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In the Name Of (2013) Plot Summary & Timeline

In the Name Of (2013) movie poster

In the Name Of is a 2013 drama and thriller film directed by Malgorzata Szumowska, running 1 hour 42 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 476 words (about 2 minutes to read) and covers 14 key events in order, 4 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for In the Name Of.

to read the plot summary
2 min
key events in the timeline
14
characters profiled
4
themes explained
3
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In the Name Of (2013) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 42m
Genres
Drama, Thriller
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is In the Name Of About?

The premise of In the Name Of in 338 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the quiet folds of the Polish countryside, a modest parish clings to the rhythm of seasons and the steady hum of daily devotion. The village is a patchwork of weather‑worn cottages, fields that stretch toward the horizon, and a modest church that serves as both sanctuary and community hub. Within its stone walls, a small group of troubled teenagers finds a fragile refuge, their restless energies tempered by the routine of prayers, chores, and the gentle guidance of the local clergy.

At the heart of this world is Father Adam, a priest whose life is defined by an unwavering commitment to service. He moves through his days with a calm precision, tending to the spiritual needs of his flock while shouldering the quiet burdens of his own concealed longings. His devotion is palpable, yet beneath the surface lies a tension between the vows he has taken and a yearning that he has learned to keep hidden, a conflict that colors every interaction and decision he makes.

The arrival of Lukasz, a mysterious newcomer, unsettles the careful balance that Adam has cultivated. With an air of quiet intrigue, Lukasz brings with him questions that echo in the corridors of the church and stir the dormant doubts within the priest’s heart. Their paths intersect in a way that forces Adam to confront the fissures between his spiritual calling and the personal desires he has long suppressed, setting the stage for a deeply introspective journey.

The film unfolds with a tone that is both reverent and haunting, blending the solemn beauty of rural life with an undercurrent of emotional turbulence. Its atmosphere is drenched in muted colors and soft light, mirroring the internal shadows of its characters. As the story advances, the audience is invited to linger on the subtle gestures, the lingering glances, and the unspoken words that suggest a profound struggle between faith, identity, and the yearning for connection—leaving viewers eager to see how the priest’s inner world will be reshaped by the presence of the enigmatic stranger.

Full plot

What Happens in In the Name Of?

The complete story of In the Name Of, from the first scene to the last, in 476 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

Hazen Kaine, portrayed by Dominic Purcell, is a cold-hearted assassin ready to leave his life of crime behind. He takes on one final assignment involving a European royal family, tasked with kidnapping the two daughters. After successfully completing this mission, he finds the girls locked in a connex box. Upon closer inspection, he notices one of them wearing a charm necklace that closely resembles a tattoo he bears himself. As he takes the charm from the young girl, it unexpectedly opens a portal to the Middle Ages, leading him to the enchanted Kingdom of Ehb.

Once he arrives, Hazen quickly gathers his wits and sees that a nearby village is under siege from a terrifying, fire-breathing dragon. Reacting swiftly, he rushes to aid the villagers, but soon attracts the dragon’s attention. As it bears down upon him, two courageous sisters, Arabella and Emeline, invite him into their home for refuge. It’s here that they introduce him to their shaman, who informs Hazen that he has been chosen to restore balance and bring order back to the troubled kingdom.

Realizing the depth of the chaos, Hazen recognizes that he must confront the malevolent King Tervon, played by Marian Valev, who has usurped control over the Kingdom of Ehb. Alongside the sisters, he rallies an army to march against Tervon’s stronghold, only to find themselves ambushed by the king’s relentless forces. Engaging in an intense battle, Hazen faces Tervon in a climactic duel, where he triumphantly defeats the tyrant. However, Hazen learns that the dragon’s previous attack was orchestrated by Tervon himself, who attempts to flee after his defeat.

With Tervon vanquished, Hazen is now tasked with protecting good against the remnants of evil, including the formidable dragon. Together with Arabella, he finally storms Tervon’s castle and, through sheer strength and valor, he kills the king with alarming ease. Realizing his responsibilities, Arabella urges Hazen to rescue the girls he had previously imprisoned. He travels back to the 21st century, but the dragon, now free from Tervon’s control, follows him through the portal, threatening his life anew.

Amidst the chaos, Hazen encounters the very men who initially hired him, who are now intent on eliminating him as well. In a gripping confrontation, he fights to save the girls while battling the remaining henchmen. During this tumultuous escape, one henchman meets a grim fate as the dragon swoops down and carries him away to an unknown destination. With determination and courage, Hazen safely returns the girls to their family, and their father graciously allows him to leave without harm. In a poignant farewell, Hazen expresses his gratitude before walking away, leaving behind a legacy of bravery.

