Logo What's After the Movie

Test your knowledge of Snatched with our quiz!

Snatched Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Snatched (2017). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


Recently let go from her job and heartbroken after a breakup, Emily Middleton is determined to make the most of a planned trip to Ecuador. Learning about her daughter’s situation through social media, Emily’s mother, Linda, encourages her to return home to help her move on. However, motivated by adventure, Linda ultimately agrees to accompany her daughter on the journey.

Upon arriving in Ecuador and settling into their hotel, Emily encounters a charming man named James who piques her interest. A budding romance quickly develops between them. However, their escapade takes a dark turn when, during a sightseeing trip alongside James, masked assailants in a white van ambush and abduct both Emily and Linda. While James makes a narrow escape, Emily finds herself waking up in a cell, engulfed in panic. To help alleviate the tension, Linda resorts to reading men’s magazines, showcasing her unique coping mechanism in distressing moments.

The leader of their captors, Hector Morgado, soon orders his nephew to relocate the women to a more secure hideout. In a decisive moment, Emily manages to escape from the captors’ vehicle alongside Linda by overpowering Hector’s nephew with a shovel, although not without some gruesome consequences. Stranded in the heart of the jungle, they find an opportunity at a nearby bar to reach out for help, contacting U.S. State Department officer Morgan Russell, who instructs them to head to the consulate in Bogota, Colombia.

On their journey, they encounter Roger Simmons, an American who pledges to assist them in locating the consulate. However, as their luck begins to falter, Morgado and his henchmen track them down, leading to a tense showdown where Linda cleverly distracts Morgado, allowing Emily to grab a spear gun. In her frantic attempt to regain control, Emily inadvertently fires the weapon, resulting in a tragic loss for Morgado.

With their escape plans thwarted, Jeffrey—Emily’s agoraphobic brother—learns of the kidnapping and joins the efforts to rescue his family. As Morgan and Jeffrey strategize to locate Emily and Linda, the duo traverse the Colombian jungle, experiencing harrowing challenges, including Simmons’ dramatic fall from a cliff. After being treated for a tapeworm infestation by a local doctor, their troubles are far from over, as Morgado’s men soon catch up with them again.

In a daring move, Emily and Linda decide to brave a zip line for their escape, but the treacherous nature of their situation forces Linda to sacrifice her escape for Emily’s safety. Successfully reaching the U.S. Consulate, Emily resolves to rescue her mother, enlisting the help of Ruth and Barb—two American women she met in Ecuador. Their reunion leads them to James, who has been entangled with Morgado’s gang. In a twist of fate, the women manage to rescue Linda just as they attempt to flee once more in a truck.

As Morgado confronts Emily armed with malice, it is Linda’s quick thinking, using a dog whistle, that turns the tide in their favor. A dog intervenes, allowing U.S. State Department agents to arrive and apprehend Morgado, leading to an emotional reunion between Jeffrey and his family.

Fast forward one year, Emily and Linda embark on a new adventure to Kuala Lumpur, only for Emily to encounter yet another potential suitor. This time, she opts not to entertain romantic advances and instead chooses to enjoy a dance with her mother, symbolizing their resilient bond forged through adversity.

Snatched Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Snatched (2017) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


Emily Gets Fired and Dumped

Emily Middleton faces a tough blow as she is recently fired from her job. This setback is compounded by her breakup with her boyfriend, Michael, leaving her feeling lost and uncertain about her future.

Mother's Concern

After seeing Emily's relationship status change on social media, her mother, Linda, expresses concern for her daughter's well-being. She urges Emily to return home to move on from her recent troubles.

A Change of Plans

Despite her initial hesitations, Emily convinces Linda to accompany her on the planned trip to Ecuador. This decision sets the stage for their unexpected adventure and challenges ahead.

Meeting James

Upon arriving in Ecuador, Emily checks into her hotel and meets James. The two instantly connect, and after a night together, they begin to develop a romantic relationship.

Ecuador

Abduction!

Emily and Linda’s vacation takes a drastic turn when they are abducted by masked men during a sightseeing ride. James is able to escape but leaves the two women in grave danger.

Ecuador

Captivity

In captivity, Emily awakens in a cell filled with panic, while Linda stays surprisingly calm by reading magazines. They soon learn that their captor, Hector Morgado, has plans that threaten their lives.

Narrow Escape

The women make a daring escape from their captors by fleeing from a car. Emily takes drastic action by killing one of the kidnappers with a shovel, showcasing her resolve to survive.

Jungle

Calling for Help

Finding a phone at a nearby bar, they reach out to U.S. State Department officer Morgan Russell. He advises them to seek refuge at the U.S. Consulate in Bogota, Colombia, as their perilous journey continues.

Colombia

A New Ally

Emily and Linda meet an American named Roger Simmons, who agrees to help them reach the consulate. However, their meeting quickly turns dangerous as Morgado’s men track them down.

A Life Threatened

As Morgado confronts them, Linda distracts him to allow Emily time to grab a spear gun. In a tense moment, Emily accidentally kills Morgado’s son, escalating the conflict.

Desperate Measures

The trio escapes on a boat, but their luck runs out when the captain realizes they are being pursued. Forced to abandon ship, they must navigate through the jungle.

