Directed by
Julius Avery
Made by
Amazon Prime Video
Discover the intricate plot of Samaritan (2022). 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.
Superhumans Samaritan and Nemesis, portrayed by Sylvester Stallone, were once antagonistic twin brothers living in the troubled Granite City. Their lives took a tragic turn when the townspeople, fearing their powers, set fire to their home, resulting in the destruction of everything they knew and the loss of their parents. In the aftermath, Samaritan chose to become a beacon of hope, striving to reshape his image and prove he was more than his past. In stark contrast, Nemesis was driven by vengeance, seeking to make the world endure the same suffering that befell them.
As fate would have it, Nemesis created a mystical sledgehammer that not only gave him a tactical advantage but also posed a threat to both brothers. In a climactic showdown lured to the city’s power plant by Nemesis, a catastrophic explosion seemingly claimed their lives, plunging Granite City into darkness. However, the enduring legacy of Samaritan sparked rumors of his survival, with many still holding out hope that he might return.
Fast forward twenty-five years, we meet Sam Cleary, skillfully brought to life by Javon ‘Wanna’ Walton, a thirteen-year-old trying to support his mother, Tiffany played by Dascha Polanco, amid their financial struggles. When eviction looms, Sam reluctantly accepts a job offer from the gang led by Reza, a role played by Moisés Arias. The operation takes a turn for the worse when instead of stealing lottery tickets, they end up with boxes of chips, leading to a confrontation that brings Cyrus, the true gang leader, into the mix.
Cyrus, aware of Sam’s admiration for Samaritan, tries to convince him that his hero only aided the privileged, while Nemesis fought for the marginalized. With the city’s stability at risk, Cyrus amasses weapons, including Nemesis’s original hammer, aiming to reignite chaos.
When Sam’s life is threatened by gang retaliation, he finds unexpected assistance from Joe Smith, another character played by Sylvester Stallone, who has now taken on the guise of a humble garbage collector. Joe reveals his remarkable strength when he intervenes, raising suspicions in Sam that he might be the legendary Samaritan.
Sam seeks the truth from journalist Albert Casler, masterfully portrayed by Martin Starr, who has dedicated two decades to uncovering the real story behind Samaritan and Nemesis. Though Albert is reluctant to accept the possibility that Joe is indeed Samaritan, he provides vital insights into their shared past and the darkness from which they emerged.
Meanwhile, the resurgence of chaos precipitated by Cyrus, now embodying Nemesis, leads to flash floods of violence across the city. He employs EMP grenades and turns the citizens against each other, positioning himself as a formidable adversary. Sam’s attempts to engage with Joe evolve into a profound friendship. However, Sam finds himself drawn to Cyrus and his gang, leading him down a dark path that tests his moral compass.
In a heroic turn of events, Joe steps in to save a girl caught in an explosion set off by the gang, reviving public faith in Samaritan. The confrontation between Joe and the gang intensifies, pushing Joe to confront his troubled past, ultimately revealing to Sam that he is the very Nemesis he once battled against.
The climactic showdown between Joe and Cyrus unveils the painful truth behind their history, culminating in a moment of intense revelation. Joe acknowledges that his guilt for his past deeds stems from the day his brother fell. Transformative moments of self-reflection lead Joe to foresee the path of justice rather than revenge.
Amidst the chaos, Joe’s ultimate confrontation with Cyrus lays bare the ramifications of their shared history. As their battle rages, Joe must balance his powers and the consequences of his actions. With Sam’s help, they narrowly escape the clutches of danger, and as the remnants of Cyrus’s reign unravel, Joe imparts a final lesson to Sam about the duality of human nature and the choices that define us.
As that lesson lingers, Sam reveals to the press that “Samaritan” survived, leaving Joe’s future shrouded in mystery but filled with the hope of redemption.
Track the key events of Samaritan (2022) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
The Birth of Samaritan and Nemesis
Samaritan and Nemesis, once inseparable twin brothers, are born with extraordinary powers in Granite City. Their childhood, however, is marred by their parents' tragic death when townspeople, fearful of their abilities, set fire to their home, forever changing their lives.
The Transformation of Samaritan
In the aftermath of their family's destruction, Samaritan decides to embrace hope and redemption. He dedicates himself to reshaping his image and proving that he is more than the tragedy of his past.
Nemesis’s Dark Path
Contrasting his brother, Nemesis is consumed by vengeance, fueled by the desire to inflict suffering on the world. He creates a mystical sledgehammer, a tool that amplifies his powers and establishes him as a formidable threat.
The Climactic Showdown
The brothers face off in a climactic battle at the city's power plant, where their fates intertwine. A catastrophic explosion occurs, leading everyone to believe that both brothers have perished, plunging Granite City into despair.
Rumors of Survival
Over the next twenty-five years, whispers of Samaritan's survival linger among the citizens of Granite City. Despite the darkness that looms, many continue to cling to hope that their hero will return and restore peace.
