Directed by
Philipp Stölzl
Made by
RADiUS-TWC
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Erased (2013). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
An attack on a bank locker in Brussels, Belgium, sparks a chain of events centered around Ben Logan, portrayed by Aaron Eckhart, an ex-CIA agent trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter, Amy, played by Liana Liberato. Ben works at Halgate Securities, a company known for designing advanced security systems for elite clientele around the world. During his tenure, he uncovers a critical security vulnerability within the company’s electronic locking mechanisms. This breakthrough involves a simple household solution capable of rendering the locks useless.
In a pivotal meeting with senior directors, Ben presents his findings to emphasize the significant flaw in their security systems. He also raises a troubling point regarding the ownership of the patents related to Halgate’s technology, highlighting that the firm seems to lack legitimate claims over its own systems. His supervisor, Derek, remains unfazed and instructs Ben to keep this information under wraps while he investigates further.
As the sun sets, Ben files a comprehensive report detailing his discoveries and leaves the office. However, his return the following day reveals an unsettling situation: the entire floor of Halgate is deserted, and all evidence of the company’s existence has vanished. Accompanied by Amy, Ben races to the corporate office in Brussels, only to find no record of either of their employment. Frustrated and confused, Ben learns that he supposedly worked for a non-existent subsidiary on a product Halgate doesn’t own, and his financial records offer no evidence of past payments.
Chaos ensues as Ben is kidnapped by Floyd, an acquaintance from his Halgate days who now seems to have ulterior motives. In a desperate struggle, Ben manages to eliminate Floyd but is soon on the run, with Amy urging him to involve the authorities. The tension escalates further when Ben discovers an Antwerp locker linked to Floyd, which contains sensitive dossiers on his colleagues. The grim truth strikes him as he finds out that many of these individuals have recently turned up dead, all of whom shared a similar immigrant background with him.
Their harrowing journey continues when they face an assassin at the local morgue, resulting in Amy being injured by a gunshot. As the situation spirals, Ben reveals his former CIA affiliation. At the CIA’s European headquarters, his handler, Anna, navigates a tense situation where Floyd and the assassin were acting on behalf of the agency. To complicate matters further, Anna’s superiors suspect Ben of having lapses in judgment leading to his decommissioning six months prior.
The narrative thickens as Anna uncovers that the bank locker heist in Brussels held documents central to an ongoing investigation into Halgate by the U.S. State Department and Belgian authorities. This investigation revolves around a sunken merchant ship once owned by Halgate, embroiled in controversy due to illicit arms dealings, making Ben a suspect in the crime. Time ticks away as Anna seeks to locate Ben and clear his name.
In a twist of fate, Anna reaches out to Derek, who has unlawfully accessed the locker Ben had earlier breached. As she grapples with uncovering further twists in the plot, it becomes clear that Halgate’s legal representation is also involved in the treachery surrounding Ben. Tensions rise when it is revealed that Ben has traced the patent of the security systems back to the CIA itself, leading to deeper conspiracies.
In a desperate search for Amy after her abduction by yet another assassin, Ben delves into the evidence he collected from Derek. These pivotal papers indicate the CIA’s complicity in Halgate’s underhanded dealings, drawing Anna into conflict as she realizes how deeply entwined they are. She makes a daring move to secure Amy’s release directly from Mr. Halgate, the very man behind the corruption.
The climax of the narrative sees Ben orchestrating an explosive finale during a high-stakes exchange involving the incriminating evidence. With meticulous planning, he rigs the briefcase, leading to a devastating outcome that claims the lives of Halgate, his lawyer, and the hired assassin. Ultimately, Ben and Amy triumph against the odds and make their way back to the U.S., leaving behind a web of deceit and danger.
Follow the complete movie timeline of Erased (2013) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Bank Locker Attack
The movie begins with a dramatic bank locker attack in Brussels, Belgium. The attackers manage to steal contents from just one specific locker, setting off a chain of events that lead to a larger conspiracy involving high-stakes security and corporate espionage.
Introduction to Ben Logan
Ben Logan, an ex-CIA agent portrayed by Aaron Eckhart, works at Halgate securities in Antwerp. As he navigates his estranged relationship with his daughter Amy, he discovers an alarming security flaw in the systems designed by his company.
Presentation of Security Flaw
Ben presents his findings regarding a serious security loophole to the senior directors at Halgate. He emphasizes the danger this flaw poses and informs Derek, his supervisor, about the unsettling fact that Halgate does not own the patents to its own security systems.
