The Laundromat (2019) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Introduction of Jürgen Mossack and Ramón Fonseca

The movie opens with Jürgen Mossack and Ramón Fonseca introducing themselves and explaining the complex mechanisms behind money laundering. Their narration sets the stage for the intertwining stories that reflect the profound global impact of their firm, Mossack Fonseca.

The Tragedy at Lake George

Ellen Martin and her husband Joe enjoy a day out on their boat at Lake George, New York, when tragedy strikes. The boat capsizes, resulting in Joe's untimely drowning and leaving Ellen heartbroken and determined to seek justice for her loss.

Where

Lake George, New York

The Fight for Justice

After Joe's death, Ellen seeks compensation from the boating company responsible, but her path to justice is obstructed. She discovers that the reinsurance linked to the boating policy has been sold to a Nevis-based entity, which is a shell company involved in fraud.

Confrontation with Mossack's Firm

Ellen confronts the owner's son, Matthew, about the insurance claim, but his responses are dismissive, claiming that their insurance had lapsed before the incident. This conversation highlights the evasive nature of Mossack's operations and the confusion surrounding the reinsurance entity.

Direct Confrontation in Nevis

Deciding to take matters into her own hands, Ellen travels to Nevis to confront Malchus Boncamper, the director of the trust. However, her plans backfire as he evades her by fleeing to Miami, highlighting the challenges faced in her pursuit of justice.

Where

Nevis

Malchus Boncamper's Arrest

In a twist of fate, Malchus is apprehended by IRS agents at the airport in Miami shortly after fleeing from Ellen. This event underscores the complex web of corruption surrounding the shell companies managed by Mossack's firm.

Where

Miami

Mossack's Manipulation

Following Malchus's arrest, Jürgen Mossack scrambles to cover his tracks by retroactively altering transactions. He shifts the blame by designating another unsuspecting employee as the owner of numerous shell companies, further complicating the investigation.

Simone's Didactic Discovery

Another narrative introduces Simone, the daughter of an African billionaire, who uncovers her father's deceitful affair with her best friend. To maintain her silence, her father offers her worthless shares from a shell company created by Mossack, highlighting the moral decay linked to financial manipulation.

Where

Panama City

The Illusion of Wealth

When Simone arrives at Mossack's Panama City office to claim her shares, she learns that the shares hold no actual value. This revelation deepens the film's commentary on the empty promises of wealth associated with shell companies.

Where

Panama City

The Wang Lijun Incident

The film delves into the notorious Wang Lijun incident, portraying Neil Heywood, or Maywood, who aids wealthy Chinese families in transferring their funds abroad. His encounter with Gu Kailai escalates when he demands more money, leading to a deadly confrontation.

Where

Chongqing

Gu Kailai's Decision

In a dramatic turn of events, Gu Kailai poisons Neil Heywood to eliminate his threat to her family's wealth. This act of desperation not only signals her willingness to resort to violence but also reveals the dangerous lengths to which individuals will go to protect their interests.

The Aftermath of Maywood's Death

The narrative escalates following Neil's murder as Gu's self-incriminating conversations are recorded, leading to her and her husband Bo Xilai's arrest. This incident exemplifies the far-reaching implications of corruption and murder intertwined with financial crimes.

Revelation of the Panama Papers

The movie culminates with the explosive revelations of the Panama Papers, showcasing police raids on Mossack Fonseca. These events shine a light on the vast network of corruption and the systemic problems entrenched in global finance.

Mossack and Fonseca's Detainment

As the investigations unfold, both Jürgen Mossack and Ramón Fonseca are briefly detained. Their arrest represents just a fraction of the chaos that ensues, questioning the accountability of those who benefit from such corrupt systems.

Call for Reform

In a poignant closing, Meryl Streep’s character underscores the urgent need for reforms in campaign finance within the United States. This powerful statement not only serves as a conclusion to the film but also leaves audiences contemplating the ongoing issues of money laundering and corruption in modern society.