What Is Red Notice About?
The premise of Red Notice in 263 words, with nothing given away. The full story and the ending follow below.
In the glittering world of elite crime and international law enforcement, John Hartley sits at the top of Interpol’s profiler ranks, his reputation built on razor‑sharp intuition and an unflinching dedication to catching the uncatchable. Across the globe, Nolan Booth has earned fame as a charismatic, audacious art thief whose daring escapades are as legendary as they are elusive. When a shadowy figure known only as The Bishop emerges as the world’s most wanted criminal, fate forces these two opposing forces onto a single, uneasy alliance.
The film unfolds against a backdrop of exotic locales, opulent museums, and high‑octane pursuits that blend the sleek polish of a globe‑trotting spy thriller with the roguish charm of a heist caper. A tone of witty banter and relentless momentum keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, while the stark contrast between Hartley’s methodical, rule‑bound approach and Booth’s improvisational, rule‑breaking flair fuels a constant, magnetic tension. Their partnership feels both forced and inevitable, each drawn to the other’s strengths even as their philosophies clash.
As they chase leads that whisk them from bustling cities to remote corners of the world, the stakes rise with every close‑call and narrow escape. The dynamic between Hartley’s disciplined pursuit of justice and Booth’s carefree confidence creates a rhythm that is equal parts competition and camaraderie, hinting at deeper layers beneath the surface. Together, they must navigate a dangerous game of cat and mouse, where every clue could bring them closer to The Bishop—or plunge them deeper into a world where loyalties are as fluid as the treasures they seek.
What Happens in Red Notice?
The complete story of Red Notice, from the first scene to the last, in 769 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Two millennia ago, Marcus Antonius presented Cleopatra with three jeweled eggs as a token of his unwavering devotion. Over the centuries, these treasures faded from memory until a farmer unearthed two of them in 1907, leaving the final egg shrouded in mystery. Fast forward to 2021, where Special Agent John Hartley (Dwayne Johnson), a criminal profiler for the FBI, collaborates with Inspector Urvashi Das (Ritu Arya) to probe the theft of one of these priceless eggs on display at the Museo Nazionale Di Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome. Hartley uncovers that the displayed egg is a clever forgery, realizing that the genuine artifact has been snatched away.
In a tense moment, as Das secures the exhibition room, international art thief Nolan Booth (Ryan Reynolds) manages to slip away just before the doors lock. This sets off a thrilling pursuit, where Booth skillfully evades Hartley’s grasp. Eventually escaping to his Bali residence, Booth is surprised to find Hartley, Das, and an Interpol strike team waiting for him. He is apprehended, and the egg is confiscated, but the true mastermind, Sarah Black, also known as The Bishop (Gal Gadot), covertly swaps the authentic egg for another forgery during the hustle.
The next day, Das confronts Hartley, suggesting his involvement in the egg’s theft is suspicious, especially after tracing a substantial payment made to him on the same day of the crime. This leads to Hartley’s imprisonment in a remote Russian facility, where he shares a cell with Booth. During their time together, Booth reveals a tantalizing opportunity: an Egyptian billionaire is willing to pay a staggering $300 million for the complete set of three eggs.
Not long after their arrival at the prison, they are brought before Black, who proposes an alliance with Booth to track down the elusive third egg, revealing that she is aware of its hidden location. Booth, however, declines her offer, prompting her to suggest that he will receive a diminished cut should she locate the second egg first. In a twist of fate, Hartley proposes a collaboration with Booth, aiming to capture Black and thus restore his reputation as the premier art thief in the world.
The duo stages an escape from prison and journeys to Valencia, where they intend to secure the second egg from the clutches of notorious arms dealer Sotto Voce (Chris Diamantopoulos), who is hosting an extravagant masquerade ball. At this event, they once again cross paths with Black, who has her own agenda for obtaining the egg. As their caper unfolds, Hartley and Booth navigate a series of challenges, including evading Das, who is also in attendance, intent on capturing them both.
