Vigilante

Vigilante

Year: 2008

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Action

After Luke is brutally attacked and his fiancée is raped and murdered, he vows to master lethal hand‑to‑hand combat. He commits to intense self‑training, turning his trauma into a relentless pursuit of any wrongdoer who dares to cross his path.

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Timeline & Setting – Vigilante (2008)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Vigilante (2008). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events take place in a contemporary, present-day setting. The narrative centers on modern issues such as domestic abuse, financial strain, and vigilantism. The tone remains tense and grounded in realistic scenarios rather than fantastical elements.

Location

Motel room, Shaund residence, Mountain cabin, City bar, Therapy group, Domestic violence shelter

The story predominantly unfolds in a dim motel room where Sadie maps her search for her missing husband. Locations shift to the Shaund home, a remote mountain cabin, and public spaces like a bar and therapy group rooms, as she helps others escape abuse. These varied places establish a grim, contemporary setting focused on protection, danger, and the pursuit of safety.

🏙️ Urban 🧭 Gritty 🏠 Domestic settings

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:30

Main Characters – Vigilante (2008)

Meet the key characters of Vigilante (2008), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sadie

A determined vigilante who helps women and children escape abusive homes. She finances her work by asking for what she can get and by seeking to redeem a life insurance policy for her missing husband. She trains in Krav Maga and uses disguises to outmaneuver her targets. The memories of her lost son Cody haunt her, driving both her courage and caution.

🗡️ Vigilante 💪 Resilient 🌧️ Trauma survivor

Andrea Shaund

The wife of the abusive Michael Shaund, Andrea becomes entangled in Sadie's dangerous encounter after a plan to transfer assets is orchestrated. She appears cautious and compliant, yet the situation exposes the vulnerability of those caught in violent relationships. Her role hints at complicity and fear within a troubled domestic dynamic.

🧭 Complicity 💔 Victim 🏠 Domestic life

Michael Shaund

A brutal, controlling husband and manic survivalist whose violence triggers Sadie's transformation. His manipulation and brutality culminate in a confrontation with Sadie during which he is killed. The aftermath leaves questions about investigation and accountability due to his felon status.

🗡️ Abuser 💼 Wealth and control 🏠 Domestic menace

The Boy

A frightened young boy rescued by Sadie, along with his infant brother, from dangerous circumstances. He is wary of adults but shows a glimmer of trust as Sadie provides guidance and a path to safety. His future remains uncertain, highlighting the fragile line between danger and safety.

👶 Child in danger 🛡️ Protected 🧸 Hope

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:30

Major Themes – Vigilante (2008)

Explore the central themes of Vigilante (2008), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🗡️ Vigilantism

Sadie's vigilante actions blur the line between justice and unlawful force. Her assaults on abusive men stem from a belief that formal systems often fail survivors. The film questions whether protection can be achieved without crossing ethical boundaries. Each act of violence is framed as a desperate bid to reclaim control over a life that was stolen.

💔 Trauma & Recovery

Her past trauma, including the murder of her son Cody, shapes her present choices and resilience. Therapy group scenes reveal coping mechanisms and the slow process of healing. Despite horrific memories, she channels pain into actions that save others. The film juxtaposes vulnerability with strength, showing scars as both burden and source of power.

🛡️ Protection & Sacrifice

Sadie's commitment to shielding women and children puts her at constant risk. Her line between protector and predator is tested as she confronts dangerous men. The story emphasizes self-sacrifice and the cost of becoming a guardian. Ultimately it portrays protection as a moral driving force, even when it can't guarantee safety.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:30

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Vigilante Summary

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Vigilante Timeline

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Vigilante Timeline

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Vigilante Spoiler-Free Summary

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