Year: 2017
Runtime: 118 min
Director: Patrick Hughes
The world’s top protection agent finds himself reluctantly tasked with guarding a notorious hitman he despises. For 24 crucial hours, he must set aside his personal feelings and ensure the hitman’s safety. Their journey takes them from London to the Hague, leading to a series of high-octane chases, unexpected boat sequences, and confrontations with a vengeful dictator determined to stop them.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen The Hitman's Bodyguard 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!
Read the complete plot breakdown of The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Private security expert Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds), who once held a top-tier reputation as a bodyguard in the European Union while also being a former CIA officer, finds himself in a precarious situation when he is assigned to protect Takashi Kurosawa, a Japanese arms dealer. Bryce’s responsibility entails escorting Takashi and his two wives to his private airplane. Although everything seems to be going smoothly, tragedy strikes as Takashi is brutally shot through the airplane window at the last second, leaving Bryce utterly helpless to prevent the horrific event.
Fast forward two years, Bryce has seen his career take a nosedive. Now, he barely scrapes by, guarding drug-dependent corporate figures like Mr. Seifert (Richard E. Grant) in London under the motto “boring is always best.” After completing each task, he reluctantly calls upon a clean-up crew to dispose of any threats he has eliminated along the way.
Meanwhile, the ruthless dictator of Belarus, Vladislav Dukhovich (Gary Oldman), is put on trial for his heinous crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court. This tyrant has methodically silenced all opposition within his own country, leading to the unforgivable act of eliminating the family of Professor Asimov (Rod Hallett), who dared to criticize him in writing. With no physical evidence to pin on him and witnesses getting assassinated, the prosecution struggles to build a case against Dukhovich, who is accused of committing genocide on a grand scale.
In a shocking twist, the only hope left for the prosecution hinges on the notorious hitman Darius Kincaid (played by Samuel L. Jackson), who finds himself imprisoned but willing to testify in exchange for the release of his wife Sonia (Salma Hayek). Kincaid, a contract killer with a long rap sheet, understands the gravity of his predicament but insists on securing Sonia’s freedom above all else.
Interpol’s Assistant Director Jean Foucher (Joaquim de Almeida) and Director Renata Casoria (Tine Joustra) task Amelia Roussel (Elodie Yung), an inexperienced agent and Bryce’s former romantic interest, to oversee Kincaid’s transport. With only 27 hours to get Kincaid to The Hague, a convoy made up of a team of elite Interpol agents embarks on the journey. However, disaster strikes when the convoy is ambushed in Coventry, resulting in the deaths of everyone except for Kincaid and Roussel.
The two manage to escape and find refuge in a safe house, where Kincaid tends to his injuries. Realizing they have been betrayed from within Interpol, Roussel reaches out to Bryce, hoping for an ally. Although he holds Roussel partly responsible for the previous mishap involving Kurosawa—a situation that had left him heartbroken—Bryce ultimately decides to lend his expertise in exchange for the chance to restore his tarnished reputation.
As they navigate their distrust and personal grievances, Bryce and Kincaid form an uneasy alliance and strategize their escape to The Hague. Meanwhile, Dukhovich’s thugs are closing in, and chaos ensues when they attack the safe house. Amid all this, the tension escalates when Sonia is taken prisoner in Amsterdam, leading to an emergency response from both Roussel and Bryce as they attempt to thwart Dukhovich’s plans.
With constant twists and unforeseen challenges, Bryce and Kincaid find themselves in a relentless fight for survival as they journey toward the court proceedings in The Hague, battling enemies and their own pasts. Kincaid’s testimony unveils the dark deeds of Dukhovich, leading to an explosive courtroom showdown. Ultimately, when it seems like all hope is lost, bravery and unexpected alliances lead to a thrilling climax where loyalties are tested and justice is pursued.
In a dramatic conclusion, Bryce manages to reclaim his dignity and rekindle his romance with Roussel, while Kincaid also faces the consequences of his past but finds a way to celebrate his love with Sonia once again. As the dust settles, the narrative encapsulates themes of redemption, loyalty, and the enduring power of love in the most tumultuous circumstances.
Last Updated: November 02, 2024 at 12:15
Still wondering what the ending of The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.
In the end, Bryce, Sonia, and Darius manage to stop Aristotle Papadopoulos from launching a devastating cyberattack on Europe. Despite the danger, Bryce makes a sacrificial decision: he proves that he’s willing to risk himself to save others and the continent. With the virus contained and the threat neutralized, they escape from the exploding ship, saving Europe from catastrophe. However, the story takes an unexpected turn when Bryce receives what looks like a license renewal from Interpol. Instead of a bodyguard certification, he is handed adoption papers. This surprising twist reveals that Sonia and Darius, unable to have children of their own, have decided to adopt Bryce as their son, completing their unconventional family.
Later, in the post-credits scene, we see Bryce annoyed by Darius and Sonia’s playful love life aboard a yacht. Frustrated by the incessant noise, he impulsively leaps overboard, leaving their romantic getaway behind. This ending leaves Bryce’s future open-ended, hinting at new adventures or perhaps just some well-deserved peace after their chaos-filled mission. It’s a humorous and heartfelt conclusion that emphasizes the bonds forged through their wild, action-packed journey.
Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:00
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Hitman's Bodyguard 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 The Hitman's Bodyguard is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of The Hitman's Bodyguard with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Hitman's Bodyguard. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Discover movies like The Hitman's Bodyguard 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.
The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017) Ending Explained & Theories
Movies Like The Hitman's Bodyguard – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard (2021) Film Overview & Timeline
Hitman (2007) Story Summary & Characters
Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday (2022) Ending Explained & Film Insights
The Bodyguard (1992) Full Movie Breakdown
Wild Target (2010) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Hitman: Agent 47 (2015) Full Summary & Key Details
The Big Hit (1998) Story Summary & Characters
Hit and Run (2012) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Hit (1985) Movie Recap & Themes
Bodyguard (2011) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Accidental Spy (2002) Complete Plot Breakdown
Overrun (2021) Story Summary & Characters
Bang Bang! (2014) Detailed Story Recap
Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017) Story Summary & Characters
The Gunman (2015) Story Summary & Characters