Big Game (2015) Plot Summary & Timeline

The film begins with Oskari (Onni Tommila), a young deer hunter at the tender age of 13, alongside his father, Tapio. They gaze upon a wall adorned with framed photographs of Tapio showcasing his prowess in hunting, reminiscing fondly about the past when he, too, was a budding hunter. As they sift through the memories encapsulated in the frames, Oskari picks one featuring his dad as a teenager, revealing the legacy he is expected to uphold.

Meanwhile, far from this serene setting in Finland, a helicopter operated by Kimmo’s Safari is transporting a dangerous terrorist known as Hazar. Once on the ground, the helicopter pilot realizes the grave nature of his passengers. Hazar swiftly instructs the pilot to escape for his life, demonstrating his ruthless nature by testing a missile on the very helicopter they arrived in. As he sends a message to his fellow terrorists proclaiming the success of the missile test, the tension rises.

In the midst of the Finnish mountains, Oskari faces a significant challenge while pulling back the bowstring, trying but failing to summon the requisite strength. A seasoned leader of the deer hunting party deems him unprepared for the responsibilities of hunting. Yet, his father staunchly defends his son’s readiness, instilling in Oskari the belief in himself—his spirit is that of a hunter. As Oskari journeys through the forest on his small tractor, the atmosphere thickens with anticipation.

Simultaneously, aboard Air Force One, U.S. President William Alan “Bill” Moore (Samuel L. Jackson) is en route to the Pre D8 Summit in Helsinki, only 45 miles away. Suddenly, the aircraft’s control room detects a potential missile threat. However, chaos unfolds as their countermeasures falter due to jamming signals. In a frantic scramble, the President is ushered into an escape pod, while his agents attempt to parachute to safety. In the chaos, Morris (Ray Stevenson), one of the agents, reveals his true colors by betraying his colleagues.

As Oskari witnesses a brilliant flash in the sky, he instinctively flees, only to realize that it is the wreckage of Air Force One, now engulfed in flames, crashing perilously close to him. In the aftermath, it becomes evident that Morris has aligned with Hazar and his group, leading to a race against time. Armed with a unique combination for opening the escape pod, Oskari stumbles upon Bill, who is desperate to explain his true identity as the President of the United States. Gaining Oskari’s trust, they embark on a journey together.

In a nearby Norwegian farmhouse, a farmer notices a beacon, only to find that the supposed escape pod was merely a decoy. As Hazar and his men close in, they discover the pod empty, unaware of Bill’s ensuing adventure with Oskari. Instead of taking the reins, Oskari opts to drive the small tractor with Bill in tow. Together, they navigate toward a location marked on Oskari’s map amidst the conducive backdrop of nature.

On this perilous journey, they share moments of camaraderie, especially as they celebrate Oskari’s birthday. However, lingering disappointment surfaces when Oskari discovers that his father has traditionally hunted a deer for him. A mix of joy and trepidation envelops the air when Oskari realizes that he is not quite the hunter he yearns to be. As they plan their next steps, Morris infiltrates their area, forcing Bill to devise a plan to protect Oskari while giving a facetime of resolution for their daunting circumstances.

As the narrative unfolds, they plot against their foes, with the stakes escalating dramatically. The encounter with Hazar leads to a fierce confrontation, intensifying the urgency. Bill manages to escape the latent dangers as Oskari finds his courage; together, they outsmart Hazar and his team, showcasing a remarkable bond that develops throughout their tumultuous experience.

With the threat of being hunted looming ever larger, they must rely on wit and bravery to outmaneuver Morris, who remains a persistent danger. In a gripping action sequence, Oskari demonstrates commendable courage by boarding a helicopter to save Bill. They find themselves entwined in a large-scale conflict that leads them to the wreckage site of Air Force One, tipping the balance in their favor. Amidst the chaos, their survival becomes a testament to their newfound alliance.

The climax reaches its fervor as they race against time to evade the impending disaster. Oskari’s bravery shines through as he rises to the occasion, rescuing Bill from dire straits. Their journey culminates in a thrilling showdown, ultimately leading to their tentative victory. Their return to safety becomes a defining moment for both Bill and Oskari, leaving a burgeoning heroism in its wake.

Upon their return, journalists flock to the scene, lauding Oskari’s valor. His newfound reputation as a hero spreads rapidly, with news articles framing his endeavors alongside photographs creating a lasting legacy. As the film concludes, we witness the homage paid to Oskari, a young boy blossoming into the hero he has always aspired to be, encapsulating the spirit of adventure and resilience in the face of adversity.