Hunting the Elements

Hunting the Elements

Year: 2012

Runtime: 117 mins

Language: English

Director: Chris Schmidt

Documentary

The series explores the origins of nature’s building blocks—the chemical elements that make up everything from the carbon in our bodies to the metals in smartphones. Host David Pogue, technology columnist and NOVA “Making Stuff” presenter, guides viewers through extreme chemistry, showcasing the strongest acids, deadliest poisons, the universe’s most abundant elements, and the rarest substances forged in particle accelerators that exist only for fractions of a second.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Hunting the Elements 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 – Hunting the Elements (2012)

Trace every key event in Hunting the Elements (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

Daniel's death at work

Daniel suffers a fatal heart attack at his workplace, with his son Jonathan present. Jonathan is unable to help in time, and the tragedy unfolds in the office. The event sets off a chain of financial and familial tensions that drive the plot.

At Daniel's workplace, during the heart attack Daniel's workplace
2

Bank refuses compensation

The bank manager, Dedi, refuses to pay any compensation because the insurance contract does not cover such events. The denial adds to the family's financial strain after Daniel's death. It foreshadows later uncomfortable interactions between Dorit and Dedi.

Soon after Daniel's death Bank
3

Dorit begins dating Dedi for money

Dorit starts seeing Dedi in hopes of securing money to support the family. The relationship creates tension and shifts loyalties within the household. Jonathan watches the situation unfold from a vulnerable position.

Soon after Daniel's death Dedi's office
4

Jonathan placed in elderly home with Eliyahu

Dorit leaves Jonathan in the care of his grandfather Eliyahu at an elderly home. This arrangement marks a transition toward dependence as financial pressures mount. Eliyahu's history with Dorit and Daniel adds personal tension to the situation.

Shortly after Daniel's death Elderly home
5

Eliyahu and Nick's backstory as former Lehi fighters

Eliyahu and Nick are revealed as former Lehi fighters who used to rob British banks to fund the organization. They harbor long-standing enmity with Daniel and Dorit, rooted in past decisions. Their history informs their willingness to participate in the planned robbery.

Past Flashback / unspecified
6

Roda in coma and the estate dispute

Roda remains in a coma with little chance of recovery, connected to her British lord lineage. Michael Simpson seeks to take Roda off life support to claim the estate, intensifying the dispute over wealth. Eliyahu has already sold the estate to cover Roda's hospitalization.

Present Hospital / home
7

Michael Simpson aims to claim the estate

Michael Simpson pushes to remove Roda from life support to access the inheritance. His actions escalate tensions among the family, threatening the estate's future. The struggle centers on who will control the family wealth and legacy.

Present Hospital
8

Planning the bank robbery to solve finances

Jonathan, Michael, Eliyahu, and Nick formulate a plan to rob the bank where Daniel once worked. They leverage their familiarity with the bank's defenses to map out a scheme. The plan is driven by urgent financial needs and personal grievances.

Planning stage / Present Bank
9

Diversions disable a main alarm

The group stages a series of diversions that cause the bank to turn off one of the main alarm systems. This opening allows them to enter the safe area with reduced security. Timing and misdirection become crucial as the operation unfolds.

During the robbery Bank
10

Nick's hostage plan derails

Nick, supposed to be a hostage, seizes a guard's gun and takes hostages himself. His dementia is cited as a reason he isn’t sent to prison after the incident. The chaos forces the others to react and adjust their plan on the fly.

During the robbery Bank
11

Eliyahu robs the bank himself

After the initial plan falters, Eliyahu decides to rob the bank personally. He exploits the confusion to extract cash, shifting from a coordinated scheme to a direct heist. This move alters the balance of the group’s opportunity and risk.

During the robbery Bank
12

Jonathan pretends to be a victim and burns money

Jonathan, posing as a wounded victim, burns some of the stolen money in front of the police. The act is meant to create a distraction and facilitate his escape with the bulk of the cash. The scene underlines Jonathan's determination to keep the loot safe.

During the robbery Outside bank / near police
13

Escape with the majority of the loot

The group manages to escape with most of the stolen cash. Despite internal tensions, they appear financially relieved for the moment. Law enforcement begins to piece together the events as the money disappears into the shadows.

End of robbery City streets around bank

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 16:10

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Hunting the Elements Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Hunting the Elements, 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.

Hunting the Elements Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Hunting the Elements

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Hunting the Elements. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Hunting the Elements

Hunting the Elements Spoiler-Free Summary

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Hunting the Elements Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Hunting the Elements

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