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Midnight Sun

Midnight Sun 2025

Runtime

109 mins

Language

Korean

Korean

Directed by

Kim Sang-ho

Kim Sang-ho

Made by

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Midnight Sun Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Midnight Sun (2025). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


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In this engaging action-comedy, we follow the story of Jack Walsh, a seasoned bounty hunter tasked with a challenging mission. He is hired by Eddie Moscone, a bail bondsman, to locate and return an elusive accountant named Jonathan Mardukas. The reason for this pursuit is that Mardukas, a former accountant, has stolen $15 million from a ruthless Chicago mob boss, Jimmy Serrano. Instead of fleeing with the stolen money, Mardukas made a surprising decision to donate it to charity—an act that enraged Serrano. This act of defiance led Serrano to label him as a marked man, which is why Moscone’s bail was posted for Mardukas, and why Walsh must bring him back to Los Angeles within a strict five-day window.

Walsh, eager for the $100,000 fee, requests a hefty payment despite Moscone’s insistence that the job is straightforward—a “midnight run” to capture Mardukas. Things quickly become complicated when Walsh is approached by FBI Special Agent Alonzo Mosely, a determined investigator who seeks Mardukas’s cooperation as a key witness against Serrano. Mosely orders Walsh to steer clear of Mardukas, but Walsh chooses to ignore these instructions. He even steals Mosely’s ID to impersonate an FBI agent, using it to aid his mission. Despite warnings, Walsh finds himself tangled in a web of danger and deception, especially when Serrano’s violent henchmen offer Walsh $1 million to hand over Mardukas, an offer Walsh politely declines.

The pursuit kicks off in New York City, where Walsh successfully apprehends Mardukas, but not before their journey is marred by mistrust and danger. During a phone call with Moscone from the airport, Walsh remains unaware that his line is being bugged by the FBI, and that his assistant Jerry is secretly passing information to Serrano’s men. Mardukas confesses his fear of flying; Walsh dismisses it until they are forced onto a plane, where Mardukas feigns a panic attack to avoid flying, leading them to seek alternative routes.

As time passes, Walsh and Mardukas fail to reach Los Angeles on schedule, prompting Moscone to send another bounty hunter, Marvin Dorfler, a rival with a reputation for being ruthless. Dorfler quickly locates the pair in Pittsburgh and attempts to seize Mardukas, but Walsh, aware of the threat, manages to evade him by leaving the train with Mardukas. Their escape isn’t smooth; Walsh’s credit card gets canceled by Dorfler, stripping him of funds. With limited options, Walsh resorts to a series of unconventional methods, including stealing cars, taking buses in Ohio, and hitchhiking across Texas, all while evading relentless pursuers.

Meanwhile, Alonzo Mosely orchestrates a nationwide manhunt alongside a task force to track down Walsh and Mardukas. During their journey, Walsh opens up about his past, revealing that a decade earlier he worked as an undercover cop in Chicago, trying to take down an influential drug dealer. Just when Walsh was close to exposing the dealer, corrupt officers in the department planted heroin in his home, forcing him to choose resignation over imprisonment or working for the criminal empire. This drug dealer was later revealed to be none other than Serrano, tying Walsh’s past to his current predicament.

Their journey reaches Sedona, Arizona, where Dorfler unexpectedly snatches Mardukas from Walsh. This leads Walsh to confront Gwang-gil, Kyung-sun, Jung Woong-in, and others during a tense standoff. Walsh soon discovers that Dorfler’s true intent is to deliver Mardukas directly to Serrano. Using quick thinking, Walsh fabricates a story about possessing valuable computer disks with incriminating evidence against Serrano. He promises to exchange these disks for Mardukas’s safety, convincing Serrano to agree to a deal.

Walsh then strikes a risky arrangement with Moscone, promising to deliver Serrano to the FBI in exchange for Mardukas. Under the cover of a wire, Walsh meets with Serrano, aware that his every move is monitored. However, Dorfler interrupts the exchange, inadvertently revealing the location of Mardukas, which leads Serrano and his men to capture him. The FBI forces close in, surrounding Serrano’s gang and arresting them with Walsh’s clever ploy. With justice seemingly within reach, Moscone fulfills his promise and pays Walsh his bounty.

