Samaritan

Samaritan

Year: 2022

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Director: Julius Avery

Echo Score: 45

Budget: $100M

ActionSci-FiDramaFantasy

In a crime-ridden city desperate for a hero, a young boy named Sam Cleary discovers that the legendary Samaritan, Granite City's long-thought-dead guardian, might still be alive. As chaos engulfs the city and crime escalates, Sam sets out to find the mysterious Mr. Smith, played by Sylvester Stallone, who may be the fabled Samaritan in hiding. He hopes to convince him to emerge from his self-imposed exile and restore hope to the desperate community.

Samaritan (2022) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Samaritan (2022) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the rain‑slick streets of Granite City, a place where the shadows seem to stretch longer than the daylight, the everyday grind is punctuated by a restless yearning for something bigger. The city’s cracked sidewalks and flickering neon signs whisper of a community battered by crime, yet still clutching at the memory of a figure who once stood above the turmoil. The atmosphere is gritty and tense, but there’s an undercurrent of hope that refuses to be snuffed out, as if the very air is waiting for a spark to ignite a new chapter.

Enter Sam Cleary, a thirteen‑year‑old who balances school, a part‑time hustle, and caring for his mother, Tiffany. Sam is sharp, resourceful, and haunted by stories of the legendary protector known only as the Samaritan. Those tales have become a lifeline for a kid whose world feels precariously balanced on the edge of collapse. His curiosity veers beyond idle daydreams; it drives him to search for a tangible sign that the myth might be more than a bedtime story.

That search leads Sam to the unassuming Mr. Smith, a man who lives on the fringes of the city’s daily bustle, quietly sweeping away the detritus of Granite City’s streets. Though he appears ordinary, there are faint currents of extraordinary strength and an aura of mystery that stir Sam’s imagination. The boy is convinced that beneath the surface of this humble figure lies the answer to the city’s longing—a possible return of the Samaritan from self‑imposed exile. Sam’s quest is as much about uncovering a hidden truth as it is about confronting the doubts that have settled over his own life.

The film balances the stark realism of an urban landscape with the lingering glow of a superhero legend, creating a tone that is both brooding and uplifting. It follows a young protagonist thrust into a world where myth and reality blur, exploring themes of legacy, redemption, and the power of belief. As Sam navigates the thin line between hope and desperation, the story invites viewers to wonder whether a forgotten guardian can truly rise again to steer a city back toward light.

Last Updated: August 09, 2025 at 21:20

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Reluctant Hero Stories like Samaritan

A former hero, haunted by the past, is drawn back for one last fight.If you liked Samaritan's theme of a fallen hero finding purpose again, you'll enjoy these movies. This thread collects stories about legendary figures pulled from exile, blending gritty action with heartfelt redemption arcs and a tone of weary hope.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a linear path from self-imposed exile to reluctant re-engagement, culminating in a climactic confrontation that allows the hero to atone for past failures. A key element is often a secondary character (like a hopeful youth) who serves as the catalyst for this return.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the 'hero's return' archetype, combining high-intensity action with a character-driven redemption story. They share a tense, gritty tone and a pacing that builds steadily towards a final, decisive battle that restores hope.

Gritty Urban Superhero Movies like Samaritan

Superhero action grounded in a realistic, crime-ridden city on the brink.Find more movies like Samaritan that blend superhero action with a tense, grounded urban setting. These films often feature a city overwhelmed by crime and a hero who represents its last hope, delivering fast-paced thrills with a realistic, gritty feel.

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Narrative Summary

The plot typically unfolds in a city descending into lawlessness, where a singular hero emerges or re-emerges to confront a powerful threat. The narrative is straightforward, driven by escalating conflict and a clear dichotomy between order and chaos, hope and despair.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific vibe: the combination of superhero tropes with a dark, realistic urban environment. They are united by a high-intensity, fast-paced approach, a tense and gritty tone, and a thematic focus on good versus evil within a decaying cityscape.

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Samaritan Summary

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Samaritan Summary

Samaritan Timeline

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Samaritan Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Samaritan

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Samaritan. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Samaritan

Samaritan Ending Explained

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Samaritan Ending Explained

More About Samaritan

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