The Kingdom

The Kingdom

Year: 2007

Runtime: 110 min

Language: English

Director: Peter Berg

ActionDramaThriller

In the sweltering desert of Riyadh, a devastating terrorist attack triggers a global crisis. As diplomatic efforts stall, FBI Agent Ronald Fleury leads a specialized team on a covert five-day mission to find the mastermind behind the bombing. Operating in a challenging and unfamiliar environment, the team faces cultural barriers and internal conflicts while racing against the clock to uncover the truth and prevent further attacks.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Kingdom 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!

The Kingdom (2007) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of The Kingdom (2007), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

In 1920, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is established as various Wahhabi tribes unite under the ruling Royal family. A major turning point occurs in 1933 when oil is discovered with assistance from the United States. Given the deeply religious nature of Saudi society, special compounds are constructed to house American workers involved in oil extraction, and thus Aramco is founded. As the global economy increasingly relies on oil, the U.S. seeks to establish a security presence in the country. Consequently, the Saudi elite begin to lose their standing among conservative supporters due to excessive spending.

Fast forward to 1970, tensions escalate when the U.S. supports Israel during the Arab-Israel war, prompting Saudi Arabia to halt oil production in an effort to cripple the U.S. economy, leading to a quadrupling of gas prices. The U.S. subsequently recognizes oil as a national security concern.

In 1990, the scenario intensifies when Iraq invades Kuwait. In a surprising turn, Osama bin Laden offers his army’s services to the Saudi royals to counter the Iraqi threat, but the Saudi leadership opts for an alliance with the U.S. This betrayal provokes Osama, igniting a series of global attacks. On September 11, 15 of the 19 hijackers are identified as Saudi nationals. While the monarchs maintain a pro-U.S. stance, extremist Wahhabis resent American influence.

Amidst this turmoil, during an American oil company softball game in Riyadh, Al-Qaeda terrorists orchestrate a devastating bombing that claims the lives of both Americans and Saudis. The incident escalates as a team hijacks a car and opens fire, while a suicide bomber disguised as a police officer detonates himself, resulting in mass casualties. Sergeant Haytham of the Saudi State Police bravely confronts the carjackers.

The American government swiftly responds, with Special Agent Ronald Fleury (Jamie Foxx) leading an investigative team following the call from the FBI’s Legal Attaché in Saudi Arabia. The team includes Special Agent Janet Mayes (Jennifer Garner), a forensic expert, as well as an intelligence analyst and a bomb technician. The unfolding events reveal a complex web of international tensions and local conspiracies.

Despite challenges from the U.S. Justice and State Departments that restrict their investigations, Fleury uses his connections to secure permission to operate in Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival, they are greeted by Colonel Faris Al-Ghazi and General Al Abdulmalik, who initially impede their investigation.

Fleury’s team manages to walk the crime scene and discovers critical evidence, including the detonator. Their persistence leads to a video of the bombing being posted online, and strategic conversations with Saudi Prince Ahmed bin Khaled convince the local authorities to allow the Americans more access.

As the investigation unfolds, Sykes (Chris Cooper) and others uncover alarming details about the second bomb detonated in an ambulance, linking it to larger conspiracies connected to the Saudi elite.

The danger escalates when their convoy is ambushed en route to the airport; Leavitt is kidnapped, prompting a daring rescue mission conducted by Fleury, Mayes, and Al-Ghazi. Chaos erupts as they engage in intense gunfire, battling to save Leavitt and eliminate the threat posed by the terrorists.

As the dust settles, the investigation leads to significant discoveries, including identifying Abu Hamza as the orchestrator of the attacks. Fleury and Haytham face harrowing moments, witnessing both heroism and tragic losses, culminating in an emotional farewell to Al-Ghazi.

Returning to the United States, the team receives commendations from the FBI, reflecting on their sacrifices and the tragedy of the events. The film closes with a haunting echo of Abu Hamza’s dying wish whispered to his grandson, shaping the fears and futures of another generation as tensions endure.

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 02:26

Unlock the Full Story of The Kingdom

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

The Kingdom Timeline

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

The Kingdom Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Kingdom

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Kingdom

More About The Kingdom

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

More About The Kingdom

Similar Movies to The Kingdom

Discover movies like The Kingdom 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.