Logo What's After the Movie
The Samaritan

The Samaritan 2012

Directed by

David Weaver

David Weaver

Made by

IFC Films

IFC Films

Test your knowledge of The Samaritan with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Samaritan (2012). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


As Foley steps out into the world after spending a staggering twenty-five years behind bars, his haunting history begins to unravel piece by piece. The shadows of his past, especially the brutal murder of his closest friend and confidant, linger ominously, refusing to fade away.

His taste of freedom is fleeting, however, as he soon catches the attention of Ethan, the ambitious son of his former partner in crime. Ethan seeks to recruit Foley for a highly profitable heist at Xavier’s infamous nightclub, but Foley has a different vision for his new life—he’s desperate to move beyond the shady dealings of his past.

As Ethan’s relentless pursuit wears Foley down, he reluctantly consents to assist in retrieving stolen money that surfaced from a mishap in the kitchen. Yet, this seemingly benign decision spirals into a dangerous game filled with manipulation and deceit. In a serendipitous moment at a local bar, Foley stands up for Iris, a young woman battling addiction and being harassed by a gang of rough thugs. Their connection deepens over time, and Foley is captivated by Iris’s resilient spirit, leading to an unexpected romance.

However, the truth about Iris is shrouded in secrecy—Ethan uses a shocking revelation to force Foley into participating in a high-stakes con job, revealing that Iris is his daughter. Tensions run high as Jake, Ethan’s henchman, sets his sights on Iris with malicious intentions. In a heart-stopping turn of events, Foley intervenes just in time, saving Iris and sending Jake scurrying away.

As Foley becomes ensnared deeper into the grifting world, he visits Iris’s grandmother, who is startled by the tangled web of their true relationship. The con game escalates toward a thrilling climax, targeting Xavier for an audacious $8 million heist. The situation intensifies with a series of brutal confrontations involving Foley, Ethan, Xavier, and Iris.

In a dramatic twist, Iris discloses her realization that Foley is, in fact, her father, which significantly complicates their already intricate relationship. When things heat up to an unbearable level, Foley inadvertently injures Ethan, while Xavier meets a grim fate at Foley’s hands. In a grave turn of events, Iris, now gravely injured and in urgent need of a blood transfusion, reveals her dire situation.

In a poignant finale, Foley makes the ultimate sacrifice by offering his own blood to save Iris’s life. As she escapes to a new life, she takes a moment to glance back at the fruits of their tumultuous dealings—now safely hidden in her bank account—a bittersweet reminder of their twisted journey together.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of The Samaritan (2012) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


Foley's Release

Foley steps out into the world after spending twenty-five years in prison. His newfound freedom is overshadowed by the haunting memories of his past, particularly the murder of his closest friend.

Ethan's Approach

Ethan, the ambitious son of Foley's former partner, seeks him out with a proposition for a lucrative heist. Despite Ethan's persuasive urges, Foley grapples with the desire to leave his criminal past behind.

Xavier's Nightclub

Reluctant Compliance

Under mounting pressure from Ethan, Foley reluctantly agrees to retrieve stolen money linked to an incident at the nightclub. This decision deviates from his intentions to forge a legitimate future.

Local Bar

Connection with Iris

While at a local bar, Foley intervenes to defend Iris, a young woman struggling with addiction. Their encounter sparks a deep connection as Foley becomes enchanted by Iris’s resilience.

Local Bar

Ethan's Revelation

Ethan reveals a shocking secret that manipulates Foley into completing a con job, disclosing that Iris is his daughter. This revelation complicates Foley's feelings and moral stance significantly.

Threat to Iris

Tensions escalate as Ethan's henchman, Jake, targets Iris with harmful intentions. Foley's protective instincts kick in as he intervenes, saving her from a dangerous encounter.

Visit to Iris's Grandmother

Foley visits Iris's grandmother, who is startled by the revelation of his relationship with Iris. This meeting adds further complexity to the already tangled web surrounding their lives.

Iris’s Grandmother's Home

Escalation of the Con Game

As Foley becomes further embroiled in the world of grifting, the stakes rise with a high-profile heist targeting Xavier's wealth. The con game takes on a life of its own, leading to a series of confrontations.

Xavier's Club

Dramatic Realization

In a tense moment, Iris realizes that Foley is her father. This revelation complicates the already tumultuous relationship and heightens the stakes of their situation.

Climactic Confrontation

In the aftermath of escalating tensions, Foley inadvertently injures Ethan, leading to a violent climax where Foley confronts Xavier. This pivotal moment results in Xavier meeting a grim fate.

Xavier's Club

Iris's Injury

As the situation spirals out of control, Iris suffers severe injuries and urgently requires a blood transfusion. The stakes are raised as Foley realizes the true cost of their entangled lives.

Foley's Sacrifice

In a poignant finale, Foley chooses to sacrifice his own blood to save Iris's life. This act symbolizes his ultimate commitment to her and the painful journey they have endured together.

Bittersweet Goodbye

As Iris escapes to a new life, she looks back at their tumultuous journey together, pondering the lessons learned and the sacrifices made. Their intertwined fates encapsulate both tragedy and hope.

Iris's New Beginning

With the fruits of their twisted dealings now hidden in her bank account, Iris prepares to start afresh. It's a bittersweet reminder of the risks they've taken and the bond they've forged.

Characters

Explore all characters from The Samaritan (2012). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Foley

Foley is a complex character marked by his troubled past and desire for change. After spending twenty-five years in prison, he is torn between his instinct to protect Iris and his inclination to return to his former life of crime. His journey embodies the struggle for redemption and the burden of guilt.

🕵️‍♂️ Ex-con 💔 Protector

Ethan

Ethan is driven by ambition and familial loyalty, seeking to pull Foley back into the criminal underworld. His relentless pursuit and willingness to leverage dark secrets reveal a ruthless side, making him a significant antagonist in Foley's quest for a better life.

🧑‍💼 Ambitious ⚔️ Manipulative

Iris

Iris is a resilient young woman struggling with addiction, whose connection with Foley becomes pivotal to the narrative. She embodies strength and vulnerability, and her eventual realization of her true connection to Foley adds depth to her character as she seeks to reclaim her life.

❤️ Resilient 🌸 Vulnerable

Setting

Learn where and when The Samaritan (2012) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

Modern Day

The events of the movie unfold in contemporary society, highlighting issues such as crime, addiction, and the quest for redemption. This modern setting allows for a realistic portrayal of struggles faced by individuals seeking to leave behind their past.

Location

Xavier's nightclub, local bar

Xavier's nightclub is renowned for its glitzy atmosphere and underworld dealings, serving as a backdrop for high-stakes interactions between criminals. The local bar is a more intimate setting where key moments unfold, allowing characters to connect amidst the chaos of their lives.

🏙️ Nightlife 🍺 Bar

Themes

Discover the main themes in The Samaritan (2012). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


🕵️‍♂️

Redemption

The quest for redemption is central to Foley's character as he strives to escape his criminal past. Throughout the movie, he grapples with his previous actions and seeks to protect Iris, reflecting his desire to forge a new path and regain a sense of humanity.

💔

Family Secrets

The theme of family secrets is intricately woven into the narrative, particularly through the revelation of Iris’s parentage. This shocking discovery complicates relationships and introduces the notion that familial ties can bring both joy and deep emotional turmoil.

⚔️

Betrayal

Betrayal looms large as characters manipulate each other for personal gain. The evolving dynamics, especially between Foley, Ethan, and Iris, underscore how betrayal can stem from both external pressures and internal conflicts.

Movies with Similar Twists and Themes

Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.


© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.