Dying of the Light

Dying of the Light

Year: 2014

Runtime: 94 min

Language: English

Director: Paul Schrader

DramaThriller

A seasoned CIA operative facing his own mortality sets out on a dangerous mission to settle a long-standing score with his greatest enemy. Driven by a desire to complete unfinished business, he reignites a deadly game of cat and mouse, pushing his physical and mental limits as he confronts the adversary who has haunted him for years. The perilous quest tests his strength and resolve in a final, desperate showdown.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Dying of the Light (2014)

Trace every key event in Dying of the Light (2014) 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

Evan Lake's Past Glory

Evan Lake is introduced as a once-celebrated CIA agent, renowned for his intelligence prowess and recognized as an Intelligence Star recipient. However, his days of glory are long behind him as he is now confined to a mundane desk job at Langley, reflecting a stark contrast to his former accolades.

Langley
2

The Africa Operation

Lake vividly recalls a violent operation in Africa where he was captured and subjected to extreme torture by the notorious Muhammad Banir. The traumatic experiences inflicted upon him during this time, including severe head trauma, continue to haunt him, forming the crux of his relentless pursuit for the truth.

Africa
3

The Truth About Banir

Despite official reports claiming that Banir died in the explosion during Lake's rescue mission, Lake refuses to believe it. This skepticism drives him to obsessively seek information, convinced that Banir is alive and still posing a threat.

4

Lake's Health Decline

As Lake struggles with frontotemporal dementia, the agency sees him as a liability, heightening his frustrations and sense of isolation. He grapples with significant memory loss and confusion, further complicating his already tumultuous search for justice.

5

Abdi's Dangerous Situation

Meanwhile, in Bucharest, Abdi, a Kenyan citizen, finds himself being chased by law enforcement due to a USB drive that contains critical information. His desperation leads him into a thrilling car chase to protect both his life and the crucial drive.

Bucharest
6

Discovery of Illicit Activity

The Romanian Intelligence Service retrieves the USB drive but discovers that its contents have been compromised, leading them to seek help from the CIA. Milt, Lake's loyal protégé, uncovers a troubling shipment of experimental drugs tied to a clinic in Bucharest.

Romania
7

Uncovering Connections

As Milt investigates further, he discovers that the drugs are intended for a mysterious Kenyan client facilitated by an intermediary, Dr. Wangari. This alarming revelation raises suspicions about Banir's involvement and strengthens Lake's resolve to find the truth.

8

Lake's Resignation

Overwhelmed by frustration and disbelief from his superiors regarding his findings, Lake takes the bold move to resign from the CIA. Determined to pursue the truth on his own terms, he prepares for a journey that will force him to confront his past.

9

Journey to Romania

Lake decides to travel to Romania, with Milt agreeing to accompany him despite his own reservations. This journey signals Lake's refusal to surrender to his condition and marks a critical point in his quest for answers.

Romania
10

Meeting Michelle Zubarain

In Romania, Lake and Milt meet Michelle Zubarain, a former journalist with a tangled history with Lake. With her keen insights and knowledge of the ongoing operations, she plays a pivotal role in uncovering the connection between Professor Dr. Iulian Cornel and Banir.

Bucharest
11

Confronting the Professor

During a tense meeting with Professor Cornel, Lake learns of the professor's coerced ties to Banir. Pressure mounts as Aasim, one of Banir's operatives, witnesses the interaction, complicating Lake's pursuit of the truth.

12

Search for Answers

The next day, Lake, Milt, and Michelle return to Cornel's office in hopes of unraveling more secrets. They secretly observe a meeting between Cornel and Aasim, but when Aasim catches on to their presence, it risks exposing their mission.

13

Infiltrating Mombasa

With the help of Michelle, Lake assumes the identity of the professor and travels to Mombasa under the guise of academic exploration. There, they navigate the treacherous environment surrounding Banir's operations, which tests Lake's resolve.

Mombasa
14

Final Confrontation

Lake faces Banir, and the once-dominant foe now appears frail yet triggers painful memories. Overcome by his past trauma, Lake retreats, leaving Banir confused and raising the stakes on their ongoing conflict.

Banir's stronghold
15

Ambush in Mombasa

While resting at a hotel, Lake and Milt are ambushed, resulting in Milt being hit but not fatally. Lake retaliates, eliminating the assailants but sustaining gunshot wounds, illustrating the escalating dangers surrounding their mission.

Mombasa

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 11:59

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Dying of the Light Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Dying of the Light

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