Ben’s Disappearance
Upon returning to the office the next morning, Ben is shocked to find the entire floor deserted, with no trace of his company's existence. With Amy by his side, he ventures to the corporate office in Brussels to find his supervisor Derek, only to realize that both of them are untraceable within the company records.
Kidnapping by Floyd
At the bank, Ben is kidnapped by Floyd, a former colleague from Halgate. In a tense car ride, Floyd threatens their lives, but Ben fights back, ultimately managing to kill him and escape with Amy as they evade pursuing police.
Discovery at the Locker
Ben uses the keys obtained from Floyd to access the Antwerp locker. Inside, he uncovers chilling files about former Halgate employees, only to discover their bodies in the local morgue, revealing that they had all been killed, linking them together as victims of a much larger plot.
Morgue Attack
While at the morgue investigating the bodies, Ben and Amy are attacked again by an assassin. Though Ben manages to defeat the attacker, Amy suffers a gunshot wound to her shoulder, escalating the urgency of their precarious situation.
CIA Involvement Revealed
At CIA's EU Headquarters, Ben's handler Anna uncovers troubling information. Both Floyd and the assassin were considered CIA assets, and it becomes clear that Ben's past choices and actions concerning Halgate have placed him in the crosshairs of a dangerous conspiracy involving arms smuggling.
Crisis Unfolds
Ben learns that the stolen locker contained vital documents linked to an investigation into Halgate's illegal activities. The revelation that Ben has become a suspect in the case indicates the depth of the corruption within the agency, primarily influenced by interest from Halgate's internal operations.
Anna’s Confrontation
Anna confronts Halgate's lawyer about his intentions to eliminate Ben. The lawyer reveals that Ben was close to uncovering the truth and needed to be neutralized, showcasing the high-stakes corporate manipulation at play.
Tracing the Patent
Using the patent number related to the faulty security systems, Ben discovers it belongs to the CIA. This leads him to uncover Derek's alias and eventually trace his location, indicating a possible meeting point with the evidence he desperately needs.
Rescue Mission
After a series of close encounters, Ben escapes with the evidence from Derek but soon finds Amy kidnapped again. This escalates the tension as Ben races against time to save his daughter from another assassin hired by the Halgate lawyer.
Revelations in Halgate's Documents
Ben studies the documents retrieved from Derek, revealing Halgate's manipulation of CIA operations to cover up arms trafficking. The connection between Anna and Halgate is highlighted, indicating deep-seated corruption that jeopardized their lives.
The Final Exchange
In a bold move, Ben rigs the evidence briefcase with explosives for the exchange with Halgate. When the exchange occurs, he detonates the briefcase, killing Halgate, his lawyer, and his assassin, effectively dismantling the corrupt web of deceit.
Return to the US
After the explosive confrontation, Ben and Amy manage to escape back to the United States. Their return symbolizes the end of their ordeal and the justice Ben has sought for the conspiracy surrounding Halgate and its implications.
Explore all characters from Erased (2013). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Ben Logan (Aaron Eckhart)
Ben is a former CIA agent who finds himself embroiled in a conspiracy that threatens his life and that of his daughter. He is resourceful and determined, displaying strong survival instincts and a depth of character as he navigates treachery. His struggle to reconcile his past with the present challenges his moral compass.
Amy (Liana Liberato)
Amy is Ben's estranged daughter, drawn into her father's dangerous world. She embodies youth and innocence, yet shows resilience in the face of adversity. Her character development throughout the film underscores themes of family loyalty and the harsh realities of their situation.
Learn where and when Erased (2013) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
The film takes place in the modern era, reflecting current issues surrounding corporate espionage and high-tech security systems. It showcases the intersection of global politics, business corruption, and personal drama within a contemporary setting.
Location
Brussels, Antwerp
Brussels is the capital city of Belgium, known for its stunning architecture and rich history. It is also the de facto capital of the European Union, hosting numerous international organizations. Antwerp is a prominent city in Belgium known for its diamond district and vibrant cultural scene. The film's events unfold in these two cities, highlighting their role in the international intrigue surrounding corporate espionage.
Discover the main themes in Erased (2013). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Espionage
The movie explores themes of espionage and betrayal, where characters navigate a web of deceit and hidden agendas. Former CIA operative Ben Logan's struggle to protect his daughter while uncovering a conspiracy highlights the dangerous consequences of espionage. The underlying message addresses trust, loyalty, and the blurred lines between right and wrong in the world of intelligence.
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Family
At its core, the film is about the relationship between Ben and his estranged daughter Amy. Their bond is tested through intense situations, showcasing the lengths a parent will go to protect their child. The narrative underscores the importance of family ties amidst chaos and danger, emphasizing love and sacrifice as central to their survival.
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