Test your knowledge of Inferno with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Inferno (2016). 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.


Harvard University professor Robert Langdon finds himself awakening in a hospital room located in the enchanting city of Florence, Italy. However, he’s confronted with a fog of amnesia, unable to recollect the events that led him there. Instead, his mind is haunted by vivid visions of a devastated Earth. Among the medical staff is Dr. Sienna Brooks, who explains that his amnesia stems from a bullet wound to his head. Just as they discuss his situation, the police arrive to question Langdon, but in a shocking twist, the officer turns out to be Vayentha, an assassin portrayed by Ana Ularu, who murders the doctor and forces Langdon and Sienna to flee to her apartment in order to dodge danger.

In the chaos, they discover a “Faraday pointer” hidden among Langdon’s personal items, a small projector displaying a modified rendition of Sandro Botticelli’s Map of Hell, inspired by Dante’s Inferno. This revelation marks the beginning of a perilous quest, unveiling a trail left by the enigmatic Bertrand Zobrist, played by [Ben Foster]. Zobrist, a billionaire geneticist, held a controversial belief in the necessity of drastic measures to curb the world’s escalating population, leading to his own suicide as he evaded armed government agents.

As Langdon and Sienna delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover Zobrist’s obsession with Dante. He has engineered a lethal virus he dubbed “Inferno,” which threatens to wipe out a significant portion of humanity. All the while, both Vayentha and the World Health Organization (WHO) are hot on their heels, forcing the duo into a series of narrow escapes. Though Langdon has no recollection of meeting Zobrist, Sienna suspects that the first clue left for Langdon is linked to the virus, compelling them to decipher hidden passages and littered clues across Florence and Venice.

As they navigate this deadly game of cat and mouse, Langdon comes to realize his own past actions and those related to the elusive Dante Death Mask, a crucial key in untangling the web of deceit and danger surrounding them. During one harrowing encounter, Vayentha confronts Langdon, declaring he was once deemed “required,” but now was acting “stupid,” which has spurred her employers to eliminate him. However, Sienna intervenes, and in a tense moment, she kills Vayentha.

Vayentha’s superior, Harry Sims, the CEO of a private security firm known as “The Consortium,” is working not only for Zobrist but also for his own interests. Meanwhile, the WHO, led by Elizabeth Sinskey, an old flame of Langdon’s, tries to avert a global crisis and thwart the release of the virus. Despite all efforts, Zobrist’s pre-recorded message exposing his plans is about to unfold after 24 hours following his death. Driven by shock at the video’s content, Sims chooses to ally with Sinskey to halt the impending threat, revealing that Zobrist had tasked his organization with concealing the operation from the WHO.

The chase intensifies as Langdon is pulled deeper into a treacherous puzzle leading to Dante’s Death Mask, nestled within a church in Florence. When they encounter Christoph Bouchard, who claims to be working for the WHO, warning them of Sinskey’s potential double intentions, they initially unite but quickly realize Bouchard harbors his own ulterior motives, prompting them to escape once more.

Langdon soon deduces that the virus is concealed within the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. In a shocking betrayal, Sienna reveals her true allegiance as Zobrist’s lover, committed to ensuring the virus’s release. The high-stakes treasure hunt, ironically reminiscent of games she played with Zobrist, has transformed into a deadly race against time. After a twist of fate, Langdon is captured but subsequently rescued by Sims, who has switched sides and now seeks to join forces with Sinskey for the greater good.

As they race against time, they discover the virus is hidden in a plastic bag submerged within the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul. In a climactic showdown, the WHO team, accompanied by Langdon, Sims, and Sinskey, rushes to secure it while Sienna begins orchestrating a catastrophic explosion aimed at dispersing the virus. Tragedy strikes when Sims is killed by Sienna, and in the final confrontation, she takes her own life in a desperate bid to unleash the virus. Fortunately, the team manages to secure the bag before disaster strikes, and the virus is confiscated by the WHO. Ultimately, Langdon returns to Florence, determined to restore the Dante Death Mask, marking the end of a harrowing journey intertwined with memory, betrayal, and salvation.

Timeline

Track the key events of Inferno (2016) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Robert Langdon Awakens

Professor Robert Langdon awakens in a hospital room in Florence, Italy, with no recollection of how he arrived there. He is confronted by the shocking reality of his amnesia, stemming from a bullet wound in his head.

Florence, Italy

Dr. Sienna Brooks' Introduction

Dr. Sienna Brooks, a medical professional in charge of Langdon's care, explains his condition and the circumstances surrounding his injuries. As they discuss his situation, their conversation is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of the police.

Hospital, Florence

Assassin's Attack

A police officer, later revealed to be an assassin named Vayentha, arrives and murders Dr. Brooks in front of Langdon. This shocking act forces Langdon and Sienna to flee the hospital to avoid becoming the next victims.

Hospital, Florence

Discovery of the Faraday Pointer

While hiding in Sienna's apartment, Langdon discovers a 'Faraday pointer' among his belongings. This small projector displays a modified image of Botticelli's *Map of Hell*, initiating their quest to unravel the mystery left by Bertrand Zobrist.

Sienna's Apartment, Florence

Zobrist's Obsession with Dante

As Langdon and Sienna investigate, they learn about Zobrist's controversial beliefs surrounding population control, leading to his own suicide. His obsession with Dante becomes the key to understanding the lethal virus he created.

