Rendition

Rendition

Year: 2007

Runtime: 122 min

Language: English

Director: Gavin Hood

DramaThrillerWar

In this gripping drama, a wife's desperate search for her missing husband unravels a web of secrets and deception. As an Egyptian engineer vanishes mid-flight, his frantic wife (Reese Witherspoon) embarks on a perilous quest to find him. Meanwhile, a CIA analyst (Jake Gyllenhaal) is drawn into the chaos, confronting the dark truths of rendition and interrogation.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Rendition 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 – Rendition (2007)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Rendition (2007). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events of the movie are set in contemporary times, reflecting the geopolitical tensions and the issues surrounding terrorism and extraordinary rendition that have become prominent in the 21st century. The themes of the film resonate with real-world events and societal struggles faced in modern-day international relations.

Location

North Africa, Marrakech

The movie primarily takes place in North Africa, specifically in Marrakech, where a suicide attack unfolds in a public square. Known for its vibrant culture and rich history, Marrakech contrasts sharply with the dark and intense nature of the events that unfold within its backdrop.

🌍 Location 🔍 Investigation

Last Updated: December 31, 2024 at 17:40

Main Characters – Rendition (2007)
Meet the key characters of Rendition (2007), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Douglas Freeman (Jake Gyllenhaal)

Douglas Freeman is a CIA analyst tasked with overseeing the interrogation of Anwar. Initially skeptical of Anwar's guilt, he embodies the internal conflict between duty and morality. His journey reveals a growing sense of justice as he becomes increasingly disillusioned with the agency's methods.

🕵️‍♂️ CIA Analyst ⚖️ Morality

Isabella El-Ibrahimi (Reese Witherspoon)

Isabella is Anwar's pregnant wife who fiercely seeks the truth about her husband's disappearance. Her determination illustrates the profound emotional turmoil faced by families affected by such events. She represents a voice of desperation and courage against a bureaucratic system.

👩‍👧‍👦 Family ✊ Courage

Corrine Whitman (Meryl Streep)

Corrine Whitman is a high-ranking CIA official who justifies the extraordinary rendition of Anwar. Her character exemplifies the cold pragmatism of institutional politics, willing to sacrifice individuals for perceived greater goods. She presents a formidable presence that complicates the moral landscape of the story.

👩‍💼 Power 💼 Bureaucracy

Abasi Fawal (Yigal Naor)

Abasi Fawal is a high-ranking police official involved in interrogating suspected terrorists. His character navigates loyalty to his country while embodying the violent contradictions inherent in the fight against terrorism. He is central to the theme of familial and moral conflict.

👮 Authority ⚔️ Conflict

Last Updated: December 31, 2024 at 17:40

Major Themes – Rendition (2007)
Explore the central themes of Rendition (2007), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice vs Injustice

The film explores the theme of justice against the backdrop of moral ambiguity. It raises critical questions about the methods employed by the CIA, highlighting the conflicts between national security and human rights. Characters like Freeman grapple with the ethical implications of their actions, echoing the struggles of personal and political ethics.

💔 Family and Sacrifice

Family dynamics and sacrifice are central to the narrative, as the personal lives of characters like Anwar and Isabella are upended by political strife. The film portrays the devastating impact of global conflict on individual families, underlining the emotional weight of their choices and the far-reaching consequences of their circumstances.

Last Updated: December 31, 2024 at 17:40

Similar Movies to Rendition
Discover movies like Rendition 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.