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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Elektra (2005). 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.


The Hand is a powerful crime syndicate that embodies Evil in contemporary society, while the forces of good are represented by the followers of Kimagure. These disciples are said to have the ability to resurrect the dead under the guidance of their master. Amidst this conflict, legends speak of a motherless daughter who could shift the balance between good and evil — she is known as the Treasure, and both factions are keen to locate her.

After her demise in Daredevil, Elektra Natchios (Jennifer Garner) is brought back to life by a wise blind martial arts master known as Stick (Terence Stamp). Elektra finds herself in Stick’s training compound, where she learns Kimagure, an ancient martial arts technique that bestows its practitioners with foresight and the ability to bring back the deceased. However, Elektra struggles with her deep-seated anger and is ultimately expelled from the compound. In her quest for purpose, she turns her training into a life as a contract killer.

Fast forward a few years, and Elektra infiltrates a heavily fortified location, executing her target DeMarco (Jason Isaacs) after eliminating the guards with expertise. Meanwhile, the Hand is hot on the trail of the elusive Treasure. Master Roshi desires to capture her, but his son Kirigi (Will Yun Lee) believes that should the treasure prove difficult to acquire, she must be eliminated instead. They agree to hire an assassin for the task.

Elektra’s agent, McCabe (Colin Cunningham), relays an unusually lucrative offer from an anonymous client seeking Elektra’s skills. With a commission of 10% taken from her earnings, Elektra is required to spend some time in a rented house on the island prior to being informed of her targets. During this time, Elektra battles with her Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and receives unsettling visits from ghosts haunting her childhood memories. Driven by the tragic memory of her mother’s violent death, she clings to a locket taken from her mother’s body, carrying it wherever she goes.

While awaiting her assignment, Elektra encounters young Abby (Kirsten Prout), who attempts to steal the locket but soon leaves when Elektra rebuffs her. In a moment of meditation, Elektra befriends Abby’s father, Mark Miller (Goran Visnjic). Abby later extends an invitation for dinner on her father’s behalf. As the evening unfolds, Elektra discovers a shared struggle with OCD between herself and Abby. A romantic spark ignites between Elektra and Mark, who is grieving his late wife, yet the emotional connection complicates when it is revealed that he and Abby are her targets.

Despite the unfolding chaos, Elektra finds it in herself to spare their lives and promptly departs. However, she soon realizes that she must return to shield them from the assassins of the Hand, a fearsome assembly of ninja mercenaries intent on capturing Abby, referred to as “The Treasure.” Fortuitously, Elektra possesses the extraordinary ability to foresee the future, enabling her to evade lethal attacks that would have otherwise claimed her life.

As Roshi (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), the master of the Hand, discovers the thwarted attack on Abby and Mark, he authorizes Kirigi to mobilize a new cohort of assassins to eliminate Elektra and secure Abby. Elektra, aided by her martial expertise, seeks out refuge for Mark and Abby with Stick, who pressures her to take on the responsibilities of their protection personally. Mark confides in Elektra about the dangers they face from the Hand, revealing that they were responsible for his wife’s death during their pursuit for Abby, although he withholds her true significance as the Treasure.

Elektra transports Mark and Abby to McCabe’s retreat but is trailed by Kirigi and his team of ruthless killers: Typhoid (Natassia Malthe), Stone (Bob Sapp), Kinkou (Edison T. Ribeiro), and Tattoo (Chris Ackerman). As they evade their pursuers through a secret underground route, McCabe courageously sacrifices himself, allowing Elektra, Mark, and Abby a potential escape.

The relentless Kirigi and his assassins pursue them through a nearby forest. Elektra overcomes Stone, and together, Mark and Abby manage to defeat Kinkou using one of his own daggers. Just as Elektra becomes aware of Abby’s unexpected martial prowess, she is incapacitated by Typhoid’s dangerous “Kiss of Death.” Unfortunately, Kirigi captures Abby, leading to a chaotic confrontation as Stick and his group of Chaste ninjas arrive just in time to force the assassins into retreat. Stick extracts Elektra from peril and offers protection to all.

