The Interview

The Interview 2014

Test your knowledge of The Interview with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of The Interview (2014). 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 the film’s dramatic opening, we are introduced to a young Korean girl passionately singing the North Korean national anthem, which harbors violent and hateful sentiments towards the United States. As the scene unfolds, a nuclear missile is dramatically launched into the sky, and news outlets across America begin reporting on the controversial actions of Kim Jong-un (Randall Park).

Simultaneously, we meet Dave Skylark (James Franco), the charismatic host of the entertainment talk show, Skylark Tonight, based in New York City. During a segment of his show, he interviews the musician Eminem, who candidly discusses the offensive lyrics in his songs, inadvertently revealing his own sexual orientation. The crew, including Aaron Rapoport (Seth Rogen), his best friend and producer, quickly sees the potential in this revelation for ratings.

After the live show, the duo celebrates their 1,000th episode with a surprise party for Aaron, where he reconnects with an old schoolmate, Jake, who criticizes their shallow topics. This encounter deeply unsettles Aaron, making him question the substance of their work.

Dave has a memorable guest appearance with Rob Lowe, who humorously removes his hairpiece, leading to a cringe-worthy moment that only fuels the show’s comedic tone. As they continue to report on North Korea’s nuclear threats, Aaron becomes increasingly driven to pursue more serious stories, a goal that Dave initially supports.

Their mission takes an unexpected turn when Aaron discovers that Kim Jong-un is a fan of their show, prompting Dave to pursue an interview with the infamous dictator. After being invited to China for discussions with North Korean officials, Aaron, despite facing numerous challenges, ultimately returns to announce that he has secured the interview. Their joyful announcement is met with skepticism from peers, igniting a reckless party filled with excess.

However, their excitement dwindles when CIA Agents Lacey (Lizzy Caplan) and Botwin arrive with a shocking proposition: they are to assassinate Kim during their visit. While Dave is eager to accept, Aaron warns him of the potential dangers of such a plot, particularly the manipulative skills that Kim possesses.

Undeterred, the duo meets with Lacey at the CIA for a briefing that includes ridiculously humorous yet troubling details about Kim. They learn of a plan involving a ricin-laced strip meant to poison Kim during a handshake, but hilariously mishaps ensue during the preparation, leading to a frantic and suspenseful series of events as they head to North Korea.

Once in Pyongyang, they are welcomed with open arms, but soon find themselves embroiled in chaos. A series of comedic yet perilous misadventures unfold—from a tiger chase to the revelation of the horrific reality of life in North Korea. As they grapple with their assignment, moments of levity and tension collide when Dave spends time with Kim, who initially appears charming yet reveals a darker, aggressive side.

The story crescendos during the live interview, where Dave’s probing questions force Kim to confront uncomfortable truths about his regime, leading to disastrous consequences. With the unraveling of Kim’s facade, the tension escalates as chaos ensues in the control room, showcasing the absurdity and danger of their mission.

In a thrilling climax, Dave survives a live assassination attempt and, with the help of Aaron and Sook, faces off against Kim in a chaotic escape filled with explosions and near-death experiences. Ending on a hopeful note, Dave’s experiences inspire a tell-all book, and North Korea begins to shift towards democratic practices, hinting at a newly hopeful future while Aaron maintains a bond with Sook across miles.

This outrageous blend of comedy, action, and political intrigue creates a wild roller coaster ride, encouraging audiences to laugh while contemplating profound subjects about politics, friendship, and the absurdity of their dangerous escapades.

Timeline

Track the key events of The Interview (2014) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Opening Scene

The film opens dramatically with a young Korean girl singing the North Korean national anthem. This anthem is filled with violent and hateful sentiments directed towards the United States, setting a tense tone for the film.

Nuclear Missile Launch

A nuclear missile is launched into the sky, capturing the attention of news outlets across America. This launch highlights the escalating tensions and controversial actions of Kim Jong-un.

Introduction of Dave Skylark

We are introduced to Dave Skylark, the charismatic host of the entertainment talk show *Skylark Tonight*. His personality and charm play off the serious backdrop of North Korea's aggressive posturing.

New York City

Interview with Eminem

During a segment of his show, Dave interviews Eminem, who inadvertently reveals his sexual orientation while discussing the offensive lyrics in his music. This revelation opens up potential for higher ratings and becomes a topic of interest for the show's crew.

Skylark Tonight Studio

Celebration of 1,000th Episode

The crew celebrates their 1,000th episode with a surprise party for producer Aaron Rapoport. However, a conversation with an old schoolmate leaves Aaron questioning the depth and substance of their work.

Memorable Guest Appearance

Dave has a cringe-worthy moment with guest Rob Lowe, who humorously removes his hairpiece. The moment contributes to the comedic tone of the show, despite creating discomfort.

Skylark Tonight Studio

Aaron's Ambitions

Aaron becomes increasingly motivated to pursue meaningful stories, causing tension with Dave, who initially supports this ambition. This shift marks a turning point in their relationship and the direction of the show.