Inside Voce’s vault, a chaotic showdown ensues as the three of them engage in a gripping battle using a variety of weapons on display. Things take a shocking turn when Voce’s security team arrives, and Black betrays her supposed allies, revealing that she had tipped Voce off about their heist plans. While enduring intense torture at the hands of Voce, Black betrays him as well, asserting her new advantage.
Hartley, convinced he must capture Black to vindicate himself, is forced to contemplate the irony of their choices as they race towards Egypt—the alleged resting place of the third egg. Amid the drama, Booth reveals the egg’s true location lies in Argentina, a secret encoded on a cherished watch belonging to his late father. With a shared resolve, they traverse the Argentinian jungles, unveiling a clandestine bunker filled with Nazi memorabilia, including the coveted egg.
Just as they claim victory, Black seemingly swoops in to seize the egg at gunpoint. Their escape is soon compromised by Inspector Das and her local police unit, culminating in a high-speed chase through a treacherous copper mine. The action-packed encounter peaks with a daring leap into a waterfall, where Booth swims ashore clutching the egg—only to discover Hartley and Black share deeper ties, both professionally and personally, each operating under the “Bishop” moniker.
In Cairo, Hartley and Black present the three eggs to their billionaire buyer during a wedding ceremony—echoing the legendary gift originally given to Cleopatra. Yet, the moment is dampened when the bride turns her attention to guest performer Ed Sheeran. Just as they celebrate, an Interpol raid disrupts the festivities, leaving Hartley and Black on edge. Meanwhile, Booth suddenly reappears in the picture, divulging that he tipped off Das about their substantial payout hidden in a Cayman Islands account. With authorities closing in, Booth extends an offer for a new heist that promises to require all three of their unique skills, steering them towards a thrilling escapade at The Louvre in Paris.
Red Notice Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “The Presentation of the Eggs” to “The Final Deal in Cairo”. 12 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
The Presentation of the Eggs
Two millennia ago, Marcus Antonius presented Cleopatra with three jeweled eggs to signify his unwavering devotion. This moment marked the beginning of the legendary tale intertwined with art, betrayal, and treasure that would echo through history.
When:Around 30 BC
- 2
Discovery of Two Eggs
In 1907, a farmer unearthed two of Cleopatra's jeweled eggs, bringing them to light after centuries of obscurity. The final egg, however, remained a mystery, adding intrigue to the lost treasures of the ancient world.
When:1907
- 3
The Egg Theft Investigation
Fast forward to 2021, where Special Agent John Hartley collaborates with Inspector Urvashi Das to investigate the theft of one of the eggs on display at the Museo Nazionale Di Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome. Their inquiry uncovers that the displayed egg is actually a clever forgery, igniting their pursuit of the true artifact.
When:2021 Where:Museo Nazionale Di Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome
- 4
The Elusive Thief
As Inspector Das secures the exhibition room, international art thief Nolan Booth manages to slip away moments before the doors lock. His escape sets in motion a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase as Hartley attempts to capture him.
When:2021 Where:Museo Nazionale Di Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome
- 5
Capturing Booth
Booth is eventually apprehended at his Bali residence by Hartley and an Interpol strike team searching for the stolen egg. Though Booth is caught and the egg is confiscated, it is revealed that the real mastermind, Sarah Black, has secretly swapped the authentic egg during the commotion.
When:2021 Where:Bali
- 6
Suspicion and Imprisonment
The next day, Inspector Das confronts Hartley about a suspicious payment made to him the day of the theft. This accusation leads to Hartley’s imprisonment in a remote Russian facility, where he unexpectedly shares a cell with Booth.
When:2021 Where:Russian prison
- 7
The Billionaire's Offer
While in prison, Booth reveals a tantalizing opportunity: an Egyptian billionaire is willing to pay $300 million for the complete set of three eggs. This prospect reignites their ambitions, setting the stage for an unlikely alliance.