The Race Against Time Begins

With the World Health Organization hot on their heels, Langdon and Sienna must decipher clues scattered across Florence and Venice. This deadly game intensifies as they desperately try to uncover the location of Zobrist's virus.

Florence and Venice

A Confrontation with Vayentha

The stakes rise when Vayentha confronts Langdon, revealing that he was once considered essential but has now become a target. In a moment of danger, Sienna steps in and kills Vayentha, further complicating their escape.

Harry Sims' Involvement

Harry Sims, the CEO of The Consortium, enters the fray as both an ally and a manipulator with his own agenda. His alignment with Sinskey reveals an unwelcome connection to Zobrist's plan designed to disrupt the WHO's efforts.

Unraveling Betrayals

Amidst the chaos, Langdon encounters Christoph Bouchard, who initially presents himself as a trustworthy participant in their quest. However, they soon discover that he has ulterior motives, leading to their hasty exit again.

Location of the Virus Revealed

Langdon deduces that the virus is hidden within the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Just as they begin to devise a plan, Sienna shocks Langdon by revealing her true allegiance as Zobrist's partner, complicating their mission.

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

High-Stakes Showdown

As the urgency escalates, Langdon, Sims, and Sinskey rush to locate the virus within the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul. Their mission takes a hit when Sienna plans a catastrophic explosion to release the virus, raising the stakes immensely.

Basilica Cistern, Istanbul

Tragedy Strikes

The climax reaches a breaking point when Sienna kills Sims amidst the chaos during the final confrontation. In a heart-wrenching moment of realization and despair, Sienna takes her own life, attempting to ensure the virus's release.

The WHO Secures the Virus

Against all odds, the WHO team manages to recover the virus just before it can be unleashed. The critical moment is a victory over despair, showcasing the rapid evolution of trust and betrayal among the characters involved.

Langdon's Return to Florence

In the aftermath of the harrowing journey, Langdon returns to Florence with a newfound determination to restore the Dante Death Mask. His experience has reshaped him, intermingling themes of memory, betrayal, and ultimately, salvation.

Florence, Italy

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Inferno (2016) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Robert Langdon (played by Tom Hanks)

Robert Langdon is a Harvard professor specializing in symbology and religious iconology. Throughout the film, he grapples with amnesia, which adds layers to his character as he embarks on a quest to recover his lost memories while simultaneously preventing a global disaster. Langdon's intellect and resourcefulness shine through, especially as he navigates complex puzzles and moral quandaries.

🧠 Intelligent 📚 Scholar 🔍 Investigator

Dr. Sienna Brooks (played by Felicity Jones)

Sienna Brooks appears as a capable and resourceful doctor who assists Langdon. However, her true allegiance is shrouded in mystery, adding complexity to her character. Sienna’s motivations become clear as the story unfolds, embodying the themes of betrayal and moral conflict.

💉 Doctor 🏃‍♀️ Resourceful 🌪️ Torn

Bertrand Zobrist (played by Ben Foster)

Bertrand Zobrist is portrayed as a brilliant but controversial billionaire whose radical ideology on overpopulation leads him to drastic actions. His character drives the plot, as his legacy of chaos and his engineering of the 'Inferno' virus uncover themes of morality and the consequences of one's beliefs.

🔬 Genius ♟️ Manipulative 💔 Tragic

Harry Sims (played by Irrfan Khan)

Harry Sims is the CEO of a private security firm who plays a pivotal role in the conflict. Initially aligned with Zobrist, Sims' shift in allegiance reflects a deeper commitment to preventing disaster. His character adds a layer of intrigue and depth as he navigates corporate and personal motives.

💼 Corporate ⚖️ Duality 🕵️‍♂️ Strategic

Setting

Uncover the settings of Inferno (2016), 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 time period is contemporary, reflecting modern global concerns such as overpopulation and bioethics. The narrative intertwines historical references, specifically the works of Dante Alighieri, with modern threats, creating a bridge between the past and present.

Location

Florence, Venice, Istanbul

The movie takes place in iconic cities known for their rich history and art. Florence, Italy, is known for its Renaissance art and architecture, including the Uffizi Gallery and the Florence Cathedral. Venice, with its labyrinth of canals, contributes to the chase's intrigue, while Istanbul, steeped in history, hides crucial secrets within its famous landmarks like the Hagia Sophia.

🏛️ Historical 🌍 Global 🌆 Cityscape

Themes

Explore the core themes of Inferno (2016). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💔

Betrayal

Betrayal is a central theme as characters shift allegiances throughout the story. Sienna's ultimate betrayal against Langdon not only adds tension but also underscores the tragic consequences of misplaced trust. The web of deceit reveals deeper layers of interpersonal relationships amidst a high-stakes conflict.

🧩

Mystery

Mystery permeates the plot as the characters decipher clues left by the deceased billionaire Bertrand Zobrist. From hidden projections to ancient artifacts, each revelation brings them closer to the truth about the 'Inferno' virus and its implications. The constant unraveling of secrets keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

🌍

Global Crisis

The theme of a global crisis is prevalent due to the impending threat posed by the lethal virus engineered by Zobrist. The characters' race against time to prevent potential catastrophe highlights the moral dilemmas surrounding population control and the ethics of extreme solutions for societal issues.

© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.