In an intense showdown, Stick reveals that Abby is indeed the martial arts prodigy sought by the Hand. Elektra learns that she itself was part of a larger conflict and that her mother lost her life due to this very battle. Stick admits that the murder contract was part of a test to evaluate Elektra’s capacity for compassion.

In a bold move, Elektra Astrally projects herself to confront Kirigi, challenging him to a duel where the victor would claim Abby for their own purposes. Returning to her childhood home to settle the score, Elektra remembers Kirigi as the man responsible for her mother’s death. Although initially defeated, Elektra gains strength from Abby’s arrival, who distracts Kirigi long enough for Elektra to recover.

Elektra and Abby evade their enemies within a hedge maze, but their plan falls apart when Abby is seized by venomous snakes unleashed by Tattoo. In a fierce battle, Elektra confronts and eliminates Tattoo, saving Abby from certain doom. A second clash with Kirigi ensues, where Elektra finally triumphs, but not without suffering further tragedies. Typhoid poisons Abby — mirroring her earlier assault on Elektra — but in a miraculous moment, Elektra manages to resurrect Abby, overcoming the weight of her fury.

As Mark comes to claim Abby, an emotional farewell prompts a brief, tender kiss between him and Elektra before they part ways. Just as Elektra turns to leave the familiar grounds of her childhood, she encounters Stick once more. Their exchange is heavy with meaning, and Elektra departs, confident in the safety of Abby and Mark.

Timeline

Track the key events of Elektra (2005) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


The Rise of The Hand

The Hand emerges as a powerful crime syndicate, representing the embodiment of Evil in contemporary society. This syndicate seeks to capture a legendary individual known as the Treasure, believed to possess unique powers that could tip the scales between good and evil.

Elektra's Resurrection

After her demise in Daredevil, Elektra Natchios is unexpectedly brought back to life by Stick, a wise blind martial arts master. Elektra finds herself in a training compound where her journey toward rediscovering her purpose begins.

Stick's training compound

Training in Kimagure

Elektra begins her rigorous training in Kimagure, an ancient martial arts technique that allows practitioners to foresee the future and resurrect the dead. Despite her potential, Elektra struggles with unresolved anger, which ultimately leads to her expulsion from the compound.

Stick's training compound

Transition to Assassination

Following her expulsion, Elektra pivots her training into a grim career as a contract killer. This decision sets in motion her encounters with corrupt forces, as she seeks purpose and grapples with her haunted past.

The Assignment

Elektra receives a lucrative job offer through her agent, McCabe, targeting an individual named DeMarco. Upon infiltrating his heavily fortified location, she skillfully executes the contract, eliminating his guards in the process.

DeMarco's location

Haunting Memories

During her time in a rented house, Elektra battles the ghosts of her past and the haunting memories of her mother’s violent death. She clings to a locket from her mother, representing her unresolved trauma and connection to her family.

Rented house

Meeting Abby

Elektra encounters young Abby, who attempts to steal the locket but ultimately leaves after being rebuffed. A bond begins to form between Elektra and Abby's father, Mark, which complicates her mission.

Rented house

Revelation of Targets

As Elektra spends time with Mark and Abby, she realizes they are her targets. Despite this revelation, she finds it in herself to spare their lives, acting against the expectations of her assassin lifestyle.

The Hand's Pursuit

The Hand intensifies their efforts to capture Abby, who is revealed to be the Treasure. Elektra must step up to protect Mark and Abby from a formidable group of assassins led by Kirigi, escalating the stakes of her involvement.

Sacrifice and Escape

In a valiant act, McCabe sacrifices himself to ensure Elektra, Mark, and Abby can escape the relentless assassin group. Their escape takes them through hidden routes as they evade the deadly pursuit of Kirigi's team.

Underground escape route

Battle in the Forest

Elektra engages in a fierce battle against Kirigi and his assassins in a nearby forest. Despite their initial successes, the dire situation takes a turn when Elektra is incapacitated by Typhoid's lethal attack.

