Ambulance

Ambulance

Year: 2016

Runtime: 15 mins

Language: Norwegian

Director: Sebastian Torngren Wartin

Drama

Two Norwegian paramedic women are embroiled in a tense conflict with Romanian immigrants after responding to a seemingly false call. As the situation escalates, one of the paramedics, Sanne, faces a critical decision with devastating consequences for all involved. Forced to confront the fallout of her actions, she must grapple with the weight of her choice and its lasting impact on her life.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Ambulance (2016) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Ambulance (2016), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

The story unfolds in the bustling city of Los Angeles, where Ingrid Olava plays Charlotte, a woman caught in the chaos of a gripping sequence of events. The film begins with Will Sharp (played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) who is struggling to secure medical insurance for his wife, Amy, who needs urgent experimental cancer treatment. Despite his efforts, Will faces rejection from insurers, leaving him desperate and with very few options, especially as they have a newborn to care for. Under the guise of going to a job interview, Will secretly meets his adoptive brother Henrik Rafaelsen, a notorious bank robber, at his hideout filled with stolen cars and firearms.

Will’s meeting with Maria Bock’s character Sanne is brief but impactful, highlighting the tension in their lives. Later, Will joins Danny (played by Jake Gyllenhaal), who is orchestrating a bank heist with his crew. As the heist unfolds, chaos erupts, and police officers Anders T. Andersen and Jo Adrian Haavind come into play, trying to manage the hostage situation and prevent a disaster.

During the robbery, Vlad Stroian’s character Kizar appears as part of the criminal gang involved in the operation. The situation escalates rapidly: the crew encounters police resistance, gunfire erupts, and hostages are taken. In the midst of the firefight, Zack, one of the officers, tries to de-escalate the tension but ends up being shot, forcing Cam Thompson (played by Eiza Gonzalez) to act quickly.

Cam, a highly skilled paramedic, arrives at the scene with her new partner Scott (Colin Woodell). She is portrayed as emotionally detached, focused solely on her work, yet she shows remarkable resolve in helping a young girl, Lindsey, who has been impaled. Throughout the chaos, Cam is forced to perform life-saving procedures in intense circumstances, including communicating with her ex-boyfriend Colin (Andy Favreau), a doctor, via video chat to assist her in removing the bullet wounds from Zach, who is bleeding out. Her professionalism is contrasted with her apparent emotional distance, but moments of vulnerability shine through as she fights to save lives.

The film intensifies as the criminals hijack an ambulance with Will and Danny now in custody, forcing a dangerous game of cat and mouse with law enforcement. The police, led by SIS Captain Monroe (Garrett Dillahunt) and FBI Agent Anson Clark (Keir O’Donnell), are determined to stop the outlaws, who are led further into violence. Danny, revealing his personal history and ties to crime through conversations with gangsters like Papi (A Martinez), attempts to orchestrate escape routes, enlisting help from dangerous associates.

As Zach’s condition worsens, Cam’s quick thinking and her connections to medical professionals become crucial. Through a risky video call with doctors, she manages to control Zach’s bleeding, even as police snipers prepare to shoot if the ambulance doesn’t surrender. Cam’s steadfastness and Will’s veteran resilience are central to their efforts to survive and rescue Zach from the brink of death.

Meanwhile, Vlad Stroian’s Kizar and other gang members prepare for a violent confrontation at Papi’s (A Martinez) hideout, where the situation turns deadly. After a series of brutal firefights, betrayals, and strategic moves, the criminals arrive at Papi’s with stolen money, only to be betrayed and attacked by Papi’s men. The chaos culminates in a series of explosive and violent encounters, with law enforcement suffering casualties, including Monroe who is fatally shot when the gang retaliates with a machine gun car and bombs.

In a final act of betrayal and defiance, Will and Danny confront Papi and his crew, ultimately killing Papi and his men, and making a desperate run with the stolen ambulance. As the command to surrender looms, Danny prepares to give up but is shot in the back by Will, who manages to shoot Danny in a final act of loyalty and remorse. Henry Rafaelsen’s Sanne’s Husband is seen in the background, reflecting the ongoing web of connections.

The climax unfolds with Danny dying from his wound, and Will being taken into custody after suffering a gunshot wound himself. Amy arrives at the hospital, overwhelmed with emotion as she sees her husband alive. Cam, having played a vital role throughout, shares a quiet moment with Lindsey, the young girl she helped save. As night falls, the image of Will waving to his wife and child from the hospital window symbolizes hope amidst chaos.

Throughout this intense narrative, themes of family, loyalty, desperation, and resilience intertwine, creating a complex portrait of characters embroiled in violence and survival. The film is a gritty depiction of a city caught in turmoil, highlighting the strength of human spirit amid chaos and the moral ambiguities faced by those trying to do what’s right.

Last Updated: August 05, 2025 at 06:58

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The narrative pattern revolves around a critical turning point where a character, often with noble or desperate motives, makes a choice that leads to unintended and severe consequences. The story then delves into the psychological and practical fallout, exploring themes of guilt, survival, and the cost of one's actions.

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These films are united by their exploration of morality under extreme circumstances. They create a powerful, emotionally heavy experience by focusing on the human cost of desperate acts, the complexity of right and wrong, and the lingering impact of life-altering decisions.

Unlock the Full Story of Ambulance

Don't stop at just watching — explore Ambulance in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Ambulance is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Ambulance Timeline

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Ambulance

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Ambulance. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Ambulance

Ambulance Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About Ambulance

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