Headhunters

Headhunters

Year: 2012

Runtime: 100 min

Language: Norwegian

Director: Morten Tyldum

ActionThrillerCrime

Roger, a successful headhunter living a lavish lifestyle funded by illicit activities, becomes entangled in a dangerous game when he learns of a valuable painting owned by one of his clients. Driven by the allure of wealth, he attempts to steal the artwork, unaware that he’s become the target of a vengeful and formidable adversary. His life is turned upside down as he finds himself hunted and forced to confront the consequences of his choices.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Headhunters yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Headhunters (2012)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Headhunters (2012). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The story unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal issues such as ambition, infidelity, and ethical dilemmas in a corporate environment. The advancements in technology, such as GPS tracking, play a significant role in the plot, grounding the film in today's reality.

Location

Norway

Norway is known for its stunning landscapes, including fjords, mountains, and northern lights. As a setting for 'Headhunters', it contrasts the lavish lifestyle of the protagonist with the raw, natural beauty of the country. The film's events unfold in both urban environments and secluded rural areas, highlighting the duality of Roger's life.

🇳🇴 Country

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:48

Main Characters – Headhunters (2012)

Meet the key characters of Headhunters (2012), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Roger Brown (Aksel Hennie)

Roger is a cunning and ambitious headhunter whose desperate need to maintain his lavish lifestyle drives him to criminal activities. He exhibits both charm and ruthlessness, showcasing a complex personality that struggles with guilt and jealousy. His actions ultimately lead him to a place of moral ambiguity and tragic outcomes.

💼 Headhunter 🔪 Betrayal 😡 Jealousy

Clas Greve (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau)

Clas is a seemingly successful executive with hidden depths and skills, playing a cat-and-mouse game with Roger throughout the film. His cool demeanor and strategic mindset make him a formidable antagonist, revealing layers of intelligence and ambition. His relationship with Diana adds complexity to his character and heightens the stakes.

⚙️ Executive 💔 Rivalry 🎯 Ambition

Diana Brown (Synnøve Macody Lund)

Diana is Roger's wife and an art gallery owner, caught in a web of marital distrust and longing for a family. Her desire for children and her affair with Clas highlight her struggles within her marriage. Diana's complexity adds emotional depth to the narrative, driving both Roger's jealousy and his subsequent actions.

🎨 Art 💔 Infidelity 👶 Family

Lotte (Julie R. Ølgaard)

Lotte is Roger's mistress whose role quickly evolves from lover to pawn in an intricate game of manipulation. Her actions significantly impact the plot as she becomes entangled with both Roger and Clas. Her ultimate betrayal of Roger marks a turning point in the story.

💋 Mistress ⚔️ Conflict 🔍 Manipulation

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:48

Major Themes – Headhunters (2012)

Explore the central themes of Headhunters (2012), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💼 Ambition

The theme of ambition drives the plot as Roger's desire for wealth and status leads him down a dark path of deception and crime. His willingness to betray those closest to him illustrates the lengths one will go to in order to maintain an extravagant lifestyle. As his ambition spirals out of control, it becomes a catalyst for his downfall.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal is a core theme that unfolds through the relationships between Roger, Diana, and Clas. Roger's infidelity, along with Diana's affair with Clas, highlights the erosion of trust and loyalty. This theme is further compounded by the ultimate betrayals that occur during the climax, leading to irreversible consequences for all involved.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:48

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Headhunters

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

Headhunters Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Headhunters, 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.

Headhunters Summary

Headhunters Timeline

Track the full timeline of Headhunters with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Headhunters Timeline

Headhunters Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Headhunters that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Headhunters Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Headhunters

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Headhunters: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Headhunters

Similar Movies to Headhunters

Discover movies like Headhunters that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.

Explore More About Movie Headhunters

Headhunters (2012) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Headhunters (2012) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Headhunters (2012) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow

Movies Like Headhunters – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy

The Hunter (1980) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap

The Hunters (1996) Complete Plot Breakdown

A Single Shot (2013) Ending Explained & Film Insights

Hitman (2007) Full Summary & Key Details

The Hunted (2003) Full Summary & Key Details

Man with a Gun (1995) Plot Summary & Ending Explained

In Order of Disappearance (2016) Full Movie Breakdown

A Candidate for a Killing (1969) Full Movie Breakdown

Heart of the Hunter (2024) Complete Plot Breakdown

Make Like a Thief (1964) Full Summary & Key Details

The Virtuoso (2021) Full Movie Breakdown

Cold Pursuit (2019) Film Overview & Timeline

Manhunt (1976) Full Movie Breakdown

King of the Ants (2003) Full Movie Breakdown

Dead Man Down (2013) Full Movie Breakdown