The Samaritan

The Samaritan

Year: 2012

Runtime: 90 min

Language: English

Director: David Weaver

Thriller

Seeking redemption after leaving prison, former conman Foley finds a potential new beginning when he meets Iris. However, his past catches up to him in the form of Ethan, the son of his former partner, who plots against him. Entangled in a dangerous scheme of lies and hidden truths, Foley must confront his past and fight to protect his newfound chance at a better life.

The Samaritan (2012) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at The Samaritan (2012) 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 a city where neon glare meets cracked concrete, the streets pulse with a restless energy that feels both inviting and unforgiving. Shadows linger behind every doorway, hinting at lives lived in the margins, while flickering signs promise the possibility of a fresh start for anyone daring enough to reach for it. The atmosphere carries a gritty, low‑key noir vibe, stitched together with moments of fragile hope that surface when the night seems too heavy to bear.

Foley steps back into this world after twenty‑five long years behind bars, carrying the weight of a past built on clever cons and hard‑won regrets. Determined to rewrite his story, he clings to the idea that redemption is still within reach, even as old habits whisper from the corners of his mind. A chance encounter with Iris, a resilient young woman battling her own demons, sparks an unexpected connection that feels like a lifeline in the bleak urban sprawl. Their tentative bond offers both characters a glimpse of something brighter, even as the city’s undercurrent reminds them that trust is a luxury few can afford.

Yet the ghosts of Foley’s former life are not so easily left behind. Ethan, the ambitious son of a long‑gone partner, emerges as a looming reminder that the past has a way of catching up, especially when old loyalties are tested. Their uneasy dynamic sets the stage for a delicate dance between old instincts and new aspirations, hinting at hidden motives and unspoken debts. As Foley navigates the thin line between survival and salvation, the film swirls with tension, dark humor, and the bittersweet promise that a second chance might just be possible—if he can stay one step ahead of the shadows that still follow him.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 07:12

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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.

Movies about failed redemption like The Samaritan

Characters seeking a clean slate find their past sins have already sealed their fate.If you liked The Samaritan's story of a conman's desperate fight for a second chance, you'll find similar tension in these movies. This collection features gritty thrillers and dramas where characters are hunted by their past, leading to heavy emotional consequences and morally complex endings.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically begins with a protagonist who has paid a debt to society or is attempting to reform. Just as they glimpse hope or form a new connection, a figure from their past—often seeking revenge or forcing them into one last job—re-emerges. The conflict is not just external but internal, pitting their desire for change against the inescapable identity of their former life, culminating in a resolution where true escape often comes at a great personal cost.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared focus on the theme of inescapable pasts and the emotional heaviness of failed redemption. They consistently feature a dark tone, high stakes, and a steady pacing that builds suspense towards an emotionally weighted, often bittersweet, conclusion where sacrifice is the only path to any form of peace.

Thrillers with paternal secrets like The Samaritan

Protectors with violent pasts discover their charge is directly tied to their deepest secrets.Fans of The Samaritan's twist involving paternity and protection will appreciate these movies. This list features tense, character-driven thrillers where a hardened protagonist's mission to protect someone unravels a life-altering secret, blending crime action with heavy emotional drama.

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Narrative Summary

The plot revolves around a morally ambiguous protagonist who forms an unexpected bond with a vulnerable individual. The central mystery or threat is gradually revealed to be intrinsically linked to the protagonist's own history, often through a major plot twist involving familial ties. This revelation transforms a general mission of protection into a deeply personal war for survival and atonement, forcing the character to confront their legacy.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific narrative structure that combines the tension of a crime thriller with the emotional depth of a revealed familial connection. They are defined by a moderate complexity stemming from the central twist, a steady pacing that allows for character development, and a consistently dark, tense atmosphere.

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The Samaritan Summary

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The Samaritan Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Samaritan

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Samaritan

More About The Samaritan

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