Special Correspondents (2016)

The story opens in the bustling offices of a New York radio station, where Frank Bonneville, a brash and self-assured reporter, strides confidently past crime scene tape, embodying the swagger of a man who thrives on risk and exaggeration. His colleague and sound technician, Ian Finch, contrasts sharply with him--nervous, fumbling, and low on self-esteem but earnest in his work. Frank's arrogance is palpable as he dismisses their coworker Claire Maddox with a sneer, while their boss Geoffrey Mallard watches skeptically from a distance. The tension between Frank's overconfidence and Finch's meekness sets the stage for the unfolding drama.

When news breaks of a rebel uprising in Quito, Ecuador, Frank convinces the station to send him and Finch as special correspondents, promising exclusive coverage. However, disaster strikes before they even board the plane: Finch accidentally discards their passports and boarding passes, rendering travel impossible. Stranded in Queens, they retreat to a nearby Spanish restaurant where Finch, resourceful despite his anxiety, concocts a plan. Upstairs, he creates a soundscape of gunfire, explosions, and chaos to simulate a war zone. Frank uses this audio backdrop to fake live reports over the phone, spinning a tale of danger and heroism from the safety of New York. Their deception quickly gains traction, captivating listeners and the media alike.

As their fabricated story grows, Frank and Finch invent a rebel leader named Emilio Santiago Alvarez to heighten the drama. This fictional figure becomes a focal point of fear in Washington, where officials worry that Frank and Finch are in grave danger. Rival TV reporter John Baker seizes on the story, intensifying the media frenzy. The radio station boss, Mallard, grows increasingly uneasy and orders Frank and Finch to report in person from the U.S. embassy in Quito to end the charade. Panicked, the duo destroy their SIM cards to avoid being traced, deepening their commitment to the lie.

Meanwhile, Eleanor Finch, Ian's estranged wife, emerges as a manipulative and attention-hungry figure. She capitalizes on the fake kidnapping for publicity, appearing on television with tearful pleas for their safe return and even performing a song called "Dollar for a Hero" to rally public support. Frank is shocked to realize Eleanor is Ian's wife when he sees her on TV, adding personal tension to the escalating situation.

The deception spirals further when Frank and Finch stage a hostage video, sending a ransom demand to the President of the United States. Public sympathy floods in, and donations pour toward the fake ransom fund. At Frank's apartment, the two men are caught by Eleanor while dividing the money. Instead of conflict, the three agree to split the cash, each motivated by their own desires--Frank's ego, Finch's desperation, and Eleanor's craving for fame.

Determined to end the farce, Frank and Finch illegally travel to Ecuador, hoping to claim their release at the embassy and return home as heroes. Their journey leads them to a rundown bar in Ecuador, a grim and shadowy place where the line between fiction and reality blurs. Here, their luck runs out: they are genuinely kidnapped by local criminals, transforming their fabricated story into a terrifying ordeal. Bound and confined in a small village, the two men face real danger for the first time.

In the darkness of captivity, Frank confesses to Finch that he slept with Eleanor before the scheme began, a revelation that stings but does not erupt into violence. The captors demand ransom from Eleanor, but she coldly refuses, telling them to kill Frank and Finch instead. The stakes escalate as a captor returns, intent on forcing the two men into a fight to the death.

In a desperate bid for survival, Frank seizes a gun from one of the kidnappers, and Finch shoots the captor dead. This violent act marks the only death in the story, a grim turning point that shifts the tone from farce to genuine peril. Seizing the moment, Frank and Finch escape, stealing a car to make their way to the U.S. embassy in Quito.

Their arrival at the embassy signals the climax of the ordeal. They are flown home by private jet, their ordeal over but their reputations forever altered. Back in New York, the public hails them as heroes, despite the revelation that their captivity was initially a sham. Eleanor, abandoned by Finch, continues to bask in the media spotlight, thriving on the fame the deception brought her.

The film closes on a bittersweet note: Frank and Finch return to their lives, their fake heroism cemented in the public eye, while the truth of their lies remains largely unchallenged. The tension between truth and spectacle, reality and fabrication, leaves the audience reflecting on the nature of media and fame.

Throughout the narrative, every major character plays a pivotal role: Frank Bonneville's arrogance drives the scheme; Ian Finch's technical skills enable the deception; Eleanor Finch's manipulations complicate the personal and public fallout; Geoffrey Mallard's skepticism adds pressure; and John Baker's media rivalry intensifies the stakes. The film's locations--from the New York radio station and Queens restaurant to the rundown Ecuadorian bar and the U.S. embassy--serve as backdrops that mirror the escalating tension and shifting realities.

The sole death--the captor shot by Finch during their real kidnapping--underscores the dangerous consequences of their lies. Confrontations abound, from tense exchanges with kidnappers to personal betrayals and media battles, culminating in a violent escape that blurs the line between fiction and reality. The final resolution leaves the protagonists alive but morally compromised, their story a cautionary tale about deception, ambition, and the hunger for fame.

In the ending of "Special Correspondents," the main characters, Frank and Eleanor, manage to escape the chaos they created and return to New York. They face the consequences of their actions but ultimately find a way to reconcile their relationship and their careers.