Introduction of Sam Cleary
Fast forward decades later, we meet Sam Cleary, a thirteen-year-old boy struggling to support his mother. Facing eviction, Sam finds himself drawn into the dangerous world of a local gang led by Reza, which sets off a chain of events beyond his control.
Gang Encounter Goes Wrong
During a botched robbery, Sam and his gang mistakenly steal boxes of chips instead of lottery tickets. This mistake leads to a confrontation with Cyrus, the true gang leader, complicating Sam's life further.
Cyrus Manipulates Sam
Cyrus attempts to sway Sam against Samaritan, convincing him that his hero only helped the privileged while suggesting that Nemesis fought for the downtrodden. This manipulation places Sam at a crossroads of loyalty and morality.
Sam's Life in Danger
As tensions rise, Sam's life becomes threatened due to gang retaliation. In a surprising turn of events, he receives unexpected help from Joe Smith, a garbage collector who reveals uncanny strength, raising Sam's suspicions about his true identity.
Seeking the Truth
Curious about Joe's true nature, Sam approaches journalist Albert Casler, who has spent decades uncovering the story of Samaritan and Nemesis. Although skeptical, Albert shares crucial details of their shared past with Sam.
Cyrus Unleashes Chaos
Cyrus, now embodying the persona of Nemesis, escalates violence across Granite City. He employs advanced weaponry and manipulates the citizens to turn against one another, creating a grip of fear around the population.
Joe's Heroic Act
In a critical moment of bravery, Joe intervenes to save a girl from an explosion triggered by Cyrus's gang. This selfless act reignites public faith in Samaritan, rekindling hope among the people and changing Sam's perception of him.
Revelation of Identity
As the confrontation between Joe and the gang escalates, Joe must confront not only his past but also reveal his true identity to Sam. He admits that guilt from his past actions is tied to the day he lost his brother, straddling the line between hero and villain.
Final Showdown
The ultimate battle between Joe and Cyrus lays bare the consequences of their tumultuous past. With Sam's assistance, Joe balances his powers and the weight of his actions, leading them toward victory and redemption.
Sam's Declaration
In the aftermath of the chaos, Sam publicly announces that Samaritan is alive, signaling a new chapter for Granite City. Joe's future remains uncertain, but the hope of redemption lingers, echoing Sam's belief in the duality of human nature.
Meet the characters that bring Samaritan (2022) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Joe Smith (Samaritan)
Once a superhuman, Joe has transformed into a humble garbage collector trying to distance himself from his past. He struggles internally with his identity as Samaritan, ultimately realizing that he must confront his legacy. Joe embodies strength and resilience, representing the possibility of redemption.
Sam Cleary
A thirteen-year-old trying to support his mother amidst financial turmoil, Sam is portrayed as resourceful and determined. His admiration for Samaritan leads him to confront morally ambiguous choices, testing his courage and integrity. Sam's journey is one of growth as he learns the complexities of heroism.
Tiffany Cleary
As Sam's mother, Tiffany represents the struggles of single parenthood in a challenging environment. Her determination to provide for her son despite financial struggles showcases her resilience. Tiffany's character is pivotal in grounding Sam and driving his motivations.
Albert Casler
A journalist obsessed with uncovering the truth about Samaritan and Nemesis, Albert symbolizes the thirst for knowledge and the importance of uncovering history. His skepticism about Joe's identity adds depth to the plot, as he navigates the realities of past and present.
Cyrus
Cyrus emerges as the embodiment of Nemesis, seeking to spread chaos in Granite City. His character reflects themes of vengeance and manipulation, challenging Sam's beliefs about heroes and villains. Cyrus is a complex antagonist with a compelling backstory woven into the narrative.
Uncover the settings of Samaritan (2022), 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
Present Day
The story unfolds in the present day, representing a time where society grapples with issues of crime, morality, and the influence of role models. The legacy of superhumans from a quarter-century ago still resonates, as characters navigate their paths amid economic hardship and social discontent.
Location
Granite City
Granite City is a fictional urban landscape known for its troubled past and social struggles. Once home to superhumans Samaritan and Nemesis, the city has faced chaos and violence, reflecting the darker sides of human nature. In its quest for redemption, the city still holds on to hope, shaped by the legacies of its powerful inhabitants.
Explore the core themes of Samaritan (2022). 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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Good vs Evil
The constant struggle between good and evil permeates the narrative, primarily through the conflict between Samaritan and Nemesis. This theme is explored through the choices of characters, illustrating the duality within each person. The film emphasizes that the line between heroism and villainy can often blur, depending on circumstances and perceptions.
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Redemption
Redemption serves as a central theme, particularly in the character arc of Joe. As he seeks to reconcile his past actions, he discovers the importance of forgiveness and self-acceptance. The narrative reinforces the idea that it is never too late to change and make amends, providing a glimmer of hope even amidst darkness.
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Friendship
The bond that forms between Sam and Joe is pivotal to the story. Their friendship highlights the power of connection and support during challenging times. As Joe becomes a mentor to Sam, their relationship evolves, showcasing the importance of chosen family and understanding amidst adversity.
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