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The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared (2017) Plot Summary & Timeline

The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared (2017) movie poster

The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared is a 2017 adventure and comedy film directed by Felix Herngren and Måns Herngren, running 1 hour 48 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 786 words (about 3 minutes to read) and covers 15 key events in order, 6 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 The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared.

to read the plot summary
3 min
key events in the timeline
15
characters profiled
6
themes explained
3
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The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 48m
Studio
Netflix
No spoilers

What Is The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared About?

The premise of The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared in 285 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In sun‑kissed Bali, the world meets an unlikely traveler: Allan Karlsson, a spry centenarian who celebrates his 101st birthday with the same childlike wonder that has carried him through a century of history. His life has always been a blend of quiet moments and sudden bursts of mischief, a tone that feels both nostalgic and wildly unpredictable. The island’s lazy rhythm is instantly disrupted when a simple pleasure becomes the catalyst for an adventure that promises to span continents, hinting at the chaotic charm that defines Allan’s every step.

Almost as soon as the celebration ends, Allan finds himself tangled in a chase that feels ripped from a spy thriller—yet it’s grounded in his off‑beat humor and unflappable optimism. A shadowy agency reminiscent of the CIA watches his movements, while a relentless Bali debt collector insists on settling an old score. Their pursuit turns ordinary travel into a globe‑spanning game of cat and mouse, where each new airport lounge or bustling market becomes a backdrop for witty banter, unlikely alliances, and a growing sense that Allan’s age is less a limitation than a secret weapon.

The trail ultimately leads Allan to the polished headquarters of a major soft‑drink corporation, where his unconventional perspective proves to be the missing ingredient in a boardroom dominated by spreadsheets and market forecasts. Amid clattering soda cans and sterile conference tables, his wry observations and unpretentious wisdom inject a fresh burst of creativity, suggesting that the formula for success may be less about numbers and more about the laughter that follows a well‑timed joke. The film balances the absurd with the heartfelt, inviting viewers to wonder how a man who has outlived history can still rewrite it with a smile.

Full plot

What Happens in The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared?

The complete story of The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared, from the first scene to the last, in 786 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.

Spoilers ahead

As Allan Karlsson celebrated his momentous 101st birthday on the sun-drenched beaches of Bali, an unexpected event was brewing. An intense discussion erupted between Miriam and Julius regarding the last bottle of Folksoda, a quirky soda that Allan concocted during his secretive days as a double agent in the 1970s. Meanwhile, with a mischievous glint in his eye, Allan’s pet Erlander, a Capuchin monkey, took advantage of the distraction and gulped down the elusive drink, leaving astonished spectators behind.

Later, after saying their goodbyes to Allan, Julius, and Gäddan, Miriam and her husband Benny made their way back to Malmköping. The remaining trio decided to stay at the resort, where Allan revealed a shocking twist: the last Folksoda had mysteriously disappeared, but the treasured formula was safe, tucked away in a cigar box at Amanda Einstein’s apartment in Berlin. Seizing the moment, Allan immediately called Amanda, eager to retrieve the prized recipe.

Together, Allan, Julius, and Gäddan thrummed with anticipation as they prepared to head to the airport, unaware that fate had plans of its own. While they flew high above the landscape, little Erlander managed to escape from his carry-on bag, leading to an unexpected emergency landing in Moscow. This bewildering incident caught the attention of Rebecca, a stewardess who inadvertently let the crafty monkey slip away.

As the news of Julius and Erlander’s antics went viral, capturing audiences worldwide, Stirna, a woman burdened by her past, uncovered Allan’s true nature through her own investigations into the viral phenomenon. Recognizing him as the thief who had stolen the formula from her deceased father, Popov, she persuaded her therapist, Håkan, to assist her in the chase for Allan.

The city streets of Moscow transformed into a maze for the duo as they pursued their target. In a twist of fate, Bas, Rebecca’s husband, uncovered that Allan was actually the cunning criminal responsible for swindling Pim out of 50 million dollars. Seizing this opportunity, Bas prepared for confrontation, armed and ready to track down Allan.

