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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Polar (2019). 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.


Somewhere in Chile, the recently retired assassin Michael Green, portrayed by Johnny Knoxville, meets a tragic end at the hands of his former colleagues—Sindy (Ruby O. Fee), Facundo (Anthony Grant), Hilde (Fei Ren), Karl (Robert Maillet), and Alexei (Josh Cruddas)—all working under orders from their financially troubled employer, Mr. Blut (Matt Lucas).

In a deceptive move, Sindy acts as a honey trap, seducing Michael while the others prepare to execute their deadly plan. Mr. Blut, struggling with debts exceeding $29 million, concocts a scheme to eliminate his aging assassins before they hit mandatory retirement at fifty, thereby reclaiming their pension funds under a stipulation in their contract that names Damocles as a beneficiary.

Among those facing imminent danger is Duncan Vizla, played by Mads Mikkelsen, who is just fourteen days away from his own retirement and is owed a substantial amount—$8,207,523.04. Worn down from past missions, Duncan has physical scars that remind him of his violent life and dreams haunted by a family he couldn’t save. Despite his fearsome reputation as “The Black Kaiser,” he seeks solace in a quiet suburban life in Triple Oak, Montana, close to his shy neighbor Camille (Vanessa Hudgens), who bears her own traumatic past.

Duncan’s attempt at normalization is interrupted when he gives Camille a gun, which rattles her deeply, revealing layers of her backstory. When sent on a mission to Belarus to eliminate a supposed target responsible for the killings of fellow assassins, Duncan unravels a conspiracy against himself, discovering that he is actually the intended victim.

As anticipation mounts, Mr. Blut sends his dedicated enforcers to hunt Duncan down, turning every street and home into a battleground. After a triumphant yet violent survival against the assassins, Duncan learns from Junkie Jane that Camille has been abducted by Alexei, prompting him to confront betrayal from former allies, including his mentor Porter (Richard Dreyfuss).

After enduring torture and losing a significant part of himself, Duncan manages to escape and seeks refuge with Jasmine (Ayisha Issa), who provides him with the means to reclaim what is his. As he fights his way through Blut’s remaining forces, he learns of Camille’s hidden identity — the daughter of the family whose death he regrets and has been supporting from afar.

As the two come face-to-face, a whirlwind of emotions ensues; Camille struggles with her desire for vengeance against the man who saved her life. Ultimately, Duncan offers to help her uncover the truth about who ordered her father’s assassination, setting the stage for an unexpected alliance forged from their intertwined pasts and shared pain.

Timeline

Track the key events of Polar (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Michael Green's Retirement

In Chile, recently retired assassin Michael Green meets a tragic end. He is betrayed by his former colleagues, who are now working under the orders of their financially troubled employer, Mr. Blut.

Chile

The Honey Trap

Sindy, one of Michael's former colleagues, uses a honey trap to seduce him. While she distracts him, the others prepare to execute their deadly plan, showcasing the deception involved in this betrayal.

Mr. Blut's Scheme

Mr. Blut, deeply in debt to the tune of over $29 million, concocts a plan to eliminate aging assassins. He intends to reclaim their pension funds by killing them off before they reach the age of mandatory retirement.

Duncan Vizla's Imminent Retirement

Duncan Vizla is just fourteen days away from his retirement and is owed a substantial amount of money. His physical scars and haunting dreams reflect the violent life he has led as a feared assassin.

14 days before retirement Triple Oak, Montana

A Quiet Life Disrupted

Duncan tries to live a quiet suburban life near his shy neighbor Camille. However, his past comes back to haunt him when he is forced to confront the darker aspects of his life.

Triple Oak, Montana

The Gun Incident

In an attempt to normalize, Duncan gives Camille a gun. This act rattles her deeply, revealing layers of her own traumatic past and the complexities of their relationship.

Mission to Belarus

Duncan is sent on a mission to Belarus to eliminate a target responsible for previous killings. However, he soon discovers that he is actually the intended target of this deadly assignment.

