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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Retribution (2023). 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.


Matt Turner, portrayed by Liam Neeson, is a dedicated financier working at Nanite Capital in Berlin. Under the guidance of his friend and CEO, Matthew Modine as Anders Müller, Matt shares a seemingly ordinary life with his wife, Embeth Davidtz, and their two children, Emily, played by Lilly Aspell, and Zach, acted by Jack Champion. However, their tranquil existence is violently disrupted one fateful morning when, during the drive to school, Matt receives an ominous call from an anonymous number.

The caller, whose identity remains shrouded in mystery, delivers a chilling ultimatum: a bomb is rigged under Matt’s seat, ready to detonate. This bomb is designed not only to respond to the weight of Matt sitting but also to a distinct radio frequency. The instructions come through loud and clear—any attempt to seek help could lead to disaster, turning this drive into a horrifying nightmare for the Turners.

As Matt delves deeper into this harrowing ordeal, he is forced to watch as his colleague, Arian Moayed as Sylvain, falls victim to a bomb explosion—spurred by panic from Sylvain’s girlfriend. The bomber pressures Matt into a desperate game, urging him to call Heather to access EUR50,000 from their safety deposit box. After she retrieves the funds, a twist of fate occurs when the bomber redirects the money exchange to a man clad in a blue suit, leading to his arrest as police arrive just in time.

With the situation escalating rapidly, Europol agent Noma Dumezweni as Angela Brickmann contacts Matt. She is skeptical about his involvement and attempts to help. Meanwhile, the twisted bomber reveals a shocking truth—Matt and Anders have a staggering EUR208 million slush fund, made accessible through his so-called “emergency collateral account” in a bank located in Dubai. The plot thickens as Matt is coerced into meeting Anders at a power plant, where the stakes reach devastating heights.

After a tenuous negotiation, where Anders reluctantly agrees to liquidate the account, the bomber raises the ante, demanding that Matt kill Anders to save his children. In the face of this impossible choice, Matt refuses, leading to a catastrophic explosion that injures Emily.

As law enforcement closes in on the scene, with Angela and Heather now present, they soon discover that the bomb’s pressure plate is solely activated under Matt’s seat. The bomb squad swiftly evacuates the children, and Emily receives medical attention for her injuries. However, Angela’s investigation deepens as she suspects that the bombings might tie back to a larger scheme—a theory Matt is desperate to prove wrong.

In his quest for the truth, Matt ultimately decides to confront the bomber directly, demanding a meeting if the money is intended for him. In a shocking twist, it is unveiled that Anders has been the mastermind behind the bombings all along, orchestrating this chaotic plot to frame Matt as the fall guy for his financial misdeeds.

In an adrenaline-fueled climax, Matt crashes his vehicle in a desperate act of defiance, unbuckling his seatbelt and plunging into the river—triggering the bomb and eliminating Anders once and for all. The authorities, led by Angela, arrive moments later, where she silently acknowledges Matt before allowing him to walk away, the burden of guilt lifted from his shoulders.

As the credits roll, news broadcasts report on the heinous bombings, revealing Anders’ elaborate heist and highlighting Matt’s cooperation with Europol in unearthing the truth behind the sinister plot. The chilling tale of betrayal, survival, and moral dilemmas lingers long after the film concludes, leaving the audience in rapt contemplation of the dire circumstances that led to such chaos.

Timeline

Track the key events of Retribution (2023) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Matt's Ordinary Life

Matt Turner lives a seemingly normal life as a financier at Nanite Capital in Berlin, working under his friend and CEO, Anders Muller. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Heather, and their two children, Emily and Zach, establishing a picture of a typical family life.

Berlin

The Distorted Call

While driving his kids to school, Matt receives an unsettling call from an unknown number. The caller, using a distorted voice, informs Matt that there is a bomb under his seat that will detonate if he tries to escape or seeks help.

In the car

Forced Compliance

Matt discovers the bomb under his seat, realizing he must heed the bomber's instructions to protect his family. The tension escalates as the bomber forces Matt into a web of dangerous demands that jeopardize his life and his children's safety.

In the car

Sylvain's Death

In a shocking turn of events, Matt is forced to watch a client, Sylvain, being killed in an explosion. This occurs when Sylvain's girlfriend attempts to flee, demonstrating the ruthless nature of the bomber's threats.

Nearby location

Retrieving the Money

The bomber instructs Matt to call Heather and retrieve EUR50,000 from a safety deposit box at the bank. This demand puts Heather in grave danger as she races against time under the bomber's watchful eye.

