Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

True Memoirs of an International Assassin (2016) movie poster

Timeline

True Memoirs of an International Assassin (2016) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2016 · 98 min · English
Loading streaming availability…
Directed by
Jeff Wadlow

A mild-mannered writer finds his life turned upside down when his thriller novel is misinterpreted as a true account, leading to dangerous consequences. He is kidnapped and thrust into a perilous situation, forced to navigate a world of international intrigue and ruthless assassins. To survive, he must rely on his intelligence and resourcefulness, uncovering a complex truth about his own fictionalized identity while desperately trying to stay alive.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like True Memoirs of an International Assassin
  6. 6 Every angle
Loading streaming availability…

15 events in order · contains spoilers

True Memoirs of an International Assassin Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of True Memoirs of an International Assassin (2016) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Sam's Struggles with Writer's Block

    Sam Larson, a solitary writer, grapples with the challenge of completing his fictional novel, *Memoirs of an International Assassin*. His boss continually demands his presence, leaving Sam feeling drained and creatively stifled, unable to find the perfect ending for his story.

  2. Amos Shares the Tale of Ghost

    In an attempt to inspire Sam, his friend Amos recounts a captivating story about an assassin known as Ghost, who was an operative for Mossad in 1988. This tale adds depth to Sam's creative process, motivating him to weave these thrilling elements into his manuscript.

  3. Publication of the Novel

    Unbeknownst to Sam, his manuscript is published online by Kylie Applebaum, who falsely markets it as nonfiction under the title *True Memoirs of an International Assassin*. This unauthorized release launches Sam into the limelight but also instills in him a fear of being mistaken for a real assassin.

  4. Tensions Rise with Amos

    Arguments erupt between Sam and Amos as tensions peak over the unexpected publication of Sam's book. Amos is furious that Sam disregarded his warnings about using the Ghost story and the potential consequences of being perceived as an assassin.

  5. Live Interview with Katie Couric

    Sam is invited for a live interview with Katie Couric to discuss his bestselling book. Overwhelmed by the pressure and nerves during the segment, he falters while trying to maintain the façade of being a skilled assassin.

    Where
    TV Studio
  6. Kidnapped in Venezuela

    As his fame rises, Sam finds himself kidnapped and taken to Venezuela by El Toro, who mistakenly believes Sam's book is based on real-life events. El Toro pressures Sam to assassinate President Miguel Cueto, thinking him a true assassin.

    Where
    Venezuela
  7. Initial Skepticism from Juan

    Upon meeting El Toro, many in his circle, including Juan, express doubt about Sam’s supposed abilities. Nevertheless, Sam is taken to Caracas to spy on President Cueto, where he must navigate dangerous waters to survive.

    Where
    Caracas, Venezuela
  8. CIA Monitoring Sam

    CIA agents Cobb and Cleveland observe the escalating situation and dismiss Sam's chances of survival. They are unaware of his potential to play a pivotal role in the unfolding drama, leading to their underestimation of him.

  9. Saved by Rosa Bolivar

    In a twist of fate, Sam is rescued by DEA agent Rosa Bolivar, who has been monitoring the drug trafficking under gangster Anton Masovich. Her intervention is crucial, providing Sam with a desperate ally as he navigates this perilous world.

  10. Threats from Masovich

    Under pressure from Masovich, Sam is coerced into the assassination of El Toro, creating a dire situation that forces him to make troubling choices. The stakes have never been higher as he maneuvers through the web of deceit and danger.

  11. Forced Alliances and Explosions

    As confrontations intensify, Sam forges an uneasy alliance with Bolivar, each with personal vendettas against Masovich. Together, they execute daring plans, leading to explosive encounters where lives and loyalties are put to the ultimate test.

  12. Climactic Showdown

    In a final confrontation, Sam steps into the role of a reluctant hero. He battles against El Toro and Masovich, ultimately embracing his unexpected capabilities and facing the oppressive forces with newfound courage.

  13. Narrow Escape

    With Bolivar, Sam leaps from a helicopter, narrowly avoiding capture by General Ruiz. This thrilling escape signifies their triumph over El Toro but introduces a new danger regarding the true identity of the Ghost.

