Interceptor

Interceptor

Year: 2022

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Director: Matthew Reilly

ActionAdventureDramaThriller

Captain JJ Collins, seeking refuge at a Pacific missile base, finds herself in a race against time when the facility comes under attack. Forced to confront Alexander Kessel, a dangerous and cunning rogue operator, she must use her skills and instincts to uncover a sinister plot threatening the base’s existence. With multiple assaults underway, Collins’ tactical abilities will be put to the ultimate test as she fights to prevent a catastrophic event.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Interceptor (2022) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Interceptor (2022), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

The United States maintains two interceptor launch sites designed to thwart any nuclear missile attacks. The first site, Fort Greely in Alaska, faces an unexpected assault by unidentified attackers, likely tied to a terrorist group, who seize 16 nuclear warheads from Russian territory. Given that missiles launched from Russia take just 24 minutes to reach the US, it is crucial to intercept them within 12 minutes of launch to prevent disaster.

The second interceptor site is a secluded platform located in the middle of the ocean. Recently reassigned to this vulnerable outpost is Captain J. J. Collins, who has faced severe repercussions for reporting a case of sexual misconduct involving a superior. Her peers turned on her, subjecting her to hazing and bullying, which ultimately led to her deployment in this isolated command center under the command of Lt. Colonel Clark Marshall. Together with his team, which includes Beaver Baker and Corporal Rahul Shah, who only joined six months prior, they brace themselves as the last line of defense following the takeover of Fort Greely.

Chaos ensues when a small group of infiltrators, led by Alexander Kessel, storm the facility, killing Marshall and the rest of the personnel, leaving Collins, Shah, and an unconscious Beaver—who was grazed by a stray bullet—trapped in the command center. With the terrorists intent on taking control of the interceptor system, Collins finds herself in a dire situation, facing negotiations that turn sour as the attackers threaten further violence.

Collins receives a call from General Dyson, who informs her that a SEAL team is en route, giving her a critical mission: to maintain control of the command center at all costs. The President orders that if the SBX-1 falls, the threat of nuclear war becomes imminent. Despite a tempting $30 million bribe from Kessel, Collins remains resolute, refusing to surrender.

The tension escalates when an operative sneaks in through a hatch, only to be swiftly dealt with by Collins and Shah. However, the situation takes a shocking turn when Beaver reveals his treachery as an inside man for the infiltrators. With motivations driven by greed, he holds Collins and Shah at gunpoint, allowing Kessel and his crew to gain an upper hand.

In a chilling display, Kessel commandeers a live feed of the Emergency Broadcast System to announce the imminent destruction of 16 American cities, ordering the immediate launch of one missile. Just as hope seems lost, Collins manages to lock Kessel and the infiltrators out of the command center. She bravely fires the interceptors just in time to intercept the incoming missile.

Amidst the onslaught, Kessel resorts to activating the station’s scuttling protocol, planning to sink the facility. Shah heroically volunteers to slow the descent by manually re-engaging the hatches, but tragically pays the ultimate price for his bravery. With time running out, Collins gathers her strength, preparing to mount a counterattack.

Calculating her next move, Collins cleverly feigns vulnerability, allowing Kessel and the others to believe they have the upper hand. In a gripping showdown on the roof, Collins takes down Beaver in a fierce fight, ultimately confronting Kessel as he tries to launch a further attack. With mere seconds to spare, Collins manages to launch the interceptor missiles, averting catastrophe just as Kessel’s plans unravel.

In the shocking climax, Kessel finds himself outmatched, and as Russian operatives emerge from a submarine, they terminate him instead of Collins.

After all the chaos, Collins recovers in a hospital and is celebrated for her valor, receiving a promotion from President Wallace herself. In a bittersweet moment, she discovers that her father is still alive, signifying a new chapter in her life after the harrowing events.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 19:03

Ending Explained – What Happens at the End of Interceptor?

Still wondering what the ending of Interceptor (2022) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.

*In the climax of ‘Interceptor,’ Captain J.J. Collins manages to thwart the terrorists’ plan to launch nuclear missiles at American cities. Despite being betrayed and facing overwhelming odds, she stays determined and uses her quick thinking to manipulate the terrorists, making them believe she is complying while secretly working to stop the attack. Collins tricks Alexander Kessel, the terrorist leader, into firing all the missiles prematurely, which allows her to launch the interceptors and destroy the incoming threats just in time. During this intense sequence, she fights off the terrorists, kills the traitor Beaver Baker, and manages to keep the control room from sinking underwater. Miraculously, she escapes the rig just as it submerges, preventing the nuclear disaster.

In the aftermath, Collins’s father is found alive, saved by her friends, and she’s celebrated for her courage and resilience. The terrorists’ plan ends in failure, and the Russian operatives, who had come to destroy the rig, are killed by their own people. Though the mission didn’t succeed entirely according to plan, Collins’s bravery and strategic ingenuity save millions of lives. The film concludes with her being appointed to the National Security Staff, symbolizing her heroism and the recognition of her unwavering dedication to her country. Her relentless fight underscores her strength and commitment, ensuring she is honored for standing firm against chaos and betrayal.*

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:57

Unlock the Full Story of Interceptor

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

Interceptor Timeline

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

Interceptor Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Interceptor

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Interceptor

Interceptor Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Interceptor? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Interceptor Ending Explained

More About Interceptor

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More About Interceptor

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