Directed by
Simon West
Made by
Lionsgate Home Entertainment
Discover the intricate plot of Gun Shy (2017). 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 narrative revolves around Turk Henry, portrayed by Antonio Banderas, a mega-platinum rock star who finds himself living a life that can only be described as a dream—married to the stunning supermodel Sheila, played by Olga Kurylenko, and enjoying unimaginable wealth. However, life takes a turn when Turk is ousted from his own band after he deserted them during his relationship with Sheila. To make matters worse, the band achieves remarkable success in his absence, leaving Turk to languish in his mansion for two long years.
His forced vacation in Chile begins when Sheila drags him out of the house, but things take a dark turn when she is abducted by a band of renegade pirates. Sheila finds herself imprisoned alongside fellow captives Sandrine—played by Anna Francolini—and Charlie, portrayed by Jeremy Swift. The kidnappers soon realize that Sheila is Turk’s wife and demand a ransom of $1 million, a sum that seems insignificant to someone of Turk’s stature.
In a panic, Turk reaches out to his agents, particularly John Hardigger (played by David Mitchell), but is met with resistance as John refuses to engage. This forces Turk into a frustrating situation where he must deal with John’s assistant, Marybeth, depicted by Aisling Loftus. Despite the funds being made available at a local bank, Turk is paralyzed by fear and challenges his own capability to act.
Meanwhile, Ben Harding, played by Mark Valley, a dedicated FBI agent in Santiago, is skeptical of the investigation’s prospects and is anxious to return home. Moreover, he sees the kidnapping as a potential stepping stone for his career by exploring a terrorist angle, putting him at odds with Turk’s need for a swift resolution.
As Turk tries to retrieve the ransom money, Ben relentlessly pursues him to prevent the transaction, leading to comic tension where, amidst chaos, a new connection forms between Sheila and the lead kidnapper, Juan Carlos, played by Ben Cura. With no other options, Turk covertly contacts Marybeth for help, knowing that Ben is monitoring his communications.
Upon Marybeth’s arrival in Chile, she recruits Clive Muggleton, portrayed by Martin Dingle Wall, as a security consultant, though his inappropriate advances toward her add a layer of comedic tension. Ben ultimately persuades Clive’s firm to drop the case for his personal gain. However, Clive devises a cunning plan alongside Turk and Marybeth to mislead Ben and secure the ransom funds.
Events take a dramatic twist when Ben unintentionally kills Clive during a confrontation. Left with no choice, Turk must now deliver the ransom himself while being doggedly pursued by Ben. Yet, Clive surprises everyone by faking his own death to evade Ben and joins forces with Marybeth to assist Turk.
When Turk arrives at the kidnappers’ lair, chaos ensues as both Ben and Clive make their appearances, and Juan expresses his ire, insisting that Turk come alone. In a cataclysmic turn of events, Ben is killed by his own hand grenade while trying to thwart Turk’s ransom delivery. Amidst this turmoil, Turk professes his love for Sheila, winning Juan over, as the kidnapper is a fan of Turk’s band.
In an emotional climax, Sheila urges Turk to prove his love, leading him to perform an original song dedicated to her, facilitating their reunion. However, not all is well when Marybeth informs Turk that John has drained multiple accounts, leaving him financially depleted. Ultimately, Turk, reduced to playing club gigs to make ends meet, faces an unexpected turn of fate as Clive tracks down John, eliminating him and reclaiming the stolen funds.
Track the key events of Gun Shy (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Turk's Dream Life
Turk Henry, a mega-platinum rock star, enjoys a lavish lifestyle married to the beautiful supermodel Sheila. Despite his fame and fortune, he feels a sense of emptiness after leaving his band for his relationship with her.
Desertion from the Band
Turk is ousted from his own band after abandoning them during his romance with Sheila. This decision haunts him as the band achieves unprecedented success in his absence, leaving him isolated in his mansion.
Forced Vacation in Chile
Sheila decides it is time for Turk to leave his reclusive life and drags him to Chile. The change of scenery is meant to refresh Turk but becomes the backdrop for an unforeseen disaster.
Sheila's Abduction
While in Chile, Sheila is kidnapped by a group of renegade pirates, taking her away in a shocking turn of events. Turk is thrust into panic mode as he realizes the seriousness of the situation.
Ransom Demand
The kidnappers discover Sheila is Turk's wife and demand a ransom of $1 million. Despite his wealth, Turk realizes the gravity of the situation as he contemplates his next move.
Reaching Out for Help
In a state of desperation, Turk tries to contact his agent, John Hardigger, for assistance. However, John refuses to help, leaving Turk feeling powerless and frustrated.
