The film centers around Tom Mullen (played by Mel Gibson), a wealthy airline owner, and his wife Kate (played by Rene Russo), whose son Sean (played by Brawley Nolte) is kidnapped from Central Park. The kidnappers demand a ransom of $2 million.
Initially, Tom cooperates with the FBI led by Agent Lonnie Hawkins (played by Delroy Lindo) to secure his son’s safe return. However, after a failed attempt to exchange the ransom money, Tom becomes frustrated with the lack of progress in finding his son and decides to take matters into his own hands.
Tom goes on national television and announces that he will not pay the ransom, but instead offer it as a bounty for the capture of the kidnappers. He turns the tables on the kidnappers, using the media to publicize his offer and put pressure on them.
As the investigation intensifies, Tom becomes increasingly desperate and begins to unravel emotionally. He clashes with the FBI and takes extreme measures to track down the kidnappers, including offering a reward to anyone with information and going undercover to meet with criminals.
Meanwhile, Kate struggles to cope with the trauma of her son’s abduction and blames Tom for his decision not to pay the ransom. Their marriage is strained as they deal with the emotional fallout of their son’s kidnapping.
In the climax of the film, Tom finally confronts the kidnappers in a tense showdown. With the help of the FBI, he manages to rescue his son and apprehend the kidnappers. However, the ordeal leaves lasting scars on the Mullen family, forcing them to confront their own vulnerabilities and insecurities.
In the end, the Mullens are reunited with their son, but they are left to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the traumatic events. The film ends on a bittersweet note as the family reflects on the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing their time together.
“Ransom” is praised for its suspenseful plot, intense performances, and thought-provoking exploration of themes such as justice, morality, and the bond between parent and child. It remains a compelling and emotionally resonant thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.