Good Kill

Good Kill

Year: 2015

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Director: Andrew Niccol

DramaThriller

As a veteran Air Force pilot, Tom Egan finds himself confronting the psychological and moral consequences of drone warfare. Operating from a remote base, he struggles with the detachment and precision of controlling combat missions, witnessing lives lost with unsettling clarity. The intense pressure and blurred lines between war and surveillance take a toll on his marriage to Jane and force him to question his own sense of humanity.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Good Kill (2015)

Trace every key event in Good Kill (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

Major Egan's New Role

Major Thomas Egan begins his new assignment at an Air Force Base near Las Vegas, piloting MQ-9 Reaper drones. Initially perceived as low-pressure, this role allows him to balance family life with military duties while targeting terrorist cells in Afghanistan.

Air Force Base near Las Vegas
2

Building Family Life

Egan embraces suburban life with his wife and two children, experiencing cherished family moments. His routine appears peaceful as he manages daytime missions and enjoys quiet nights off duty.

3

Escalating Missions

As Egan is assigned more sorties, the frequency of his missions increases, and the pressure starts to take a toll on him. His wife begins to notice the gradual changes in his demeanor, leading him to cope through alcohol.

4

Commendable Performance

Despite the mounting pressure, Egan's operational performance remains exemplary, earning high ratings among his peers. His commanding officer responds by assigning him to more demanding missions in complex war zones.

5

Missions Beyond Afghanistan

Egan's missions extend to Yemen and Somalia, where he navigates dangerous terrains with no official military presence. The blurred lines of operation heighten his moral dilemmas as civilians, including women and children, become targets.

Yemen and Somalia
6

Collateral Damage

Egan encounters the grim outcome of collateral damage as orders come to strike civilian locations. The rationale presented by the CIA—that these civilians are human shields—does little to alleviate the growing burden on his conscience.

7

Strain on Personal Life

Egan begins isolating himself from his family and postpones commitments as he fights to shield them from his escalating stress. His addiction worsens, culminating in a near-disaster incident with law enforcement due to drunk driving.

8

Heartbreaking Missions

Facing the emotional fallout of his increasingly harrowing missions, Egan experiences profound regret after failing to protect U.S. troops from an attack. This moment serves as a catalyst for a violent outburst at home, straining his relationship with his wife.

9

Confrontation with his Wife

In a climactic moment, Egan's wife confronts him about the toll his job is taking on their family. This confrontation leads to her decision to leave, further fracturing Egan's already fragile state of mind.

10

Rejecting Orders

Egan faces an ethically perilous command from his CIA controller to strike civilians responding to a previous explosion. In a moment of moral clarity, he creatively uses the UAV control system to prevent the attack, costing him his position in active missions.

11

New Phase of Life

Relegated to surveillance duties, Egan grapples with his altered role while becoming increasingly fixated on a man involved in a heinous crime. He finds a new focus in his desperation for redemption.

12

Plan for Retribution

Egan devises a plan to take justice into his own hands as he prepares to eliminate the rapist he has become obsessed with. He manipulates his support staff's schedule, creating an opportunity to execute his plan.

13

Departure from Las Vegas

Fueled by the pursuit of retribution, Egan abandons his established life in Las Vegas. With an unknown destination ahead, he finds a renewed sense of purpose driving him forward.

Las Vegas

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 13:18

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Good Kill Summary

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Good Kill Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Good Kill

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Good Kill

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