Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

Big Game (2015) movie poster

Plot Summary

Big Game (2015) Plot Summary Explained

Release, runtime and language
2015 · 110 min · English
JustWatch #26,198 4
Directed by
Jalmari Helander

Deep in the Finnish wilderness, a young boy’s coming-of-age experience takes a dramatic turn when he discovers the wreckage of Air Force One. He finds himself unexpectedly protecting the President of the United States, who is also stranded. Now, they must work together, using their skills and courage, to escape a relentless group of kidnappers and navigate the dangerous terrain in a desperate fight for survival.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What happens: full plot
  3. 3 Plot questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Big Game
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Big Game (2015)

Where can you watch Big Game? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Troma NOW, Fawesome and FlixHouse: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

Streaming availability powered by JustWatch

Full plot summary · contains spoilers

What Happens in Big Game: Full Plot Summary

The whole story of Big Game (2015) explained, from the opening scene to the final frame: every key event, every twist and what it all adds up to. Read it as a quick recap before the sequel, to check a scene you missed, or to finally understand what really happened.

The film begins with Oskari (Onni Tommila), a young deer hunter at the tender age of 13, alongside his father, Tapio. They gaze upon a wall adorned with framed photographs of Tapio showcasing his prowess in hunting, reminiscing fondly about the past when he, too, was a budding hunter. As they sift through the memories encapsulated in the frames, Oskari picks one featuring his dad as a teenager, revealing the legacy he is expected to uphold.

Meanwhile, far from this serene setting in Finland, a helicopter operated by Kimmo's Safari is transporting a dangerous terrorist known as Hazar. Once on the ground, the helicopter pilot realizes the grave nature of his passengers. Hazar swiftly instructs the pilot to escape for his life, demonstrating his ruthless nature by testing a missile on the very helicopter they arrived in. As he sends a message to his fellow terrorists proclaiming the success of the missile test, the tension rises.

In the midst of the Finnish mountains, Oskari faces a significant challenge while pulling back the bowstring, trying but failing to summon the requisite strength. A seasoned leader of the deer hunting party deems him unprepared for the responsibilities of hunting. Yet, his father staunchly defends his son's readiness, instilling in Oskari the belief in himself—his spirit is that of a hunter. As Oskari journeys through the forest on his small tractor, the atmosphere thickens with anticipation.

Simultaneously, aboard Air Force One, U.S. President William Alan "Bill" Moore (Samuel L. Jackson) is en route to the Pre D8 Summit in Helsinki, only 45 miles away. Suddenly, the aircraft's control room detects a potential missile threat. However, chaos unfolds as their countermeasures falter due to jamming signals. In a frantic scramble, the President is ushered into an escape pod, while his agents attempt to parachute to safety. In the chaos, Morris (Ray Stevenson), one of the agents, reveals his true colors by betraying his colleagues.

As Oskari witnesses a brilliant flash in the sky, he instinctively flees, only to realize that it is the wreckage of Air Force One, now engulfed in flames, crashing perilously close to him. In the aftermath, it becomes evident that Morris has aligned with Hazar and his group, leading to a race against time. Armed with a unique combination for opening the escape pod, Oskari stumbles upon Bill, who is desperate to explain his true identity as the President of the United States. Gaining Oskari's trust, they embark on a journey together.

In a nearby Norwegian farmhouse, a farmer notices a beacon, only to find that the supposed escape pod was merely a decoy. As Hazar and his men close in, they discover the pod empty, unaware of Bill’s ensuing adventure with Oskari. Instead of taking the reins, Oskari opts to drive the small tractor with Bill in tow. Together, they navigate toward a location marked on Oskari’s map amidst the conducive backdrop of nature.

On this perilous journey, they share moments of camaraderie, especially as they celebrate Oskari's birthday. However, lingering disappointment surfaces when Oskari discovers that his father has traditionally hunted a deer for him. A mix of joy and trepidation envelops the air when Oskari realizes that he is not quite the hunter he yearns to be. As they plan their next steps, Morris infiltrates their area, forcing Bill to devise a plan to protect Oskari while giving a facetime of resolution for their daunting circumstances.

As the narrative unfolds, they plot against their foes, with the stakes escalating dramatically. The encounter with Hazar leads to a fierce confrontation, intensifying the urgency. Bill manages to escape the latent dangers as Oskari finds his courage; together, they outsmart Hazar and his team, showcasing a remarkable bond that develops throughout their tumultuous experience.

