Midnight Runner

Midnight Runner

Year: 2018

Runtime: 92 mins

Language: German

Director: Hannes Baumgartner

Drama

Driven by a desire to escape a tragic past, marathon runner Jonas Widmer finds himself increasingly drawn into a dangerous and secretive double life. This is the true story of a celebrated athlete whose life takes a dark turn, leading him down a path of criminal activity and raising questions about the pressures of fame and the fragility of the human psyche.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Midnight Runner 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 – Midnight Runner (2018)

Trace every key event in Midnight Runner (2018) 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

Witness kidnapping in Gangnam

Ki-joon and Hee-yeol, best friends and students at the Korean National Police University, witness the kidnapping of a young girl one night in Gangnam. They promptly report the crime to the Gangnam police station. The incident spurs them to take action even as students.

Night Gangnam
2

Missing Persons Unit deprioritizes case

The Missing Persons Unit prioritizes a high-profile kidnapping, leaving their case on the back burner. Ki-joon and Hee-yeol realize time is slipping away in the critical hours after the kidnapping. They decide to pursue the case on their own.

Soon after reporting Gangnam Police Station
3

First probe leads to hideout

Through their amateur investigation, they track the kidnappers to a location connected to an unfertilized egg harvesting ring. They discover that many girls are being held captive in a hidden hideout. They prepare to intervene.

Night Hidden hideout
4

Capture attempt and torture

Ki-joon and Hee-yeol attempt to rescue the captives but are beaten and imprisoned by the kidnappers. They endure harsh treatment before managing a desperate escape.

Night Kidnappers' hideout
5

After escape, empty hideout

After escaping, they return to the hideout only to find it empty and the trail cold. They regroup and reassess their next move.

After escape Hideout
6

Professor warns against pursuing

Professor Yang Sung-il warns them that continuing the pursuit could lead to expulsion from the university. The warning doesn't deter them as they recognize the urgency of the case.

Following the warning Korean National Police University
7

CCTV leads to fertility clinic

Unable to wait, they resume their investigation using CCTV footage to track a van to a fertility clinic. They uncover a link to the kidnapping ring and decide to act.

Later Fertility clinic vicinity
8

Training and arming up

They undergo intense physical training and borrow armor equipment from the university to prepare for the raid. Their commitment pushes them beyond typical student limits. They vow to intervene despite the risk of expulsion.

Before raid Korean National Police University
9

Clinic raid and boss Yang-choon

Ki-joon and Hee-yeol infiltrate the fertility clinic, subdue all enforcers, and confront their boss Yang-choon. They succeed in overpowering the guards and securing the victims.

Raid Fertility clinic
10

Call police to arrest kidnappers

They contact the police to arrest the kidnappers, choosing to formalize the rescue despite the possible expulsion. The action marks a turning point where moral justice overrides university rules.

During raid Fertility clinic
11

Disciplinary decision

Back at the university, some disciplinary board members argue they did the right thing morally. Ki-joon and Hee-yeol are instead held back a year and sentenced to 500 hours of community service.

After raid Korean National Police University
12

Yun-Jung thanks them during service

While completing their community service, Yun-Jung visits Ki-joon and Hee-yeol to thank them for rescuing her. The gesture reaffirms the impact of their actions.

During service Community service site

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:59

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Midnight Runner Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Midnight Runner, 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.

Midnight Runner Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Midnight Runner

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Midnight Runner

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