Directed by

Sebastian Torngren Wartin
Made by

Maipo Film
Test your knowledge of Ambulance with our quiz!
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Ambulance (2016). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
The story unfolds in the bustling city of Los Angeles, where Ingrid Olava plays Charlotte, a woman caught in the chaos of a gripping sequence of events. The film begins with Will Sharp (played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) who is struggling to secure medical insurance for his wife, Amy, who needs urgent experimental cancer treatment. Despite his efforts, Will faces rejection from insurers, leaving him desperate and with very few options, especially as they have a newborn to care for. Under the guise of going to a job interview, Will secretly meets his adoptive brother Henrik Rafaelsen, a notorious bank robber, at his hideout filled with stolen cars and firearms.
Will’s meeting with Maria Bock’s character Sanne is brief but impactful, highlighting the tension in their lives. Later, Will joins Danny (played by Jake Gyllenhaal), who is orchestrating a bank heist with his crew. As the heist unfolds, chaos erupts, and police officers Anders T. Andersen and Jo Adrian Haavind come into play, trying to manage the hostage situation and prevent a disaster.
During the robbery, Vlad Stroian’s character Kizar appears as part of the criminal gang involved in the operation. The situation escalates rapidly: the crew encounters police resistance, gunfire erupts, and hostages are taken. In the midst of the firefight, Zack, one of the officers, tries to de-escalate the tension but ends up being shot, forcing Cam Thompson (played by Eiza Gonzalez) to act quickly.
Cam, a highly skilled paramedic, arrives at the scene with her new partner Scott (Colin Woodell). She is portrayed as emotionally detached, focused solely on her work, yet she shows remarkable resolve in helping a young girl, Lindsey, who has been impaled. Throughout the chaos, Cam is forced to perform life-saving procedures in intense circumstances, including communicating with her ex-boyfriend Colin (Andy Favreau), a doctor, via video chat to assist her in removing the bullet wounds from Zach, who is bleeding out. Her professionalism is contrasted with her apparent emotional distance, but moments of vulnerability shine through as she fights to save lives.
The film intensifies as the criminals hijack an ambulance with Will and Danny now in custody, forcing a dangerous game of cat and mouse with law enforcement. The police, led by SIS Captain Monroe (Garrett Dillahunt) and FBI Agent Anson Clark (Keir O’Donnell), are determined to stop the outlaws, who are led further into violence. Danny, revealing his personal history and ties to crime through conversations with gangsters like Papi (A Martinez), attempts to orchestrate escape routes, enlisting help from dangerous associates.
As Zach’s condition worsens, Cam’s quick thinking and her connections to medical professionals become crucial. Through a risky video call with doctors, she manages to control Zach’s bleeding, even as police snipers prepare to shoot if the ambulance doesn’t surrender. Cam’s steadfastness and Will’s veteran resilience are central to their efforts to survive and rescue Zach from the brink of death.
Meanwhile, Vlad Stroian’s Kizar and other gang members prepare for a violent confrontation at Papi’s (A Martinez) hideout, where the situation turns deadly. After a series of brutal firefights, betrayals, and strategic moves, the criminals arrive at Papi’s with stolen money, only to be betrayed and attacked by Papi’s men. The chaos culminates in a series of explosive and violent encounters, with law enforcement suffering casualties, including Monroe who is fatally shot when the gang retaliates with a machine gun car and bombs.
In a final act of betrayal and defiance, Will and Danny confront Papi and his crew, ultimately killing Papi and his men, and making a desperate run with the stolen ambulance. As the command to surrender looms, Danny prepares to give up but is shot in the back by Will, who manages to shoot Danny in a final act of loyalty and remorse. Henry Rafaelsen’s Sanne’s Husband is seen in the background, reflecting the ongoing web of connections.
The climax unfolds with Danny dying from his wound, and Will being taken into custody after suffering a gunshot wound himself. Amy arrives at the hospital, overwhelmed with emotion as she sees her husband alive. Cam, having played a vital role throughout, shares a quiet moment with Lindsey, the young girl she helped save. As night falls, the image of Will waving to his wife and child from the hospital window symbolizes hope amidst chaos.
Throughout this intense narrative, themes of family, loyalty, desperation, and resilience intertwine, creating a complex portrait of characters embroiled in violence and survival. The film is a gritty depiction of a city caught in turmoil, highlighting the strength of human spirit amid chaos and the moral ambiguities faced by those trying to do what’s right.
Follow the complete movie timeline of Ambulance (2016) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Will Sharp Seeks Medical Help
Will Sharp struggles to contact his medical insurance for his wife's expensive cancer surgery, highlighting his desperation and limited options. He pretends to go for a job interview but secretly meets his brother Danny, a notorious bank robber. This sets the stage for his involvement in criminal activities.
Danny and Crew Plan Bank Robbery
Danny introduces Will to his crew at his home, where they possess stolen cars ready for their upcoming heist. Danny agrees to include Will in a bank robbery, understanding his desperation for money. The crew prepares for the planned heist happening in the same day.
Paramedics Respond to Car Crash
Paramedic Cam Thompson arrives at the scene of a severe car accident involving a young girl named Lindsey, who is impaled by a fence post. Cam helps calm the girl and manages her injuries while demonstrating her professionalism and emotional detachment from her work.
Bank Robbery Commences
Will joins Danny and his crew as they arrive at the bank, taking control and holding employees at gunpoint. Zach, a police officer, enters the bank to ask out a teller, but the situation quickly escalates when Danny reveals their true intentions and takes control of the situation.
Gunfight and Hostage Situation
A violent gunfight erupts outside as police respond to the bank robbery. Danny’s crew is killed, and Zach is taken as a hostage. Will shoots Zach during the chaos, and they attempt to escape with Zach held hostage, leading to a tense and dangerous escape.
Hijacking the Ambulance
Danny coerces Scott to help hijack an ambulance to escape. Cam tries to help Zach by stabilizing his condition, amid the chaos. The group uses the ambulance to evade police, taking Zach for medical treatment while planning their next move.
Law Enforcement Arrives
Various authorities, including SIS Captain Monroe and FBI Agent Clark, coordinate efforts to stop Danny and Will. Clark reveals his personal connection to Danny’s criminal family, escalating the tension and the stakes of the pursuit.
Police Chase and Urban Combat
Danny and Will lead the police through dangerous streets, with Cam assisting in the medical emergency. Despite police sniper attempts, Cam contacts her ex-doctor to help guide her through treating Zach’s serious injuries in the moving ambulance.
Final Confrontation at Papi’s Compound
The criminals reach Papi’s gang hideout, where Will and Danny confront and kill Papi and his men. Zach provides a gun for Cam. Meanwhile, chaos ensues as Roberto, Papi’s son, attempts to attack police with explosives, leading to a violent showdown.
Climax and Sacrifice
In a final confrontation, Danny is mortally wounded by Will while trying to force Cam out. Danny dies, and Will is seriously injured. Amy arrives to find Will bleeding, and Cam discreetly leaves money for her and her baby. Will is taken to the hospital, under police custody.
Resolution and Aftermath
Will recovers in the hospital, with Amy watching him through the window as he waves to her and their baby. Zach’s statement pinpoints Will as his hero. Cam visits Lindsey in the hospital as she begins her recovery, signaling a bittersweet end to the chaos.
Explore all characters from Ambulance (2016). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Charlotte (Ingrid Olava)
Though not explicitly detailed in the summary, Charlotte's presence could suggest her role as a witness or victim connected to events, or a symbol of the city's life contrasting the chaos. She embodies the normalcy and resilience present amid the turmoil.
Sanne's Husband (Henrik Rafaelsen)
Likely portrayed as a supporting character whose relationship adds emotional depth. His role might involve supporting or reacting to the chaos surrounding Sanne’s storyline, representing stability outside the immediate crime and police action.
Sanne (Maria Bock)
Possibly tied to the emotional core of the story, Sanne represents the personal stakes involved for the characters. She might symbolize the human side behind the criminal and law enforcement narratives, emphasizing vulnerability and hope.
Police #1 (Anders T. Andersen)
A law enforcement officer involved in managing the crisis, possibly working to contain the chaos and enforce justice amidst the high-stakes chase. His role underscores themes of order and authority.
Police #2 (Jo Adrian Haavind)
Another officer supporting the police effort, tasked with coordinating responses to the unfolding crisis. He embodies the institutional response and tactical decision-making.
Kizar (Vlad Stroian)
A criminal associated with the plot, potentially involved in the gang activities or the larger criminal network. His role adds to the depiction of organized crime dynamics depicted in the film.
Learn where and when Ambulance (2016) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
Contemporary, circa 2020s
The story unfolds in the present day, reflecting modern urban life and current law enforcement and criminal dynamics. It captures the fast-paced environment of Los Angeles, modern medical technology, and contemporary police tactics, anchoring the narrative firmly in the early 21st century.
Location
Los Angeles, Boyle Heights
The movie is set primarily in Los Angeles, a sprawling city known for its entertainment industry and diverse neighborhoods. Key scenes also take place in Boyle Heights, a vibrant district with a strong cultural identity and historical significance. The city provides a bustling backdrop for the adrenaline-fueled events of the film.
Discover the main themes in Ambulance (2016). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
🚓
Corruption & Crime
The film explores the thin line between law enforcement and criminality, highlighting corruption within police circles and the chaos caused by bank robbers. It raises questions about morality, loyalty, and the corrupting influence of crime on individuals and institutions.
❤️
Family & Desperation
A central theme is the desperation of characters trying to protect their loved ones. Will's urgent quest for money for his wife underscores the emotional stakes, while the criminal brotherhood highlights familial bonds and complex loyalties amid life-threatening situations.
🩸
Survival & Sacrifice
The narrative emphasizes themes of survival as characters face life-and-death choices. Cam's efforts to save Zach and Will's injuries exemplify personal sacrifice, with characters risking or giving everything for others’ safety and justice.