With the threat of being hunted looming ever larger, they must rely on wit and bravery to outmaneuver Morris, who remains a persistent danger. In a gripping action sequence, Oskari demonstrates commendable courage by boarding a helicopter to save Bill. They find themselves entwined in a large-scale conflict that leads them to the wreckage site of Air Force One, tipping the balance in their favor. Amidst the chaos, their survival becomes a testament to their newfound alliance.

The climax reaches its fervor as they race against time to evade the impending disaster. Oskari’s bravery shines through as he rises to the occasion, rescuing Bill from dire straits. Their journey culminates in a thrilling showdown, ultimately leading to their tentative victory. Their return to safety becomes a defining moment for both Bill and Oskari, leaving a burgeoning heroism in its wake.

Upon their return, journalists flock to the scene, lauding Oskari’s valor. His newfound reputation as a hero spreads rapidly, with news articles framing his endeavors alongside photographs creating a lasting legacy. As the film concludes, we witness the homage paid to Oskari, a young boy blossoming into the hero he has always aspired to be, encapsulating the spirit of adventure and resilience in the face of adversity.

Last updated: May 12, 2025 at 07:04

Was this helpful?

Plot questions answered

Big Game Plot Explained: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask most about Big Game (2015): what happens in the confusing scenes, why the characters do what they do, the twists, hidden details and what the ending means. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Why did the President escape in an escape pod instead of staying on the plane?

The President's escape pod was launched because Air Force One's countermeasures failed against the incoming missile threat. Jamming signals prevented the plane's defensive systems from working, leaving the aircraft vulnerable. The Secret Service agents forced the President into the escape pod as a last-ditch effort to save his life, while they attempted to parachute to safety.

Foreshadowing: The missile threat detection in the control room earlier showed the plane had limited defensive options.

  • president escape pod
  • air force one attack
  • missile threat
  • jamming signals
Q2

How did Oskari find the President's escape pod?

Oskari witnessed the crash of Air Force One in the Finnish wilderness and stumbled upon the escape pod while exploring the wreckage site. The pod had landed in the forest near where he was hunting, and he discovered it with a unique combination required to open it.

Foreshadowing: Oskari was in the exact location where the debris would fall after seeing the bright flash in the sky.

  • escape pod
  • oskari
  • crash site
  • wilderness
Q3

Why did Secret Service agent Morris betray President Moore?

Morris was revealed as a traitor working with Hazar and his terrorist group. During the chaos of the missile attack, Morris abandoned his fellow agents and aligned with the kidnappers. His betrayal was part of a larger conspiracy to capture or kill the President, though the exact motivations behind his treachery are not fully detailed in the film.

Foreshadowing: Morris's betrayal was hinted at during the chaotic evacuation when he separated from the other agents.

  • morris betrayal
  • secret service
  • terrorist
  • hazar
Q4

How did Oskari manage to rescue Bill from the terrorists?

Oskari stowed away in a freezer being transported by helicopter to reach Bill, who was being held by the terrorists. Using his resourcefulness and courage, he surprised the captors and helped Bill escape. Later, during the final confrontation at the Air Force One wreckage, Oskari used his hunting skills to defeat Hazar and create an opening for their escape.

Foreshadowing: Oskari's earlier failure to pull the bowstring contrasted with his eventual heroic action, showing his growth.

  • oskari rescue
  • bill capture
  • helicopter
  • freezer
Q5

What was Hazar's motive for attacking Air Force One?

Hazar, a dangerous terrorist, conducted a missile test and subsequent attack on Air Force One to target the President during his flight to the Pre D8 Summit in Helsinki. The attack appeared to be part of a larger terrorist operation aimed at creating a major geopolitical incident by killing or kidnapping the U.S. President.

Foreshadowing: The opening scene showed Hazar testing a missile, establishing his capability and hostile intent.

  • hazar
  • terrorist
  • missile
  • pre d8 summit
Q6

How did Oskari and Bill escape the bomb on Air Force One?

During the confrontation aboard the Air Force One wreckage, Hazar set a bomb to explode. Oskari managed to disable Hazar and create a distraction, allowing both of them to parachute to safety just before the bomb detonated. Their escape was narrowly timed, showcasing Oskari's quick thinking under pressure.

Foreshadowing: The bomb timer provided a clear countdown that built tension throughout the confrontation.

  • bomb
  • air force one wreckage
  • parachute
  • escape
Q7

Why was Oskari initially considered not ready to hunt?

