Ghosted 2023
Directed by
Dexter Fletcher
Made by
Apple TV+
Plot Summary
At a bustling farmers’ market in Washington, D.C., lonely Sadie meets Cole, a vendor in need of affection. They enjoy a night full of laughter and connection, culminating in an intimate moment. However, after their encounter, Cole finds himself texting Sadie with no replies. His sister speculates that she might be “ghosting” him, but their parents encourage him to visit Sadie in London, using a tracker he accidentally left in her bag.
Upon arriving in London, Cole is unexpectedly kidnapped by arms dealers who mistake him for the infamous CIA operative known as “the Taxman.” Just as he faces a terrifying form of torture involving insects, he is dramatically rescued by Sadie, who reveals her true identity as the Taxman herself. They quickly make their exit through the Khyber Pass, evading Cole’s captors, who are under the command of Leveque, a disgraced French Intelligence agent, currently in possession of a stolen bio-weapon named “Aztec”—for which he desperately needs a specific passcode.
In a nearby town, tensions rise between Cole and Sadie as they confront the lies they’ve told each other. Here, they encounter Marco, Sadie’s former lover and ally, who cautions Cole about Sadie’s ruthless commitment to her missions over personal relationships. In a twist of fate, Marco ends up losing his life in the midst of ensuing chaos triggered by bounty hunters after Leveque places a price on Cole’s head. Despite the turmoil, Sadie is determined to reclaim the Aztec weapon, even if it means using Cole as bait.
Sadie’s strategy leads to a perilous situation involving Leveque and his henchman Wagner. As their cover is compromised due to a revealing photo on Cole’s phone, Cole manages to bail out just in time with the Aztec case, but not without sustaining injuries to Sadie. They land on Socotra Island, where Cole’s agricultural skills come in handy for her recovery, further deepening their bond. But trouble looms as they are ambushed by Leveque’s forces, leading to a successful rescue by U.S. Marines after Wagner makes off with the case.
At the CIA headquarters, Sadie faces suspension for losing Aztec and seeks forgiveness from Cole, yet he is wounded by her unwavering devotion to her objectives. As they collaborate to decode the passcode, Cole agrees to continue playing the role of the Taxman to bait Leveque into a trap.
In a dramatic showdown, Leveque meets Cole at a revolving restaurant, joined by his buyer for Aztec, Mr. Utami, who inadvertently becomes a target when Sadie appears and instantly shifts the dynamics. In a shocking turn of events, she sells the passcode for $10 million but uses the same fortune to place a bounty on Leveque, sparking a frenzied gunfight that spins the restaurant out of control. In a tragic series of confrontations, Cole must confront Wagner and see Leveque meet his demise, while Sadie fights to save the Aztec device during the chaos.
In the aftermath, as they mend their fractured relationship, Sadie becomes part of Cole’s life, balancing her missions with their newfound connection, while Cole introduces her to his family, forging a path ahead together amidst the tumultuous adventure they’ve endured.
Timeline
Sadie and Cole's First Encounter
Lonely Sadie meets vendor Cole at a bustling farmers' market in Washington, D.C. They immediately share a connection filled with laughter and warmth, creating a memorable night that ends with an intimate moment between them.
Cole is Left in Confusion
After their magical night together, Cole eagerly texts Sadie but receives no replies. His sister suggests that he might be getting 'ghosted', pushing him to seek answers and take action in his pursuit of her.
Cole's Journey to London
Encouraged by his parents, Cole decides to travel to London to find Sadie, using a tracker he accidentally left in her bag. This decision sets him on a path that will lead to unexpected and dangerous encounters.
Kidnapped by Arms Dealers
Upon his arrival in London, Cole is mistakenly taken captive by arms dealers who believe he is the infamous CIA operative known as 'the Taxman.' The situation escalates as he endures a terrifying experience forced upon him by his captors.
Sadie's Daring Rescue
Just as Cole faces torture, he is dramatically rescued by Sadie, who reveals she is the true Taxman. Together, they flee through the Khyber Pass, narrowly escaping the grasp of Cole's captors led by a disgraced French Intelligence agent.
Confrontation with Lies
In a nearby town, tensions rise as Cole and Sadie confront the lies they've told each other. During this confrontation, they meet Marco, a former lover of Sadie, who warns Cole about her commitment to her mission over personal relationships.
Marco's Tragic Fate
Chaos ensues as bounty hunters, sent by Leveque, pursue Cole. Marco tragically loses his life amidst the confusion, leaving Cole and Sadie to grapple with the consequences of their choices as Sadie remains resolute on retrieving the stolen bio-weapon, Aztec.
