Directed by

Cary Fukunaga
Made by
Universal Pictures
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Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for No Time to Die (2021). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
A young Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux), a psychotherapist and the daughter of Mr. White, witnesses her mother’s brutal murder at the hands of the terrorist Lyutsifer Safin (Rami Malek), who is seeking revenge against her father. In a desperate attempt, Madeleine shoots Safin but he survives. She escapes onto a nearby frozen lake, only to fall through the ice, where Safin unexpectedly rescues her.
Fast forward to the present day: after Ernst Stavro Blofeld (Christoph Waltz), Bond’s arch-enemy, is captured and detained by MI6, Madeleine finds herself in Matera with James Bond (Daniel Craig). When Spectre assassins ambush them at Vesper Lynd’s tomb, they manage to evade danger, but Bond becomes suspicious and believes that Madeleine has betrayed him, leading him to end their relationship by sending her away on a train.
Five years later, MI6 scientist Valdo Obruchev (David Dencik) is abducted by Spectre agents, led by the same assassin who previously attacked Bond. Obruchev is forced to steal a vial and transfer sensitive research as part of a sinister plan set in motion by Safin. This research, called Project Heracles, involves creating a bio-weapon with nanobots designed to infect individuals based on their DNA, rendering it lethal to specific targets and their families, while sparing others.
Bond, now retired in Jamaica, is approached by Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright) and CIA agent Logan Ash (Billy Magnussen), seeking his assistance in locating Obruchev, who has been reported to be in Cuba with Spectre. Initially hesitant, Bond changes his mind after learning from Nomi (Lashana Lynch), an MI6 agent and his successor as the new 007, that She is aware of the potentially catastrophic weapon being developed.
In Cuba, Bond meets Paloma (Ana de Armas), a CIA agent assisting with the mission. Together, they infiltrate a Spectre gathering to rescue Obruchev. However, Blofeld utilizes a high-tech surveillance system to target Bond with a deadly nanobot mist, which, due to Obruchev’s last-minute intervention, ends up killing the Spectre members instead. After capturing Obruchev, Bond discovers that Ash is a double agent working for Safin, leading to a dramatic confrontation that results in Leiter’s death.
Upon returning to MI6, Bond is determined to confront Blofeld, who reveals that he had orchestrated events to frame Madeleine. Bond, interacting with her at Blofeld’s cell, inadvertently infects himself with nanobots. In a fit of rage, he attacks Blofeld, which results in the villain’s demise. Bond then tracks Madeleine to her childhood home in Norway, where he learns of their daughter, Mathilde ([Lisa-Dorah Sonnet]), and faces deeper revelations about their past.
While trying to rescue Madeleine and Mathilde from Safin’s clutches, Bond and Nomi infiltrate his aerospace fortress, where he plans to mass-produce the deadly Heracles technology. In a tense showdown, Bond is ultimately put in a position where he must surrender to Safin to protect Mathilde, but seizing an opening, he battles back against Safin’s forces.
Despite Nomi’s efforts and the destruction of the lab, Safin manages to use his newfound leverage over Bond, injecting him with nanobots programmed to kill his loved ones. In the climax, as the island is set to be destroyed, Bond has a final heartfelt conversation with Madeleine, affirming his love and confirming Mathilde’s true lineage.
As the missiles strike, obliterating the complex, Bond’s courageous stand comes to a tragic end, leaving a legacy that deeply impacts those who knew him. In a poignant closing scene, M, Moneypenny (Naomie Harris), Q (Ben Whishaw), and Tanner (Rory Kinnear) gather to toast Bond’s memory, while Madeleine prepares to share his story with Mathilde.
Follow the complete movie timeline of No Time to Die (2021) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Madeleine's Childhood Trauma
As a child, Madeleine Swann witnesses the brutal murder of her mother by the terrorist Lyutsifer Safin, who is seeking revenge against her father, Mr. White. This traumatic event deeply impacts her life and shapes her future.
Failed Attempt on Safin
In a desperate act of self-defense, young Madeleine shoots at Safin, but he survives the attack. Following this, she escapes onto a frozen lake, where she unexpectedly falls through the ice.
Saved by the Enemy
While sinking into the icy waters, Madeleine is unexpectedly rescued by Safin, creating a complicated and chilling connection between them. This encounter leaves a lasting imprint on both of their lives.
