Directed by
Mark Steven Johnson
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Daredevil (2003). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Matt Murdock, portrayed by Ben Affleck, is a visually impaired attorney navigating the tough landscape of New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen. Alongside his supportive best friend, Franklin “Foggy” Nelson, Matt runs a law firm dedicated to helping the vulnerable citizens of the area. Matt’s blindness is the result of a childhood accident caused by a toxic waste spill while he was returning home from school. This incident not only took his sight but also heightened his remaining senses, granting him a unique sonar ability that lets him “see” through sound vibrations.
Haunted by the guilt from his father’s tragic circumstances—Jack “The Devil” Murdock, a former boxer turned enforcer who met his end after refusing to throw a fight for a mobster—Matt takes on the vigilante persona of “Daredevil,” swearing to rid his neighborhood of crime.
As his tale unfolds, Matt encounters Elektra Natchios, played by Jennifer Garner, the daughter of businessman Nikolas Natchios, who is entangled with the powerful and ruthless Kingpin, Wilson Fisk, brought to life by Michael Clarke Duncan. When Nikolas attempts to sever ties with Fisk, the crime lord sends the lethal hitman Bullseye, performed by Colin Farrell, after him. Amidst this rising turmoil, a heartfelt bond develops between Matt and Elektra, blossoming into romance, although Matt conceals his secret life as a crime-fighter from her.
Their connection deepens on a rooftop adorned with an enchanting view of the city, where Matt inquires about Elektra’s necklace, opting for an exchange written in Braille rather than English. As he takes on cases for the defenseless in Hell’s Kitchen, he begins to recognize the underlying corruption perpetrated by wealthy criminals under the Kingpin’s protection. A fateful party invites trouble, as Kingpin sends a private threat to Nikolas, who, with Elektra, barely escapes before being pursued by Bullseye.
In a devastating turn of events, Matt attempts to intervene, but Bullseye’s ruthless precision results in Nikolas’s death, framing Matt as the culprit. Elektra, witnessing only Daredevil at the scene, swears vengeance. Meanwhile, journalist Ben Urich uncovers Matt’s secret identity. Forewarned that Bullseye is targeting Elektra next, Matt embarks on a quest to protect her.
However, Elektra, armed with her own martial arts skills, seeks to confront Bullseye herself. In a heart-wrenching confrontation, she learns Matt’s true identity but ultimately falls victim to Bullseye’s overpowering might. After sustaining injuries, Matt finds refuge in a church, where Father Everett, his confidant who knows his dual identity, tends to him.
Once he manages to recover, a showdown with Bullseye ensues in the church. As Bullseye discovers that loud noises intensify Matt’s vulnerability, he readies a brutal attack. Yet, in a twist of fate, Matt utilizes his enhanced senses to dodge a bullet aimed at him and redirect Bullseye’s own weapon against him. After a climactic battle, Matt confronts Fisk in his office. The Kingpin proves to be a formidable foe, leveraging his sheer physicality. Yet, fueled by his rage over the lost loved ones and the injustice they faced, Matt taps into his strength and confronts Fisk, ultimately opting to hand him over to the authorities rather than taking revenge.
In the aftermath, Matt grapples with his heartache from losing Elektra while finding solace in the possibility that she may still be alive. The discovery of a necklace resembling one belonging to Elektra’s mother, inscribed in Braille, ignites a flicker of hope. A final meeting with Urich provides reassurance that his secret will remain protected, allowing Matt to continue his fight for justice without fear of exposure.
As the credits roll, a mid-credits scene reveals Bullseye—bandaged and sequestered in a prison hospital—still possessing his deadly accuracy as he effortlessly impales a fly with a syringe, hinting that his lethal skills remain undiminished.
Follow the complete movie timeline of Daredevil (2003) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Childhood Accident
Matt Murdock's life takes a critical turn during a childhood accident. A toxic waste spill blinds him, but the incident heightens his other senses, granting him a unique sonar ability.
Starting the Law Firm
As an adult, Matt teams up with his best friend Franklin 'Foggy' Nelson to establish a law firm. Their mission is to provide legal help to the vulnerable citizens of Hell's Kitchen, navigating the challenges of their tough neighborhood.
Becoming Daredevil
Haunted by his father's tragic death and inspired by his past, Matt adopts the vigilante persona of 'Daredevil.' He vows to rid his neighborhood of crime, fighting against the oppressive forces in Hell's Kitchen.
Meeting Elektra
Matt encounters Elektra Natchios, the daughter of businessman Nikolas Natchios. Their initial meeting develops into a passionate romance, although Matt keeps his identity as Daredevil a secret from her.
