Beirut Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A drunk ex-diplomat goes back to Beirut to trade hostages, gets yelled at a lot, and then some news footage happens.

🍿 Beirut: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Diplomat’s Life Upended (1972)

In 1972 Beirut, Mason Skiles, a U.S. diplomat, enjoys a comfortable life with his wife Nadia and a young Palestinian boy named Karim they are unofficially fostering. During a party at their home, CIA agent Cal Riley seeks to question Karim about his brother’s alleged involvement in the Munich massacre. This sets off a chain of events that quickly descends into chaos.

Attack and Tragedy

The party is attacked by Karim’s brother, Rafid, who abducts Karim. In the ensuing gunfight, Nadia is tragically killed by stray gunfire. This event profoundly impacts Mason, leading him down a path of self-destruction and forcing him to leave his diplomatic life behind. The attack leaves Mason grief-stricken and haunted by the events that unfolded.

Return to Beirut (1982)

Ten years later, Mason is a washed-up alcoholic working as a labor arbitrator in the US. He is approached by an old acquaintance with a proposition to deliver a lecture in Beirut. Unbeknownst to him, this is a cover for a clandestine mission. Upon arriving in war-torn Beirut, he is thrust into a complex hostage situation involving his former friend, Cal Riley.

Negotiating a Hostage Exchange

Mason learns that Cal has been kidnapped, and the kidnappers, led by a now-radicalized Karim, demand the release of his brother Rafid in exchange. Mason navigates the treacherous political landscape of Beirut, facing deception and betrayal from various factions, including elements within the US government. He must uncover the truth and secure Cal’s release.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mason Skiles (Jon Hamm): A former U.S. diplomat and alcoholic, Skiles is called back to Beirut to negotiate the release of his kidnapped friend.
• Sandy Crowder (Rosamund Pike): A CIA field agent who aids Skiles in his negotiation, while also dealing with her own covert agendas.
• Cal Riley (Mark Pellegrino): A CIA officer and friend of Skiles who is kidnapped, triggering the central negotiation plot.
• Karim (Yoav Sadian): The leader of the kidnappers, he demands the release of his brother in exchange for Riley.
• Donald Gaines (Dean Norris): A corrupt State Department official whose actions complicate the hostage negotiation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mason Skiles: “You’re not hallucinating. It’s me Mason.” – Said to someone who is clearly surprised or disoriented to see him, establishing his return.
• Mason Skiles: “I don’t want to be anywhere near this murdering fuck” – Expressing his intense disdain and moral objection to someone involved in violence.
• Mason Skiles: “Today is you’re lucky night… YOU SON OF A WHORE!” – Shouted in Arabic to Abu Rajal showing desperation

💰Box Office

• Budget: $38 million
• Domestic Gross: $5,019,226
• Worldwide Gross: $7,509,436

💥 Beirut Reviews

Personal Review

I went into ‘Beirut’ expecting a high-octane action flick, but I was surprised by its focus on character and moral ambiguity. Jon Hamm’s portrayal of Mason Skiles is heartbreaking; you can feel the weight of his past mistakes. The scenes in war-torn Beirut are intense and really put you in the middle of the chaos. While the plot got a little confusing at times, I was ultimately invested in Skiles’ journey towards redemption. The ending, with the historical footage, was a powerful reminder of the real-world consequences of the events depicted in the film. I left thinking about how complex those events really were.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of political thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in Middle Eastern history”
  • “Fans of Jon Hamm and Rosamund Pike”
  • “Those who enjoy complex spy narratives”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Mature themes related to war and terrorism”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A gripping, if somewhat familiar, espionage thriller. Jon Hamm delivers a nuanced performance as a man wrestling with his past in a city tearing itself apart. The film captures the tension and uncertainty of Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War, though some may find the narrative overly complex.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Despite its flaws, ‘Beirut’ offers a compelling look at the human cost of political conflict. Hamm and Pike bring their A-game, elevating the material beyond typical genre fare. The film’s exploration of moral compromises and personal redemption adds depth to the action-packed storyline.
• The New York Times: “While ‘Beirut’ is well-intentioned, it struggles to find its footing amidst the chaos of its setting. The film’s pacing is uneven, and the plot often feels convoluted. Jon Hamm’s performance is a highlight, but ultimately, the film falls short of its potential.

Audience Reactions

Jon Hamm’s performance was incredible!: Viewers generally praised Jon Hamm’s nuanced and compelling performance.

The tense atmosphere and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat!: Many appreciated the film’s suspenseful atmosphere and thrilling plot twists.

Rosamund Pike made a great CIA operative.: Some agreed that Rosamund Pike was well cast and convincing as the strong CIA operative.

Overall Consensus: While some find the plot convoluted and historically questionable, most agree that ‘Beirut’ is a tense and engaging thriller with strong performances from Jon Hamm and Rosamund Pike.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The city of Tangier in Morocco proved to be especially suitable as a stand-in for Beirut due to half-built building shells.”
• “Tony Gilroy, known for his work on the ‘Bourne’ movies, wrote the screenplay, bringing his expertise in crafting intricate and suspenseful political thrillers.”

🖥️ How to Watch Beirut?

The Negotiator (Beirut) is available for streaming rental or purchase on platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability as streaming options can vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Beirut, you might like these similar films:

• Argo (2012): Both films involve intricate political situations in the Middle East and the extraction of American citizens.
• The Year of Living Dangerously (1982): Explores similar themes of political turmoil and personal risk for Westerners in a volatile foreign environment during a specific historical period.
• Munich (2005): Deals with the aftermath of the Munich massacre and explores themes of revenge, political intrigue, and the moral complexities of covert operations in the Middle East.

🛒 Beirut Related Products

• Beirut (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Digital Download]: Immerse yourself in the film’s atmosphere with John Debney’s evocative score. This digital soundtrack features all the key musical pieces from the movie, capturing the tension and drama of ‘Beirut.’
• Beirut Movie Poster (24×36): A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster. Perfect for framing and displaying your love for the film.
• CIA Challenge Coin: A novelty Challenge Coin related to the movie

🎧 Soundtrack

Beirut features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Brooklyn” – performed by Robert Hermel & Henri Renaud
• “Beirut Theme” – performed by John Debney

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

BEIRUT | Official Featurette

Ever wondered what it took to bring ‘Beirut’ to life? This featurette gives you an exclusive look behind the camera with the stars and even a real CIA officer! I especially liked hearing the CIA officer’s point of view.

✨ Rate