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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Killers (2010). 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.


Jen Kornfeldt, played by Katherine Heigl, takes a trip to Nice, France, with her parents, Mr. Kornfeldt (Tom Selleck) and Mrs. Kornfeldt (Catherine O’Hara), after a breakup has left her reeling. While Mr. Kornfeldt appreciates her cautious nature, Mrs. Kornfeldt believes Jen’s carefulness has left her lacking in spontaneity.

During her hotel stay, Jen encounters Spencer Aimes (played by Ashton Kutcher) in the elevator. Intrigued by him, she agrees to meet for drinks later. However, unknown to Jen, Spencer is engaged in dangerous espionage—planting a bomb on a helicopter belonging to an arms dealer. After a night of drinking, he unwittingly reveals to Jen that he is a professional assassin, shortly after she shares that she is just a regular girl seeking adventure with her family on vacation. Despite the dire warnings from his boss, Holbrook (Martin Mull), Spencer chooses love over his profession and starts a serious relationship with Jen. He surprises her father by asking for his blessing to propose, though Mr. Kornfeldt is hesitant due to Spencer’s lack of a steady job. Ultimately, Mr. Kornfeldt relents when Spencer asserts that Jen is not a fragile being and that their love does not rely upon his approval.

Fast forward three years, and we find Spencer and Jen happily married, with Spencer having started his own construction business. When Jen plans a birthday getaway to Nice for Spencer, he does not share her enthusiasm, fueling doubts among Jen’s friends about his feelings for her. Things take a turn when Spencer receives a “romantic” postcard from Holbrook that threatens a return to assassin work, leaving him torn. Jen’s suspicions grow when she notices Spencer’s distraction during a surprise birthday party, culminating in a hasty goodbye on her business trip.

Deciding against leaving, Jen returns home just in time to discover Spencer in a struggle with his best friend, Henry (Rob Riggle), who is also secretly an assassin. Henry reveals that a hit worth $20 million has been placed on Spencer’s head, and everyone in his life could be a potential killer. A sudden sniper attack forces Spencer and Jen to flee, leading to an explosive confrontation that ends with Henry’s demise.

As they piece together the chaos following Holbrook’s death, Jen starts to suspect she might be pregnant, further complicating their dangerous lives. Despite her concerns, Spencer wishes to report the assassination, only to realize he’s been cut off from facing the truth of Holbrook’s murder. In a series of intense confrontations, they encounter various threats, including a manipulative secretary, and ultimately reveal the ties that bind their fates.

The climactic scene ensues when Mr. Kornfeldt arrives, bringing shocking revelations of his own. He had orchestrated the chaos, embedding assassins into their lives to protect Jen. Tensions rise as Spencer drops his weapon, affirming his choice to leave behind his past. Jen discloses her pregnancy to her parents, leading to a moment of reconciliation, as they all strive to build trust anew.

In the end, months later, as Spencer adopts a mustache reminiscent of Mr. Kornfeldt, the couple prepares to leave their child with the grandparents, now living a life filled with love and, humorously, booby traps to ensure their little one’s safety amidst their unconventional lives.

Timeline

Track the key events of Killers (2010) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Jen's Trip to Nice

After a painful breakup, Jen Kornfeldt travels to Nice, France, with her parents to find some solace. While her father encourages her cautious nature, her mother believes she needs a bit more spontaneity in her life.

Nice, France

Meeting Spencer in the Elevator

During her hotel stay, Jen encounters Spencer Aimes in an elevator, sparking her interest. This chance meeting leads to an invitation for drinks later that night, igniting a connection between the two.

Hotel Elevator, Nice

Spencer's Secret Life

While on their first night out, Spencer reveals to Jen that he is a professional assassin, opening up about his dangerous lifestyle. She, seeking adventure, feels a mixture of intrigue and shock at his revelation.

Bar in Nice

Asking for a Blessing

Spencer surprises Jen's father by asking for his blessing to propose to Jen, despite his initial hesitations due to Spencer's job situation. He reassures Mr. Kornfeldt that Jen is not fragile and their love does not depend on his approval.

Kornfeldt Family Hotel Room

Three Years Later

Fast forward three years, Jen and Spencer are happily married, and Spencer has established his own construction business. However, uncertainties arise when Jen plans a birthday getaway to Nice, and Spencer shows a lack of enthusiasm.