Colombia

Tragic Loss

Their journey becomes even more perilous as Simmons falls to his death from a cliff. With the pressure mounting, Emily suffers from a tapeworm infestation, complicating their situation.

Jungle

A Race Against Time

After a local doctor helps Emily, Morgado’s men track them down once more. The women spot a zip line and realize it may be their only chance for escape, but it forces a difficult choice.

Jungle

Final Showdown

Emily finally reaches the U.S. Consulate and teams up with Ruth and Barb to rescue Linda from Morgado’s clutches. A fierce confrontation ensues, culminating in a dramatic rescue.

Apartment

Reunion and New Beginnings

As U.S. State Department agents arrive to arrest Morgado, Emily and Linda are joyfully reunited with Jeffrey. A year later, they embrace the moment by traveling to Kuala Lumpur, ready for new experiences.

Kuala Lumpur

Snatched Characters

Explore all characters from Snatched (2017). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Emily Middleton (Amy Schumer)

Emily is a determined and adventurous woman, eager to turn her misfortunes into an exciting trip. Throughout the film, her character evolves from being reliant on her mother to taking bold actions to save both of them during their ordeal. Emily represents resilience and the journey of personal growth.

👩‍🎤 Proactive 🌍 Adventurous

Linda Middleton (Goldie Hawn)

Linda is Emily's supportive but initially hesitant mother who becomes an unexpected source of strength. Her character embodies wit and adaptability, especially when faced with perilous situations. Linda illustrates that bravery can come in various forms, from fierce protectiveness to resourcefulness.

👩‍👧 Maternal 💪 Resourceful

Jeffrey Middleton (Ike Barinholtz)

Jeffrey, Emily's agoraphobic brother, contrasts with the other characters' boldness, his struggles reflecting the complexities of familial relationships. His journey to assist Emily and Linda showcases his growth and the push to confront his fears in the face of danger.

🙈 Timid 🛡️ Protective

Hector Morgado (Óscar Jaenada)

Hector serves as the primary antagonist, leading the kidnapping operation with a ruthless demeanor. His character embodies the dangers present in the foreign lands Emily and Linda traverse, making him a significant obstacle to their survival. Hector's determination to avenge his nephew escalates the tension in the plot.

🦹‍♂️ Villainous 🚨 Threatening

Snatched Settings

Learn where and when Snatched (2017) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

The events of the film unfold in contemporary times, reflecting modern social dynamics and technological influences, such as the use of social media. The characters navigate current challenges, including personal crises and the ramifications of crime in foreign lands.

Location

Ecuador, Colombia, Kuala Lumpur

The movie primarily takes place in the lush and vibrant landscapes of Ecuador, known for its rich culture and biodiversity. Following the abduction, the setting shifts to the dense jungles of Colombia, where the characters face perilous adventures. The story concludes in the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur, showcasing a contrasting urban environment filled with life.

🌴 Tropical 🌆 Urban

Snatched Themes

Discover the main themes in Snatched (2017). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


🚺

Empowerment

Central to the film is the theme of empowerment, particularly focusing on the evolution of Emily and her mother, Linda. Throughout their harrowing experience, they learn to confront fear and adversity, ultimately transforming into stronger individuals. The bond between mother and daughter deepens as they face danger together.

🏞️

Adventure

Adventure is a prominent theme, as the characters embark on a journey that takes unexpected and dangerous turns. From being abducted to navigating the jungles of Colombia, the film captures the essence of an unplanned adventure filled with suspense. This theme reflects the unpredictability of life and travel.

💔

Family

Family dynamics play a crucial role in the narrative. The film explores the relationships between Emily, Linda, and Jeffrey, emphasizing the importance of family support during crises. Their collective journey underscores the lengths one will go to for loved ones.

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Snatched Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of Snatched (2017). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.


In the vibrant backdrop of Ecuador, a freshly heart‑broken Emily decides to turn a painful breakup into a daring solo adventure, hoping the jungle’s wild beauty will help her reclaim her sense of self. While scrolling through social media, she discovers that her mother, the practical and often reserved Linda, is also grappling with her own life changes. Persuaded by love and a yearning for connection, Linda agrees to join the trip, turning what was meant to be a solitary escape into a unlikely mother‑daughter pilgrimage.

The film balances the lush, untamed scenery of the South American rainforest with the bustling energy of local towns, creating a world that feels both exotic and intimate. As the pair navigate crowded markets, sun‑soaked plazas, and dense jungle paths, the contrast between Emily’s impulsive yearning for freedom and Linda’s measured, cautious approach generates a charming friction. Their differing perspectives spark both humor and heartfelt moments, hinting at deeper themes of generational misunderstanding and the possibility of growth through shared experience.

Against a backdrop of tropical heat and the rhythmic hum of distant wildlife, the story unfolds with a tone that blends light‑hearted comedy with subtle suspense. The chemistry between mother and daughter is the film’s core, offering viewers a window into how love can bridge gaps, even when the world seems chaotic. As they encounter new faces and unexpected challenges, the duo learns to lean on each other’s strengths, setting the stage for an adventure that promises both personal discovery and an unforgettable bond forged far from home.

Can’t find your movie? Request a summary here.

Movies with Similar Twists and Themes

Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.


© 2026 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.