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!

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Timeline – Headhunters (2012)

Trace every key event in Headhunters (2012) 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

Roger's Deceptive Career

Roger Brown, Norway's leading headhunter, supplements his income by stealing valuable artwork from clients. He has a partner, Ove, who works at a surveillance company and deactivates security systems to facilitate these crimes.

Norway
2

Ending the Affair

During a dinner invitation from his mistress Lotte, Roger decides to end their relationship, opting to focus on his marriage instead. This decision sets the stage for his later struggles with jealousy and personal conflict.

3

Meeting Clas Greve

Roger's wife, Diana, introduces him to Clas Greve, an executive at HOTE. Roger sees an opportunity to recruit Clas for Pathfinder, but Clas proves to be elusive, making Roger even more determined.

4

Diana's Aspirations

Diana expresses her desire to have children, creating tension in their relationship as Roger hides the fact that his sperm count is low. This secret leads to increasing frustration between the couple.

5

The Rubens Painting

Diana reveals that Clas possesses a rare Rubens painting, which she believes may be worth millions. This insight ignites a plan within Roger to steal the painting as an opportunity for enormous profit.

6

Plans of Betrayal

Roger carefully strategizes with Ove to steal the Rubens painting during his next meeting with Clas. The meeting also uncovers Clas's military background and his involvement in advanced tracking technology, heightening Roger's paranoia.

7

The Theft

Amidst a meticulously crafted plan, Roger successfully steals the Rubens painting from Clas's residence. However, he uncovers Diana's cellphone there, leading him to suspect an affair between them, which fuels his anger.

Clas's home
8

A Deadly Encounter

Upon discovering Ove apparently dead in his car with a syringe, Roger panics and disposes of the body in a lake. To his disbelief, Ove revives from the near-fatal poison, and a subsequent confrontation leads to Roger inadvertently killing Ove.

Roger's Garage
9

Escaping from Clas

After the deadly confrontation with Ove, Roger encounters Clas, leading to a tense scuffle that forces him to flee. He believes that Clas is tracking him, prompting him to disguise himself by swapping clothes.

Farm
10

Hospitalization and Revelation

In the hospital, Roger learns he is mistaken for Ove and is arrested for murder. Meanwhile, he suspects that Clas is working against him to cover up the truth, realizing his life spirals out of control.

Hospital
11

The Truck Incident

While being transported by police, Roger spots Clas driving a stolen truck, which leads to a terrifying confrontation. Clas rams the police car off a cliff, putting Roger's life in jeopardy once again.

12

Faking His Death

Roger cleverly fakes his own death by hiding from Clas and altering evidence. He shaves his head and changes clothes with a deceased officer, making it look like he was killed in the chaos.

13

A Dangerous Revelation

When Roger seeks Lotte's help, he discovers she is working for Clas all along. This betrayal adds another layer of complexity to his situation, leading to a deadly confrontation between them.

14

Revenge and Resolution

In a final showdown, Roger confronts Clas, who is tracking him with the GPS gel. Roger was able to turn the tables, fatally wounding Clas in self-defense, thereby eliminating his rival.

Ove's Cabin
15

Moving On

With the threat of Clas eliminated, Roger manipulates evidence to shift blame and starts a new chapter with Diana. They are shown preparing to sell their house and have a baby, indicating a fresh start amidst the chaos.

Last Updated: May 12, 2025 at 07:04

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Headhunters Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Headhunters

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