Belarus

Battle Against Assassins

As Mr. Blut sends enforcers to hunt Duncan down, he fights for his survival. The streets and homes become battlegrounds as Duncan navigates this deadly game of cat and mouse.

Camille's Abduction

After successfully surviving an attack, Duncan learns from Junkie Jane that Camille has been abducted by Alexei. This revelation leads him to confront betrayal from former allies.

Duncan's Escape

Enduring torture and losing a significant part of himself, Duncan manages to escape. He seeks refuge with Jasmine, who helps equip him to reclaim what was taken from him.

The Truth Revealed

As Duncan fights through Blut's remaining forces, he learns that Camille is the daughter of the family he failed to save. This shocking connection reveals the depth of their shared history.

Confrontation with Camille

When Duncan and Camille come face-to-face, emotions run high. Camille grapples with her desire for vengeance against Duncan, the man who saved her life, complicating their relationship.

Alliance Forged

Ultimately, Duncan offers to help Camille uncover the truth about her father's assassination. This unexpected alliance is forged from their intertwined pasts and shared pain, setting the stage for their next move.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Polar (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Michael Green (Johnny Knoxville)

Michael Green is a recently retired assassin who meets a tragic fate at the hands of his former colleagues. His character embodies the complexities of leaving a violent past behind, illustrating the dangers that persist even after retirement. His demise serves as a catalyst for the story, igniting the conflicts that unfold.

🔫 Assassin ⚰️ Tragic End 🕶️ Cool Character

Duncan Vizla (Mads Mikkelsen)

Duncan Vizla, known as 'The Black Kaiser,' is an aging assassin facing his retirement deadline. With scars marking his body and memories haunting him, he seeks a normal life but is thrust into chaos. Duncan's resilience and determination shine through as he navigates betrayal, loss, and newfound alliances.

🖤 Assassin ⏳ Near Retirement 💪 Resilient Character

Camille (Vanessa Hudgens)

Camille is Duncan's shy neighbor who grapples with her traumatic past. Her character adds emotional depth to the story, especially as she confronts her desire for vengeance and the truth behind her father's death. The relationship with Duncan evolves into a pivotal alliance shaped by shared pain.

💔 Traumatized 🌸 Neighbor 🖊️ Complex Past

Setting

Uncover the settings of Polar (2019), 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 events of the film unfold in the contemporary period, reflecting a world of modern assassins grappling with the consequences of their violent pasts. With old codes of conduct being challenged, the narrative incorporates themes of betrayal and survival in a high-stakes environment. The approaching mandatory retirement also highlights a sense of urgency faced by the aging characters.

Location

Chile, Triple Oak, Montana, Belarus

The movie takes place in diverse locations, starting with the serene landscapes of Chile where the assassin Michael Green meets his tragic fate. Triple Oak, Montana, serves as a stark contrast, depicting a quiet suburban life that Duncan Vizla longs for but is ultimately disrupted by violent pursuits. Additionally, Belarus represents a strategic location where Duncan faces danger and unveils a conspiracy.

🌎 Location 🏡 Suburban 🏞️ Natural Landscapes

Themes

Explore the core themes of Polar (2019). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


⚔️

Survival

The theme of survival resonates throughout the story as Duncan, facing imminent danger from his former colleagues, fights to reclaim his life. Betrayed and hunted down, his journey underscores the lengths one must go to preserve their existence and protect loved ones. This relentless quest for survival ultimately circles back to themes of redemption and revisiting past choices.

🔗

Betrayal

Betrayal serves as a driving force in the narrative, where trust is shattered among characters who were once allies. Michael's and Duncan's experiences emphasize the painful consequences of loyalty turned sour, prompting profound reflections on relationships. The complexity of betrayal deepens as characters confront their pasts and connections.

🤝

Redemption

Redemption is central to Duncan’s arc, as he wrestles with his regret over a family he couldn't save. With the resurrection of old wounds and the emergence of Camille's true identity, the film explores the potential for healing and forgiveness. The alliance that forms between Duncan and Camille signifies a hopeful turn towards understanding and atonement.

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