Surveillance

Surveillance

Year: 2009

Runtime: 97 min

Language: French

Director: Jennifer Chambers Lynch

DramaMysteryThrillerCrime

As two federal agents investigate a disturbing murder spree, they find themselves embroiled in a complex case involving a zealous police officer, a struggling addict, and a young girl. Elizabeth Anderson and Sam Hallaway must unravel the secrets of those involved, navigating a dangerous path where deception is rife. Their pursuit of the truth reveals a devastating web of lies and exposes a heavy price for uncovering it.

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Timeline & Setting – Surveillance (2009)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Surveillance (2009). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Present day

The events unfold in a contemporary, present-day setting with modern law enforcement procedures and communication. The town's quiet, daylight scenes heighten tension as the true killers operate beneath the surface of everyday life.

Location

Nebraska, United States

A small rural town in Nebraska provides a quiet backdrop for a string of violent murders. The desolate county roads, anonymous motels, and a police presence create a claustrophobic setting that hides a brutal underworld. The setting emphasizes the contrast between the town's tranquil facade and the darkness of its inhabitants.

🏡 Small-town 🕵️ Crime 🌫️ Suspense

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:28

Main Characters – Surveillance (2009)

Meet the key characters of Surveillance (2009), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Anderson (Julia Ormond)

A calm, calculating FBI agent who is revealed to be a co-conspirator and killer. She orchestrates violence with cool precision, shoots Degrasso and Wright, and helps cover the tracks of the bloodbath. Her composed demeanor masks a predatory, sadistic streak and a willingness to harm anyone who threatens the scheme.

🧠 Manipulative 🔪 Violent 🎭 Deceptive

Bobbi

A cocaine-addicted survivor who becomes entangled with the killers and their abuses. She endures harassment at the hands of officers and forms a fragile alliance with other victims, only to be strangled by Hallaway as the truth unfolds. Her fragility and desperation highlight the victims' vulnerability in a system that should protect them.

💊 Addicted 🔪 Violent 😨 Survivor

Stephanie

A young vacationing girl who witnesses the crime spree and clues the investigators into the killers' true identities. She remains a beacon of truth, even as she confronts danger and ultimately escapes the murderous scheme. Her persistence underscores the theme that the innocent can see through deception.

👧 Witness 🕯️ Tragic 🔎 Curious

Hallaway

An FBI agent who is revealed to be one of the killers, partnering with Anderson to terrorize and murder victims. He participates in violent acts, aids in imprisoning and controlling others, and ultimately contributes to the bloody finale. His charisma masks a brutal, sadistic inclination that fuels the plot.

🧠 Manipulative 🔪 Violent 🕵️‍♂️ Dangerous

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:28

Major Themes – Surveillance (2009)

Explore the central themes of Surveillance (2009), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Deception

The story hinges on misdirection and false identities, as two apparent FBI agents turn out to be serial killers. The characters manipulate appearances—posing as lawmen, staging crime scenes, and selecting victims—until the truth is uncovered. The theme explores how trust can be weaponized and how perception can obscure brutal reality. The ambiguity of who is a savior and who is a threat drives the suspense.

⚖️ Power Abuse

Authorities in authority become agents of violence, using their uniforms and badges to intimidate and control others. The film shows brutality, coercion, and murder carried out under the guise of duty, violating victims' rights and eroding public trust. The dual killers demonstrate a calculated, sadistic use of power over civilians and colleagues alike. The consequences reveal the corrosion of moral authority in a small town.

🔍 Surveillance

The title reflects the central preoccupation with watching, recording, and manipulating others. Surveillance operates not just as a plot device but as a moral lens, blurring lines between observer and observed. The killers' careful observation of victims, photos, and alibis illustrates how scrutiny can enslave and destroy. The ending suggests that being watched may be the only way to survive a predator's gaze.

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:28

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Surveillance Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Surveillance, 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.

Surveillance Summary

Surveillance Timeline

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Surveillance Timeline

More About Surveillance

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More About Surveillance

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