Little Nikita

Little Nikita

Year: 1988

Runtime: 98 min

Language: English

DramaThriller

An FBI agent's relentless search for a dangerous Russian spy unexpectedly leads him to a surprising connection: a typical American high school student. The teenager is revealed to be the son of two Soviet sleeper agents, unknowingly entangled in a complex web of international espionage. The agent must navigate a perilous situation as he tries to protect the student and uncover the full extent of the spy ring's operations.

Tense
Ambiguous ending
Emotionally heavy
High intensity
Steady pacing
Moderate complexity

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Little Nikita 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 – Little Nikita (1988)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Little Nikita (1988). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1980s

The film is set in the 1980s, a decade marked by heightened tensions during the Cold War. This era was characterized by espionage activities and paranoia over Soviet infiltration, making the awakening of Jeff's true identity particularly poignant against the backdrop of political intrigue and personal deception.

Location

San Diego, Mexico

The movie is primarily set in the picturesque suburbs of San Diego, known for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant community. San Diego serves as the backdrop for Jeffrey's seemingly idyllic life, with a garden center run by his family. The narrative takes a turn as the action unfolds towards the Mexico border, adding an element of urgency and danger.

🌴 Suburb 🌆 Urban

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:24

Main Characters – Little Nikita (1988)

Meet the key characters of Little Nikita (1988), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jeffrey Nicolas Grant

Jeffrey is a bright and ambitious high school student whose dreams of becoming a pilot are shattered by the revelation of his hidden identity. Initially naive, he transforms into a determined young man who must confront the truth about his family's past and his own existence. Jeff's journey reflects a deep personal conflict between the life he believed to be true and the sinister reality that unfolds.

👨‍🎓 Student ✈️ Dreamer 🤔 Naive

FBI Agent Roy Parmenter

Roy is a dedicated and experienced FBI agent, portrayed as both diligent and compassionate. He becomes deeply invested in Jeffrey's case, driven by the tragic past involving the loss of his partner. As he uncovers the dark secrets behind the Grant family, Roy's protective instincts draw him closer to Jeff, illustrating the fine line between duty and personal connection.

👮‍♂️ Agent 🔍 Investigator 🤝 Protector

Konstantin Karpov

Karpov is a relentless and menacing Soviet spy-catcher who poses a significant threat to Jeffrey's safety. His character embodies the perpetual danger of espionage during the Cold War, showcasing a ruthless determination to capture those he sees as traitors. Karpov's cold demeanor and strategic mind make him a formidable adversary.

🕵️‍♂️ Spy 🚨 Threat ❌ Ruthless

Scuba

Scuba is a notorious rogue Soviet agent responsible for the murder of Roy's partner. His presence looms large throughout the film, representing the dark side of espionage and the lethal consequences of betrayal. Although he remains somewhat of a shadowy figure, his impact on the narrative drives the urgency and danger faced by the protagonists.

💀 Killer 🌌 Shadowy 🥷 Agent

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:24

Major Themes – Little Nikita (1988)

Explore the central themes of Little Nikita (1988), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️‍♂️ Espionage

Espionage serves as a central theme in 'Little Nikita', exploring the hidden lives and secrets that can exist within seemingly ordinary families. The tension between appearances and reality is palpable as Jeffrey learns of his true identity as a sleeper agent. The film also delves into issues of trust and betrayal, highlighting the dangers of espionage as both a personal and political pursuit.

🛡️ Identity

Identity is a pivotal theme in 'Little Nikita', where Jeffrey grapples with the revelation that he has been living under an alias. This struggle for self-understanding unfolds against the backdrop of family loyalty and betrayal, leading Jeff to question his very existence. Ultimately, the film examines how identity can be manipulated and the implications of discovering one's true self.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:24

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 Little Nikita

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

Little Nikita Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Little Nikita, 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.

Little Nikita Summary

Little Nikita Timeline

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

Little Nikita Timeline

Little Nikita Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Little Nikita 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.

Little Nikita Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Little Nikita

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Little Nikita: 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 Little Nikita

Explore More About Movie Little Nikita

Little Nikita (1988) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Little Nikita (1988) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Little Nikita (1988) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow