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Timeline

The Independent (2022) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2022 · 108 min · English
Echo score 47
JustWatch #14,411 9
Directed by
Amy Rice
Starring
John Cena, Brian Cox, Jodie Turner-Smith, Stephen Lang, Michael Gandolfini, Victor Slezak

During a period of significant national upheaval, an aspiring journalist partners with a respected veteran to uncover a potentially devastating secret. Their investigation into the presidential election reveals a truth that could shake the foundations of democracy and alter the course of the nation’s future.

On this page (5)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (12)
  3. 3 Movie threads
  4. 4 Movies like The Independent
  5. 5 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch The Independent (2022)

Where can you watch The Independent? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Peacock Premium, Amazon Video and Apple TV Store: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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12 events in order · contains spoilers

The Independent Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of The Independent (2022) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Eli James breaks a significant story

    Elisha 'Eli' James, a dedicated reporter at the Washington Chronicle, uncovers a major political story. He reveals that Nate Sterling, an Olympic gold medalist and celebrated author, is running for president as an independent candidate.

    Where
    Washington Chronicle Office
  2. Political landscape unfolds

    Eli learns about Sterling's opponents in the presidential election, including the unpopular Democratic incumbent and Senator Patricia Turnbull. Turnbull is on a historic path, aiming to become the first female president of the United States.

    When
    Upcoming Presidential Election
  3. Eli befriends Nick Booker

    While researching the story, Eli meets Nick Booker, who idolizes Turnbull. This friendship will prove crucial as they delve deeper into the political conspiracy surrounding the election.

  4. Conspiracy uncovered

    Eli learns from Nick that a conspiracy involving Turnbull is at play. Turnbull is allegedly embezzling funds from the lottery, siphoning off money that ought to benefit public education.

  5. Investigation continues

    Determined to expose the truth, Eli and Nick investigate further into the claims against Turnbull. They uncover evidence that suggests the embezzlement is indeed a real issue, raising concerns about the integrity of the election.

  6. The shocking twist

    Near the election's conclusion, Eli and Nick make a startling discovery that turns the investigation on its head. They find that Nate Sterling, not Turnbull, is the one behind the fraudulent activities.

  7. Confrontation with Sterling

    Eli and Nick confront Sterling with their findings, pressuring him to confess his role in the conspiracy. The confession changes the narrative of the election and highlights the risks of political corruption.

  8. Personal tragedy strikes

    Amidst the turmoil of the election, Eli faces a personal loss as his father succumbs to cancer. This emotional blow weighs heavily on Eli as he navigates his professional responsibilities.

  9. Conflict at the Washington Chronicle

    Another journalist at the Chronicle attempts to claim credit for Eli's groundbreaking report. This ethical violation leads to immediate repercussions for the journalist, resulting in their dismissal from the publication.

    Where
    Washington Chronicle
  10. The birth of The Independent

    In light of the events and dissatisfaction with the current journalistic standards, Eli and Nick decide to start their own news publication. Their aim is to provide unbiased reporting and shed light on the truth, founding 'The Independent.'

  11. Publishing the truth

    Eli and Nick publish their comprehensive report on Nate Sterling's fraudulent actions just before the election. Their commitment to uncovering the truth is reflected in their work as they strive to inform the American public.

    Where
    The Independent Office
  12. Leaving the Washington Chronicle

    After establishing their new publication, Eli and Nick part ways with the Washington Chronicle. This marks a significant transition in their careers as they move towards what they believe to be more ethical journalism.

Last updated: September 18, 2026 at 08:59

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Movie threads

More Movies Like The Independent, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes The Independent tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Political journalism thrillers exposing hidden conspiracies like The Independent

Journalists chase dangerous truths while powerful forces try to silence them. Movies like The Independent where principled journalists and investigators race to uncover political corruption, election fraud, and institutional cover-ups. These political thriller dramas blend tense investigative pacing with the moral weight of whistleblowing and media integrity, perfect for fans who want smart, character-driven conspiracy stories.

  • tense
  • investigative
  • principled
  • urgent
  • conspiratorial
  • grounded
  • Tone: tense, urgent, principled
  • Pacing: steady investigative build
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread usually begin with a small, suspicious detail that a curious protagonist refuses to ignore. As they dig deeper, allies and adversaries emerge, the stakes rise, and a mid-story twist reframes who the real villain is. The climax revolves around getting damning evidence published or revealed before those in power can suppress it, often at great personal or professional cost.

Why they belong together: They share a tense investigative mood, steady pacing that mirrors the rhythm of real reporting, and a thematic obsession with truth, accountability, and the dangers faced by those who challenge powerful institutions. The complexity is usually moderate, focused on layered deception rather than twist after twist.

Bittersweet endings with personal loss like The Independent

Heroes win the fight but lose something they can never get back. Movies like The Independent that deliver a hard-won professional or moral victory alongside genuine personal grief, from the death of a loved one to the loss of an old life. If you liked The Independent's mixed ending and its blend of principled achievement with family loss, these bittersweet political dramas and character-driven thrillers will hit the same emotional notes.

  • bittersweet
  • principled
  • grounded
  • determined
  • melancholic
  • earned
  • Tone: bittersweet, grounded, melancholy
  • Pacing: steady, character driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Characters in this thread commit fully to a mission, career pivot, or truth that demands everything. Alongside that drive runs a personal thread, often a family relationship, a mentor bond, or an old identity, that is slowly eroded by the cost of the fight. The final act pairs a public triumph, a launch, a publication, a confession, with a private farewell, and the story ends on a note that feels earned but heavy.

Why they belong together: They share a mixed ending feel, medium emotional weight, and a grounded, character-driven tone rather than spectacle. The pacing is steady enough to let grief and ambition breathe together, and the themes of sacrifice, legacy, and starting over recur across the group.

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Movies Like The Independent

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Every angle

The Independent (2022) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about The Independent in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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