  14. Juan Becomes President

    Months later, Juan ascends to the presidency of Venezuela, causing concern among CIA agents. His rise to power signals a new era of uncertainty and potential danger in the region.

    Where
    Venezuela
  15. Sam's New Journey as Author

    In the aftermath of his harrowing adventures, Sam embraces his new identity as a bestselling author. During his subsequent interview with Katie Couric, he nonchalantly dismisses inquiries about the truth of his stories, proclaiming them mere fiction.

Last updated: October 25, 2024 at 12:09

Was this helpful?

Timeline questions answered

True Memoirs of an International Assassin Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of True Memoirs of an International Assassin (2016): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why does El Toro kidnap Sam Larson?

El Toro kidnaps Sam because he believes the book "True Memoirs of an International Assassin" is a true account. The novel describes Ghost, a Mossad operative who assassinated a Venezuelan general in 1988, and El Toro mistakes Sam for this legendary assassin. He needs Sam to carry out an assassination against Venezuela's President Miguel Cueto.

Foreshadowing: Amos originally warns Sam about using the Ghost story, foreshadowing the danger that would arise from the story being believed.

  • el toro
  • kidnap
  • ghost assassin
  • venezuela
  • president cueto
Q2

Who is Rosa Bolivar and why does she help Sam?

Rosa Bolivar is a DEA agent who has been investigating drug trafficking operations linked to gangster Anton Masovich. She saves Sam from corrupt policemen who work for Masovich and later forms an alliance with him because she also wants to bring down Masovich. Their shared vendetta against Masovich makes them reluctant allies.

Foreshadowing: The CIA agents mention they are monitoring drug operations, hinting at Bolivar's involvement.

  • rosa bolivar
  • dea agent
  • masovich
  • drug trafficking
  • alliance
Q3

What does Anton Masovich want from Sam?

Masovich, a powerful drug trafficker, coerces Sam into assassinating El Toro. He threatens Sam's life if he fails to comply. Masovich wants El Toro dead, likely to eliminate competition or consolidate power in the Venezuelan criminal underworld.

Foreshadowing: Corrupt policemen working for Masovich attack Sam early in his Venezuelan ordeal.

  • anton masovich
  • assassination
  • el toro
  • threat
  • coercion
Q4

How does Sam survive being caught between El Toro and Masovich?

Sam survives by playing both sides against each other. He pretends to work with El Toro while secretly cooperating with Rosa Bolivar. This precarious balancing act, combined with his quick thinking and resourcefulness, allows him to navigate the dangerous web of competing factions until he can turn the situation in his favor.

Foreshadowing: The CIA agents dismiss Sam's chances, underestimating his ability to improvise.

  • survival
  • cia
  • el toro
  • masovich
  • escape
Q5

Why does Juan become president of Venezuela at the end?

The timeline shows Juan ascending to the presidency of Venezuela months after the events with El Toro. While the specific details of his political rise aren't fully explained in the summary, his position as El Toro's associate and his involvement in the power struggle positions him to eventually take control of the country.

Foreshadowing: Juan is present with El Toro and witnesses the chaotic events unfold, giving him opportunity for advancement.

  • juan
  • president
  • venezuela
  • political rise
Q6

What is the twist about the Ghost revealed at the end?

Months after Sam escapes Venezuela, Amos reveals the true identity of the Ghost to Sam in a surprising act of heroism. This revelation connects back to the original story Amos told Sam about the Mossad operative recruited by the British in 1988 to eliminate a Venezuelan general.

Foreshadowing: The entire plot hinges on the Ghost story that Sam incorporated into his novel.

  • ghost
  • amos
  • identity reveal
  • mossad
  • 1988
Q7

How does Sam transform from a fraud to a hero?

Sam transforms by embracing his unexpected circumstances rather than simply trying to escape them. In the climactic showdown, he battles against El Toro and Masovich's forces alongside Rosa Bolivar. Rather than continuing to pretend to be an assassin, he actually acts like one to defeat the villains, discovering hidden capabilities he never knew he had.

