The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017), directed by Patrick Hughes, is an action-comedy fueled by high-speed chases, flying bullets, and endless bickering. Starring Ryan Reynolds as disgraced elite bodyguard Michael Bryce and Samuel L. Jackson as unfiltered hitman Darius Kincaid, the movie throws together two enemies-turned-reluctant-partners on a mission to deliver testimony against a war criminal in The Hague. Their road trip from the UK to the Netherlands turns into a chaotic mess of betrayals, shootouts, and hilarious insults—all while building a surprisingly entertaining odd-couple dynamic.
In a time when action comedies are finding second life on streaming platforms, The Hitman’s Bodyguard has become one of those go-to background watches: easy to follow, peppered with humor, and full of quick thrills. It’s also a reminder of Ryan Reynolds’ experimental phase—between Deadpool and The Free Guy—where he tried everything from edgy superheroes to full-blown action leads, angling for a spot among Hollywood’s dependable action stars. This film, though not revolutionary, cemented his position as a likeable action-comedy lead.
In this article, we explore the plot and the chaotic ending of The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017).
The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017) Plot Summary & Movie Synopsis:
Why is Darius Kincaid testifying at The Hague?
Darius Kincaid, a world-class hitman, agrees to testify against Belarusian dictator Vladislav Dukhovich in exchange for his wife’s release from prison. His testimony is the prosecution’s last chance to convict Dukhovich for crimes against humanity. Kincaid not only admits to being hired by Dukhovich for an assassination, but also claims to have witnessed and documented a mass execution carried out by the dictator himself.
What caused the fallout between Michael Bryce and Darius?
Bryce initially blames Kincaid for the downfall of his career—his client Takashi Kurosawa was assassinated on Bryce’s watch. However, Kincaid later admits he killed Kurosawa coincidentally during another job. This revelation enrages Bryce, who momentarily abandons the mission. But the chaos of being targeted by Dukhovich’s men forces the two back together, allowing them to settle their differences with begrudging respect.
The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017) Movie Ending Explained:
Who is the real traitor inside Interpol?
The insider leak that compromises Kincaid’s transfer is revealed to be Jean Foucher, the Interpol Assistant Director. He secretly aids Dukhovich, and his exit from the courtroom moments before a planned bombing alerts Amelia (Bryce’s ex and Interpol agent) to his betrayal. Foucher’s duplicity adds to the growing paranoia and danger surrounding the mission.
What happens at the end of The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017)?
The film ends in a high-octane climax at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. After Darius presents evidence against Dukhovich, the dictator triggers a backup plan—bombing the courtroom to escape. Amid the chaos, Dukhovich attempts to kill Darius but is thwarted by Bryce, who jumps in front of the bullet. Severely injured but alive, Bryce buys enough time for Darius to pursue Dukhovich.
The final confrontation unfolds on the rooftop as Dukhovich tries to flee via a hijacked helicopter. In classic action-hero style, Darius blows up the chopper and kicks Dukhovich off the rooftop to his death—avenging Bryce and ensuring justice is served. Foucher, meanwhile, is killed by Bryce as he attempts to harm Amelia during their scuffle, wrapping up the thread of betrayal. With the mission complete, Darius is arrested for his own crimes but doesn’t stay locked up for long. Months later, he escapes Belmarsh Prison just in time to reunite with Sonia and celebrate their wedding anniversary in a rowdy Honduran bar brawl.