Eventually, the authorities intervened, releasing Allan and his companions, while Erlander remained quarantined, awaiting inspection. Reflecting back on his past during a Folksoda film shoot in East Germany, Allan remembered meeting Popov’s young daughter, Kristina. Stirna cleverly manipulated local authorities into releasing Erlander in exchange for the secret formula.

Upon their arrival in Berlin, Allan and Julius were met with tragedy as they found Håkan dead, a casualty of a champagne cork disaster. As they traveled by train towards Berlin, accompanied by Stirna and Bas, tensions ran high, and they were unaware of the perilous journey ahead that would unearth Allan’s shadowy past.

Within Berlin’s dynamic streets, Amanda was reminded of a wild 1970s rave where Allan, still reeling from LSD, had once impulsively tattooed the recipe for Folksoda on his left buttock. Meanwhile, Benny rushed to Allan’s old nursing home, eager to track down his possessions and replenish his Folksoda stash. Unfortunately, both Stirna and Allan were disheartened as they scoured through an old cigar box only to find it loaded with plain cigars.

Just as events seemed to take a darker turn, Inspector Aronsson and a couple of CIA agents appeared at the nursing home. Their questioning was abruptly interrupted by Benny’s anxious bout of vomiting. Unfazed, Allan and Julius set off on a clandestine mission to uncover the truth behind Allan’s missing belongings, only to find that they had mysteriously vanished.

Determined, Allan, Julius, Gäddan, and Stirna banded together to rescue the cigar box from destruction at Benny’s home. In a nail-biting sequence, they successfully reclaimed the microfilmed formula, allowing them to breathe a sigh of relief amidst the chaos.

As the dust began to settle, Stirna unveiled her true identity as Kristina, Popov’s daughter, earning Allan’s trust with the formula before they parted ways. However, that moment was cut short as Bas appeared, gun in hand, demanding everyone’s focus. In a tense showdown, Allan surrendered the stolen loot from Pim, only for Bas to meet a tragic end at the hands of Inspector Aronsson.

In a surprising twist, Julius stumbled upon the revelation that Allan’s tattoo housed a Russian transcription of the original Folksoda recipe. Fast-forwarding to the present, Miriam and Benny hosted a joyous gathering to mark their newborn, Allan Jr., bringing warmth to the scene.

In a heartfelt gesture, Stirna chose to remain with her new companions, joining Julius in the journey to recreate Folksoda. However, they soon discovered a vital step was missing from their endeavor. Just as Allan settled down with friends to enjoy a well-deserved meal, nature unleashed its wrath – a sudden bolt of lightning struck, igniting a fire that uncannily resembled one from the past, leaving the group in stunned silence.

Timeline

The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

15 key events in the order they happen, from “101st Birthday Celebration” to “A New Beginning”. 14 events name a place, across 5 locations.

  1. 1

    101st Birthday Celebration

    Allan Karlsson celebrated his 101st birthday on the beautiful beaches of Bali, surrounded by friends and family. The joyous atmosphere was soon interrupted by an unexpected disagreement over the last bottle of Folksoda, a unique drink created by Allan during his days as a double agent.

    Where:Bali

  2. 2

    Monkey Mischief

    During the heated discussion between Miriam and Julius, Allan's pet Capuchin monkey, Erlander, seized the opportunity to gulp down the coveted bottle of Folksoda. The unexpected act left the spectators in shock, adding a layer of chaos to the birthday festivities.

    Where:Bali

  3. 3

    Plan to Retrieve the Recipe

    After saying goodbye to Allan, Julius, and Gäddan, Miriam and her husband Benny returned to Malmköping. Meanwhile, Allan revealed that while the last Folksoda was lost, the treasured formula was safe at Amanda Einstein's apartment in Berlin, prompting him to make an urgent call.

    Where:Malmköping

  4. 4

    The Flight to Berlin

    Allan, Julius, and Gäddan headed to the airport, filled with excitement about their journey to retrieve the stolen formula. However, unbeknownst to them, Mischievous Erlander made an escape during the flight, leading to a chaotic emergency landing in Moscow.