Foreshadowing: Sam's survival skills improve throughout the film as he's forced into increasingly dangerous situations.

  • hero
  • transformation
  • battle
  • el toro
  • masovich
Q8

Why do the CIA agents dismiss Sam's chances of survival?

CIA agents Cobb and Cleveland monitor Sam's situation and dismiss his chances because they see him as an ordinary writer with no real combat skills or experience. They underestimate him based on his background as a mild-mannered author and don't anticipate that he could navigate the dangerous world of assassins and criminals.

Foreshadowing: The opening scenes establish Sam as a solitary writer with no action experience.

  • cia
  • cobb
  • cleveland
  • underestimate
  • writer
Q9

What happens to El Toro in the end?

El Toro is defeated in the climactic showdown with Sam and Rosa Bolivar. After Sam and Bolivar jump from a helicopter to escape, El Toro's forces are presumably eliminated or captured. His revolutionary movement collapses without him, allowing Juan to rise to power.

Foreshadowing: El Toro's plan to use Sam to assassinate President Cueto sets up his ultimate confrontation with Sam.

  • el toro
  • defeat
  • revolutionary
  • death
  • showdown
Q10

Why does Sam laugh off the questions about his book's authenticity at the end?

Sam laughs off the questions because he has fully come to terms with his improbable journey. After surviving life-threatening situations, being mistaken for a real assassin, and actually succeeding in stopping villains, the absurdity of the entire ordeal makes the question of authenticity laughable to him. He has lived both the fiction and the reality.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Sam feels exposed and fears people will think he's a real assassin; by the end, he embraces the irony.

  • interview
  • katie couric
  • author
  • fiction
  • acceptance

Movie threads

More Movies Like True Memoirs of an International Assassin, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes True Memoirs of an International Assassin tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Accidental Hero Movies Like True Memoirs of an International Assassin

An ordinary person gets swept into an extraordinary and dangerous world. If you enjoyed the absurd premise of True Memoirs of an International Assassin, you'll love these movies where an average person is mistaken for a spy, criminal, or expert. Discover similar action-comedies featuring unlikely heroes navigating dangerous worlds with humor and improvisation.

  • action-packed
  • comical
  • unpredictable
  • escapist
  • underdog
  • improvised
  • Tone: light, comedic, adventurous
  • Pacing: fast, chaotic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative typically begins with a case of mistaken identity or a misunderstanding that pulls a mundane character into a web of intrigue, espionage, or crime. The journey involves a series of escalating challenges where the protagonist must bluff, improvise, and often get lucky to stay alive, ultimately discovering a hidden strength or capability within themselves.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread are grouped by their shared core premise of the 'fish-out-of-water' hero. They blend action and comedy, maintaining a light tone even during high-stakes sequences, and focus on the humorous contrast between the character's ordinary nature and the extraordinary circumstances they face.

Life Imitating Art Comedies Similar to True Memoirs of an International Assassin

Stories where fiction and reality collide with chaotic and hilarious results. Fans of True Memoirs of an International Assassin will appreciate these meta-fictional stories where a character's imagination gets them into real trouble. Find more fast-paced comedies about writers, mistaken identities, and plots that blur the line between a fabricated story and dangerous reality.

  • satirical
  • unpredictable
  • meta
  • comical
  • escapist
  • self-referential
  • Tone: satirical, light, self-referential
  • Pacing: fast, unpredictable
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The plot is kickstarted when a work of fiction—a book, a lie, a persona—is taken as truth by powerful or dangerous parties. The protagonist is then forced to live out the narrative they created, navigating a world that operates by the rules of their own story. This leads to ironic situations, satirical commentary on storytelling, and a journey where the character must reconcile their fiction with a surprising reality.

Why they belong together: These films share a unique narrative device where the central conflict arises from the blurring of art and life. They consistently use this premise for both comedic effect and thematic exploration, resulting in a specific, intellectually playful vibe that combines action, humor, and a touch of satire.

If you liked this

Movies Like True Memoirs of an International Assassin

Similar movies to True Memoirs of an International Assassin: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

Every angle

True Memoirs of an International Assassin (2016) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about True Memoirs of an International Assassin in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app