When:2021
- 8
Proposal from Sarah Black
Sarah Black approaches Booth with a proposal to work together to locate the elusive third egg. Despite her alluring offer, Booth declines, knowing her past betrayals cast doubt on her intentions.
When:2021 Where:Russian prison
- 9
Escaping to Valencia
In a twist of fate, Hartley proposes a collaboration with Booth to capture Black and restore their reputations. They orchestrate a daring escape from prison and travel to Valencia to secure the second egg from notorious arms dealer Sotto Voce.
When:2021 Where:Valencia
- 10
The Masquerade Ball Heist
At Voce's extravagant masquerade ball, Hartley and Booth encounter Black, who has her own plans for obtaining the egg. The atmosphere is rife with tension as they navigate their competing agendas amidst the festivities.
When:2021 Where:Valencia
Show the other 5 events of Red Notice Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Showdown in the Vault
Inside Voce's vault, an explosive battle ensues as Hartley, Booth, and Black clash using an array of weapons. The chaos amplifies when Voce's security team arrives, which leads to unforeseen alliances and betrayals.
When:2021 Where:Valencia
- 12
The Revelation in Egypt
As the action intensifies, Booth divulges that the location of the third egg is hidden in Argentina, encoded on a watch belonging to his late father. With this new revelation, they set off on a treacherous adventure across the Argentinian jungles.
When:2021 Where:Argentina
- 13
Finding the Third Egg
In the jungle, they discover a secret bunker filled with Nazi memorabilia, where the coveted third egg is hidden. Just as they claim their prize, the situation escalates as Black attempts to seize the egg at gunpoint.
When:2021 Where:Argentina
- 14
The High-Speed Chase
The tension peaks with a thrilling escape as Hartley, Booth, and Black are pursued by Inspector Das and her local police unit through a treacherous copper mine. The chase culminates in a daring leap into a waterfall, forcing them to split up to evade capture.
When:2021 Where:Copper mine, Argentina
- 15
The Final Deal in Cairo
In Cairo, Hartley and Black present the three eggs to their billionaire buyer during a lavish wedding ceremony. Just as the celebration begins, an Interpol raid disrupts the event, leading to unexpected revelations and the promise of a new heist.
When:2021 Where:Cairo
Who Are the Main Characters in Red Notice?
4 characters, among them Nolan Booth (Ryan Reynolds), John Hartley (Dwayne Johnson) and The Bishop (Gal Gadot): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Nolan Booth (Ryan Reynolds)
Played by Ryan Reynolds
Nolan Booth is a charismatic and witty art thief known for his clever schemes and quick escapes. His charm often disarms those around him, but his self-serving tendencies occasionally lead him into precarious situations. Throughout the film, Booth's complexity unfolds, revealing both his aspirations and vulnerabilities as he navigates alliances for the ultimate prize.
- 🕵️♂️ Thief
- 😂 Witty
- 🌍 Adventurous
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John Hartley (Dwayne Johnson)
Played by Dwayne Johnson
John Hartley is a determined FBI special agent embroiled in the world of art theft. His background as a criminal profiler gives him insight into the minds of thieves like Booth. Driven by a desire to reclaim his reputation, Hartley's moral compass constantly battles against the chaos surrounding him, as he wrestles with trust and ambition in his quest for justice.
- 👮♂️ Agent
- 💼 Determined
- ⚔️ Heroic
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The Bishop (Gal Gadot)
Played by Gal Gadot
The Bishop is a cunning and enigmatic art thief whose motives are shrouded in mystery. Her duality as both an ally and adversary keeps the audience guessing about her true intentions. Charismatic yet manipulative, she navigates the treacherous world of heists with adept skill, making her a formidable force in the pursuit of the eggs.
