The Guilty 2018
Directed by
Director:
Made by
Magnolia Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Guilty (2018). 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.
Police officer Asger Holm starts his shift at the police station, where he is assigned to telephone duty, a temporary role he looks forward to leaving behind. The day begins with calls coming in, and after resolving a drug-induced panic situation, Asger receives a report from a man who claims he has been robbed in a red light district. He connects with his boss, Bo, who finds humor in the man’s unfortunate situation involving a prostitute and promises to send patrols for assistance. When Asger inquires about Rashid’s wellbeing, Bo’s puzzlement suggests there may be more to the story.
The plot thickens when an unexpected call from a journalist catches Asger off-guard. He quickly cuts her off, causing disapproval from his superior for mixing personal matters with work. Asger, visibly distressed, soon receives a critical call from a woman named Iben, who feigns mundane conversation while revealing her covert distress. Through a careful series of questions, Asger uncovers the chilling truth that Iben is being abducted by a man who may be armed, and they are driving north in a white van. Urgently, he directs dispatch to search for the vehicle despite not having the license plate information.
Asger attempts to reconnect with Iben, but the call drops. Through her phone records, he tracks down her address, where he speaks to Mathilde, Iben’s young daughter. With panic woven into her voice, Mathilde relays fears for her mother and baby brother, Oliver. In an effort to reassure her, Asger reveals that police are working to bring her mother home safely. His investigation reveals the unstable nature of Iben’s abductor, Michael, who has a violent past.
Frustrated by the limitations of protocol, Asger presses his superiors for action, insisting they must intervene before it’s too late. A well-meaning colleague offers a moment of compassion, reminding him to take care of himself amid his emotional turmoil. Nevertheless, Asger’s resolve remains steadfast as he attempts to reach out to Rashid for help in following up a lead on Iben’s situation.
When Mathilde reports police presence at her home, Asger’s hope rises, but the situation quickly spirals. Upon hearing that Oliver is tragically deceased, Asger is left devastated, grappling with guilt and helplessness. He desperately tries to contact Michael, but the calls disconnect, further shrouding the unfolding tragedy in uncertainty.
Eventually, Iben manages to reach Asger again, this time under dire circumstances in the van. The tension builds as she is instructed to defend herself, and amidst the chaos, Michael’s violent tendencies reveal a dark reality. Asger is given insight into a previous mental health crisis involving Iben; pieces of the puzzle begin to align.
As despair mounts, Asger unravels the tragic truth: Iben accidentally harmed her child during a psychological episode. In a gripping crescendo, Asger tries to draw her away from the edge of a bridge where she contemplates suicide, revealing his own past torment while attempting to connect with her on an emotional level. As the police close in, Asger hears a devastating silence, praying for Iben’s survival.
Ultimately, the tension culminates in a relief as Iben is successfully rescued. Asger’s journey through this harrowing day, marked by his internal battles and professional dilemmas, leads him to a reflective moment, prompting him to make one last phone call as he exits the station, a heart heavy with the weight of the day’s revelations.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Guilty (2018) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Asger Starts His Shift
Police officer Asger Holm begins his shift at the station, eager to leave behind his telephone duty role. The mundane routine of the day begins as calls start pouring in, revealing the nature of the work he is currently engaged in.
Robbery Call Received
Asger receives a call from a man who claims he has been robbed in a red light district. His boss Bo finds humor in the situation, leading Asger to wonder about the deeper implications of the man's distress.
Unexpected Journalist Call
An unexpected call from a journalist catches Asger off-guard, leading him to abruptly cut the conversation short. His superior admonishes him for blurring the lines between personal and work matters, leaving Asger visibly shaken.
Critical Call from Iben
Asger receives a call from Iben, who initially seems to engage in a mundane conversation. However, as he converses, Asger realizes she is actually in a perilous situation, being abducted while in a moving vehicle.
Tracking Iben's Address
After Iben's call drops, Asger tracks her down through her phone records and speaks to her young daughter, Mathilde. Mathilde shares her fears for her mother and baby brother, intensifying Asger's urgency to resolve the situation.
Identifying the Abductor
Asger learns about Iben's abductor, Michael, who has a history of violent behavior. This revelation heightens the stakes and compels Asger to push for a quicker response from his colleagues.