As the film concludes, Frank and Eleanor are seen in a new light, having learned from their misadventures. They are back in the United States, where they must confront the fallout from their fabricated war reporting. The film ends on a note of hope, suggesting that they will move forward together, both personally and professionally.

Now, let's delve into the ending in a more detailed narrative fashion:

The climax of "Special Correspondents" unfolds as Frank and Eleanor, having navigated a series of misadventures in their fabricated war zone, find themselves in a precarious situation. After a series of comedic yet tense moments, they manage to escape the clutches of the local authorities who have been pursuing them for their deception. The couple, who initially seemed to be at odds with each other, begin to realize the strength of their bond as they work together to evade capture.

As they make their way back to New York, the emotional weight of their actions begins to settle in. Frank, played by Ricky Gervais, grapples with feelings of guilt and shame over the lies he has told and the impact they have had on his career and personal life. Eleanor, portrayed by Vera Farmiga, reflects on her own motivations and the choices that led them to this point. The journey back is filled with moments of tension, but also of connection, as they share their fears and hopes for the future.

Upon their return to New York, they are met with the reality of their situation. The media frenzy surrounding their fabricated reports has created a scandal that threatens to ruin their careers. Frank faces the consequences of his actions, including the potential loss of his job and reputation. Eleanor, who has been supportive throughout their ordeal, stands by him, showcasing her loyalty and commitment to their relationship.

In a pivotal scene, Frank confronts his boss, who is furious about the deception. However, instead of being fired, Frank is given a chance to redeem himself. He proposes a new story that reflects the truth of their experiences, emphasizing the importance of honesty in journalism. This moment signifies a turning point for Frank, as he begins to understand the value of integrity in his work.

The film concludes with Frank and Eleanor sitting together, reflecting on their journey. They acknowledge the mistakes they made but also recognize the growth they experienced as a couple. The final scenes depict them moving forward, both in their personal lives and in their careers, suggesting a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to each other.

In summary, Frank and Eleanor emerge from their chaotic adventure with a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationship. They face the consequences of their actions but do so together, hinting at a hopeful future as they navigate the complexities of life and love.

In the movie "Special Correspondents," there is no post-credit scene. The film concludes without any additional scenes or content after the credits roll. The story wraps up with the main characters, Frank and Eleanor, having navigated their misadventures and ultimately finding a resolution to their chaotic situation. The focus remains on their journey and the comedic elements of their escapades, leaving no further narrative to explore in a post-credit sequence.

Frank Bonneville, played by Ricky Gervais, is motivated by a combination of desperation and ambition. As a once-respected journalist, he finds himself in a precarious position when his career begins to falter. The pressure to maintain his status and the fear of losing his job push him to concoct a scheme to fake his war reporting, believing that this will restore his reputation and secure his future.

Initially, Frank's relationship with Eleanor, portrayed by Vera Farmiga, is strained and filled with tension. She is frustrated with his lack of professionalism and his tendency to cut corners. However, as the story progresses and they find themselves in increasingly absurd situations while faking their reports, their dynamic shifts. They begin to rely on each other, leading to a deeper understanding and a more collaborative partnership, ultimately revealing a bond that transcends their professional roles.

Richard, played by Eric Bana, serves as a crucial supporting character who adds both comedic relief and depth to the story. He is initially portrayed as a somewhat hapless sound engineer who is caught up in Frank's scheme. As the plot unfolds, Richard's character evolves; he becomes more involved in the deception and showcases his own motivations, including a desire for adventure and recognition. His interactions with Frank and Eleanor highlight the absurdity of their situation and contribute to the film's humor.

Frank and Richard encounter numerous challenges while trying to maintain their ruse. They must navigate the complexities of pretending to be in a war-torn country, including avoiding detection by real journalists and military personnel. Their lack of experience in actual combat situations leads to a series of comedic yet tense moments, such as miscommunication, accidental encounters with real danger, and the constant fear of being exposed. These challenges test their resourcefulness and ultimately force them to confront their own ethical boundaries.

The film illustrates the consequences of Frank and Richard's deception through a series of escalating events that lead to both comedic and serious outcomes. As their lies begin to unravel, they face the risk of losing their jobs, reputations, and even their safety. The fallout from their actions not only affects their personal lives but also impacts the people around them, including their families and colleagues. The film ultimately critiques the nature of journalism and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve success, highlighting the moral implications of their choices.

"Special Correspondents" is a comedy film that contains some elements that may not be suitable for all family audiences. Here are a few potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects:

1. Language: The film includes some strong language and profanity that may not be appropriate for younger viewers.

2. Alcohol Use: Characters are depicted drinking alcohol in various scenes, which may not be suitable for children.

3. Deception and Dishonesty: The central plot revolves around characters lying and deceiving others, which could be a negative influence for younger audiences.

4. Mature Themes: The film touches on themes of failure, desperation, and the consequences of dishonesty, which may be complex for children to understand.

5. Violence: While not graphic, there are scenes that involve mild violence or threats that could be unsettling for sensitive viewers.

Overall, while the film is a comedy, these elements may make it less suitable for children or those who are sensitive to such content.