What Is The Saint About?
The premise of The Saint in 237 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a sleek, global landscape where old‑world shadows mingle with cutting‑edge technology, a charismatic figure drifts between identities with the ease of a chameleon. He is known by many names, each borrowed from a saint, yet none fully capture the restless spirit that drives him. His past is marked by a haunting loss from his youth—a tragedy that lingers like a whispered promise, urging him to seek something beyond the fleeting thrills of his trade.
Simon Templar moves through this world with a blend of daring flair and understated elegance. He navigates elite gatherings, clandestine meetings, and high‑stakes exchanges, always aware that the line between ally and adversary is razor‑thin. The tone dances between suave sophistication and electric tension, hinting at deeper forces at play beneath the polished surface. Along the way, he encounters a brilliant mind whose brilliance is matched only by the mystery that surrounds her, sparking a connection that teeters between partnership and something far more intimate.
As the story unfolds, Simon is compelled to confront the ghosts of his earlier life while wrestling with the allure of redemption. The narrative promises a thrilling ride through hidden corridors of power, where personal demons and global ambitions intersect. With every choice he makes, the audience is drawn into a maze of intrigue, romance, and the ever‑present question of whether a man defined by his aliases can ever truly find a place to call his own.
What Happens in The Saint?
The complete story of The Saint, from the first scene to the last, in 595 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
At the Saint Ignatius Orphanage, a rebellious boy named John Rossi refers to himself as “Simon Templar” and leads his fellow orphans in a bold bid to run away. He tries to bid farewell to a girl named Agnes with a kiss, but their escape plan goes tragically wrong when she falls from a balcony to her death, a moment that haunts him as he grows up.
As an adult, Simon Templar [Val Kilmer], a professional thief who moves between aliases with a chameleon’s ease, earns his nickname by adopting saints’ names as his covers. He steals a microchip from a Russian oil company during a high-profile rally for its owner, Ivan Tretiak, a billionaire oligarch and former Communist Party boss rallying support against Russian President Karpov. When Simon is caught by Tretiak’s son Ilya but escapes with the microchip, Tretiak hires him to steal a revolutionary cold fusion formula discovered by Emma Russell, an American electrochemist working at Oxford. Tretiak’s motive is chillingly clear: use the breakthrough to monopolize the energy market during a looming oil shortage in Russia, and then murder Simon to keep the money and power for himself.
Using the alias “Thomas More,” Simon poses as a Boer traveller to seduce Emma and steals her groundbreaking formula. Yet as he grows fond of her, he contemplates backing away from the theft. Tretiak’s threat to kidnap Emma rescripts that choice, and Simon ultimately seizes the formula after a one-night stand. Tretiak soon realizes the formula is incomplete and orders Ilya and his henchmen to eliminate Simon, who narrowly escapes. He returns to Russia to demand payment from Tretiak, going so far as to disguise himself as Tretiak to press his claim for what is owed.
A heartbroken Emma reports the theft of her work to Inspectors Teal and Rabineau of Scotland Yard, who reveal that Simon is a wanted international thief. Emma eventually tracks him down to a Moscow hotel, only to be arrested with Simon by Tretiak’s men; they escape together and evade capture by seeking shelter with a prostitute and her family, then receive help from Frankie, a spiv who guides them through sewers toward the U.S. embassy. When Ilya and his men close in, Simon sacrifices his safety to let Emma reach the embassy, and later escapes by triggering a car’s gas tank and leaving Ilya badly burned.
From Tretiak’s office, Simon discovers a plan to sell the incomplete formula to Karpov and frame him for wasting billions on useless technology, thereby using the scandal to crown himself president. Emma completes the formula, which Simon delivers to Tretiak’s well-meaning physicist Dr. Lev Botvin, whose device confirms the formula’s validity. With Botvin’s cold fusion reactor proof, Simon infiltrates the Kremlin and alerts Karpov to Tretiak’s scheme, though they are briefly captured by Tretiak loyalists. In a climactic Red Square gathering, Tretiak denounces Karpov, but Botvin’s reactor is activated, exposing Tretiak as a fraud. Tretiak and Ilya are arrested, and their scheme is revealed to have caused Russia’s oil shortage by hoarding fuel beneath their mansion.
Reuniting with Emma, Simon returns her formula and they begin a discreet, evolving relationship. Emma presents her discovery to the world at a press conference, while Simon attends in disguise, slipping away when Teal and Rabineau spot him. A news broadcast later reveals that $3 billion has been donated to the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and UNICEF, implying that Simon—the man who once seized Tretiak’s accounts—has anonymously funded a non-profit foundation led by Botvin to advance the cold-fusion technology for the good of all.
The Saint Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Escape attempt at Saint Ignatius Orphanage” to “Aftermath and a new foundation”. 15 events name a place, across 14 locations.