A Perilous Strategy
Sadie's determination to reclaim the Aztec weapon puts Cole in grave danger as Leveque's henchmen become involved. When their cover is compromised, Cole escapes with the Aztec case but not without injuring Sadie in the process.
Recovery on Socotra Island
They land on Socotra Island, where Cole uses his agricultural skills to help Sadie recover from her injuries. This experience deepens their emotional bond as they realize the weight of their mission together amidst the peaceful surroundings.
Ambush and Marine Rescue
While on Socotra Island, Cole and Sadie face an ambush from Leveque's forces. Just when it seems they are doomed, U.S. Marines conduct a successful rescue, providing relief but also signaling the escalating dangers involved in their mission.
Sadie's Suspension at CIA
Back at CIA headquarters, Sadie faces suspension for losing the Aztec weapon. She seeks forgiveness from Cole, but he struggles with her intense commitment to her work, making their future uncertain.
Decoding the Passcode
As they work together to decode the passcode needed to access the Aztec weapon, Cole agrees to assume the role of the Taxman once again. This decision is pivotal as they aim to lure Leveque into a trap.
Dramatic Showdown
In a tense meeting at a revolving restaurant, Cole meets Leveque and his buyer for the Aztec weapon. The situation escalates dramatically as Sadie unexpectedly appears, changing the dynamics of the encounter.
Betrayal and Gunfight
Sadie sells the passcode for $10 million while secretly placing a bounty on Leveque's head. This sets off a chaotic gunfight in the restaurant, resulting in a series of confrontations that test the resolve and skills of both Cole and Sadie.
Mending Relationships
In the aftermath of their tumultuous adventure, Cole and Sadie begin to mend their fractured relationship. They navigate the challenges they faced together, bringing Sadie into Cole's life and forging a new path ahead amidst the lingering chaos.
Characters
Cole Turner (Chris Evans)
Cole is a lonely vendor whose quest for connection leads him into a whirlwind of adventure and danger. Initially portrayed as naive and hopeful in romance, he evolves into a resourceful figure, overcoming his fears in the face of life-threatening situations. Cole's character development highlights resilience and the complexities of love amid chaos.
Sadie Rhodes (Ana de Armas)
Sadie is a charismatic yet secretive character who leads a double life as a CIA operative. Her determination to fulfill her missions often puts her relationships at risk, showcasing her internal conflict. As the story unfolds, her layers are peeled back, revealing her motivations and vulnerabilities, and she ultimately grapples with balancing love and duty.
Leveque (Adrien Brody)
Leveque is the film's antagonist, a disgraced French Intelligence agent with nefarious goals. His pursuit of the Aztec weapon brings chaos to the narrative, as he exploits those around him for personal gain. Leveque's character embodies greed and ruthlessness, pushing Cole and Sadie into dangerous situations.
Setting
Time period
The events of the movie take place in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern-day issues like relationships and espionage. The storyline intertwines romance with high-stakes action, showcasing a world where personal connections can become overshadowed by international intrigue and danger. Current technologies, like phone tracking, play a significant role in the narrative.
Location
Washington, D.C., London, Khyber Pass, Socotra Island
The film opens in the bustling farmers' market of Washington, D.C., a vibrant setting known for its fresh produce and lively atmosphere. The action then shifts to London, a historic and cosmopolitan city that adds a layer of intrigue to the story. The Khyber Pass, a strategic corridor, provides a dramatic escape route, while Socotra Island, known for its unique biodiversity, becomes a temporary haven amidst chaos.
Themes
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Love & Betrayal
The film explores the complexities of love intertwined with betrayal, as Cole navigates the uncertainty of Sadie's true identity. Their relationship evolves against a backdrop of deception, challenging their trust in each other. Through trials and tribulations, they must reconcile their feelings amidst external dangers.
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Espionage
Espionage is at the heart of the story, driving the plot forward as Cole gets entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse. The narrative highlights the world of spies, secrets, and covert operations, illustrating the risks involved in a life committed to deception. Sadie's dual life as 'the Taxman' adds an exciting layer to the theme.
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Conflict
Conflict is a prevailing theme, both personally between Cole and Sadie and externally with the antagonists. The film showcases physical confrontations, moral dilemmas, and the emotional strife caused by lies, ultimately leading to intense action sequences that reflect the struggle for survival and loyalty.
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