🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Tarik Saleh
- Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller
- Release year: 2022
- Runtime (length): 1h 43min
- IMDb rating: 5.8/10 (34K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 39%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Chris Pine hurts his knee, gets sad, joins a super-secret club, goes to Germany, and suddenly everyone wants him dead, but it’s all a misunderstanding about…medicine?
🍿 The Contractor: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Discharge and Desperation
James Harper, a decorated U.S. Army Special Forces sergeant, is involuntarily discharged due to a knee injury and subsequent use of painkillers. Stripped of his benefits and facing financial ruin, he seeks a way to provide for his family. This sets the stage for his entry into the dangerous world of private military contracting.

Joining the Contracting Organization
Harper reconnects with his friend Mike, who introduces him to Rusty, a fellow veteran running a private contracting firm. Enticed by the promise of high pay and a sense of purpose, Harper joins the organization, unaware of the true nature of their operations. Rusty provides Harper’s family with a substantial sum of money upfront, further solidifying his commitment.

The Berlin Operation
Harper’s first mission takes him to Berlin, where he’s tasked with surveilling a scientist, Salim. The team is told Salim is developing a bio-agent for ISIS, and they are ordered to retrieve his research and eliminate him. The mission goes sideways during the extraction, resulting in a violent shootout with the local police and Harper questioning the validity of the operation.

Betrayal and Survival
After the Berlin operation, Harper is betrayed by Rusty and his team, who attempt to eliminate him. He survives the initial attack and goes on the run, uncovering a conspiracy that reaches far beyond what he initially understood. Virgil, a mysterious figure, helps Harper to heal and provides crucial information about Salim’s research and the true motives behind the mission.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- James Harper (Chris Pine): A discharged Special Forces sergeant who joins a private contracting organization to support his family but uncovers a dangerous conspiracy.
- Mike (Ben Foster): James’s best friend and fellow soldier who recruits him into the private contracting world, leading to unforeseen consequences.
- Rusty (Kiefer Sutherland): A fellow veteran and commander of the private military company, who manipulates his team for his own nefarious purposes.
- Brianne (Gillian Jacobs): James’ wife, who supports him but is unaware of the true dangers of his new job.
- Salim (Fares Fares): A scientist working on a cure for a virus who is wrongly targeted by the contracting team, revealing the corrupt motivations behind the mission.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Virgil: “It’s much easier to kill, but it’s harder to survive.” – Virgil says this to James, reflecting on the harsh realities of their dangerous lives and the constant struggle for survival.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $50,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $1,035,265
- Worldwide Gross: $2,122,288
💥 The Contractor Reviews
Personal Review
I wanted to like this movie more than I did. Chris Pine and Ben Foster are a great duo, but the script felt really generic. There were a few good action scenes, like the initial raid in Berlin, that kept me engaged. Overall, I felt disappointed. The movie had the potential to be so much better with a more original story.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of action-thrillers”
- “Viewers interested in military and espionage themes”
- “Those who enjoy movies starring Chris Pine and Ben Foster”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence and action sequences”
- “Strong language”
- “Themes of betrayal and corruption”
- “Drug use”
Professional Reviews
- IMDb: “Entertaining generic thriller. Storyline is somewhat bland. It definitely was watchable, I just found the storyline to be somewhat bland and generic. A shame really, because there certainly was pontential for a lot more here. The movie had a good cast ensemble.
- IMDb: “Cliché ridden film. The plot is basic, the plot twist is obvious from the beginning of the mission and the ending is expected. Overall, very limited action scenes. Chris Pine is barely ok, he has a limp then he doesn’t, then he does again.
Audience Reactions
Some loved the realistic tactical aspects of the movie, particularly the combat scenes.: Many found the plot predictable and unoriginal, while others appreciated the performances of Chris Pine and Ben Foster.
Overall Consensus: Mixed reviews, some found it entertaining with good performances, while others found the plot predictable and generic.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film was originally titled ‘Violence of Action’.”
- “Filming primarily took place in Bucharest, Romania.”
- “Many reviewers have pointed out similarities in plot and style to the Jason Bourne film series.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Contractor?
The Contractor is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on demand via services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for availability as streaming options may vary by region. For physical copies, consider purchasing the Blu-ray or DVD from major retailers. Subscription may be required to stream content.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Contractor, you might like these similar films:
- American Assassin (2017): Features a similar plot about a newly recruited black ops soldier seeking revenge.
- Shooter (2007): Another film about a skilled marksman framed for a crime and forced to go on the run.
- Hell or High Water (2016): Also stars Chris Pine and Ben Foster with a similar dynamic between the characters.
🛒 The Contractor Related Products
- 5.11 RUSH24 Tactical Backpack: Durable and versatile tactical backpack, perfect for outdoor activities and everyday use. Inspired by the tactical gear seen in the movie.
- Tactical Gloves: High-performance tactical gloves offering superior grip and hand protection, similar to those used by Chris Pine’s character in the film.
- Black Rifle Coffee Company Coffee: High-quality, strong coffee brand founded by veterans. Ideal for fans who appreciate the military theme and need an extra boost.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Contractor features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The Contractor was primarily filmed in Bucharest, Romania. The European locations contributed to the film’s realistic and gritty atmosphere.
The film explores themes of betrayal, the exploitation of veterans, and the corruption within private military contracting. It also touches upon the moral implications of corporate greed and the manipulation of scientific research.
No, ‘The Contractor’ is a fictional story. However, it draws inspiration from real-world issues surrounding private military contractors and the challenges faced by veterans transitioning back to civilian life.
🔥 Bonus Content
They Kicked Him Out of the Special Forces for Being Useless, Until He Decided to Take Revenge
Ever wonder what ‘The Contractor’ is all about without committing to the full movie? This recap has you covered! It’s like the ultimate spoiler-filled summary, and honestly, it made me want to see how the revenge plays out myself.
Top 5 Must-Watch Action-Packed Spy Thrillers
Looking for more action after watching ‘The Contractor’? This video lists it among other must-see spy thrillers! Plus, you might just find your next favorite movie – I know I added a couple to my watch list after seeing it.
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