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Year: 2021
Language: English
In this pulse-pounding prequel to Army of the Dead, Dieter, a small-town bank teller, is pulled into a thrilling escapade when a charismatic enigma recruits him to join a team of notorious outlaws on a daring quest to crack a sequence of legendary safes across Europe.
Warning: spoilers below!
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Sebastian, portrayed by Matthias Schweighöfer, leads a rather ordinary life as a bank teller in Potsdam. His days are interrupted by chilling nightmares inspired by a zombie outbreak ravaging Nevada, which captures international headlines. Struggling to find an audience, he produces YouTube videos centered around safe-cracking, but they go unnoticed until a mysterious user comments, inviting him to an underground safe-cracking competition. Seizing the opportunity, Sebastian enters the contest and emerges victorious.
Soon after, he meets Gwendoline Starr, played by Nathalie Emmanuel, an accomplished jewel thief who had previously commented on his video. Gwendoline enlists Sebastian into her heist crew, which also includes the savvy hacker Korina Dominguez, seasoned getaway driver Rolph, and sharpshooter Brad Cage. The crew aims to break into three legendary safes designed by the master locksmith Hans Wagner, whose infamous fourth safe was lost to time. The prize? A chance to access safes owned by billionaire Bly Tanaka before they are permanently decommissioned within a week.
Though Sebastian is a theoretical expert on Wagner’s creations, he lacks hands-on experience. Gwendoline convinces him to join her for a shot at unlocking the Wagner safe’s mystery. Together, the crew successfully executes their first heist in Paris, tackling the least complex safe. Despite escaping with just a fraction of the total money, Gwendoline insists that the challenge and reputation gained outweighs the potential cash.
As they celebrate their success, Sebastian finds himself developing feelings for Gwendoline, which stirs jealousy in Brad, her long-time boyfriend. The team makes their way to Prague, rumored to harbor a second safe containing a staggering $40 million. However, they’re trailed by the relentless Delacroix, an Interpol agent played by Jonathan Cohen, who has been on Gwendoline’s heels since Brad shot him during a previous caper.
During their heist at the bank, security soon recognizes them, prompting Brad to initiate a distraction by staging a fake robbery. Sebastian demonstrates his skills by cracking the second safe, but their escape is fraught with drama as Brad, injured, leaves Sebastian to fend for himself against the pursuing police.
Frustrated with Brad’s behavior, Gwendoline and Korina opt to leave the crew, albeit the original intention was to discard Sebastian after completing the three heists. Determined to pursue the Wagner challenge, they regroup with Sebastian back in Potsdam. Together, they set their sights on St. Moritz, home to the final safe in Europe, while Delacroix’s team believes they have cracked the case.
In a clever twist, the crew hijacks the safe during its transfer from a casino, usurping Brad and Rolph’s plan to rob it themselves. As they flee with the safe, pursued by both the duo and Interpol, Sebastian faces the ultimate test—cracking the safe while under pressure. He succeeds in uncovering another haul of cash, but tensions escalate when Rolph and a volatile Brad make their reappearance.
In a climactic showdown, Gwendoline and Sebastian manage to escape with the money but must confront Delacroix. In an emotional confrontation, Gwendoline selflessly sacrifices her freedom for Sebastian’s safety, promising they will reunite someday. Heartbroken yet determined, Sebastian vows to see Gwendoline again.
Later on, as time passes, Sebastian (now known as Ludwig) finds himself in California, where he runs a locksmith shop. His life takes another turn when Scott Ward and Maria Cruz arrive, offering him the incredible opportunity to crack Wagner’s legendary “missing” safe—the one he had dreamed of unlocking alongside Gwendoline. Without hesitation, he accepts the challenge, setting the stage for a possible reunion in their thrilling escapades ahead.
Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 18:31
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