    Where:Airplane

  5. 5

    Emergency Landing in Moscow

    The plane made an unexpected stop in Moscow when Erlander ran amok, catching the attention of stewardess Rebecca. Her failure to control him set off a series of events that unveiled Allan's complicated past and attracted the attention of those hunting for him.

    Where:Moscow

  6. 6

    Stirna's Discovery

    Stirna, a woman with a troubled past, stumbled upon Allan’s viral news insight and began to connect the dots regarding his true identity. Learning that he was tied to her father's death, she recruited her therapist, Håkan, to help track him down.

    Where:Moscow

  7. 7

    Pursuit in the City

    The streets of Moscow became a battleground as Stirna and Håkan pursued Allan, intent on confronting him about his criminal past. Meanwhile, Bas discovered that Allan had orchestrated a major financial scam, further intensifying the urgency of their mission.

    Where:Moscow

  8. 8

    Authorities Intervene

    As tensions rose, the authorities stepped in and released Allan and his companions while quarantining Erlander. Allan was left to reflect on his past as memories of a Folksoda film shoot in East Germany flooded back.

    Where:Moscow

  9. 9

    Death in Berlin

    Upon arriving in Berlin, Allan and Julius were met with the tragic news of Håkan’s death, a victim of a champagne cork accident. This shocking loss impacted the group, who were unaware of the obstacles that awaited them in their quest.

    Where:Berlin

  10. 10

    The Search for the Cigar Box

    As they scoured through Allan’s old possessions, Allan and Stirna were dismayed to find the cigar box that once contained the Folksoda recipe filled with plain cigars instead. Meanwhile, Benny sought to recover Allan's belongings, adding to the tension.

    Where:Berlin

Show the other 5 events of The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared
  1. 11

    Showdown at the Nursing Home

    The peaceful search was disrupted by the arrival of Inspector Aronsson and CIA agents, just as Benny created a scene with his illness. Allan and Julius decided to sneak away to uncover the truth about Allan's lost belongings.

    Where:Berlin

  2. 12

    Rescue Mission for the Formula

    With determination, Allan, Julius, Gäddan, and Stirna banded together to reclaim the missing cigar box from Benny's home. In a tense and thrilling sequence, they successfully retrieved the microfilmed Folksoda formula, celebrating their unexpected victory.

    Where:Berlin

  3. 13

    Stirna's True Identity Revealed

    After the chaos began to settle, Stirna disclosed her true identity as Kristina, the daughter of Popov, earning Allan's trust with the formula. Their connection deepened just as Bas entered the scene, armed and ready for confrontation.

    Where:Berlin

  4. 14

    The Tragic Conclusion

    In a climactic moment, Bas threatened everyone for control of the situation, but things turned deadly when he was shot by Inspector Aronsson. As tensions simmered down, Allan’s tattoo was discovered to be the original Folksoda recipe, turning the tide of their fate.

    Where:Berlin

  5. 15

    A New Beginning

    Miriam and Benny celebrated the birth of their new child, Allan Jr., marking a joyful occasion. Meanwhile, Stirna chose to remain with her friends, embarking on a hopeful journey to recreate Folksoda, though a lightning strike foreshadowed the challenges ahead.

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared?

6 characters, among them Allan Karlsson, Miriam and Stirna / Kristina: who each one is and the part they play in the story.

  • AK

    Allan Karlsson

    Allan is a spry 101-year-old man with a mischievous spirit and a flair for adventure. His past as a double agent shapes his character, revealing layers of cunningness as he navigates a world filled with quirky characters and unexpected plots.

    • 🎩 Cunning
    • 🧓 Elderly
    • 🌍 Adventurer
  • M

    Miriam

    Miriam is a pivotal character whose spirited nature ignites discussions and playful banter. Her determination and resourcefulness highlight her ability to adapt to unexpected situations, making her a steadfast companion to Allan.

    • 💁‍♀️ Spirited
    • ☕ Conversationalist
    • 💖 Loyal
  • S/

    Stirna / Kristina

    Stirna, who later reveals her true identity as Kristina, is a complex character driven by vengeance and her father's legacy. Her investigative prowess leads her to Allan, showcasing her bravery and depth amidst the chaotic pursuit.