- 1
Escape attempt at Saint Ignatius Orphanage
Simon Templar and the other orphans plot to run away from Saint Ignatius Orphanage. He tries to bid farewell to Agnes with a kiss, but they are caught. Agnes accidentally falls from a balcony and dies.
When:Childhood Where:Saint Ignatius Orphanage
- 2
First major burglary and recruitment
During a political rally for Ivan Tretiak's oil company, The Saint steals a microchip. He is caught by Ilya Tretiak but escapes with the chip. Tretiak later hires him to steal Emma Russell's cold fusion formula.
When:Early in his criminal career Where:Russia (oil company rally)
- 3
Seduction of Emma and theft attempt
Using alias Thomas More, Simon travels as a Boer trader to seduce Emma Russell and steal her cold fusion formula. He manages to obtain the formula but begins to develop feelings for Emma. This complicates his mission as Tretiak's threat and ambition escalate.
When:Soon after hiring Where:Oxford
- 4
Tretiak's threat and final theft
After developing feelings for Emma, Simon hesitates to steal the formula. Tretiak threatens to kidnap Emma, pushing Simon to finalize the theft after a one night stand. He completes the theft, but the situation remains dangerous.
When:Soon after seduction Where:Oxford
- 5
Tretiak discovers incomplete formula
Tretiak discovers the formula is incomplete and orders Ilya to kill Simon. Simon narrowly escapes this assassination attempt, continuing to hold the complete formula.
When:Shortly after the theft Where:Tretiak's Russian mansion
- 6
Return to Russia to claim payment
Simon returns to Russia disguised as Tretiak to demand payment for the stolen microchip. He uses the ruse to pressure Tretiak while keeping Emma's matter secret.
When:After his escape Where:Tretiak's offices, Russia
- 7
Emma reports theft to Scotland Yard
Emma informs Inspectors Teal and Rabineau of Scotland Yard that her formula has been stolen and that Simon is a wanted thief. The case becomes international as investigators pursue him.
When:Shortly after the theft Where:London
- 8
Moscow hotel capture and sewer escape
Emma tracks Simon to a Moscow hotel where Tretiak's men capture them. They escape with help from a local prostitute's family and meet Frankie, who provides directions through the city's sewers toward the U.S. embassy.
When:Subsequent to the arrest Where:Moscow and sewers to U.S. embassy
- 9
Ilya confrontation and escape
Finding Ilya and his men waiting, Simon lets himself be captured to ensure Emma reaches the embassy, then escapes by lighting a car's gas tank, severely burning Ilya.
When:After the sewer escape Where:Moscow outskirts
- 10
Listening device and Tretiak's scheme
Simon plants a listening device in Tretiak's office and discovers his plan to sell the incomplete formula to Karpov and frame him to seize power. The conspiracy widens as Tretiak's scheme unfolds.
When:After the capture Where:Tretiak's office
Show the other 5 events of The Saint Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Emma completes the formula and Botvin builds reactor
Emma finishes the complete cold fusion formula, which Simon delivers to Dr. Lev Botvin. Botvin builds an apparatus that proves the formula works, marking a major breakthrough.
When:Following Emma's completion Where:Botvin's laboratory
- 12
Kremlin infiltration and revelation
Simon infiltrates the Kremlin to warn President Karpov about Tretiak's conspiracy. Tretiak loyalists capture Simon and Emma, but Botvin's reactor proves the formula's viability, exposing Tretiak's fraud.
When:Climax Where:Kremlin, Moscow
- 13
Red Square showdown
At a massive Red Square gathering, Tretiak's accusations against Karpov are exposed as a fraud when Botvin's reactor is activated. Tretiak and Ilya are arrested, and the oil shortage Tretiak exploited is revealed as a hoax.
When:Climax Where:Red Square, Moscow
- 14
Emma presents the formula to the world
Emma presents her completed formula to the world at a news conference, with Simon attending in disguise. He narrowly eludes Inspector Teal and Rabineau while staying close to Emma.
When:Ending phase Where:World news conference
- 15
Aftermath and a new foundation
In the aftermath, Simon donates three billion dollars anonymously to charities and helps establish a non-profit foundation led by Botvin to develop the technology. He and Emma begin a discreet relationship as the world begins to adopt the new energy source.
When:Finale Where:Global; Botvin foundation
Who Are the Main Characters in The Saint?
7 characters, among them Simon Templar (The Saint) — Val Kilmer, Emma Russell — Elisabeth Shue and Ivan Tretiak: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 2 of them link to the actor’s page.
-
Simon Templar (The Saint) — Val Kilmer
Played by Val Kilmer
A professional thief who adopts the alias 'The Saint' by using Catholic saints as cover, Simon operates with charm and precision. He is drawn into Emma’s world and torn between stealing the formula and protecting the woman he loves. His survivalist instincts and willingness to bend rules drive the chase from Moscow to the embassy and beyond.