- 🦸♀️ Thief
- 🔍 Cunning
- 🌪️ Manipulative
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Inspector Urvashi Das (Ritu Arya)
Played by Ritu Arya
Inspector Urvashi Das is a determined law enforcement officer, focused on apprehending the notorious art thieves. Her role adds an element of tension and challenge, as she relentlessly pursues Hartley and Booth. Das's complicated views on justice and crime highlight the nuances of morality in the face of law and order.
- 👮♀️ Inspector
- 🔎 Resolute
- 🚨 Lawful
Where and When Is Red Notice Set?
Red Notice is set in Rome, Bali, Valencia, Egypt, Argentina, Cairo, The Louvre, Paris (2021). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
2021
Set in the modern era of 2021, the film captures a world steeped in art thievery and international intrigue. The narrative deftly blends contemporary themes of crime and collaboration, emphasizing high-stakes heists in the digital age. The events unfold against a backdrop of globalization and technological advancements that influence both law enforcement efforts and criminal enterprises.
Where
Rome, Bali, Valencia, Egypt, Argentina, Cairo, The Louvre, Paris
The movie takes place across several iconic locations worldwide. Rome is highlighted as the setting for the initial art heist, showcasing its rich historical backdrop. Bali serves as a contrasting tropical escape where thrilling pursuits unfold, while Valencia hosts an extravagant masquerade ball. The journey continues to Egypt and Argentina, both famous for their ancient treasures, culminating in a high-stakes operation at The Louvre in Paris.
- 🏛️ Historical
- 🌍 Global
- 🎭 Adventure
What Are the Themes of Red Notice?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Greed, Betrayal and Adventure.
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01
Greed
Greed is a central theme that drives the characters' motivations throughout the film. The enormous financial rewards tied to the jeweled eggs amplify the tension between the protagonists and antagonists. This insatiable desire for wealth leads to betrayals and shifting alliances, ultimately underpinning the chaotic adventure that ensues.
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02
Betrayal
Betrayal threads its way through the storyline, testing trust among the main characters. Each twist reveals hidden agendas and unexpected double-crosses, particularly involving The Bishop, whose manipulations create significant tension. The theme emphasizes how deceit impacts friendships and partnerships, shaping the course of their thrilling odyssey.
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03
Adventure
Adventure captures the essence of the film as the characters embark on a globe-trotting quest to recover the legendary eggs. From daring escapes to intense showdowns, the narrative is filled with high-stakes moments that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The characters' journey reflects their personal growth amid the thrills of art thievery and clever trickery.
How Does Red Notice End?
The last act of Red Notice and what it means, in 202 words. The ending lands as mixed. Big spoilers: read the plot summary first if you have not seen it.
The final act, in full
In the end, the three main characters—Nolan Booth, John Hartley, and Sarah Black—manage to outsmart the authorities and each other to keep all three of Cleopatra’s legendary eggs. After a series of twists and clever deceptions, Booth reveals that only two of the eggs are genuine, and the third is a fake he had prepared earlier. They then make a deal with the Egyptian billionaire, exchanging the eggs for a hefty reward. However, during the bishop’s betrayal at the wedding, Hartley and Sarah are framed and arrested, but Booth secretly tips off Interpol and escapes. Several months later, Booth visits Hartley and Sarah while they’re vacationing, revealing that he manipulated the law to tip off the authorities about Bishop’s large stolen fortune. He offers to team up with them for one last heist, promising riches and freedom. The trio then infiltrates the Louvre, where more thefts are planned, and as the story ends, they’re once again on the run, operating outside the law, with unresolved tensions and a sharply uncertain future. The ending leaves the audience questioning whether their criminal escapades will finally catch up with them or if they will continue their daring adventures, always one step ahead of the law.**
What Kind of Film Is Red Notice?
Light in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Mixed
A fast-paced and witty globe-trotting adventure that feels like a playful, banter-filled competition, full of thrilling heists and constant double-crosses.
- action-packed
- witty
- playful
- thrilling
- banter-filled
- globe-trotting
- art heist
- unlikely partnership
- double-cross
- chase
Content notes: torture.
Quiz
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