Bank

Change of Plans

After Heather successfully retrieves the money, the bomber alters the plan. He orders Heather to hand the money to a man in a blue suit, who is then arrested by the police, further complicating Matt’s situation.

Street

Innocence and Accusation

Matt is implicated in the bombing plot as news reports begin to surface. He receives a call from Europol agent Angela Brickmann, whom he desperately tries to convince of his innocence while seeking help to stop the bomber.

Berlin

Confrontation at the Power Plant

The bomber arranges for Matt to meet Anders at a power plant under dire circumstances. There, Matt is forced to order Anders to liquidate a sizable emergency collateral account, revealing the depth of the conspiracy.

Power Plant

The Ultimate Ultimatum

The intensity escalates as the bomber demands that Matt kill Anders with a revolver to save himself and his children. With a tough decision to make, Matt's refusal leads to dire consequences as the bomber detonates Anders's car.

Power Plant

Injury to Emily

The explosion injures Matt's daughter, Emily, causing chaos and panic. As the police close in, time is critical for Matt to save his children and himself from the ongoing threat that looms over them.

Power Plant

Police Pursuit

Matt finds himself in a high-stakes police chase, realizing he must evade capture while also ensuring his children's safety. Angela and Heather arrive at the scene, complicating matters further.

Berlin

Desperate Escape

Determined to confront the bomber, Matt makes a drastic decision to evade the police. He drives away, isolating himself with the hope of tracking down the perpetrator behind the horrific events.

Berlin

The Truth Revealed

In a shocking twist, it is revealed that the bomber is actually Anders, Matt's friend and boss. Anders reveals his motive behind the bombings, seeking to frame Matt as the fall guy in a scheme to embezzle millions.

Bridge

Matt's Sacrificial Act

In a desperate bid to end the nightmare, Matt crashes his car, allowing the bomb to activate. In doing so, he sacrifices himself to eliminate Anders, thereby ensuring his children's safety and freedom.

Bridge

Aftermath and Resolution

Following the incident, authorities arrive to assess the situation, and news reports expose the truth behind the bombings. Matt is ultimately cleared of wrongdoing as he cooperates with Europol to resolve the heist incident orchestrated by Anders.

Berlin

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Retribution (2023) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Matt Turner (Liam Neeson)

Matt is a dedicated family man and financier whose life takes a perilous turn when he becomes the target of a sadistic bomber. He embodies resilience, fighting to protect his family while unraveling the web of deceit around him.

👨‍👧‍👦 Family 📉 Financial Struggles ⚖️ Morality

Angela Brickmann (Noma Dumezweni)

Angela is a resourceful Europol agent who suspects a larger conspiracy at play. Her determination to uncover the truth showcases her strong moral compass, although she struggles with the complexities of the case.

🕵️‍♀️ Investigation 📞 Communication 🔍 Suspicion

Anders Müller (Matthew Modine)

Anders serves as both Matt's friend and the hidden antagonist, his greed driving him to betray Matt. His character reflects the dark side of ambition and the lengths one will go to secure wealth, culminating in his dramatic downfall.

💼 Betrayal 🤑 Ambition 🔁 Duality

Setting

Uncover the settings of Retribution (2023), 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 unfolds in modern times, highlighting contemporary issues like financial crimes and technology's role in society. This era is characterized by fast-paced digital advancements and the increasing complexity of financial schemes.

Location

Berlin, Dubai

The movie takes place primarily in Berlin, a bustling city known for its rich history and vibrant culture. It contrasts with the distant city of Dubai, noted for its opulent lifestyle and financial power, which serves as a backdrop for the financial aspects of the plot.

🌆 City 🏙️ Urban

Themes

Explore the core themes of Retribution (2023). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💰

Greed

Greed plays a central role in the plot, as Matt's friend Anders resorts to extreme measures to embezzle a large sum of money. This theme explores how greed can destroy friendships and lead to catastrophic consequences.

🔒

Trust

The erosion of trust is evident throughout the movie, particularly between Matt and Anders, as betrayal leads to life-threatening situations. Monitoring trust's fragility under pressure is key to understanding the characters' motivations and actions.

🚨

Danger

The threat of danger looms large, with Matt facing life-and-death decisions as the bomber manipulates his every move. This theme accentuates the psychological turmoil and high stakes involved, multiplying tension and suspense.

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