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.

The Next Man (1976) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at The Next Man (1976) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the shadow of the 1973‑74 oil embargo, the world is still feeling the tremors of a new balance of power. Nations huddle in conference rooms and dimly lit embassies, while the desert heat outside mirrors a volatile atmosphere where economics, ideology and ancient grudges collide. The United Nations, with its polished marble and endless debates, becomes a stage for whispers of change, and the chill of winter in New York feels oddly out of step with the scorching political climate that dominates the era.

At the heart of this tension stands Khalil Abdul‑Muhsen, a seasoned Saudi diplomat whose measured poise masks an audacious vision. Fresh from a stirring address that calls for an unprecedented alliance between Saudi Arabia and Israel, he embodies a blend of diplomatic tradition and daring optimism. His resolve is tempered by the ever‑present awareness that any move forward could ignite a cascade of reactions across continents, making every handshake a potential flashpoint. Yet his charismatic conviction draws both allies and adversaries, setting the tone for a high‑stakes game of persuasion.

Across the Atlantic, the enigmatic Nicole Scott moves through the same world with a very different purpose. An aristocratic assassin, she is as skilled with a quiet smile as she is with the tools of her trade. Her reputation precedes her, and her arrival in the bustling streets of New York signals that the diplomatic overture is not without an undercurrent of danger. The inevitable intersection of her clandestine mission with Khalil’s public crusade creates a charged dynamic, where allure and threat mingle in equal measure.

The film swirls between the polished corridors of international diplomacy and the gritty, unglamorous edges of covert operations, delivering a tense, atmospheric thriller. As the two protagonists orbit one another, the narrative hints at an escalating pursuit that will test loyalties, convictions and the very definition of peace. The mood remains taut, the style sleek, and the stakes unmistakably global, leaving the audience poised on the edge of an uncertain future.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:15

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Next Man Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Next Man

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