Year: 2023
Runtime: 1 h 42 m
Language: English
Directors: , Robert Marianetti, David Wachtenheim
Echo Score: 70A grumpy 74-year-old lizard named Leo experiences an existential crisis when he realizes he’s going to die. Breaking free from his terrarium, he ventures outside and unexpectedly becomes involved in the lives of a class of elementary school students. He finds himself preoccupied with their anxieties and impossible dreams, offering guidance and ultimately learning valuable lessons about life, connection, and embracing change along the way.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Leo 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!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Leo (2023), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Parthiban “Parthi” is an animal rescuer and cafe owner residing in Theog, Himachal Pradesh. He lives a quiet life with his wife Sathya, his teenage son Siddharth “Siddhu” and daughter Mathi “Chintu”. One day, his friend Joshy Andrews, a local forest ranger, reaches out to him for assistance in dealing with a dangerous spotted hyena that has been terrorizing the town. This hyena, known for its rabid behavior, has already attacked several locals, and the police are unwilling to take any action against it. With the help of his son, Parthi successfully tranquilizes the ferocious beast, understanding that hyenas are social animals and this one is likely lost or separated from its pack. Opting for discretion, he adopts the hyena, naming it Chakadbangadu, after ensuring it is safe.
Parthi runs the cafe Bold Street, where he continues to lead a peaceful life until one night, fate drastically alters his circumstances. When Shanmugham, a ruthless robber played by Mysskin, and his gang come to rob his cafe, the situation spirals out of control. Shanmugham’s crew has blood on their hands, having brutally murdered a family, and they target Parthi next. After a series of escalating conflicts, Parthi shifts from being a victim to a defender when one of the gang members attempts to harm his employee, Shruthi. Enraged, Parthi retaliates, leading to a violent confrontation where he kills Shanmugham’s gang.
Despite acting in self-defense, Parthi finds himself arrested, but he’s soon released. As his image spreads through newspapers, it catches the attention of gangster Harold Das, who believes he recognizes Parthi as his missing brother, Leo Das. In a tense turn of events, Parthi’s life becomes a dangerous game of cat and mouse, as Shanmugham’s relatives attempt to kill him and his family in retaliation.
Seeking protection, Parthi requests police assistance, but faces ridicule from Officer Bhawar Jetha for his situation. As violence mounts, Parthi fortifies his home and prepares for war. Meanwhile, Antony, portrayed by Sanjay Dutt, arrives to confront Parthi, convinced he is indeed Leo. The confrontation sends shockwaves through Parthi’s family, forcing them to dig deep into their past, with Sathya uncovering troubling secrets about Leo’s history.
In a dramatic climax, Parthi’s son is kidnapped, and he must navigate a web of betrayal and bloodshed to rescue him. With the help of Napoleon, a police officer, and his own ingenuity, Parthi fights to protect his family against Harold’s men. As chaos unfolds, the hyena also plays a surprising role in defending them.
Ultimately, Parthi confronts Harold in a final showdown, where he reveals his identity as Leo while delivering justice for the atrocities his family has faced. With the factory linked to the criminal underworld consumed in flames, he aims to reclaim his life. However, the peace is short-lived as a mysterious caller hints at the pervasive drug problem throughout India, leaving Parthi with the burden of his dual identity and the fight ahead.
In the end, in a world rife with turmoil, Parthi realizes that the shadows of his past will continue to loom over him, as the call serves as a reminder that his battle is far from over.
Last Updated: October 24, 2024 at 09:07
Still wondering what the ending of Leo (2023) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.
At the end of the movie, Ms. Malkin wins Teacher of the Year and takes Leo and Squirtle to her new classroom, but their future there is uncertain. While they are excited about their new surroundings and the chance to learn, the new classroom is populated with younger, wilder students who are more likely to mistreat them, and Leo and Squirtle’s safety could be at greater risk. Throughout the film, Leo initially plans to escape because he fears he only has a year left to live after learning he’s 74 years old and won’t live past 75. However, once he starts talking to the kids and helping them with their problems, he finds joy in their company and decides not to run away. Squirtle becomes jealous of Leo’s attention, especially after discovering Leo’s conversations with the kids, which leads to tension and ultimately Squirtle live-streaming Leo’s interactions, exposing his ability to talk and breaking the trust with the children. This betrayal prompts Ms. Malkin to abandon Leo in the Everglades, fearing that his talking abilities could cause problems for her when she receives praise for the kids’ success. Her true motive is to keep the recognition for herself, which she confesses to only after the kids and Squirtle rescue Leo. Despite getting a new classroom, Leo and Squirtle’s safety may be compromised, and the ending leaves open the possibility that they might be better off staying in their previous, safer environment. The film ends on a note of complicated choices and uncertain futures for the beloved classroom pets.
Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44
Don't stop at just watching — explore Leo 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 Leo is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Leo with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Leo. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
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