Ransom

The film kicks off with airline magnate Tom Mullen hosting an extravagant party in his upscale New York City apartment. The celebration highlights his success as a self-made multi-millionaire in the airline industry, filled with guests and a festive atmosphere.

As the party unfolds, a tense montage introduces a group of kidnappers plotting the abduction of a wealthy hostage. The contrasting festive mood foreshadows the dark turn of events that are about to unfold.

Tom, his wife Kate, and their son Sean head to a science fair in Central Park where Kate is a judge. This outing marks a brief respite filled with family joy before tragedy strikes.

In a shocking twist, Sean is kidnapped by criminals including Maris Conner and her accomplices Clark and Cubby Barnes. The anxiety and desperation of Tom and Kate begin as they search for their missing son.

The kidnappers send a chilling video of Sean, blindfolded and threatened, demanding a $2 million ransom. They explicitly warn Tom and Kate against involving the police or the media, escalating the stakes significantly.

Determined to rescue their son, Tom and Kate decide to involve the FBI despite the kidnappers' threats. Agents, led by Lonnie Hawkins, arrive covertly, disguising themselves as carpenters to monitor the situation at the Mullen penthouse.

While at the kidnappers' hideout, Cubby experiences a moment of sympathy for Sean and decides to venture out for supplies. This trip leads him to a tense confrontation with Detective Jimmy Shaker, unveiling his darker involvement in the plot.

Tom visits an ex-union leader believed to be behind the kidnapping in hopes of finding clues, but the visit yields no useful information. Frustrated, Tom resolves to take charge of the situation himself as the situation escalates.

Tom receives instructions for a ransom exchange from Jimmy, who is concealing his true identity. This exchange turns chaotic when Tom inadvertently misleads the FBI, complicating the rescue operation.

In a bold move, Tom announces he will offer the ransom money as a reward for information leading to the capture of the kidnappers. This decision flips the power dynamic, angering Jimmy and placing Sean's life in jeopardy.

As the media catches wind of the ransom demand, tensions among the kidnappers begin to rise. Cubby and the others contemplate drastic actions, leading to a fracturing of their loyalties as they consider killing Sean.

An intense shootout ensues during a frantic rescue effort, showcasing the stakes involved. Amid the chaos, Tom finally reunites with Sean, a moment of relief overshadowed by the trauma they both faced.

After reuniting with his son, Tom confronts Jimmy, leading to a climactic showdown. The encounter unveils the psychological toll the abduction has taken on everyone involved and highlights the fragility of their family bond.

The film concludes with Tom expressing gratitude to Jimmy for his questionable role in saving Sean, despite the underlying tension between them. The entire experience leaves emotional scars, prompting a poignant reflection on their lives post-kidnapping.

As the family attempts to return to a sense of normalcy, the lingering impact of the trauma is evident. The story closes with a sobering reminder of the threats that persist in a seemingly unpredictable world.