The CIA Proposition

CIA Agents Lacey and Botwin present Dave and Aaron with a shocking plan: to assassinate Kim Jong-un during their visit. Dave is drawn to the rash idea but Aaron expresses concern over the dangers involved.

CIA Headquarters

Preparing for the Assassination

At the CIA, Dave and Aaron receive a briefing that includes absurd yet serious details about their mission. The plan involves a ricin-laced strip meant for use during a handshake, showcasing the chaotic nature of their assignment.

CIA Headquarters

Arrival in Pyongyang

Once they arrive in Pyongyang, they are welcomed by North Korean officials, but soon find themselves in incredibly chaotic situations. The absurdity of their mission clashes with the bizarre reality of life in North Korea.

Pyongyang

Meeting Kim Jong-un

Dave spends time with Kim Jong-un, who initially appears charming but quickly reveals a darker and aggressive side. Their interactions highlight the tension between comedy and danger as the assignment progresses.

Live Interview Tensions

During a live interview, Dave poses challenging questions to Kim, forcing him to confront uncomfortable truths about his regime. The question-and-answer session escalates tensions significantly, leading to unforeseen complications.

Chaos in the Control Room

As the interview takes a chaotic turn, the control room erupts in confusion. This moment underscores the absurdity of their dangerous mission, where comedy mingles with political intrigue.

Escape and Assassination Attempt

In a thrilling climax, Dave survives a live assassination attempt. With the aide of Aaron and Sook, they navigate explosions and near-death experiences in a chaotic effort to escape.

Pyongyang

A Hopeful Conclusion

Following their harrowing adventure, Dave's experiences inspire him to write a tell-all book. His journey leads to a hopeful outlook for North Korea as it begins to shift towards democratic practices.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring The Interview (2014) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Dave Skylark (James Franco)

Dave is a charismatic talk show host who embodies the essence of modern celebrity culture. Initially driven by fame and entertainment value, he experiences a transformation as he confronts the reality of his intentions and their global implications. His journey reveals a more introspective side as he grapples with the weight of his choices.

🎤 Talk Show Host 🌟 Celebrity 🎉 Celebratory

Kim Jong-un (Randall Park)

Kim is portrayed as a complex character, oscillating between a charming persona and a menacing dictator. His interactions with Dave showcase his manipulative nature, as he reveals both an entertaining and dangerous side. This duality makes him a captivating antagonist who drives the tension in the narrative.

👑 Dictator 🎭 Duality 🚨 Menace

Aaron Rapoport (Seth Rogen)

Aaron serves as Dave's best friend and producer, providing comic relief while also voicing moral concerns about their mission. His growth throughout the film underscores the importance of integrity in journalism, as he pushes for more significant stories despite the risks involved.

🎥 Producer 🤔 Moral Compass 🎈 Celebratory

Lacey (Lizzy Caplan)

Lacey, a CIA agent, embodies strength and determination as she navigates the complexities of a dangerous mission. Her direct involvement with Dave and Aaron brings an element of seriousness to their comedic escapades, as she attempts to guide them through the chaotic environment.

🕵️‍♀️ Agent 💪 Strength ⚠️ Risky

Sook (Diana Bang)

Sook is a pivotal character who provides emotional depth and connection for Aaron as he navigates his tumultuous experiences. Her presence emphasizes the human side of political conflicts, highlighting themes of love and hope amidst chaos.

❤️ Love Interest 🌏 Human Connection 💡 Hope

Setting

Uncover the settings of The Interview (2014), 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 film reflects contemporary issues, particularly in the realm of global politics and media. It captures a time of heightened tensions between the United States and North Korea, which is mirrored in the real-world events surrounding the film's release.

Location

New York City, Pyongyang, China

The movie takes place in vibrant New York City, known for its bustling entertainment industry and cultural diversity. Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, serves as the central location for the unfolding political intrigue and comedic chaos. Additionally, China acts as a backdrop for the negotiations and meetings with North Korean officials.

🏙️ City 🌏 North Korea 🇨🇳 Asia

Themes

Explore the core themes of The Interview (2014). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🎭

Comedy

The film uses humor to address serious political topics, blending comedic misadventures with moments of tension. The outrageous scenarios highlight the absurdity of the characters' mission, making audiences both laugh and reflect on the implications of their actions. This blend of comedy and reality provides a unique lens through which to view geopolitical issues.

🤝

Friendship

The bond between Dave and Aaron is central to the narrative, showcasing how friendship can be tested under extreme circumstances. Their shared experiences, from celebrating milestones to facing perilous situations, underscore the importance of loyalty and support in overcoming challenges.

🔍

Political Intrigue

The movie delves into the murky world of international politics, exploring themes of propaganda and manipulation. The characters' comedic encounters with Kim Jong-un reveal the darker realities behind totalitarian regimes, prompting viewers to think critically about authenticity and truth in representation.

© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.