Directed by
Ryûhei Kitamura
Made by
Lionsgate Home Entertainment
Discover the intricate plot of The Doorman (2020). 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.
In Bucharest, U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant Alexandra “Ali” Gorski is on a crucial mission to safeguard a convoy that is transporting the ambassador’s daughter. Unfortunately, they are ambushed by ruthless armed mercenaries. Despite Ali’s fierce and effective combat skills, the attack leads to the tragic deaths of the ambassador, his wife, and their daughter. As a result, Ali decides to leave the Marines and makes her way back to New York City.
Upon her return, her uncle, Pat, informs her of a job opportunity at The Carrington Hotel, where he is employed. Ali takes the position, working alongside another doorman, Borz. It is there that Ali learns about her late sister’s husband, Jon Stanton, a professor who resides in the hotel along with their two children, Max and Lily. Unbeknownst to them, Jon and Ali share a history, which leads to her invitation to their Easter dinner.
The Easter holiday takes a dark turn when Ali’s uncle, Pat, meets a gruesome fate at the hands of Borz, wielding a sledgehammer; it becomes clear that Borz has been masquerading as a doorman with intent to hunt down the valuable paintings concealed within the hotel. The plot thickens when a team of mercenaries, led by Victor Dubois, descends upon the hotel and enacts a terrifying lockdown. Dubois and his crew break into the apartment of Bernard Hersch, a man afflicted with akinetic mutism. Dubois, recognizing Bernard as Erich Dreischler, demands information about the location of the paintings. When Bernard is unable to divulge the secrets after Borz’s brutal tactics, the mercenaries pivot their focus to 10C, the home of the Stantons.
In a tense culmination, Dubois and his men take Jon and Lily hostage while Max narrowly escapes being captured. As the situation intensifies, Dubois stumbles upon the hidden safe containing the paintings, and in a perilous moment, Martinez is forced to employ a water-cooled drill to bypass the safe’s combination. In an attempt to buy some time and help Lily, Jon engages Dubois in conversation while she tries to send an urgent message for help via social media, a move thwarted by Borz, who forces her to delete it.
As more bloodshed ensues – with the discovery of Bernard and his wife’s lifeless bodies and the revelation of Borz’s treachery – Ali is propelled into action, eliminating henchmen in a bid to rescue the Stantons. Alongside Max, they trigger the fire alarm in a desperate attempt to alert the fire department, but their strategy proves futile when Borz effortlessly explains it away as a false alarm. Following more fierce encounters, Max is recaptured, leading to a high-stakes standoff orchestrated by Dubois, who uses the PA system to coerce Ali into surrendering.
Utilizing her cunning, Max cleverly sends Ali a message through Morse code, which prompts her to disable the water supply feeding into the drill. The ensuing chaos results in Leo, one of the henchmen, meeting his end in a nail bomb explosion set by Ali. Dubois, clutching tightly to his ego, threatens to kill the innocent family unless his demands are met. Under duress, Ali complies and, using a corrupt NYPD officer Olsen, connects the hose from the rooftop water tank to the drill. When the safe opens, revealing the coveted paintings, tension heightens as Dubois and his crew discuss the distribution of the profits. However, Ali is far from helpless; she eliminates Olsen, seizing control, but not before Borz inflicts injuries on Jon and kills Martinez in a desperate bid to increase his own share.
As law enforcement arrives, Borz cunningly disguises himself as a doorman, attempting to frame Ali for the chaos that ensued. But Ali is not so easily cornered; she incapacitates the officers pursuing her and chases down Borz. In a dramatic confrontation within the hostile environment of the sewers, Borz turns on Dubois, leading to an intense showdown where Ali ultimately prevails, using a grenade to secure her victory.
In the aftermath, Ali bids a heartfelt farewell to Jon and his children, who are set to leave for London, marking a bittersweet end to her harrowing journey.
Track the key events of The Doorman (2020) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Ali's Mission
In Bucharest, U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant Alexandra 'Ali' Gorski embarks on a crucial mission to protect a convoy. The convoy is tasked with transporting the ambassador's daughter but is suddenly ambushed by mercenaries, resulting in a tragic loss.
Ambassador's Tragedy
During the ambush, despite Ali’s combat skills, the attack leads to the horrific deaths of the ambassador, his wife, and their daughter. This traumatic event deeply impacts Ali and ultimately influences her decision to leave the Marines.
Return to New York City
After leaving the Marines, Ali returns to New York City to start anew. This marks a significant shift in her life as she transitions from military service to civilian responsibilities.
Job at The Carrington Hotel
Upon her return, Ali's uncle, Pat, informs her about a job vacancy at The Carrington Hotel. Taking the position alongside doorman Borz, Ali begins to integrate back into civilian life.