Bond's Reunion with Madeleine
Fast forward to the present, Bond and Madeleine meet in Matera while Bond is on a mission. However, their moment is cut short when the pair is ambushed by Spectre assassins, revealing the danger that surrounds them.
Trust Issues Arise
After narrowly escaping from the Spectre ambush, Bond becomes increasingly suspicious of Madeleine, believing she may have betrayed him. This suspicion leads him to break off their relationship by sending her away on a train.
MI6 Scientist Abducted
Five years later, Spectre agents abduct MI6 scientist Valdo Obruchev, who is coerced into stealing a vial containing dangerous research linked to Project Heracles. This dire situation is part of a larger sinister plot.
Bond's Call to Action
After learning about Obruchev's predicament from his successor, MI6 agent Nomi, Bond is drawn back into action. Realizing the potential catastrophe posed by the bio-weapon being developed, he agrees to assist in finding Obruchev.
Infiltration in Cuba
In Cuba, Bond teams up with CIA agent Paloma to infiltrate a Spectre gathering where they suspect Obruchev is being held. Their mission becomes increasingly dangerous as they navigate through a web of lies and deception.
Double Agent Revealed
During the infiltration, Bond discovers that Logan Ash, a CIA agent he trusted, is actually a double agent working for Safin. This revelation leads to a dramatic confrontation, culminating in the tragic death of Felix Leiter.
Blofeld's Manipulation
Upon returning to MI6, Bond confronts Blofeld, who reveals that he has framed Madeleine for his own purposes. In an act of rage, Bond accidentally infects himself with nanobots while in Blofeld's presence.
Discovering Mathilde
Bond tracks down Madeleine to her childhood home in Norway, where he learns about their daughter, Mathilde. This revelation forces Bond to reassess his priorities as he grapples with the implications of fatherhood.
Infiltrating Safin's Fortress
In a desperate attempt to rescue Madeleine and Mathilde from Safin, Bond and Nomi infiltrate his heavily fortified aerospace facility. Tension mounts as they face numerous obstacles in their mission to stop Safin's deadly plans.
Final Confrontation with Safin
Bond finds himself in a dire situation where he must surrender to Safin to protect Mathilde. However, seizing an unexpected opportunity, he fights back against Safin's forces in a climactic battle.
The Tragic Climax
As the island is set to be destroyed, Bond shares a heartfelt final conversation with Madeleine, affirming his love and acknowledging Mathilde's lineage. This moment serves as a poignant farewell.
Legacy of Bond
With missiles striking the fortress and Bond's courageous stand reaching its tragic conclusion, his legacy profoundly impacts those he leaves behind. Moments later, M, Moneypenny, Q, and Tanner gather to toast Bond’s memory.
Explore all characters from No Time to Die (2021). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Madeleine Swann
Madeleine is a deeply layered character who grapples with her traumatic past and the legacy of her father's enemies. A psychotherapist by profession, her intelligence and emotional strength shine through, especially in her complicated relationship with Bond. Despite the danger surrounding her, she shows resilience and determination to protect her family.
Lyutsifer Safin
Safin is the film's primary antagonist, driven by a thirst for vengeance against those who wronged him and Madeleine's family. His strategic mind and ruthlessness make him a formidable foe for Bond. With a chilling calmness, he orchestrates complex plans that showcase his manipulative nature and underlying motivations.
James Bond
James Bond is a seasoned agent grappling with the ramifications of his past relationships and the weight of his role as a spy. He displays both vulnerability and determination as he navigates a world filled with deception and danger. His character arc emphasizes love, loss, and the struggle to protect those he cares for.
Valdo Obruchev
Valdo is an MI6 scientist caught in a malevolent web of espionage, forced to comply with the demands of Spectre. His knowledge is pivotal to the development of the deadly bio-weapon, showcasing the moral dilemmas faced by those in the field of science when politics and power come into play.
Felix Leiter
Felix Leiter is a CIA operative and Bond's trusted friend who calls upon him for help. His character embodies loyalty and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of international alliances in espionage. His tragic fate serves as a poignant reminder of the stakes involved in their line of work.