In the film’s closing scene, a majestic sight unfolds as the dragon is seen soaring through the sky, a reminder of the extraordinary journey Hazen embarked upon and the adventures that lie ahead.

Timeline

In the Name Of Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

14 key events in the order they happen, from “Hazen Kaine's Last Assignment” to “The Dragon's Flight”. 4 events name a place, across 3 locations.

  1. 1

    Hazen Kaine's Last Assignment

    Hazen Kaine, a cold-hearted assassin, takes on a final assignment that involves kidnapping the two daughters of a European royal family. This decision marks the end of his criminal life, but it quickly leads him into a much larger adventure.

  2. 2

    Discovery of the Portal

    After successfully kidnapping the girls, Hazen finds them imprisoned in a connex box. When he notices one girl wearing a charm necklace that resembles his tattoo, he takes it, inadvertently opening a portal to the Middle Ages.

  3. 3

    Arrival in the Kingdom of Ehb

    Hazen arrives in the enchanted Kingdom of Ehb, where he witnesses a village under siege by a fire-breathing dragon. This encounter sets the stage for Hazen's unexpected role in the kingdom's fate.

    Where:Kingdom of Ehb

  4. 4

    Meeting the Brave Sisters

    Hazen seeks refuge in the home of two courageous sisters, Arabella and Emeline, who introduce him to a shaman. The shaman reveals that Hazen has been chosen to restore order in the kingdom plagued by chaos.

  5. 5

    Confronting King Tervon

    Realizing the extent of the turmoil, Hazen prepares to confront King Tervon, the tyrant ruler of the Kingdom of Ehb. With the support of the sisters, he gathers an army to challenge Tervon's reign.

    Where:Kingdom of Ehb

  6. 6

    The Intense Battle

    As Hazen leads his newly formed army, they are ambushed by the relentless forces of King Tervon. This battle showcases Hazen's resolve and the kingdom's desperate fight against tyranny.

    Where:Near Tervon's stronghold

  7. 7

    Duel with the Tyrant

    In a climactic showdown, Hazen faces King Tervon in a fierce duel. Ultimately, Hazen triumphs, defeating the king, but learns that the earlier dragon attack was part of Tervon's malevolent schemes.

  8. 8

    Elimination of the Dragon

    With Tervon defeated, Hazen teams up with Arabella to storm Tervon's castle. In a display of immense bravery, they successfully eliminate the dragon that had been under Tervon's command.

    Where:Tervon's castle

  9. 9

    Returning to the Present

    After securing the kingdom, Hazen decides to rescue the two girls he had kidnapped. He travels back to the 21st century, but the freed dragon follows him through the portal, creating new threats.

  10. 10

    Confrontation with the Employing Men

    Upon returning, Hazen encounters the men who initially hired him, who have now turned against him and wish to eliminate him. He finds himself in a desperate battle to protect the royal daughters and fend off his former employers.

Show the other 4 events of In the Name Of
  1. 11

    A Grim Fate for a Henchman

    During the chaotic escape, Hazen witnesses one of the henchmen being snatched away by the dragon, sealing off his fate in a moment of unexpected terror. This adds to the urgency of Hazen's plight.

  2. 12

    Successful Return of the Girls

    With determination and courage, Hazen safely returns the royal daughters to their family. The grateful father allows Hazen to leave in peace, recognizing his bravery and the tumultuous journey he has undergone.

  3. 13

    A Poignant Farewell

    In a heartfelt farewell, Hazen expresses his gratitude to the family for their understanding. This moment solidifies his departure from a life of crime and his transformation into a hero.

  4. 14

    The Dragon's Flight

    In the film's closing scene, the dragon soars majestically through the sky, serving as a powerful reminder of Hazen's extraordinary adventure. It symbolizes the bond formed and the adventures that await in the future.

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in In the Name Of?

4 characters, among them Hazen Kaine (Dominic Purcell), Arabella (Ralitsa Paskaleva) and Emeline (Daria Simeonova): who each one is and the part they play in the story.

  • HK

    Hazen Kaine (Dominic Purcell)

    Hazen Kaine is a complex character who evolves from a ruthless assassin to a reluctant hero. Initially driven by self-interest, his journey through the Kingdom of Ehb forces him to confront his past and embrace his destiny. He embodies toughness and resilience, ultimately dedicating himself to protecting the innocent.