Kingpin's Threat
As Nikolas attempts to distance himself from the ruthless Kingpin, Wilson Fisk, trouble brews. The crime lord dispatches the lethal hitman Bullseye to eliminate him, marking the beginning of a perilous conflict.
Night of the Party
A pivotal party serves as a setting for escalating tensions between Fisk and Nikolas. Unknown to them, Bullseye is lurking in the shadows, ready to follow through on his deadly assignment.
Nikolas's Death
In a devastating encounter, Bullseye succeeds in killing Nikolas, framing Matt as the perpetrator of the crime. Elektra, enraged and grieving, is led to believe that Daredevil is responsible for her father's death.
Elektra's Vengeance
As Matt learns of Bullseye’s intentions to target Elektra next, he races to protect her. However, Elektra, armed with her own skills, is determined to confront Bullseye herself, setting the stage for a tragic conflict.
Confrontation with Bullseye
In a heart-wrenching encounter, Elektra discovers Matt’s secret identity just before facing Bullseye. Despite her bravery, she becomes a victim of his ruthlessness, leaving Matt devastated.
Father Everett's Aid
After sustaining injuries, Matt finds refuge in a church, where Father Everett offers him support. Their bond provides Matt the strength he needs to recuperate and prepare for the inevitable showdown.
Showdown in the Church
A climactic battle unfolds between Matt and Bullseye in the church. Drawing on his enhanced senses, Matt brilliantly evades Bullseye's attack and turns the weapon against him, showcasing his resilience.
Confronting Kingpin
Matt's confrontation with Kingpin takes place in the crime lord's office. Fueled by rage and sorrow over his lost loved ones, he refuses to take vengeance, choosing to deliver Fisk to the authorities instead.
Aftermath and Reflection
In the wake of his battles, Matt reflects on his losses, particularly Elektra. He clings to a glimmer of hope upon discovering a necklace resembling one belonging to Elektra’s mother, inscribed in Braille.
Meeting with Ben Urich
A final meeting with journalist Ben Urich reassures Matt that his secret identity will be protected. This understanding allows Matt to continue his fight for justice freely and without fear.
Mid-Credits Scene
As the credits roll, a mid-credits scene reveals Bullseye in a prison hospital. Despite his injuries, he demonstrates his lethal accuracy by effortlessly impaling a fly, hinting that he may still pose a threat.
Explore all characters from Daredevil (2003). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Matt Murdock / Daredevil (Ben Affleck)
As a visually impaired attorney, Matt Murdock exhibits immense resilience and intelligence, showcasing his strong moral compass as he advocates for justice. His dual life as Daredevil allows him to confront the very threats plaguing his neighborhood, yet he struggles with guilt and loss, especially related to his past and the people he loves.
Elektra Natchios (Jennifer Garner)
Elektra is a skilled fighter and the daughter of a businessman, embodying strength and independence. Her journey intertwines with Matt's as their romance develops amidst the backdrop of crime and danger. Ultimately, her quest for vengeance and her relationship with Matt further complicate her character's motivations.
Kingpin (Wilson Fisk) (Michael Clarke Duncan)
Kingpin stands as a formidable antagonist, showcasing ruthlessness and strategic genius in his quest for power. A crime lord with a complex history, he represents the darker side of wealth and control. His antagonism drives the conflict in the story, directly affecting Matt and Elektra's lives.
Bullseye (Colin Farrell)
Bullseye is portrayed as a lethal hitman with an unparalleled skill for precision; his character embodies chaos and danger. As the primary antagonist, he presents a significant threat to Matt and Elektra, adding tension and urgency to the narrative. His relentless pursuit of his targets showcases his cold-blooded nature.
Learn where and when Daredevil (2003) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Location
Hell's Kitchen, New York City
Hell's Kitchen is a vibrant neighborhood located on the west side of Midtown Manhattan, known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and contemporary artistic scene. It has undergone significant transformation over the years, evolving from a gritty area filled with crime to a hotspot for restaurants, theaters, and nightlife.
Discover the main themes in Daredevil (2003). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Justice
The theme of justice permeates throughout the movie as Matt Murdock struggles with his dual identity as both a lawyer and a vigilante. Determined to protect the vulnerable citizens of Hell's Kitchen, he embodies a moral crusade against crime, grappling with the legal and ethical implications of his actions. His journey highlights the fine line between law and vigilantism.
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Love and Loss
Matt's romantic relationship with Elektra showcases the theme of love intertwined with tragedy. Their bond deepens amidst chaos and danger, only to be shattered by loss and betrayal. This emotional turmoil drives Matt's character development, forcing him to confront both his feelings for Elektra and the consequences of his secret life.
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