In the climax, Walsh arrives in Los Angeles and faces a moral dilemma: he cannot bear the thought of sending Mardukas back into the hands of Serrano’s violent associates. Instead, he quietly releases Mardukas and leaves him free, symbolically letting go of past betrayals. Before parting ways, Walsh gives Mardukas a watch, a personal gift from his wife, representing hope and reconciliation.

Mardukas responds by giving Walsh $300,000, explaining that it is a gift, not a payoff, as Walsh had already set him free. With a heartfelt goodbye, Mardukas departs suddenly, leaving Walsh standing in the street. The story ends with Walsh trying to hail a taxi, humorously asking if the driver has change for a $1,000 bill—but the driver, unaware of his joke, drives off. Alone and contemplative, Walsh begins the long walk home, symbolizing the end of his tumultuous journey and his quiet hope for a new beginning.


Midnight Sun Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Midnight Sun (2025) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


Enlistment of Jack Walsh

Bail bondsman Eddie Moscone hires bounty hunter Jack Walsh to find and return accountant Jonathan Mardukas, who has jumped bail after embezzling $15 million from mob boss Jimmy Serrano. The job is set to be completed within five days, with Moscone assuring Walsh that it’s an easy task, a 'midnight run.' Walsh demands a $100,000 fee for his services.

Introduction of FBI Agent Mosely

FBI Special Agent Alonzo Mosely approaches Walsh, revealing that Mardukas could serve as a witness against Serrano. Mosely warns Walsh to stay away from Mardukas, indicating the sensitive nature of the case and the official interest in Mardukas’s safety. Walsh disregards this warning, choosing his own approach.

Walsh's Deception at the Airport

Walsh impersonates an FBI agent using Mosely’s ID, which he secretly takes without permission. He calls Moscone from the airport, unaware that his lines are being tapped and that Serrano’s men are surveilling him. This deception helps Walsh evade immediate danger and continue his pursuit.

Capture of Mardukas in New York

Walsh successfully locates and captures Mardukas in New York City. He then contacts Moscone, still unaware that his conversation is being monitored by the FBI and that Serrano’s henchmen are close behind, aiming to retrieve Mardukas. This marks the start of their risky cross-country journey.

New York City

Revelation of Mardukas' Claustrophobia

Mardukas confesses his fear of flying, which Walsh initially dismisses until they board a plane. Mardukas fake panic forces the pair to travel by alternative means, complicating their escape plan. This reveals Mardukas’s vulnerability and adds tension to their journey.

Dorfler's Interception in Pittsburgh

Rival bounty hunter Marvin Dorfler locates Walsh and Mardukas in Pittsburgh and attempts to take Mardukas by force. Walsh anticipates Dorfler’s move and escapes with Mardukas, escalating the competition between the bounty hunters. Dorfler's intervention threatens their progress.

Pittsburgh

Cross-Country Escape and Hardships

Without access to funds after discovering Dorfler canceled his credit card, Walsh resorts to stealing cars, taking buses, and hitchhiking across the country from Ohio to Texas. These struggles highlight the difficulty of their journey and Walsh’s resourcefulness.

Ohio and Texas

Walsh's Past in Chicago

While alone with Mardukas, Walsh reveals his former role as an undercover police officer in Chicago and the corruption he faced. He confesses his resignation from the force to avoid prison or working for the drug dealer, Serrano, which ties his past to Mardukas’ current predicament.

Serrano's Men Capture Mardukas

In Sedona, Dorfler steals Mardukas from Walsh, and Serrano’s henchmen track them down. Walsh learns that Dorfler's actions have compromised their location, leading to a confrontation that puts Mardukas directly in Serrano’s reach.

Sedona

The Deal with Serrano

Walsh manipulates Serrano into believing he has incriminating disks that could convict him, offering an exchange for Mardukas’s safety. He strikes a deal to deliver Serrano to the FBI, attempting to save Mardukas from harm.

The Climax at the Deal

Walsh, wearing a wire, meets Serrano under FBI surveillance. Dorfler interrupts the exchange, inadvertently disabling Walsh’s wire. Serrano then seizes the disks, but the FBI quickly surrounds and arrests Serrano and his men, ending their criminal enterprise.

Arrival in Los Angeles and Mardukas’s Release

Walsh and Mardukas arrive in Los Angeles, where Walsh chooses to let Mardukas go rather than send him back to prison, fearing for his life. Walsh gives Mardukas a watch as a symbol of letting go of his past love and life.

