Direct Contact

Direct Contact

Year: 2009

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Director: Danny Lerner

ActionThrillerAdventureHigh speed and special opsExplosive and action-packed heroes vs. villains

An imprisoned former U.S. Special Forces operative in Eastern Europe is promised his freedom and a cash reward to rescue an American woman claimed to have been kidnapped by a ruthless warlord. After breaking her out, he discovers the abduction was a ruse designed to draw her into the open, forcing him to confront the deception and fight for survival.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Direct Contact (2009)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Direct Contact (2009). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 1990s – early 2000s

The narrative references the Kosovo war era as a backbone for Mike's backstory. It moves between flashbacks of the war and a contemporary Bulgarian chase, grounding the tension in a modern but war-scarred context. The timeframe suggests a contemporary thriller with echoes of late-90s geopolitical turmoil.

Location

Bulgaria

The action unfolds largely in Bulgaria, featuring a prison, Vlado's compound, and a remote barn where fugitives hide. The rugged, post-Soviet setting heightens the thriller’s tense atmosphere and showcases cross-border crime dynamics. The locales emphasize military-style operations and perilous pursuits that define the film’s mood.

🇧🇬 Bulgaria 🗺️ Political intrigue ⚔️ Action

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:31

Main Characters – Direct Contact (2009)

Meet the key characters of Direct Contact (2009), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Mike Riggins (Dolph Lundgren)

An ex-US Marine who is imprisoned in Bulgaria for alleged weapon smuggling, he relies on his combat skills to survive prison guard attacks. He is resourceful, stubborn, and willing to risk everything to protect Ana. His past in Kosovo and experience with war inform his pragmatic, no-nonsense approach to danger.

💪 Brave 🎯 Determined 🛡️ Protector

Clive Connelly (Michael Pare)

A powerful government figure who orchestrates the rescue mission as a pretext to seize control of Robbins Industries. He is manipulative, calculating, and willing to destroy lives for financial gain.

💼 Manipulative 🧠 Cunning 💣 Ruthless

Ana (Gina May)

A humanitarian worker connected to a relief organization who becomes Mike's ally and love interest. Unbeknownst to many, she is the daughter of Alastair Robbins and stands to inherit a vast fortune; she demonstrates courage under pressure.

💖 Compassionate 🛡️ Brave 🎗️ Selfless

Vlado Karadjov (Vladimir Vladimirov)

A Bulgarian arms dealer whose past ties to the other players complicate the mission. His apparent help for Mike ends in his death at the hands of Drago.

💰 Wealth 🔗 Connections 🂡 Mysterious

General Drago (Bashar Rahal)

A military figure who betrays Vlado to work for Connelly and Trent, becoming a ruthless antagonist. He is capable of violence and executes orders with cold efficiency.

⚔️ Military 🧭 Betrayal 🔥 Dangerous

Trent Robbins (James Chalke)

The primary antagonist seeking to consolidate Robbins Industries through manipulation and a deadly power grab. He orchestrates the timeline, threatening Mike and Ana to secure the deal.

🎭 Ambition 💵 Wealth 🤝 Manipulation

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:31

Major Themes – Direct Contact (2009)

Explore the central themes of Direct Contact (2009), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💼 Power

A web of greed and influence propels the plot, with Connelly, Drago, and Trent using money and leverage to pull the strings. The attempted kidnapping is a calculated move to force a corporate hand over Robbins Industries. The film highlights how business interests can corrupt justice, turning violence into a cost of doing deals.

💘 Romance

Mike and Ana form a bond that transcends the mission, giving them hope amid danger. Their growing trust complicates the plot, making personal loyalty as important as survival. Romance becomes a counterpoint to the machinations of Trent and Connelly, motivating Mike to push back against them. The relationship ultimately shapes the outcome as Ana inherits the company.

⚖️ Justice

Mike's fight is driven by a sense of protection and duty rather than formal process. The villains escape formal accountability as he uses force to end the threat, illustrating a vigilante form of justice. The climactic actions—Drago's fall, Connelly's explosive fate, and Trent's defeat—redefine victory, with Ana ultimately assuming control of the company.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:31

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

Direct Contact Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Direct Contact, 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.

Direct Contact Summary

Direct Contact Timeline

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Direct Contact Timeline

Direct Contact Spoiler-Free Summary

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Direct Contact Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Direct Contact

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Direct Contact (2009) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Direct Contact (2009) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Direct Contact (2009) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow