Beirut 2018
Directed by
Brad Anderson
Made by
Bleecker Street Media
Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Beirut (2018). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
In the turbulent year of 1972, U.S. diplomat Mason Skiles resides in Beirut with his Lebanese wife, Nadia, and has recently taken in Karim (Idir Chender), a 13-year-old Palestinian boy who claims to be orphaned. During a party he hosts, Skiles is confronted by his colleague, CIA officer Cal Riley, who requests to interrogate Karim, whose brother is allegedly linked to the notorious Munich massacre. The gathering takes a dark turn when Karim’s brother, Rami (Ben Affan), orchestrates an attack, leading to Karim’s abduction and the tragic death of Nadia amidst the chaos.
Fast forward ten years, we find Skiles a broken man, marred by alcoholism and working as a labor arbitrator in New England. Struggling with his small business and haunted by the past, he is approached by an old client, Sully, who represents the U.S. government. Sully informs Skiles about an academic lecture in Lebanon, providing him with funds, a plane ticket, and a new passport. Initially hesitant, Skiles ultimately makes the journey back to Beirut, where he meets with State Department officials, including Gary Ruzak, Donald Gaines, and Frank Shalen, as well as CIA undercover agent Sandy Crowder. They reveal that Cal has recently been kidnapped, with the abductors specifically requesting Skiles for negotiations regarding his release.
In a tense encounter with the kidnappers, Skiles discovers that Karim has taken the lead in the situation, demanding the release of his brother in exchange for Riley despite warnings from the Americans that they lack Rami in custody. Skiles suspects that Israel may have Rami and, alongside Ruzak, seeks to uncover the brother’s whereabouts. Upon consulting the Israelis, they confirm Rami’s absence, prompting Skiles to meet Alice ([Kate Fleetwood]), Riley’s wife, who blames him for the abduction, attributing it to the guilt he harbors for Nadia’s death.
A clandestine meeting with Roni Niv (Alon Aboutboul) reveals Israel’s ulterior motives, as he pressures Gary to leak news of Cal’s death to justify an invasion of Lebanon with the intent to cleanse it of the PLO and Islamist factions. Skeptical of the plan, Gary wishes to keep hope alive for Cal’s survival.
As Skiles proceeds with his lecture, a devastating car bomb detonates outside, plunging the venue into chaos. In this turmoil, he meets Karim, who brings him to Riley, who discreetly informs Skiles of the PLO holding Rami and warns him about Gaines’s deceit. Karim demands a trade: Rami’s release for Riley. Skiles learns that Gaines has been embezzling funds and concludes that he may be complicit in keeping Riley from being freed.
With urgency, Crowder pilfers $4 million from CIA funds to aid in the negotiations. Following a showdown with a senior PLO officer, Skiles orchestrates the dangerous exchange for Rami, but just as the deal appears to succeed, Rami attacks and is fatally shot by a hidden Mossad sniper, allowing the Americans a narrow escape.
Before leaving Beirut, Skiles discovers Gaines has abruptly retired, and Gary intends to seize this opportunity to fill the vacant roles, while promising to offer his expertise as a negotiator in the ongoing turmoil.
Timeline
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Mason Skiles' Life in Beirut
In 1972, U.S. diplomat Mason Skiles lives in Beirut with his Lebanese wife, Nadia, and a young Palestinian boy named Karim, whom they have taken in. The family tries to build a life together amidst the ongoing turmoil in the region.
CIA Interrogation Request
During a party hosted by Skiles, CIA officer Cal Riley requests to interrogate Karim, suspecting his brother of involvement in the Munich massacre. Tensions rise as Skiles is forced to consider the implications of the request.
Chaos and Tragedy
The party turns into chaos when Karim's brother, Rami, orchestrates an attack, resulting in Karim's abduction. In the midst of this violence, Nadia is tragically killed, leaving Skiles devastated.
Skiles' Downward Spiral
Fast forward ten years, Mason Skiles is living in New England, struggling with alcoholism and the weight of his past trauma. He works as a labor arbitrator, haunted by memories of the tragic events in Beirut.
Reconciliation with the Past
Skiles' life takes another turn when he is approached by an old client, Sully, who represents the U.S. government. Sully provides Skiles with the opportunity to return to Lebanon for a lecture, offering him funds, a ticket, and a new passport.
Return to Beirut
Despite his initial hesitation, Skiles travels back to Beirut to confront the ghosts of his past. Upon arrival, he meets with various State Department officials and learns about Cal Riley's recent kidnapping.
Negotiating for Riley's Freedom
Skiles faces the kidnappers, revealing that Karim is leading the negotiations and has demanded the release of his brother in exchange for Riley. This reestablishes the connection between old friends as they navigate a perilous situation.
Desperate Search for Rami
Suspecting that Rami is being held by Israel, Skiles and Gary Ruzak urgently search for information regarding Rami's whereabouts. Their investigation leads to tense discussions with Israeli officials, who confirm Rami's absence.
Confrontation with Alice
Skiles meets Alice, Riley's wife, who expresses her anger and blames him for Riley's kidnapping. She reminds him of his guilt over Nadia's death, adding emotional weight to Skiles' mission to save Riley.
The Plan Unraveled
A secretive meeting with Roni Niv exposes Israel's intentions for a military invasion of Lebanon under the guise of rescuing Cal. This fact complicates matters and weighs heavily on Skiles as he navigates international politics.
Car Bomb Attack
While delivering his lecture, a devastating car bomb explodes outside the venue, plunging everyone into chaos. In the midst of the chaos, Skiles manages to meet Karim, who guides him to where Riley is being held.
The PLO's Involvement Revealed
Karim informs Skiles that the PLO is holding Rami and demands a trade for Riley. This revelation intensifies the urgency of the situation as Skiles realizes the complexities of negotiating with the PLO.
Gaines's Betrayal Uncovered
Skiles learns about Gaines's malfeasance, indicating that he may be obstructing Riley's release through embezzlement. This revelation leads Skiles to suspect ulterior motives within his own ranks.
Dangerous Exchange
After securing CIA funds for negotiations, Skiles sets up a risky exchange for Rami. Just as the deal seems promising, Rami is shot and killed by a hidden Mossad sniper, complicating the escape for the American team.
Aftermath and Plans
Before leaving Beirut, Skiles discovers that Gaines has unexpectedly retired, prompting Gary to consider filling the roles left vacant. With a chance at redemption, Skiles prepares to offer his negotiation skills in the ongoing conflict.
Characters
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Mason Skiles (Jon Hamm)
Mason Skiles is a U.S. diplomat who transitions from a life of privilege in Beirut to a state of despair in New England. Marked by tragedy and overwhelmed by guilt, he struggles with alcoholism as he confronts his past and the complexities of international negotiation. His resilience and resourcefulness become crucial in navigating the treacherous waters of diplomacy.
Nadia Skiles (Leïla Bekhti)
Nadia Skiles is Mason's vibrant Lebanese wife, whose tragic fate deeply impacts the narrative. Her compassion and strength are evident, and her death serves as a turning point for Mason, marking the beginning of his emotional decline. Nadia symbolizes the personal stakes involved in the larger political conflicts.
Gary Ruzak (Shea Whigham)
Gary Ruzak is a CIA operative entangled in the web of political manipulation and negotiation. He carries the weight of the ongoing crisis, often acting as a pragmatic yet morally conflicted character who justifies his actions in the name of national security. His relationship with Skiles evolves as they navigate treacherous waters together.
Cal Riley (Mark Pellegrino)
Cal Riley is a CIA officer whose kidnapping sets off a chain of events that drive the plot. His ambiguous motivations and hidden agendas add to the tension, as his fate is intricately linked to Skiles' own sense of responsibility. Cal embodies the moral ambiguity present in intelligence operations.
Setting
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Time period
1970s
The 1970s were marked by political strife and violence, particularly in Lebanon which faced civil war and foreign interventions. This tumultuous decade saw significant events such as the Munich massacre, which had far-reaching implications in the region and influenced international relations. The decade shaped not only Lebanon's history but also the broader context of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
Location
Beirut, New England
Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, is known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and as a focal point of conflict in the Middle East. It experienced significant turmoil during the 1970s, particularly during the Lebanese Civil War. New England, a region in the northeastern United States, is often characterized by its colonial history and picturesque landscapes, providing a stark contrast to the chaos of Beirut.
Themes
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Redemption
The theme of redemption is central as Mason Skiles returns to Beirut, grappling with his past mistakes and the guilt surrounding his wife's death. His journey reflects a desire to make amends and find closure in a world rife with conflict and betrayal. Skiles’ negotiations serve as a metaphor for his quest to reclaim his lost sense of agency and purpose.
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Trust
Trust is a critical theme, particularly in the fraught relationships between Skiles, the CIA, and the PLO. As he navigates dangerous negotiations, the erosion of trust among key players complicates the situation, highlighting the costs of betrayal and deceit in international politics. This theme emphasizes the fragile alliances that form in times of crisis.
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Loss
Loss permeates the narrative, manifesting through Skiles’ mourning for his wife and the impacts of the violence around him. The film examines personal and communal grief, exploring how characters cope with the absence of loved ones and the scars left by past traumas. Loss shapes their motivations and decisions throughout the film.
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