Nearby forest

The Confrontation

Stick and his group of Chaste ninjas intervene just as Elektra is on the verge of defeat. They force the assassin team to retreat, but the conflict reveals deeper ties between Elektra's past and her present struggles.

Astral Projection Duel

Elektra boldly projects herself astrally to confront Kirigi, challenging him to a duel over Abby's fate. The duel is not just a battle of skill but also intertwined with Elektra's emotional journey tied to the memory of her mother's death.

Childhood home

Final Showdown

In an intense final battle, Elektra faces Kirigi once more. She fights valiantly but also suffers tragic losses as the duality of her past and her newfound bonds come to a critical juncture.

Hedge maze

Resurrection and Farewell

In a miraculous turn, Elektra resurrects Abby after Typhoid's poison takes hold. The film culminates in an emotional farewell between Elektra, Mark, and Abby, marking a poignant close to their intertwined fates.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Elektra (2005) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Elektra Natchios (Jennifer Garner)

Elektra is a complex character marked by her struggle with anger and loss. As a skilled martial artist, she is driven by her past traumas, which shape her actions throughout the film. Her character evolves from a ruthless assassin to a protector, finding a deeper purpose in her connection with Abby and Mark.

💪 Warrior 💔 Grief 🥷 Assassin

Kirigi (Will Yun Lee)

Kirigi serves as a formidable antagonist in the film, embodying the ruthless nature of the Hand. He is cunning and relentless, seeking to capture Abby while showcasing strong martial arts skills. His character contrasts sharply with Elektra, providing a significant challenge that tests her abilities.

⚔️ Villain 🥷 Ninja 🌪️ Chaos

Mark Miller (Goran Visnjic)

Mark is a widowed father who finds himself entangled in Elektra's world of danger. His character represents vulnerability and the desire for normalcy following his wife's tragic death. Mark's budding relationship with Elektra complicates his protective instincts for his daughter, Abby.

💔 Grieving 👨‍👧 Father ❤️ Love Interest

Abby (Kirsten Prout)

Abby is a young girl with a special significance who unknowingly becomes the target of the Hand. Her character is portrayed as resilient, showing innate skills in martial arts that surprise Elektra. Abby's innocence and connection with Elektra help drive the narrative of protection and sacrifice.

🌟 Prodigy 👧 Innocence 🤝 Friendship

Setting

Uncover the settings of Elektra (2005), 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

Contemporary

The movie takes place in contemporary society, where a covert war between the forces of good and evil is underway. The story unfolds in a world rife with crime syndicates and mystical martial arts. This period reflects themes of personal struggle, resurrection, and the quest for redemption.

Location

Training Compound, Secret Island Retreat, Forest, Childhood Home

The Training Compound serves as a sanctuary where Elektra learns the ancient martial arts technique of Kimagure under the tutelage of Stick. The Secret Island Retreat becomes a critical setting for the unfolding drama between Elektra and her targets, Mark and Abby. Surrounding forests play a significant role during the chase scenes, providing both refuge and danger. Elektra's Childhood Home is a powerful symbol, filled with memories that drive her quest for justice and resolution.

🏠 House 🌲 Nature 🥋 Martial Arts

Themes

Explore the core themes of Elektra (2005). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💔

Loss

Loss is a central theme in the film, highlighted by Elektra's tragic past and her mother’s violent death. This loss propels Elektra’s journey as she grapples with grief while attempting to protect Abby, who embodies hope. The emotional weight of loss profoundly influences Elektra's decisions and moral compass throughout the story.

⚔️

Redemption

Redemption is explored through Elektra’s quest to overcome her dark past as a contract killer. Encountering Abby and Mark catalyzes her journey towards finding purpose and compassion. Elektra’s final acts demonstrate her longing for redemption, ultimately sacrificing her own desires to protect the innocent.

🌀

Conflict

The film portrays the intense conflict between the Hand, symbolizing evil, and the followers of Kimagure, representing good. Elektra's internal struggle between her training and her vengeful instincts adds layers to this overarching battle. The culmination of personal and external conflicts leads to pivotal moments in Elektra's journey.

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