American Ultra

American Ultra

Year: 2015

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Director: Nima Nourizadeh

Budget: $28M

ActionComedy

Mike lives a relaxed life with his girlfriend Phoebe in a quiet suburban town, seemingly unaware of a dangerous secret. Suddenly, his past as a highly trained sleeper agent resurfaces, thrusting him into a deadly situation. Now, Mike must quickly embrace his skills as a lethal killer to survive as government agents pursue him. He finds himself in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, fighting to protect himself and the life he’s built.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen American Ultra yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – American Ultra (2015)

Trace every key event in American Ultra (2015) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Mike's Dream

Mike Howell leads a simple life in Liman, West Virginia, working at a convenience store. He dreams of proposing to his girlfriend, Phoebe Larson, during a Hawaii trip, showing his hopes for a brighter future together.

Liman, West Virginia
2

Panic Attack

As the couple prepares to board their flight to Hawaii, Mike's panic attacks prevent him from getting on the plane. This event triggers his anxiety about their relationship, leaving him questioning whether he is a hindrance to Phoebe's success.

Airport
3

CIA Interception

In Langley, Virginia, CIA Agent Victoria Lasseter intercepts a coded message about Mike being marked for termination. This urgent intel is particularly concerning as it comes from Adrian Yates, who has taken control of the Wiseman program.

Langley, Virginia
4

Activation Attempt

Lasseter rushes to Liman to trigger Mike's latent skills, believing he is the key to thwarting the threat against him. Unfortunately, her efforts lead to confusion, and she leaves feeling frustrated and unsure of how to proceed.

Liman, West Virginia
5

First Confrontation

Mike's life takes a drastic turn when he encounters two agents from the 'Toughguy' unit. In a surprising display of instinct and skill, he fends them off using only a spoon, awakening dormant abilities inside him.

Liman, West Virginia
6

Evading Attack

After successfully defending himself, Mike calls Phoebe, and they quickly find themselves under threat again. They manage to evade another attack at the sheriff's station, further complicating their already dangerous situation.

Sheriff's Station
7

Seeking Refuge

In the midst of chaos, Mike and Phoebe turn to Mike's drug dealer, Rose, for sanctuary. As they take refuge, Mike begins to experience flashbacks of military strategies that confuse him and spark questions about his hidden past.

Rose's House
8

Town on Lockdown

With Adrian Yates ramping up his hunt for Mike, the entire town is placed on lockdown. Lasseter realizes the urgency of the situation and seeks help from her former assistant, Petey, to combat the rising threats against them.

Liman, West Virginia
9

Gas Attack

In a shocking turn of events at Rose's house, Mike and Phoebe must fight back against lethal gas used by Yates' agents. This desperate confrontation emphasizes their struggle for survival and deepens the tension in their relationship.

Rose's House
10

Truth Uncovered

As the stakes rise, it's revealed that Phoebe was actually meant to be Mike's CIA handler, a truth that devastates him. The emotional fallout complicates their bond as they face new enemies and escalating violence.

Unknown Location
11

Rescue and Revelation

In a dramatic twist, Lasseter executes a daring rescue of Phoebe, unveiling Mike's past as a volunteer for the Wiseman program. His erased memories and complicated history only add to the urgency of their fight.

Unknown Location
12

Grocery Store Showdown

The climactic confrontation occurs in a grocery store where Mike faces off against Yates. Demonstrating newfound courage and skills of a secret operative, he negotiates for Phoebe's freedom while taking down adversaries.

Grocery Store
13

Proposal Amid Chaos

In the midst of the showdown, Mike seizes the moment to propose to Phoebe, showcasing his growth and determination. Surrounded by law enforcement, their love triumphs against the chaos unfolding around them.

Grocery Store
14

Yates' Downfall

Following a tense confrontation, Yates is executed due to his failures, marking a pivotal shift in the narrative. This event cements Mike's evolution from a stoner to an active player in a dangerous game.

Unknown Location
15

New Mission in Manila

Six months later, Mike and Phoebe have transformed into confident individuals ready for adventure. They find themselves in Manila, embarking on new missions under the guidance of Lasseter and Petey, signifying their new roles.

Manila

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 12:11

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Sleeper Agent Stories like American Ultra

Everyday people who discover they are secretly highly trained assets.If you liked the premise of American Ultra, you'll enjoy these movies about sleeper agents and unwitting heroes. This collection features stories of ordinary people whose hidden pasts erupt into violent chaos, forcing them to rediscover their lethal skills to survive.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically begins with a character living a quiet, unassuming life. A trigger event suddenly activates their suppressed abilities and memories, plunging them into a high-stakes conflict. The story follows their journey of re-acclimation and survival against a powerful, pursuing force, often while protecting their newfound normalcy.

Why These Movies?

These films share the core thrill of a hidden identity violently resurfacing. They blend action with character-driven drama, focusing on the psychological disorientation of the protagonist and the intense, improvised combat that follows their awakening.

Action-Romance Movies like American Ultra

Intense life-or-death stakes anchored by a central, committed relationship.Looking for more movies like American Ultra that mix intense action with a strong romantic storyline? This list features films where a central relationship is the heart of the story, providing emotional weight and motivation amidst chaotic, high-stakes conflict.

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Narrative Summary

The plot revolves around a couple, or a burgeoning couple, whose bonds are tested by extreme external pressure. The action sequences are interspersed with moments that develop and strengthen the romantic connection, making the survival of the relationship as important as physical survival. The ending often resolves both the external threat and solidifies the romantic bond.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their unique tonal balance. They successfully deliver the adrenaline of action cinema while maintaining a heartfelt, character-driven story. The romantic element adds emotional depth, making the action feel more personal and consequential.

Unlock the Full Story of American Ultra

Don't stop at just watching — explore American Ultra 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 American Ultra is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

American Ultra Summary

Read a complete plot summary of American Ultra, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

American Ultra Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in American Ultra

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Characters, Settings & Themes in American Ultra

American Ultra Spoiler-Free Summary

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American Ultra Spoiler-Free Summary

More About American Ultra

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