- 🕵️♂️ Thief
- 🧠 Charismatic
- 🎭 Disguise
-
Emma Russell — Elisabeth Shue
Played by Elisabeth Shue
An American electrochemist at Oxford, Emma develops the cold fusion formula that could transform energy production. She becomes the target of Tretiak’s plan and forms the focal point of Simon’s mission. Her intellect and resolve propel the plot forward, and her relationship with Simon evolves as danger mounts.
- 🧪 Electrochemist
- 💡 Innovator
- ❤️ Love Interest
- IT
Ivan Tretiak
A billionaire oligarch and former Communist Party boss who sponsors Simon’s heists to influence oil markets and politics. He pursues Emma’s formula for personal gain and uses threats to control others. His scheme collapses when Botvin’s reactor proves the cold fusion work is real and Tretiak’s plan is exposed.
- 💼 Oligarch
- 🐍 Manipulator
- 💸 Power Broker
- IT
Ilya Tretiak
Son of Ivan Tretiak, he acts as a ruthless enforcer for his father’s schemes. He pursues Simon and Emma with henchmen, embodying brutal wealth-driven loyalty. His violent methods escalate the danger and test Simon’s resolve.
- 👤 Heir
- 🗡️ Enforcer
- 🕵️♂️ Antagonist
- DL
Dr. Lev Botvin
A well-meaning physicist who finalizes the cold fusion reactor and validates the formula’s viability. His work becomes the scientific backbone of the film’s resolution. He collaborates with Emma and serves as the moral compass in the plot.
- 👨🔬 Physicist
- 🧪 Scientist
- 🧭 Moral guide
- IT
Inspector Teal
A Scotland Yard inspector who tracks Simon’s alleged crimes and tries to bring him to justice. He provides procedural pressure and helps connect Emma to international authorities. His pursuit underscores the film’s cross-border investigative angle.
- 🔎 Inspector
- 🧭 Investigative
- 🏛️ Authority
- IR
Inspector Rabineau
A Scotland Yard colleague who informs Emma of Simon’s status as a wanted thief. He acts as a counterweight to Teal, adding to the film’s sense of international pursuit. His role highlights the search for truth across borders.
- 🔎 Inspector
- 🗝️ Jurisdiction
- 🧭 Cross-border investigation
Where and When Is The Saint Set?
The Saint is set in Moscow, Kremlin, Red Square, Oxford and Scotland Yard (1990s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1990s
The plot unfolds in the post–Cold War era, when oil politics and oligarchic influence shape international power. The era’s secrecy and glamour provide a backdrop for theft, espionage, and high-stakes diplomacy. Actions move between Moscow and Western capitals, reflecting a world reorganizing after the Soviet collapse.
Where
Moscow, Kremlin, Red Square, Oxford, Scotland Yard
The story unfolds against a Moscow backdrop with scenes in the Kremlin and Red Square, anchoring the political thriller. It also visits Oxford, where Emma Russell conducts her electrochemical work, and London’s Scotland Yard appears as the international chase closes in. The diverse locations emphasize a high-stakes game of oil, power, and identity across borders.
- 🏙️ Urban Moscow backdrop
- 🌍 International intrigue
- 🧭 Political drama
What Are the Themes of The Saint?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Identity & Deception, Power & Manipulation and Romance & Loyalty.
-
01
Identity & Deception
Simon Templar operates through a gallery of aliases, with The Saint persona guiding his criminal exploits. He uses disguises and role-playing to manipulate allies and enemies alike. Even as he falls for Emma, his shifting identities drive the plot and keep others guessing. The tension between who he pretends to be and who he is fuels the conflict.
-
02
Power & Manipulation
Tretiak embodies ruthless ambition, aiming to monopolize energy and position himself as president. He leverages Emma’s cold-fusion work to bend markets and politics to his will. The scheme relies on control of information, intimidation, and public perception to destabilize rivals. Botvin’s successful reactor demonstration exposes Tretiak as a fraud and a tool of manipulation.
-
03
Romance & Loyalty
Emma’s relationship with Simon grows from cautious alliance to trust as danger closes in. Her conviction in his character nudges him toward choosing protection over pure theft. Their bond motivates risk-taking to safeguard the world’s energy future. In the end, their connection remains secret, even as Emma reveals the formula to the world.
What Kind of Film Is The Saint?
Tense in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Happy
A fast-paced and tense globe-trotting thriller that combines high-stakes espionage with a developing romance, offering an urgent chase narrative punctuated by moments of danger and a hopeful resolution.
- tense
- suspenseful
- romantic
- thrilling
- urgent
- hopeful
- international intrigue
- betrayal and trust
- scientific discovery
- redemption
Content notes: child death (accidental), kidnapping, gun violence.
Quiz
How well do you remember The Saint? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch The Saint
Stream it on fuboTV and Kanopy, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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