The Threat from Holbrook

Spencer receives a postcard from Holbrook that hints at a possible return to his assassin life. This unexpected reminder of his past creates tension and doubt, both for Spencer and Jen.

Jen’s Growing Suspicions

As Spencer becomes increasingly distracted during a surprise birthday party, Jen's suspicions start to intensify. This leads to a hasty and tense goodbye when she leaves for a business trip.

The Truth Revealed

Upon returning home early, Jen discovers Spencer in a physical altercation with his best friend, Henry, who reveals that a hit worth $20 million has been placed on Spencer's head, putting them both at risk.

Jen and Spencer's Home

Fleeing from Danger

A sudden sniper attack forces Spencer and Jen to escape, leading to a thrilling and explosive confrontation that results in Henry's death. This marks a critical turning point in their lives, filled with danger.

Suspicions of Pregnancy

In the midst of chaos, Jen starts to suspect that she might be pregnant, which complicates their already dangerous situation. This realization creates an additional layer of tension and concern for their future.

Confronting Threats

Following Holbrook's death, Spencer and Jen face various threats, including deception by a manipulative secretary. They navigate through these challenges as they try to understand the chaos surrounding their lives.

Mr. Kornfeldt's Revelation

Mr. Kornfeldt arrives with shocking news that he orchestrated the assassins in their lives to protect Jen. His confession adds another layer of complexity to their already tangled existence.

Choosing Love Over Violence

During a climactic moment, Spencer drops his weapon, choosing to leave his past as an assassin behind. Jen reveals her pregnancy to her parents, leading to a moment of emotional reconciliation.

A New Beginning

Months later, Spencer adopts a mustache reminiscent of Jen's father while preparing to leave their child with the grandparents. The couple has embraced a life filled with love, humor, and booby traps to keep their little one safe.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Killers (2010) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Jen Kornfeldt

Jen is depicted as a cautious and thoughtful woman struggling to find excitement in her life after a breakup. Her adventurous spirit is reignited through her relationship with Spencer, challenging her perspective on love. Despite facing numerous dangers, she evolves into a resourceful partner, ultimately embracing her new life.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Romantic 🏃‍♀️ Adventurous

Spencer Aimes

Spencer is a complex character, initially hiding his dangerous profession from Jen. He represents the struggle between love and duty, ultimately choosing to prioritize his relationship over his career as an assassin. His growth throughout the film highlights themes of redemption and commitment.

💼 Assassin ❤️ Committed

Mr. Kornfeldt

Mr. Kornfeldt embodies a protective father figure concerned about the safety of his daughter Jen. His initial hesitance towards Spencer shows his desire to ensure her happiness while grappling with the implications of Spencer's past. His character evolves as he learns to trust the choices his daughter makes.

👨‍👧 Protective 🤔 Cautious

Setting

Uncover the settings of Killers (2010), 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

Modern Day

The movie takes place in a contemporary setting where themes of love and danger intertwine. During this time period, the film explores the complexities of relationships in a world filled with espionage and excitement. The narrative captures the essence of modern romance amidst an ever-threatening backdrop.

Location

Nice, France

Nice, located on the French Riviera, is renowned for its stunning coastal views and vibrant arts scene. This picturesque city is a popular vacation destination, known for its sunny Mediterranean climate and beautiful beaches. In the movie, it serves as the backdrop for both romantic and dangerous escapades.

🌍 Location ✈️ Vacation

Themes

Explore the core themes of Killers (2010). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


❤️

Love

The film intricately weaves the theme of love through the relationship between Jen and Spencer. Their journey begins with unexpected romance, evolving into a partnership that withstands various threats. Ultimately, love becomes the guiding force that helps them navigate the darkness surrounding their lives.

🔫

Espionage

Espionage plays a crucial role, introducing tension and danger into the main characters' lives. Spencer's hidden past as an assassin complicates his relationship with Jen, leaving them both vulnerable. This theme reveals the hidden complexities and risks that come with a life intertwined with professional secrets.

👶

Family

Family is a significant theme throughout the movie as Jen navigates her relationship with her parents and Spencer. The arrival of a baby prompts moments of reflection and reconciliation. It explores the dynamics of familial support and the rising stakes in their unconventional lives.

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