Coming soon on iOS and Android
From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.
Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.
Discover the spoiler-free summary of Ambulance (2016). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In the sun‑blazed streets of Los Angeles, the city’s relentless pace is mirrored in the hurried corridors of its emergency services. Two Norwegian paramedics arrive on each call with the quiet confidence of outsiders who have learned to move quickly through a landscape of cultural clashes and hidden anxieties. Their world is one where a single ring of a radio can pivot a calm shift into a tense standoff, and where the line between duty and personal morality is constantly tested by the people they rush to help.
Sanne is the more introspective of the duo, her steady composure a shield against the chaos that surrounds her. Paired with her assertive partner Charlotte, they navigate a maze of neighborhoods where language barriers and mistrust can turn a routine emergency into a volatile encounter. When a seemingly false distress call pulls them into a confrontation with a group of Romanian immigrants, the evening’s routine is shattered, leaving both women to question the assumptions that have guided their practice.
The film settles into a gritty, almost palpable tension, casting the city’s multicultural tapestry as both backdrop and character. As the paramedics grapple with the immediate pressures of the situation, they also confront the deeper repercussions of a split‑second decision that could ripple through their lives forever. The story promises to explore how compassion, duty, and personal conviction intersect in moments of crisis, leaving the audience to wonder how far one will go when the weight of a single choice threatens to reshape everything they hold dear.
Can’t find your movie? Request a summary here.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2026)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
Best Concert Films & Music Documentaries
Movie Collections and Curated Lists
© 2026 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.