The Contractor

The Contractor

Year: 2013

Runtime: 87 mins

Language: English

Director: Sean Olson

DramaCrimeThriller

While renovating their new home with her lawyer husband and daughter, Elizabeth hires a contractor named Javier to expedite the project before a charity event. However, Elizabeth's suspicions grow as she discovers Javier's intentions are far more sinister than they initially seemed, and he has specifically targeted her family. Now, Elizabeth must take action to protect her loved ones and uncover the truth behind Javier's scheme.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Contractor 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 – The Contractor (2013)

Trace every key event in The Contractor (2013) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Suspected murderer apprehended by the police

The film opens with a suspect being taken into custody, insisting he is innocent and that he only acted to protect his girlfriend. Police arrest him and his pleas fall on deaf ears as investigators pursue the case. This opening establishes a backdrop of alleged innocence and looming consequences.

Opening Police Station
2

Three years later: Liz's life in Malibu

In December, Liz Chase is busy remodeling her family's apartment in Malibu while also caring for her teenage daughter, McKenzie. With a charity event looming in two weeks, Liz and her husband Paul bring in a contractor to help manage the workload. The domestic routine is uneasy, set against the pressure of an impending public event.

December (three years later) Malibu, California
3

A stalker contractor arrives: Desert Sun Contracting

The contractor Desert Sun Contracting, run by Javier Reyes, appears with quiet efficiency but his true intentions are darker. He begins stalking the family, snapping photos and tapping calls as he quietly plans more than just construction. His manipulation starts long before the walls go up.

Malibu
4

Reyes plants evidence to frame Paul

Reyes moves to frame Paul for infidelity by planting doctored documents and misleading phone records. Liz grows uneasy as the insinuations strain her marriage and blur the lines between truth and manipulation. The home project becomes a stage for a calculated vendetta.

Malibu
5

Liz confronts Reyes; he leaves and promises to return

Liz asks Paul to have Reyes leave after she notices suspicious edits and behavior. Reyes departs bitterly but vows to come back, leaving the family unsettled about what comes next. The threat lingers as renovations continue.

Malibu
6

New contractor hired; Reyes continues stalking

Despite bringing in a second contractor to finish the job, Reyes intensifies his surveillance, further destabilizing Liz and Paul. Liz stays vigilant, sensing that the danger extends beyond old accusations. The remodel project becomes a cover for the real threat.

Malibu
7

Liz uncovers Reyes' identity and motive

Liz discovers that the man behind the stalking is Jorge Reyes, the real name of Javier Reyes. Her digging reveals a motive tied to a past prosecution: Omar Reyes, the murdered defendant who died in prison, and Reyes seeks vengeance. The stakes shift from infidelity to a life-or-death vendetta.

Malibu
8

Paul plans defense; Reyes escalates

Liz shares her findings with Paul, who promises to protect his family while staying cautious of Reyes. In a misguided bid to neutralize the threat, Paul hires thugs to eliminate Reyes, but Reyes overpowers them and sends a taunting photo that makes Liz question Paul’s fidelity. The crisis spirals outward from suspicion to direct danger.

Malibu
9

McKenzie is kidnapped; confrontation at the house

Reyes abducts McKenzie, who had lied about going to a friend's party. With her phone left behind, Liz fears the worst. Reyes appears outside Liz's door with McKenzie at gunpoint, and he lures Paul back to the house for a brutal confrontation.

Chase residence, Malibu
10

Escape and standoff in the stable

Paul grabs Reyes' gun, enabling Liz and McKenzie to escape. They hide in a stable as Reyes hunts them, and Liz knocks Reyes unconscious with a large spade. The tense chase continues as the family fights to survive.

Chase property, Malibu
11

Final struggle; Liz defeats Reyes

Reyes closes in on Liz, but she seizes control during the struggle and shoots him dead. The immediate threat ends, leaving the family to grapple with the trauma and begin rebuilding their lives. The victory comes at a heavy emotional cost.

Chase residence, Malibu
12

A new chapter: moving and a hospital opening

With Reyes gone, the Chases move to start fresh by relinquishing their property to a friend. Liz is invited to the grand opening of the Elizabeth Chase Pediatric Respiratory Center, signaling a hopeful new chapter for her family and community.

Grand opening Elizabeth Chase Pediatric Respiratory Center

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 16:08

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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.

Home Invasion Thrillers Like The Contractor

Thrillers where the safety of home is violated by a calculated predator.If the tense, protective energy of The Contractor hooked you, this list is for you. Discover movies where families or individuals must defend their homes from invaders with personal vendettas. These suspenseful stories share a focus on deception, vigilance, and the fight to reclaim safety.

tensesuspensefulparanoidprotectiveclaustrophobicanxiousvengeful

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a linear, escalating threat. A protagonist, often a parent, discovers that a person they've allowed into their life has malicious intentions. The plot unfolds through a series of revealed deceptions and increasing danger, leading to a climactic confrontation where the hero must directly combat the threat to save their family.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their core premise of a violated sanctuary and the resulting tension. They share a high-intensity, tense tone, a steady pacing that builds dread, and a central theme of protecting loved ones from a cunning adversary who has breached their personal space.

Movies with Deceptive Outsiders Like The Contractor

Stories where a trusted figure's true, sinister motives are gradually exposed.Fans of The Contractor's plot about a manipulative contractor will enjoy these films. This list features stories where a character's trust is systematically betrayed by someone they've hired or let into their circle. Look for similar moods of paranoia and suspense as the truth is slowly uncovered.

suspensefuldeceptiveparanoidanxiousunravelingvengefulmethodical

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist hiring or accepting help from an outsider. Initial minor suspicions grow into concrete evidence of a malicious plan. The journey is one of escalating paranoia and investigation, as the protagonist pieces together clues to reveal the outsider's true identity and motives, leading to a direct conflict.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their specific villain archetype—the deceptive outsider—and the emotional experience of unraveling a conspiracy against you. They share a tense, anxious mood, a steady pacing that mirrors the methodical reveal of the threat, and a straightforward narrative about uncovering deception.

Unlock the Full Story of The Contractor

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

The Contractor Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Contractor, 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 Contractor Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Contractor

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Contractor. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Contractor

The Contractor Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Contractor 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 Contractor Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Contractor

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