Hounds of War Ending Explained: Ryder’s Quest for Revenge

Hounds of War is an action-packed war film directed by Isaac Florentine, which hit theaters on September 20, 2024.

The storyline follows Ryder and his mercenary group known as “The Hounds.”After successfully completing numerous missions, the team is called for one final assignment by Colonel Hart. However, they soon realize this mission is a deadly trap orchestrated by Hart and high-ranking government officials aiming to eliminate them.

Ryder emerges as the sole survivor of the ambush and goes into hiding for six months. Ultimately, at the climax of Hounds of War, he exacts his vengeance by setting Colonel Hart’s vehicle ablaze during Hart’s vacation in Havana, Cuba. Additionally, Ryder exposes the corrupt President, who is the brains behind the entire scheme.

The impressive cast of Hounds of War features Frank Grillo, Rhona Mitra, Robert Patrick, Steven Elder, Lee Charles, Yvonne Mai, Eskindir Tesfay, Marc Hoang, Leshon Alexander, Urs Rechn, Mike Gassaway, Joey Ansah, Raha Rahbari, and Victor Solé . . . .

Why Does Ryder Come to Malta?

Ryder meets his family in Malta (Image via XYZ Films)

After a thrilling action sequence at the film’s onset, the narrative transitions six months back. Ryder arrives in Malta from the United States, where he verifies his documents. He soon reunites with his brother and his pregnant sister-in-law. Initially, this reunion may seem warm, but the undertones of their dialogue suggest that Ryder’s visit to Malta is on a covert mission.

As an experienced mercenary with numerous successful missions under his belt, Ryder had hoped to retire following the loss of many comrades during his last mission in Syria. However, Colonel Hart intervenes, summoning him for one final operation that promises to allow the team to exit the mercenary world.

Dubbed “Operation Brimstone,”their assignment involves hunting down a notorious terrorist named Khalid Mustafa Atef, who transitioned from a simple farmer to a powerful warlord in Libya. According to Hart, the increasing influence of China and Russia in the region necessitates this course of action.

Colonel Hart sets a trap for the Hounds during their last mission (Image via YouTube/Sky Cinema)

After gearing up, the mercenaries are deployed outside Sirte. They eliminate a few guards and locate Mustafa’s office. However, as Santiago attempts to access a laptop, an explosive triggers, engulfing the room in flames.

Suddenly, the Hounds realize they are the hunted, with Colonel Hart pulling the strings behind the scenes. Mustafa’s forces quickly corner them, and amidst the chaos, Ryder becomes the lone survivor after his brother tragically sacrifices himself.

Ryder’s Vengeance for His Team

Selina helps Ryder to take his revenge in Hounds of War (Image via XYZ Films)

With everyone on the team presumed dead, Colonel Hart even turns against Jenna, shooting her at point-blank range. Ryder goes underground for the next six months, gathering intelligence on those responsible for the deadly ambush.

He discovers that alongside Colonel Hart, a high-ranking official named Joshua Reed and the President of the United States played pivotal roles in this conspiracy. Ryder penetrates the corrupt political schemes that led to the mercenaries being used for illegal missions, aimed at erasing any evidence of their crimes.

Having lost his entire team, Ryder realizes he needs new allies. After much effort, he re-establishes contact with his former co-worker and romantic interest Selina. Together with Selina and her team, Ryder devises a plan to dismantle the corrupt regime and bring the President to justice.

Ryder Exposes the Corrupt Government in the Climax of Hounds of War

Ryder exposes the corrupted government officials in Hounds of War (Image via XYZ Films)

The story shifts back to present-day six months later, as the President arrives in Malta for an official visit. Ryder’s team seizes the opportunity to capture him. Meanwhile, Colonel Hart learns of Ryder’s survival and sends his forces after him.

Ryder manages to evade capture but sustains injuries. Selina comes to his aid, and while still recuperating, Ryder positions himself with a sniper rifle during the President’s public address. He shoots the President, opting not to kill him, while Selina’s team executes a successful extraction, masquerading as medical personnel.

Ryder gets his revenge during the ending of Hounds of War (Image via XYZ Films)

As the President is held hostage, he begins to confess. He admits, alongside Colonel Hart and Joshua Reed, to sanctioning a multitude of unauthorized operations over the years.

These crimes led to the deaths of countless innocent lives, including those of Ryder’s family and team members. This confession is recorded and disseminated by journalist Maria, exposing the wrongdoings on a global scale.

Ryder and Selina develop a stronger bond (Image via XYZ Films)

The President faces legal consequences, while Joshua Reed takes his own life. In the film’s finale, Ryder tracks Colonel Hart to Havana, Cuba, where he rigged Hart’s car with explosives. Just as Hart enters the vehicle, Ryder triggers the explosion, killing him instantly.

Ryder ultimately avenges his team and family. Hounds of War concludes with Ryder and Selina embarking on a new journey together, leaving their past behind.

Explore our other articles for the latest recommendations on action and thriller films.

Source