Learn where and when No Time to Die (2021) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
Present Day, Five Years Later
The events unfold in the present day, indicative of contemporary issues surrounding bio-warfare and personal betrayal. The narrative also jumps five years ahead, emphasizing the passage of time and the evolving dynamics between characters, especially between Bond and Madeleine.
Location
Matera, Jamaica, Cuba, Norway
Matera is an ancient city in Italy known for its cave dwellings and rich history, serving as a backdrop for dramatic moments between Bond and Madeleine. Jamaica is a picturesque island where Bond retires, only to be pulled back into action. Cuba plays a pivotal role as the site of clandestine operations involving the CIA and Spectre. Norway represents Madeleine's childhood memories and serves as the setting for crucial revelations about her past.
Discover the main themes in No Time to Die (2021). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Betrayal
Betrayal is a central theme as multiple characters navigate trust issues, particularly between Bond and Madeleine. Their relationship is strained by past traumas and the manipulations of villains, leading to heartbreaking choices. This theme emphasizes the emotional toll that espionage takes on personal relationships.
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Bio-Warfare
The film explores the theme of bio-warfare through Project Heracles, a deadly technology that uses nanobots to target individuals based on their DNA. This innovation raises ethical concerns and showcases the potential for catastrophic consequences in the wrong hands. The theme is a cautionary tale about scientific advancement without moral responsibility.
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Legacy
Legacy permeates the storyline as Bond grapples with his past and the impact of his actions on future generations. The film culminates in a poignant message about love and sacrifice, culminating in Bond's ultimate decision to protect his family, thereby leaving a lasting legacy that shapes those who remain.

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Unravel the ending of No Time to Die (2021) with our detailed explanation. Understand the final scenes, character fates, and unresolved questions.
In the final moments of No Time to Die, James Bond sacrifices himself to ensure the destruction of the bioweapon, Heracles, and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. After confronting Lyutsifer Safin on Poison Island, Bond is poisoned with the nanobots of Heracles, which threaten to kill him if he comes into direct contact with Madeleine or their daughter, Mathilde. Despite the danger, Bond manages to open the missile silos and order an airstrike, which ultimately destroys the island and Safin’s operation. However, the nanobots in Bond’s bloodstream make it impossible for him to survive the explosion, as they would kill anyone he cares about if they touch him.
In the aftermath, Bond’s sacrifice is seen as a tragic hero’s finale—his act ensures the safety of the world at the cost of his own life. The explosion becomes his final act, symbolically sealing his story as a self-sacrificing figure who gave everything to protect others. Madeleine, carrying the memory of Bond, returns with their daughter Mathilde, and in a quiet moment, she recites a story about a man named Bond, James Bond, passing on his legacy. The ending leaves us with a sense of bittersweet resolution, honoring Bond’s enduring heroism and his ultimate sacrifice for love and duty.
Discover the spoiler-free summary of No Time to Die (2021). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In the sun‑drenched calm of a Jamaican hideaway, James Bond has finally slipped out of the perpetual danger that defined his career. The tranquil rhythm of island life—swaying palms, distant surf, and quiet evenings—offers a rare glimpse of peace for a man whose name has long been synonymous with high‑stakes intrigue. Yet the very solitude that he has cultivated feels fragile, a delicate balance that could be shattered at any moment.
That moment arrives when an old ally, Felix Leiter, reappears on Bond’s doorstep, his demeanor a mixture of urgency and familiarity. Their long‑standing friendship, forged in the fires of countless covert operations, now summons Bond back into a world he thought he’d left behind. The call to action is simple on its surface but carries the weight of countless unspoken debts and shared history, pulling Bond away from his modest reprieve.
The new assignment centers on rescuing a captured scientist whose expertise threatens to tip the scales of global stability. Though details are sparse, the mission hints at a looming confrontation with a formidable adversary wielding advanced technology capable of reshaping the balance of power. As Bond is drawn into this perilous pursuit, the shadows of past missions and lost loved ones begin to surface, reminding him that the line between personal redemption and professional duty is thin and often blurred.
Against a backdrop of gleaming modernity and timeless espionage, the film promises the sleek, pulse‑pounding style that defines Bond’s legacy while delving into the quieter, more introspective side of a legend confronting his own history. The tone balances sleek gadgetry and high‑octane action with a lingering melancholy, inviting audiences to wonder whether a man built for danger can ever truly find peace—or if his past will always be the most dangerous mission of all.
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