Syriana

Year: 2005

Runtime: 126 min

Language: English

Director: Stephen Gaghan

Budget: $50M

DramaThriller

This gripping political thriller explores the complexities and corruption within the international oil industry. Set in Washington and the Persian Gulf, the film follows various characters embroiled in high-stakes negotiations and backroom deals. As they pursue wealth and power, the story reveals the devastating consequences for those caught in the crossfire, highlighting the human cost of global politics and the relentless pursuit of profit.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Syriana 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 – Syriana (2005)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Syriana (2005). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Location

Geneva, Switzerland, Marbella, Spain, Middle East

The film unfolds in various significant locations such as Geneva, Switzerland, known for its role as a global hub for diplomacy and finance. The lavish estate in Marbella, Spain, reflects opulence and power, serving as a backdrop for critical meetings and tragic events. The movie also delves into the intricate political landscape of the Middle East, which is rife with tensions over oil wealth and influence.

🌍 Locations 🏰 Estates

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:23

Main Characters – Syriana (2005)

Meet the key characters of Syriana (2005), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:23

Major Themes – Syriana (2005)

Explore the central themes of Syriana (2005), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:23

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Explore Movie Threads

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.

Complex Thrillers about Global Power like Syriana

Stories that expose the ruthless interconnectedness of political and corporate power.If you liked the intricate exposure of the oil industry in Syriana, this collection features movies with similar intricate plots about political corruption, corporate espionage, and global economics. Discover other complex thrillers that weave together multiple storylines to reveal a bleak picture of systemic power.

complexcynicalgrippingparanoidoppressiveanxiouspoliticalcorrupt

Narrative Summary

These narratives often employ a multi-strand structure, connecting disparate characters—a journalist, a CEO, an analyst, a spy—whose paths intertwine to expose a larger, corrupt system. The plot is driven by conspiracies, backroom deals, and the grim realization that the system is designed to protect itself at any human cost.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on exposing complex, global systems of power and the moral compromises required to operate within or against them. They share a cynical worldview, a complex narrative structure, and a tone of high-stakes tension.

Bleak and Tense Moral Thrillers like Syriana

Thrillers where good intentions are crushed by an unforgiving world.For viewers who appreciated the heavy emotional weight and bleak conclusion of Syriana, this section highlights similar tense thrillers about moral compromise and tragic consequences. Find movies like Syriana that explore desperate characters in oppressive systems, resulting in a powerful and somber experience.

bleakdesperatetenseheavygrimclaustrophobicmoral ambiguitytragic

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows characters who enter a high-stakes conflict—be it corporate, political, or criminal—with some idealism, only to find themselves outmatched and corrupted. Their arcs are defined by loss, betrayal, and the erosion of their moral compass, culminating in a defeat that reinforces the power of the antagonistic system.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their unflinching portrayal of moral failure and tragic outcomes. They share a high-intensity, tense tone, a steady pacing that builds towards inevitable despair, and an emotionally heavy impact that stems from witnessing good people broken by overwhelming corruption.

Unlock the Full Story of Syriana

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

Syriana Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Syriana, 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.

Syriana Timeline

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

Syriana Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Syriana that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About Syriana

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Syriana: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to Syriana

Discover movies like Syriana 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.