupied—Rikki’s gang initiates a daring heist that threatens to unravel the very foundations of Iceland’s security. Complications arise when the security systems crash, perfectly timed with Rikki’s strike on the national gold reserves, while the cops rush to deal with a bomb threat at the stadium. The chaos culminates when amidst frantic racing, Bússi leaps onto a fleeing garbage truck, desperate to find Hörður, who’s been kidnapped alongside his brother Maggi.
Unbeknownst to them, Klemenz is entangled in the crime as the inside man when their paths cross and they face the chilling German torturer Jürgen. A tense fight for survival ensues, punctuated by Bússi’s declaration of love for Hörður, affirming their bond just before chaos erupts. Their confrontation with Rikki and the lingering presence of betrayal leads to an explosive climax with tragic sacrifices, including Klemenz’s valiant but ultimately fatal attempt to save Bússi.
The story spirals to a heart-pounding climax at the football match where, in a poetic twist of fate, Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir secures victory as the bomb is defused with just two seconds remaining. Meanwhile, back at the factory, the relentless efforts of the police finally converge, leading to chaotic resolutions: Klemenz’s arrest, bursts of gold passing fatefully into scenes of ironic justice, and Stefanía’s climactic fate at Þorgerður’s hands.
Ultimately, Bússi and Hörður forge a future together—united and flourishing, tenderly embracing their unconventional family by caring for Bússi’s former landlord’s child, while the twisted saga of Rikki, injured and bandaged, lingers ominously on the hospital bed, suggesting that the web of crime is far from over.
Track the key events of Cop Secret (2022) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Bússi and Klemenz Team Up
Böðvar 'Bússi' Böðvarsson partners with the straight-laced cop Klemenz to investigate a series of peculiar bank robberies in Reykjavík. Although nothing seems to have been stolen, their investigation leads to unexpected confrontations.
The Motorbike Chase
During their sleuthing, a woman on a motorbike flees from the latest robbery scene, prompting Bússi to pursue her. Despite Klemenz's protests due to having his son in the car, the chase takes them through the city and into Garðabær.
The Warehouse Standoff
The chase ends at an abandoned warehouse where another cop, Hörður, takes over as they attempt to apprehend the motorbike woman. Unfortunately, Bússi accidentally shoots his partner Klemenz, allowing the woman to escape.
Tension at Home
Bússi faces the repercussions of his reckless behavior as his chief disciplines him for causing damage during the chase. At home, he and his girlfriend Lilja argue over his emotional unavailability, leading to a significant rift in their relationship.
Gang Meeting
In an abandoned factory, Rikki Ferrari meets with his gang, including the female motorbike rider, Stefanía. Rikki displays his ruthless leadership style, shooting a member of the gang to maintain order and assert control.
The Bank Heist
Bússi arrives at a bank heist, only to find that Hörður is already on the scene. Together, they neutralize the gang members, but as Stefanía tries to upload a virus to the bank's computer, chaos ensues, resulting in a hostage situation.
Interrogation
Bússi confronts Stefanía in the aftermath of the bank heist, resorting to extreme measures during the interrogation. Although he gains some vague information about a women's football match, his tactics reflect his brutal nature.
A Complicated Relationship
After a night of drinking, Bússi and Hörður share a passionate kiss in a bathroom, leading to a deeper connection. However, the morning after reveals that Klemenz no longer wants to be his partner, increasing tensions among the three men.
Discovering the Insider
Bússi and Hörður follow Stefanía to an abandoned factory where they discover Rikki's resurgence after years of hiding. The stakes rise as they uncover that Klemenz is actually the insider feeding details to Rikki's gang.
Rikki's Revenge
Rikki captures the DJ, Heiðar, for leaking information about their plans on the radio. In a fit of rage, Rikki kills the DJ despite claims of ignorance, showing his ruthless disregard for anyone associated with his heist.
The Gold Heist
Rikki's gang launches a well-coordinated heist on the national gold reserves while the police are distracted at a football game. Internal conflict arises when Svavar questions Rikki's leadership, leading to Rikki shooting him as a show of dominance.
Bússi's Night of Realization
After a drunken night, Bússi realizes the football game was merely a cover for the heist. He makes a daring move by jumping onto the back of the gang's getaway garbage truck, setting in motion a plan to thwart Rikki.
Confrontation and Escape
Inside the factory, Bússi and Hörður confront Klemenz, only to find themselves restrained by Rikki's gang. In a gripping escape, they manage to defeat their captors and discover the true extent of Klemenz's betrayal.
The Final Showdown
A chaotic standoff occurs when Bússi, Hörður, Rikki, and Stefanía face off. When Klemenz accidentally shoots Bússi, the tension escalates, leading to tragic outcomes as alliances crumble amidst the fighting.
Victory and Resolution
As the football game ends triumphant for Iceland, Bússi and Hörður's partnership is officially recognized and solidified. At the factory, Klemenz is apprehended, and the chaos finally subsides, setting the stage for a hopeful future.
Meet the characters that bring Cop Secret (2022) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Böðvar 'Bússi' Böðvarsson (Björn Hlynur Haraldsson)
Bússi is a cop known for his unorthodox and brutal approach toward crime fighting. Despite his tough exterior, he experiences significant internal conflict regarding his personal relationships and sexuality, ultimately leading to growth and self-acceptance.
Klemenz (Sverrir Þór Sverrisson)
Klemenz is Bússi's partner, characterized by his straight-laced attitude and commitment to rules. His professional relationship with Bússi shifts dramatically throughout the film, revealing underlying tensions and personal stakes in their partnership.
Hörður (Egill Einarsson)
Hörður is a charismatic and affluent former model who becomes Bússi's new partner. His complex persona, which combines charm with intelligence, adds intrigue to the story as he competes with Bússi, both professionally and personally.
Stefanía (Vivian Ólafsdóttir)
Stefanía is a pivotal character within the criminal gang, displaying a mix of toughness and vulnerability. Her interactions with Bússi and Hörður highlight themes of loyalty and betrayal, as she becomes intertwined in their chaotic lives.
Rikki Ferrari (Birgir Gíslason)
Rikki is the enigmatic leader of the gang, whose ruthless tactics and charisma make him a formidable adversary. His complex relationships with other characters, particularly his influence over Bússi, adds layers to the narrative.
Uncover the settings of Cop Secret (2022), 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
The timelines depicted largely correspond to contemporary urban life, reflecting modern societal challenges and the implications of crime in a bustling city. The film references current events, such as an international football match, indicating its setting in present times.
Location
Reykjavík, Garðabær, Chinatown
The movie unfolds in Reykjavík, the vibrant capital of Iceland, known for its modernist architecture and rich culture. The action also spills over to Garðabær, a nearby town characterized by its quiet suburban life. Significant events climax in a factory setting, which serves as both a hideout for criminals and a battleground for the protagonists.
Explore the core themes of Cop Secret (2022). 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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Crime & Justice
The film explores themes of law enforcement's struggle against crime, showcasing the complexities of police work. It portrays the tension between traditional and unorthodox methods of handling criminal activity, as well as the personal moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
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Love & Identity
A significant theme is the exploration of love and self-acceptance, particularly Bússi's journey towards acknowledging his sexuality. The film highlights the struggles and triumphs in understanding one's identity, intertwined with love that defies conventional norms.
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Rivalry
The intense rivalry between Bússi and Hörður showcases competition not just in professional settings but also in personal relationships. This rivalry adds depth and tension to the narrative, driving both characters to confront their vulnerabilities and feelings toward each other.
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