American Assassin

| 2017

Directed by: Michael Cuesta

Main Plot

"American Assassin," directed by Michael Cuesta, follows Mitch Rapp, a young man who is devastated by a personal tragedy caused by a terrorist attack. Driven by a desire for vengeance, Mitch is recruited by the CIA and undergoes intense training under the guidance of Cold War veteran Stan Hurley. Together, they are tasked with investigating a wave of seemingly random attacks on military and civilian targets. Their mission leads them to a rogue operative who is intent on starting a global conflict. As Mitch and Stan race against time to prevent a catastrophic event, they must navigate a web of espionage, betrayal, and high-stakes action. The film explores themes of revenge, duty, and the complexities of counter-terrorism.

Characters

  • Dylan O'Brien plays Mitch Rapp, a young man recruited by the CIA to become a counter-terrorism operative after a personal tragedy.
  • Michael Keaton plays Stan Hurley, a Cold War veteran who trains a young CIA black ops recruit to combat a rogue operative planning a catastrophic attack.
  • Sanaa Lathan plays Irene Kennedy, a high-ranking CIA official who recruits and mentors protagonist Mitch Rapp, guiding him in his mission against terrorists.

Ending Explained

In the climax of "American Assassin," directed by Michael Cuesta, protagonist Mitch Rapp, played by Dylan O'Brien, confronts the antagonist, Ghost, portrayed by Taylor Kitsch. Ghost, a former operative turned rogue, plans to detonate a nuclear bomb to incite global chaos. The final showdown occurs on a boat in the Mediterranean Sea. Mitch manages to overpower Ghost in a brutal fight, ultimately killing him. As the bomb's timer counts down, Mitch heroically maneuvers the vessel away from the coastline, minimizing potential casualties. He then throws the bomb into the ocean just before it detonates, resulting in a massive underwater explosion. This action prevents a catastrophic disaster, showcasing Mitch's bravery and quick thinking. In the aftermath, Mitch is seen being debriefed by his mentor, Stan Hurley, played by Michael Keaton, and CIA Deputy Director Irene Kennedy, portrayed by Sanaa Lathan. The film concludes with Mitch receiving acknowledgment for his efforts and hinting at his readiness for future missions, solidifying his role as a key operative in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

Michael Cuesta Action Thriller Dylan O'Brien Michael Keaton Sanaa Lathan