Easter Dinner Invitation
While working at the hotel, Ali meets Jon Stanton, her late sister's husband, and learns about his children, Max and Lily. Jon invites her to their Easter dinner, igniting memories and a complicated past.
Uncle Pat's Fate
The holiday takes a dark turn when Ali's uncle, Pat, is brutally murdered by Borz, who reveals his hidden agenda. This shocking event sets off a series of harrowing incidents within the hotel.
Mercenaries Take Over
Led by Victor Dubois, a group of mercenaries launches a terrifying attack on the hotel, initiating a lockdown. They invade Bernard Hersch's apartment in search of valuable hidden paintings, raising the stakes for everyone within.
Hostage Situation
In a tense standoff, Dubois and his crew take Jon and Lily hostage while Max manages to escape. This escalates the conflict, as Ali must navigate her way through the chaos to rescue her family.
Hidden Safe Discovery
As the mercenaries search for the paintings, they force Bernard to reveal information, but when he fails, they turn their attention to the Stantons' apartment. This critical moment heightens the urgency for Ali to act.
Ali's Strategic Move
Amidst the turmoil, Ali and Max trigger the fire alarm to signal for help, but their plan backfires as Borz outsmarts them. The unfolding bloodshed pressures Ali to step into action and rescue the hostages.
Morse Code Message
In a clever twist, Max sends a Morse code message to Ali during a tense moment. This prompts her to disable the water supply feeding into the drill used by the mercenaries, creating chaos at a critical time.
Ali's Showdown with the Mercenaries
As the mercenaries negotiate the painting deal, Ali takes charge, eliminating the corrupt officer Olsen. However, chaos reigns as Borz continues to wage havoc, escalating the stakes higher.
Final Confrontation
In a gripping climax, Ali confronts Borz in the sewers after he tries to frame her for the events. This intense battle culminates in Ali's victory, with the use of a grenade marking the end of the mercenaries’ reign of terror.
Bittersweet Farewell
After the chaos, Ali bids farewell to Jon and his children as they prepare to leave for London. This moment signifies a bittersweet end to her traumatic ordeal, highlighting personal sacrifice and newfound connections.
Meet the characters that bring The Doorman (2020) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Alexandra "Ali" Gorski (Ruby Rose)
Ali is a skilled U.S. Marine with a strong sense of duty and a protective nature. After a traumatic experience, her character evolves from a soldier to a guardian, embodying strength and resilience as she confronts mercenaries to save innocent lives.
Victor Dubois (Jean Reno)
Victor Dubois is the ruthless antagonist leading the mercenaries, embodying greed and manipulation. His cunning strategies and threats create a pervasive sense of danger throughout the film, making him a formidable foe for Ali.
Borz (Aksel Hennie)
Borz appears as a colleague but harbors a sinister agenda, initially appearing as a trustworthy ally but quickly revealing his treachery. His betrayal adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, showcasing how appearances can be deceiving.
Jon Stanton (Rupert Evans)
Jon is a professor and father caught in the crossfire of Ali's desperate mission. His depth as a character flourishes as he battles to protect his children amidst the unfolding chaos, revealing his vulnerability and courage.
Lily Stanton (Kíla Lord Cassidy)
Lily, the young daughter of Jon, represents innocence amidst the turmoil. Her character draws empathy and showcases the stakes involved in Ali's mission—highlighting the impact of violence on the vulnerable.
Uncover the settings of The Doorman (2020), 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 takes place in contemporary times, showcasing modern security threats and character dynamics that resonate with today's audience. The events unfold against a backdrop of urban life, with themes of betrayal, valor, and tragedy prevalent in the narrative.
Location
Bucharest, New York City, The Carrington Hotel
Bucharest serves as a backdrop where Ali's tragic mission unfolds, contrasting with the bustling streets of New York City where she seeks refuge. The Carrington Hotel becomes a crucial setting in the film, housing secrets and sinister intentions, ultimately becoming a battleground for survival.
Explore the core themes of The Doorman (2020). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
⚔️
Survival
Survival is a prominent theme in 'The Doorman' as Ali navigates through life-threatening situations to protect Jon and his children. Her determination to rescue them amidst chaos highlights the instinctual drive to protect loved ones, reflecting the resilience of the human spirit.
💔
Betrayal
Betrayal emerges as a key theme, particularly with the character of Borz, whose duplicity affects the lives of those around him. This theme underlines the tension in relationships and showcases how trust can be shattered in the face of greed and ambition.
👨👧👦
Family
Family plays a crucial role in the film, emphasizing the bonds and sacrifices made to protect loved ones. Ali's connection with Jon and his children showcases themes of familial loyalty and the emotional stakes tied to ensuring their safety.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.