Pushing for Action
Frustrated by procedural limitations, Asger presses his superiors for immediate action regarding Iben's case. His emotional turmoil is palpable as a colleague offers support, but Asger remains focused on his duty.
Devastating News of Oliver
Mathilde informs Asger of police presence at her home, initially giving him hope. Unfortunately, the news takes a tragic turn when he learns that Oliver, Mathilde's baby brother, has died, leaving Asger devastated.
Iben's Distress Call
Iben finally connects with Asger again from the van, revealing the escalating danger she is in. Asger learns that Iben is instructed by Michael to defend herself amidst increasing tension.
Revealing the Truth
Asger discovers that Iben had suffered a mental breakdown that led to her inadvertently harming her child. This realization adds depth to the tragedy unfolding before him and compels Asger to empathize with her plight.
Confronting the Crisis
In a dramatic turn, Asger attempts to prevent Iben from jumping off a bridge. He shares his own past struggles to connect with her emotionally, trying to guide her to safety amidst the chaos.
Iben's Rescue
As the police finally move in to rescue Iben, the tension peaks. Asger’s journey through this harrowing day culminates in a moment of relief as Iben is saved, though he carries the weight of the day’s losses.
Reflective Goodbye
In the aftermath of the traumatic day, Asger retains a heavy heart. He makes one final phone call as he exits the station, contemplating the emotional toll and lessons learned from the tragic events.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Guilty (2018) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Asger Holm
Asger is a police officer struggling with the emotional burdens of his job and past trauma. Tasked with handling emergency calls, his internal conflicts and desperation grow as he reaches out to help Iben. His determination highlights the challenges faced by first responders, as he navigates duty and compassion.
Iben
Iben is a mother in dire circumstances, concealing her abduction while desperately seeking help. Her complex character unveils themes of vulnerability and resilience as her past traumas come to light. Iben's actions ultimately raise critical questions about mental health and the impact of societal pressures.
Mathilde
Mathilde is Iben’s young daughter, who embodies innocence amidst the chaos of her mother's abduction. Her concern for her family drives emotional stakes higher, deeply affecting Asger as he interacts with her. The fear and urgency in her voice highlight the collateral damage of such crises.
Michael
Michael is Iben's abductor, whose violent tendencies paint a terrifying picture of domestic danger. His character serves as a haunting reminder of the issues surrounding mental health crises and the unpredictability of human behavior. His actions push the plot into darker territories as Asger races against time.
Rashid
Rashid is a figure in Asger's life, whose well-being is a source of concern as the plot unfolds. Though his role is more peripheral, he represents another layer of urgency and potential action, complicating Asger's responsibilities during a challenging day.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Guilty (2018), 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 is set in a contemporary setting, emphasizing the immediacy of the day’s events. Modern technology plays a significant role in the unfolding drama, particularly through telephone communications. The urgency of emergency services also aligns with contemporary societal issues such as mental health crises and domestic violence.
Location
Police Station, Red Light District, Northern Roads
The movie primarily takes place in a police station where tensions run high as officer Asger handles emergency calls. The red light district represents a seedier side of the city, reflecting the complex moral dilemmas Asger faces during his shift. The narrative also unfolds along the northern roads, where the high-stakes pursuit of Iben creates a sense of urgency and danger.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Guilty (2018). 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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Communication
The theme of communication underlies the entire film, as critical information is exchanged through phone calls. Asger's ability to connect with various individuals is tested, revealing the importance of clear communication in crisis situations. Misunderstandings during these calls significantly impact the unfolding drama, showcasing the fragility of human connection.
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Guilt and Redemption
Asger's journey is steeped in guilt—a prominent theme as he grapples with the consequences of his actions throughout the day. The interactions with Iben reflect a search for redemption, both for himself and for her. The emotional weight of their conversation and the tragic outcome challenge Asger's sense of duty versus personal responsibility.
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Crisis
The film navigates through various crises, showcasing the pressures faced by emergency responders. The tension escalates as Asger races against time to save Iben, encapsulating the urgency of crisis management. Each call presents a new layer of challenge, highlighting the unpredictable nature of human emergencies.
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