    • 🔍 Investigator
    • 🎭 Deceptive
    • 💔 Driven
  • J

    Julius

    Julius complements Allan's adventurous spirit with his own curiosity and care for the eccentric man. His loyalty to Allan is tested throughout their expedition, but his adventurous heart consistently leads him into thrilling escapades.

    • 🙌 Loyal
    • ⚓ Dependable
    • 🌍 Explorer
  • B

    Benny

    Benny appears as a worried husband eager to support Miriam and Allan. His loyal character is portrayed through his determination, but he also provides comic relief amid chaotic situations, particularly with his reactions to stress.

    • 🌪️ Anxious
    • ❤️ Supportive
    • 😂 Comedic
  • B

    Bas

    Bas, who is married to Rebecca, is portrayed as a strong presence seeking to resolve the tensions surrounding Allan. His determination provides an intense counterpoint in the narrative as he gets drawn into the unfolding drama.

    • 💪 Strong
    • 🔫 Intense
    • ⚖️ Determined
Setting

Where and When Is The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared Set?

The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared is set in Bali, Moscow, Berlin, Malmköping and East Germany (1970s, Present Day). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.

When

1970s, Present Day

The story oscillates between the present day and flashbacks to the 1970s, a period marked by cultural revolutions and historical events. This time frame is also pivotal as it highlights Allan's adventures as a double agent, revealing the creation of Folksoda amidst a backdrop of espionage.

Where

Bali, Moscow, Berlin, Malmköping, East Germany

The movie travels through various vibrant locations, including the sun-kissed beaches of Bali, known for its serene beauty and vibrant culture. The bustling streets of Moscow serve as a backdrop for chaos and pursuit, while Berlin is rich with history and modernity, setting the stage for unraveling secrets. Malmköping provides a quaint, small-town charm that contrasts with the grand adventures of the protagonists.

  • 🏖️ Beach
  • 🌆 City
  • 🌍 World
Themes

What Are the Themes of The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Adventure, Loss and Legacy and Celebration.

  1. 01

    Adventure

    Adventure drives the narrative forward as Allan and his companions embark on a whirlwind journey across cities, seeking a lost recipe. Each twist and turn introduces new challenges and unexpected encounters, showcasing the exuberance of life and the thrill of the chase.

  2. 02

    Loss and Legacy

    The theme of loss permeates the film, especially with the tragic passing of Håkan and the unresolved past of Stirna, who is revealed to be Kristina. It explores how legacies impact individuals and the lengths people go to reclaim what is lost or to understand their heritage.

  3. 03

    Celebration

    Celebration is evident throughout the movie, particularly during the joyful gathering to welcome Allan Jr. and the dynamic energy surrounding Allan's 101st birthday. The contrasts between joyous milestones and ensuing chaos offer a comedic take on life’s unpredictability.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared?

Whimsical in tone, with fast pacing and a complex story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Whimsical
Pacing
Fast
Story
Complex
Intensity
Medium
Ending
Bittersweet

A fast-paced, whimsical globetrotting adventure following a mischievous centenarian, blending absurd humor with a lighthearted chase narrative that feels playful and unpredictably fun.

  • quirky
  • playful
  • mischievous
  • lighthearted
  • absurd
  • unpredictable
  • unexpected journey
  • formula chase
  • centenarian protagonist
  • pursued by agencies

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FAQ

The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared Plot Questions

5 quick answers about The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared about?

In sun‑kissed Bali, the world meets an unlikely traveler: Allan Karlsson, a spry centenarian who celebrates his 101st birthday with the same childlike wonder that has carried him through a century of history.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared take place?

The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared is set in Bali, Moscow, Berlin, Malmköping and East Germany (1970s, Present Day). The story oscillates between the present day and flashbacks to the 1970s, a period marked by cultural revolutions and historical events.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared?

The story follows Allan Karlsson, Miriam, Stirna / Kristina and Julius; the character guide covers 6 characters in all.

All the characters

What are the main themes of The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Adventure, Loss and Legacy and Celebration.

The themes explained

Who directed The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared?

The 101-Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared (2017) was directed by Felix Herngren and Måns Herngren and runs 1 hour 48 minutes.

Felix Herngren’s films

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