An FBI Agent's Skepticism
FBI agent Ben Harding is assigned to the case but is skeptical about the investigation's prospects. He has his own agenda, hoping for a career boost by framing the kidnapping in a more serious light.
Marybeth's Arrival
Without a choice, Turk contacts Marybeth, John's assistant, for support. Marybeth arrives in Chile with Clive Muggleton, but their encounter brings comedic tension with Clive’s inappropriate behavior.
The Plan to Mislead Ben
Clive devises a plan to distract Ben and aid Turk in securing the ransom. Their collaboration gives Turk a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos, as they work against the FBI's interference.
Tragic Confrontation
A confrontation leads to a tragic turn when Ben inadvertently kills Clive, creating a domino effect of chaos. With Clive out of the picture, Turk is left with no choice but to deliver the ransom himself.
Kidnappers' Hideout
Turk finally arrives at the kidnappers' hideout, only to find both Ben and Clive present, leading to a showdown. Tensions rise as Juan, the lead kidnapper, insists on meeting Turk alone.
Ben's Demise
In a moment of chaos, Ben accidentally kills himself with his own grenade while attempting to thwart Turk. This unexpected twist leaves the situation even more unstable.
Turk's Emotional Plea
In an emotional climax, Sheila encourages Turk to declare his love through music, leading him to perform a heartfelt song. This moment serves as a catalyst for their emotional reunion.
Financial Ruin
After the reunion, Marybeth reveals that John has drained several of Turk's accounts, leaving him financially ruined. Turk faces the harsh reality of his situation, reduced to playing small gigs.
Clive's Revenge
In a surprising turn of events, Clive, who faked his own death, tracks down John. Clive’s actions restore some balance as he manages to reclaim the stolen funds Turk desperately needs.
Meet the characters that bring Gun Shy (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Turk Henry (Antonio Banderas)
Turk Henry is a once mega-platinum rock star, now struggling with the fallout of his past decisions and the kidnapping of his wife. His character embodies the complexities of fame, facing fears and insecurities while trying to rescue Sheila. As the story unfolds, Turk demonstrates growth by overcoming his challenges.
Sheila (Olga Kurylenko)
Sheila is a stunning supermodel and the love interest of Turk Henry. Her abduction sets the film's events into motion, showcasing her strength as she navigates captivity alongside other prisoners. Throughout the story, Sheila’s character also represents the emotional anchor for Turk, pushing him to rise to the occasion.
John Hardigger (David Mitchell)
John is Turk’s agent who initially refuses to help amid the chaos, creating additional challenges for Turk. His character serves to highlight the tension between personal interests and professional obligations, showcasing a more cynical view of the entertainment industry’s response to crises.
Marybeth (Aisling Loftus)
Marybeth is John Hardigger's assistant, who becomes entwined in Turk’s desperate mission. Her resourcefulness and willingness to help Turk contrast with the apathetic attitude of her boss, presenting her as a supportive yet capable character amid the turmoil.
Ben Harding (Mark Valley)
Ben is an FBI agent skeptical of the kidnapping case and initially focused on advancing his career. His character underscores the tension between law enforcement and personal lives, demonstrating how personal motives can cloud judgment in critical situations.
Uncover the settings of Gun Shy (2017), 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 movie's narrative unfolds in a contemporary context, reflective of modern celebrity culture and the entertainment industry's pressures. The circumstances surrounding the characters highlight issues of fame, wealth, and personal struggles faced by those in the public eye today.
Location
Chile
Chile serves as the backdrop for much of the film's chaotic events. Known for its stunning landscapes and rich culture, this South American country becomes the site of a dramatic kidnapping. Its vibrant settings contrast sharply with the dark tones of the abduction and the ensuing rescue operation.
Explore the core themes of Gun Shy (2017). 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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Love
The central theme of love drives the narrative as Turk's quest to save Sheila showcases the lengths one will go for loved ones. Throughout the chaos, their relationship is tested, revealing vulnerabilities and the strength of their bond. The ultimate reunion emphasizes love's triumph amid adversity.
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Wealth and Consequences
Turk's wealth initially seems to shield him from hardships, but it also brings unexpected complications. The film explores how money influences relationships and decisions, particularly in the ransom scenario. Ultimately, Turk learns that true value lies not in riches but in genuine connections.
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Crime and Resolution
The narrative includes elements of crime, particularly the kidnapping and its chaotic aftermath. It delves into the challenges of resolving criminal situations while navigating personal agendas, illustrated by the FBI agent's involvement. The blend of comedy and drama adds depth to the crime theme.
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