The Next Man

The Next Man

Year: 1976

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: Richard C. Sarafian

ActionThriller

A resourceful Saudi diplomat attempts to broker peace with Israel, initiating a dangerous and intense pursuit. When a formidable assassin is sent to eliminate him, the diplomat steadfastly pursues his goal of establishing a landmark alliance, even amidst rising threats and escalating violence. The film explores themes of diplomacy, betrayal, and the high stakes involved in international relations.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Next Man 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 – The Next Man (1976)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Next Man (1976). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

November 1976

The film is set in November 1976, a period marked by geopolitical tension due to the aftermath of the Arab Oil Embargo of the early 1970s. This time saw shifts in global power dynamics, especially concerning oil prices and Middle Eastern politics, creating a fertile ground for the film's plot involving assassination and diplomacy.

Location

Saudi Arabia, New York, Bahamas

The movie primarily takes place in Saudi Arabia, where significant political maneuvers occur, and in New York, showcasing bustling urban life intertwined with international intrigue. The Bahamas serves as a brief escape destination representing a contrast to the underlying tension the characters face. These locales are characterized by their rich cultural backgrounds and are central to the unfolding drama.

🏙️ City 🌴 Beach

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:48

Main Characters – The Next Man (1976)

Meet the key characters of The Next Man (1976), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Khalil Abdul-Muhsen (Sean Connery)

Khalil Abdul-Muhsen is a charismatic and ambitious Saudi Arabian minister of state, marked by his passion for advocating political reform and unity among nations. He embodies leadership and idealism, yet faces life-threatening situations as he speaks out against established norms. His complex relationship with Nicole Scott adds layers to his character, balancing love and the pressures of his position.

📈 Leadership 💼 Politics

Nicole Scott (Cornelia Sharpe)

Nicole Scott is a cunning part-time assassin and Irish aristocrat, torn between her duty and her growing feelings for Abdul-Muhsen. Her character oscillates between seduction and survival, showcasing her resourcefulness in dangerous situations. Throughout the film, her conflicted loyalties culminate in a pivotal moment that defines her arc.

🔫 Assassin 💔 Romance

Hamid (Albert Paulsen)

Hamid serves as Abdul-Muhsen's loyal bodyguard, embodying strength and allegiance. His fierce dedication to protecting his charge ultimately leads to a turning point in the story, as he reveals a darker side under the pressure of impending danger. His character highlights the themes of betrayal and imminent danger in this politically fraught environment.

🛡️ Bodyguard 🔪 Loyalty

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:48

Major Themes – The Next Man (1976)

Explore the central themes of The Next Man (1976), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Political Intrigue

The film navigates complex political landscapes, highlighting themes of diplomacy and power struggles among nations. Khalil Abdul-Muhsen's rise to a significant ministerial position symbolizes the urgent need for change in a turbulent era. Additionally, the personal relationships intertwining with these political tensions add depth to the narrative.

💔 Betrayal and Loyalty

Betrayal is a crucial theme as characters grapple with loyalty and personal connections amidst their dangerous lives. Nicole Scott's struggle between her feelings for Abdul-Muhsen and her role as an assassin showcases the inner conflict and moral dilemmas faced by those entrenched in a life of deception. This tension drives the narrative towards a climax of shocking choices.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:48

Mobile App Preview

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.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

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.

Relentless Paranoia Thrillers like The Next Man

Thrillers where the hunter is always close, and trust is a fatal mistake.If you enjoyed the high-tension pursuit and pervasive sense of betrayal in The Next Man, this selection features movies with a similar vibe. These are fast-paced, high-intensity political thrillers and spy stories where the protagonist is a marked individual, creating a world of constant danger and suspense.

tensesuspensefulparanoidbleakdeadlypolitically chargedmanhuntbetrayal

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a protagonist—often a diplomat, spy, or official—who becomes the target of a sophisticated assassination plot. The narrative is propelled by a series of escalating attacks and narrow escapes, underscored by the growing realization that the threat comes from within their own circle. The journey is one of isolation and grim determination against overwhelming odds.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared high-intensity pacing and tense, paranoid tone. They create a cohesive experience of being hunted, focusing on the psychological toll of betrayal and the deadly mechanics of political power plays. The emotional weight is consistently heavy, often culminating in bleak or tragic conclusions.

Fatalistic Political Tragedies like The Next Man

Stories where noble goals are crushed by cynical realities and personal betrayal.For viewers who appreciated the heavy emotional weight and tragic ending of The Next Man, this list features similar movies about doomed idealism. These stories explore the high costs of diplomacy and peacemaking in a world governed by violence and betrayal, often culminating in a profoundly sad conclusion.

bleaktragicpolitically chargedheavysadbetrayalfatalisticdoomed

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist dedicated to a cause like peace or justice, whose efforts are systematically undermined by more powerful, cynical forces. A key element is often a romantic or trusted relationship that turns out to be instrumental in their downfall. The story arc is a downward spiral, ending with the failure of their mission and their personal destruction, reinforcing a fatalistic worldview.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their heavy emotional weight, sad endings, and exploration of themes like failed diplomacy and betrayal. They share a bleak tone and a focus on the futility of idealism in the face of entrenched power, creating a coherent experience of tragic inevitability.

Unlock the Full Story of The Next Man

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

The Next Man Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Next Man, 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.

The Next Man Summary

The Next Man Timeline

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

The Next Man Timeline

The Next Man Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Next Man 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.

The Next Man Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Next Man

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Next Man: 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 Next Man

Similar Movies to The Next Man

Discover movies like The Next Man 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.