Zero Dark Thirty

Zero Dark Thirty

Year: 2012

Runtime: 157 min

Language: English

Director: Kathryn Bigelow

ActionDramaHistoryThriller

Following the September 11 attacks, a relentless international effort begins to locate and capture Osama bin Laden. The hunt spans multiple U.S. administrations and involves significant resources as authorities track the elusive terrorist leader. A dedicated intelligence operative becomes instrumental in identifying bin Laden's whereabouts. The pursuit ultimately leads to a risky nighttime raid by Navy SEALs in Pakistan, resulting in bin Laden's death in May 2011 and marking a significant moment in the fight against terrorism.

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Timeline & Setting – Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Zero Dark Thirty (2012). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2001-2011

The movie spans a decade following the September 11 attacks, a period marked by heightened security concerns and a global response to terrorism. This era witnesses significant events such as the invasion of Afghanistan and the hunt for Osama bin Laden, culminating in a military operation that changes the landscape of counter-terrorism.

Location

CIA Black Site, Khobar, Saudi Arabia, London

The CIA Black Site serves as a clandestine interrogation facility where crucial intelligence is extracted through harsh methods. Khobar is a city in Saudi Arabia known for a significant terrorist attack that heightens the urgency of the narrative. London, another pivotal location, represents the impact of international terrorism, showcasing the fallout from attacks that shake the global landscape.

🏢 CIA 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia 🇬🇧 London

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:07

Main Characters – Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

Meet the key characters of Zero Dark Thirty (2012), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dan (Jason Clarke)

Dan is a hard-edged CIA operative whose ruthless interrogation tactics serve to instill fear in terrorists. He balances a role as a mentor to Maya while embodying the moral complexities faced by intelligence agents. His obsession with obtaining critical information illustrates the darker side of the fight against terrorism.

👮‍♂️ CIA 💪 Strength ⚖️ Morality

Maya (Jessica Chastain)

Maya is a determined and intelligent CIA agent, showcasing exceptional investigative skills while navigating the murky waters of ethical dilemmas in counter-terrorism. Her journey reflects personal growth, transitioning from a novice agent to a pivotal figure in the hunt for bin Laden. Her obsession with her mission exemplifies the psychological burden of such endeavors.

🕵️‍♀️ CIA 🔍 Investigation 🧠 Intelligence

Jessica (Jennifer Ehle)

Jessica is a colleague of Maya, representing the female presence within the CIA. She plays a significant role in the operations and directly impacts Maya's experience during the high-stakes environment of intelligence work. Her untimely death underscores the dangers faced by operatives in the field.

👩‍💼 CIA ✊ Strength ⚰️ Sacrifice

Patrick (Joel Edgerton)

Patrick is a leader within the SEAL Team Six, demonstrating remarkable tactical ability and courage during high-pressure missions. His character embodies the military effort in the hunt for bin Laden and represents the collaboration between intelligence and military operations. His strategic mindset is crucial in executing the mission.

🪖 Military 💼 Leadership 🔥 Action

Justin (Chris Pratt)

Justin is part of the elite SEAL Team Six and contributes to the intense action during the mission to find bin Laden. His character adds a dynamic element to the military operations, showcasing both camaraderie and the intensity of combat. The experiences of Justin highlight the physical challenges faced by operatives.

🪖 Military 👊 Courage 🌪️ Intensity

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:07

Major Themes – Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

Explore the central themes of Zero Dark Thirty (2012), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Conflict

Conflict shapes every aspect of the narrative, from internal ethical dilemmas to external battles against terrorism. The portrayal of CIA operatives grappling with moral choices highlights the complicated nature of warfare and intelligence operations. The impact of these conflicts is felt both internationally and personally by the characters involved.

💔 Sacrifice

The theme of sacrifice resonates deeply throughout the film, as characters endure enormous physical and emotional tolls in the pursuit of justice. Maya, in particular, exemplifies this through her relentless commitment to finding Abu Ahmed, despite losing colleagues and facing immense pressure. The devastating consequences of such sacrifices are poignantly illustrated in the aftermath of violent attacks.

🕵️‍♀️ Obsession

Maya’s obsession drives the narrative, as she tirelessly seeks the truth behind bin Laden’s operations. Her dogged determination, despite the moral costs, exemplifies how obsession can lead to both clarity and chaos. This theme reveals the fine line between commitment and fixation in the world of intelligence and counter-terrorism.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:07

Unlock the Full Story of Zero Dark Thirty

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

Zero Dark Thirty Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Zero Dark Thirty, 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.

Zero Dark Thirty Summary

Zero Dark Thirty Timeline

Track the full timeline of Zero Dark Thirty with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Zero Dark Thirty Timeline

More About Zero Dark Thirty

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Zero Dark Thirty: 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 Zero Dark Thirty

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