Los Angeles

Farewell and Reflection

Mardukas gifts Walsh a money belt, emphasizing it’s a gift and not a payoff, and departs abruptly. Walsh, unable to reach his ex-wife, begins walking home, symbolizing his resignation and hope for new beginnings.

Midnight Sun Characters

Explore all characters from Midnight Sun (2025). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Jack Walsh

A tough, resourceful bounty hunter with a complicated past as a police officer. His cynical exterior hides a sense of integrity, and he is driven by a desire to do what is right, despite his rough methods. Walsh’s journey emphasizes themes of redemption and personal honor.

🧑‍✈️ Bounty Hunter 💪 Resilient 🎯 Determined

Jonathan Mardukas

An honest and somewhat naive accountant who becomes an accidental target in a high-stakes chase. His fear of flying and moral integrity contrast with Walsh’s pragmatic approach. Mardukas symbolizes innocence caught in a corrupt world.

🧑‍💼 Accountant 😨 Anxious 📜 Honest

Eddie Moscone

A bail bondsman who enlists Walsh for a seemingly simple job. His role reflects the transactional nature of the justice system and the high stakes involved in bail bonds. Moscone’s character underscores the theme of money influencing justice.

💰 Bailsman 💼 Practical 💸 Corruptible

FBI Agent Alonzo Mosely

A by-the-book FBI agent who sees Walsh as a loose cannon. His pursuit of justice is driven mainly by protocol, and he often clashes with Walsh’s unorthodox methods. He represents official law enforcement’s rigid moral code.

👮‍♂️ FBI 📏 Strict 🚓 Lawful

Midnight Sun Settings

Learn where and when Midnight Sun (2025) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

1980s

Set in the 1980s, the film reflects the era's technological and cultural context. This period is characterized by a pre-digital age, where communication and transportation rely heavily on conventional methods like cars and landlines. The 1980s backdrop influences the story's tone, fashion, and social environment, reinforcing the gritty, action-packed atmosphere.

Location

United States

The movie takes place across various locations in the United States, mainly focusing on major cities like New York, Pittsburgh, and Los Angeles. These urban environments are critical for the plot's development, showcasing diverse cityscapes and regional characteristics. The setting reflects the bustling, fast-paced nature of American city life, supporting the chase and escape theme.

🌎 America 🏙️ Urban 🌁 Cityscape

Midnight Sun Themes

Discover the main themes in Midnight Sun (2025). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


🔗

Redemption

The movie explores the theme of redemption through Jack Walsh’s journey. His past failures as a police officer weigh on him, but his commitment to helping Mardukas and doing what’s right suggests a quest for moral redemption. This theme underscores the possibility of personal growth amidst chaos and dishonesty.

🎭

Morality

Morality plays a central role, contrasting Walsh's unconventional methods with the more rigid principles of law enforcement. The film questions what is just and highlights the gray areas in justice, especially as Walsh chooses to let Mardukas go rather than imprison him to protect his life, emphasizing personal morality over strict law.

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Midnight Sun Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of Midnight Sun (2025). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.


In a small coastal town where sunrise feels like a promise too dangerous to keep, the girl lives in the perpetual twilight of her own making. A rare allergy makes direct sunlight a lethal threat, so she has built a quiet world of dim rooms, late‑night walks, and whispered playlists that echo against her bedroom walls. The film’s tone is intimate and lyrical, painting each shadowed corner with a softness that mirrors her cautious existence while hinting at the yearning that lingers just beyond the curtains.

One evening, drawn by the gentle glow of a streetlamp, she steps outside with her guitar cradled against her chest, the instrument becoming both shield and voice. There, under a sky bruised with the first hues of night, she encounters the boy, a stranger whose presence feels unexpectedly familiar. Their conversation flickers like the soft strings she strums, weaving music and curiosity into a delicate dance. The chemistry between them is palpable, a blend of shy smiles and shared silences that suggests a romance blooming against a backdrop of secrecy.

As their connection deepens, the girl faces the unsteady balance between love and survival. She watches the boy’s world unfold in daylight‑filled moments she can never fully join, and the weight of her hidden condition presses against the intimacy they are cultivating. The narrative dwells on her internal struggle—how much of herself she can reveal before the truth threatens to unravel the fragile bond they are forming. The mood remains hopeful yet tinged with tension, inviting the audience to wonder whether the warmth of newfound love can coexist with the perpetual dusk that defines her life.

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