Oskari failed a test of strength when he couldn't pull back the bowstring properly. A hunting leader deemed him unprepared for the responsibilities of hunting, despite his father's insistence that Oskari had the spirit of a hunter. This moment established Oskari's internal struggle with proving himself and living up to his father's legacy.

Foreshadowing: This failure set up Oskari's character arc, culminating in his heroic actions that finally proved his worth.

  • oskari
  • hunting
  • bow
  • father tapio
Q8

How did President Bill prove his identity to Oskari?

Oskari was initially suspicious of the man in the escape pod and didn't believe his claims to be the President. Bill Moore proved his identity by showing Oskari his passport, which convinced the boy to trust him and agree to help him survive in the wilderness.

Foreshadowing: The initial suspicion between them created tension that was resolved once trust was established.

  • passport
  • trust
  • bill moore
  • identity
Q9

What was the significance of Oskari's birthday in the film?

Oskari's birthday was celebrated while he and Bill were fleeing through the wilderness together. This moment provided a brief emotional respite from the action and highlighted the growing bond between the President and the young boy. It also marked a turning point in Oskari's confidence and willingness to continue helping Bill.

Foreshadowing: The birthday celebration occurred during a moment of relative safety before the stakes escalated further.

  • birthday
  • celebration
  • wilderness
  • bonding
Q10

What was revealed about the conspiracy at the Pentagon?

The film revealed that the conspiracy to attack Air Force One involved multiple parties beyond just Hazar and Morris. The Pentagon scene showed plans to locate the President and fight the terrorists, exposing the depth of the plot and the lengths certain parties went to conceal their actions. However, the full scope of the conspiracy remains somewhat ambiguous.

Foreshadowing: Morris's betrayal suggested deeper complicity beyond the terrorists in the forest.

  • pentagon
  • conspiracy
  • cover-up
  • terrorist plot
Q11

How did Oskari become a hero?

Oskari's heroism emerged through his courage and resourcefulness in rescuing President Bill Moore from the terrorists. After their safe return, journalists reported on his valor, and news articles framed his actions alongside photographs, creating a lasting legacy. His act of bravery transformed him from a young boy struggling to prove himself into a celebrated hero, cementing his status in his community and beyond.

Foreshadowing: The film's opening established Oskari's desire to live up to his father's legacy as a hunter.

  • hero
  • legacy
  • press
  • news
  • oskari

Movie threads

More Movies Like Big Game, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Big Game tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

High-Stakes Wilderness Survival Movies like Big Game

Ordinary people pushed to their limits against nature and ruthless pursuers. If you enjoyed the survival action of Big Game, you'll like these movies where characters must rely on their skills and courage to endure a dangerous wilderness while being hunted. These films share a tense, fast-paced vibe and a focus on gritty outdoor survival against human adversaries.

  • tense
  • suspenseful
  • adventurous
  • high-stakes
  • urgent
  • courageous
  • Tone: tense, urgent
  • Pacing: fast, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories typically begin with a catastrophic event that strands the protagonist(s) in a remote, hazardous environment. The plot is a linear sequence of escapes, confrontations, and resource-gathering as they are pursued by a clear, dangerous antagonist. The narrative arc is one of resilience and adaptation under extreme pressure.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped by their shared core premise: a desperate fight for life in the wild. They deliver a consistent mood of tense suspense and adventurous spirit, with fast pacing and high intensity driven by immediate physical danger and the challenge of the terrain itself.

Unlikely Duo Survival Action Movies like Big Game

Mismatched partners must overcome differences to survive a common threat. Fans of the dynamic between the boy and the President in Big Game will enjoy these films centered on an improbable partnership forged in crisis. These stories focus on the bond that develops between mismatched characters as they work together to overcome a shared, overwhelming threat.

  • heroic
  • tense
  • courageous
  • character-driven
  • high-stakes
  • unlikely friendship
  • Tone: tense, heroic
  • Pacing: fast, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative revolves around the evolving relationship between the two central characters. Initial distrust or cultural clash gives way to mutual reliance and respect as they face a series of escalating challenges. The plot is driven by their combined problem-solving, often highlighting how their contrasting strengths complement each other to achieve victory.

Why they belong together: These films are united by the core dynamic of an improbable partnership. The appeal lies in watching a compelling character duo develop under extreme pressure, which creates a satisfying emotional arc alongside the action and suspense. The tone often blends tension with moments of camaraderie.

If you liked this

Movies Like Big Game

Similar movies to Big Game: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

Every angle

Big Game (2015) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Big Game in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app