Miss Bala

Miss Bala

Year: 2019

Runtime: 104 min

Language: English

Director: Catherine Hardwicke

ActionDramaThriller

A night out for Gloria at a Mexican nightclub takes a terrifying turn when her friend is abducted by dangerous cartel members. Thrust into a perilous situation, she finds herself caught between corrupt officials, ruthless gang leaders, and the escalating presence of the DEA. To clear her name and survive, Gloria must navigate a treacherous underworld, playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse with those who seek to control her.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Miss Bala 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 – Miss Bala (2019)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Miss Bala (2019). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflecting the heightened tension surrounding drug cartels and law enforcement operations. This period illustrates the dangers faced by individuals at the Mexico-U.S. border, showcasing the reality of crime and corruption that permeates society.

Location

Tijuana, Mexico, San Diego, California

Tijuana is a vibrant city located just south of the U.S.-Mexico border, known for its lively nightlife, cultural attractions, and a bustling atmosphere. The city's proximity to California makes it a popular destination for tourists seeking a taste of Mexican culture. San Diego, located just north, contrasts with its more laid-back vibe, yet it intersects with the dark and thrilling events of Gloria's journey.

🌆 City 🌎 Mexico 🌉 Border

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:05

Main Characters – Miss Bala (2019)

Meet the key characters of Miss Bala (2019), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Gloria Fuentes (Gina Rodriguez)

Gloria is a talented makeup artist whose loyalty to her friend drives her into a perilous situation. Her character is marked by growth as she faces the brutality of the drug world and discovers her inner strength. Gloria's determination to save Suzu and navigate through deception epitomizes her fierce resilience.

👩‍🎨 Artist 🔫 Survivor 🤝 Friend

Suzu (Cristina Rodlo)

Suzu is Gloria's best friend and the Miss Tijuana contestant whose aspirations draw them into danger. Fierce and protective, she represents the emotional stakes of the story as her fate becomes entwined with the perilous decisions made by Gloria. Her abduction catalyzes Gloria's transformation.

👠 Beauty Queen 🤗 Best Friend 🌟 Dreamer

Lino (Ismael Cruz Cordova)

Lino is a charismatic yet dangerous figure within the Las Estrellas cartel. He offers assistance to Gloria, but his motives are deeply rooted in manipulation and power. Lino embodies the complex nature of survival in the criminal underworld, blurring the lines of allegiance and trust.

⚔️ Antagonist 💼 Criminal 🕵️‍♂️ Manipulator

Chief of Police

The Chief of Police is a corrupt figure whose betrayal adds to the film's tension. His role exemplifies the deep-seated corruption within law enforcement that complicates Gloria's attempts to seek help. This character represents the darker elements of authority that can lead to dire consequences.

👮‍♂️ Authority 💼 Corruption 🔍 Suspicious

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:05

Major Themes – Miss Bala (2019)

Explore the central themes of Miss Bala (2019), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

The theme of justice is central to Gloria's journey as she grapples with moral dilemmas and seeks retribution for her friend's kidnapping. Throughout the film, her quest for justice reveals the complexities of navigating corrupt systems and the lengths one must go to seek what is right. Ultimately, it underscores the personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice.

💪 Empowerment

Gloria's transformation from a supportive friend to a formidable survivor showcases themes of empowerment and resilience. Her character evolves as she confronts adversities, taking control of her fate amid chaos. The narrative illustrates how true strength can emerge in the face of overwhelming odds and societal pressures.

🔄 Betrayal

Betrayal emerges as a recurring theme, deeply affecting Gloria's path. From the police officer who deceives her to the complex relationships within the drug cartel, Gloria learns that trust can be a dangerous weapon. This theme explores how betrayal influences personal relationships and survival in high-stakes environments.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:05

Unlock the Full Story of Miss Bala

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

Miss Bala Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Miss Bala, 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.

Miss Bala Summary

Miss Bala Timeline

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

Miss Bala Timeline

More About Miss Bala

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Miss Bala: 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 Miss Bala

Similar Movies to Miss Bala

Discover movies like Miss Bala that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.