The story begins with Duncan approaching his 50th birthday, which is significant because his contract with the powerful assassin agency Damocles stipulates mandatory retirement. Upon retiring, assassins are entitled to a lucrative pension, funded by the agency. However, the agency, led by the ruthless Mr. Blut (Matt Lucas), has a sinister scheme: killing retired assassins to avoid paying their pensions.
Duncan, weary and haunted by his violent past, relocates to a remote cabin in Montana to live out a quiet life. There, he befriends his introverted neighbor, Camille (Vanessa Hudgens), who is grappling with her own traumas. Their growing bond offers Duncan a glimpse of humanity and redemption.
Unbeknownst to Duncan, Damocles dispatches a team of young, flashy, and overconfident assassins to eliminate him. This squad, led by the sadistic Vivian (Katheryn Winnick), underestimates Duncan’s unparalleled skills. What follows is a bloody and relentless game of cat and mouse as Duncan systematically eliminates his pursuers.
As the story unfolds, Duncan uncovers a deeper conspiracy. Camille is revealed to have a personal connection to Duncan’s pastβher parents were killed during one of his missions years ago. She seeks revenge, but as the two confront their intertwined fates, a fragile understanding forms between them.
The climactic showdown pits Duncan against Mr. Blut in a final act of brutal retribution. Duncan dismantles the corrupt organization, exacting vengeance for the betrayals and bloodshed. In the aftermath, he resolves to protect Camille, choosing to atone for his past sins by embracing a new purpose.
Polar blends intense action sequences, stylized visuals, and dark humor with moments of introspection. While the film’s hyper-violence and exaggerated characters polarize audiences, Mads Mikkelsen’s commanding performance grounds the narrative, offering depth to an otherwise cold and brutal world. Ultimately, Polar explores themes of redemption, trust, and the struggle to escape one’s violent past.