    • 🗡️ Assassin
    • 👑 Hero
    • 🦸‍♂️ Protector
  • A(

    Arabella (Ralitsa Paskaleva)

    Arabella is one of the courageous sisters who provides refuge to Hazen. Her bravery and commitment to her village shine through, as she actively participates in the fight against tyranny. Arabella serves as a guiding force for Hazen, urging him to take on the responsibilities of a true hero.

    • 👧 Sister
    • ⚔️ Brave
    • 🌟 Leader
  • E(

    Emeline (Daria Simeonova)

    Emeline, the other sister, complements Arabella's bravery with her own unique strengths. She plays a crucial role in rallying the villagers and standing against King Tervon's forces. Emeline's determination and loyalty make her an integral part of Hazen's journey in restoring peace to their kingdom.

    • 👧 Sister
    • 🦸‍♀️ Fighter
    • 🌈 Hope
  • KT

    King Tervon (Marian Valev)

    King Tervon is the primary antagonist, a tyrant who usurps control over the Kingdom of Ehb. His ruthless and cunning nature poses a significant threat to the villagers. Tervon's ambition drives the conflict, ultimately leading to his downfall at the hands of Hazen.

    • 👑 Tyrant
    • ⚔️ Antagonist
    • 👤 Cunning
Setting

Where and When Is In the Name Of Set?

In the Name Of is set in Kingdom of Ehb, a nearby village and 21st century Europe (Middle Ages, 21st century). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.

When

Middle Ages, 21st century

The movie traverses between the chaotic Middle Ages, where knights and sorcery reign, and the contemporary 21st century. During the Middle Ages, kingdoms struggled with tyrants and threats from mythical creatures, while the modern era reflects a blend of crime and the complexities of royal family dynamics.

Where

Kingdom of Ehb, a nearby village, 21st century Europe

The Kingdom of Ehb is an enchanted land under siege, known for its fierce dragons and brave inhabitants. The nearby village offers refuge to those in need, contrasted by the grim realities of life in a modern European setting. This juxtaposition highlights both the magical and contemporary elements of the story.

  • 🏰 Kingdom
  • 🌌 Fantasy
  • 🏙️ Modern
Themes

What Are the Themes of In the Name Of?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Bravery, Redemption and Fantasy.

  1. 01

    Bravery

    The theme of bravery permeates the narrative as Hazen Kaine confronts both physical and moral challenges. His journey from a cold-hearted assassin to a hero symbolizes the profound change one can undergo when faced with overwhelming odds. The courage displayed by the sisters and the villagers echoes the resilience required to overcome tyranny.

  2. 02

    Redemption

    Hazen's quest for redemption is central to the story as he transitions from his life of crime to a heroic savior. By defeating the malevolent King Tervon and rescuing the girls, he seeks to balance the scales of justice in both worlds. This theme emphasizes the importance of choices and the ability to change one's fate.

  3. 03

    Fantasy

    The film embraces fantasy elements with the presence of dragons, enchanted kingdoms, and a magical portal. These fantastical aspects add layers of adventure and intrigue, inviting viewers into a world where imagination knows no bounds. The clash between the medieval kingdom and modern-day realities creates a unique narrative landscape.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is In the Name Of?

Tense in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Tense
Pacing
Fast
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
High
Ending
Happy

A fast-paced, high-stakes action thriller that follows a conflicted assassin on a dangerous journey through time, blending modern crime with medieval fantasy in a tense and heroic battle against evil.

  • tense
  • action-packed
  • high-stakes
  • heroic
  • adventurous
  • dangerous
  • time travel
  • assassin redemption
  • medieval fantasy
  • rescue mission

Content notes: kidnapping, dragon attack, battle violence.

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FAQ

In the Name Of Plot Questions

5 quick answers about In the Name Of, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is In the Name Of about?

In the quiet folds of the Polish countryside, a modest parish clings to the rhythm of seasons and the steady hum of daily devotion. The village is a patchwork of weather‑worn cottages, fields that stretch toward the horizon, and a modest church that serves as both sanctuary and community hub.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does In the Name Of take place?

In the Name Of is set in Kingdom of Ehb, a nearby village and 21st century Europe (Middle Ages, 21st century). The movie traverses between the chaotic Middle Ages, where knights and sorcery reign, and the contemporary 21st century.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in In the Name Of?

The story follows Hazen Kaine (Dominic Purcell), Arabella (Ralitsa Paskaleva), Emeline (Daria Simeonova) and King Tervon (Marian Valev).

All the characters

What are the main themes of In the Name Of?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Bravery, Redemption and Fantasy.

The themes explained

Who directed In the Name Of?

In the Name Of (2013) was directed by Malgorzata Szumowska and runs 1 hour 42 minutes.

Malgorzata Szumowska’s films

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