Few directors are as synonymous with explosive, relentless action as Michael Bay. With Ambulance (2022), Bay delivers a high-octane thriller that’s both a love letter to Los Angeles and a nerve-shredding ride through its sun-drenched streets. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Eiza González, this film is more than just a chase—it’s a story of family, survival, and the moral lines we cross when pushed to the brink.
In this review, we’ll break down the film’s intricate plot, explore its layered characters, delve into its themes, analyze its box office performance, suggest similar films, explain why it’s worth your time, and wrap up with a thoughtful conclusion and FAQs.
Detailed Plot Summary
The Setup: Desperation Breeds Danger
Will Sharp (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), a decorated Marine veteran, finds himself at a crossroads. His wife, Amy, is gravely ill and needs an expensive surgery that insurance won’t cover. Desperate and out of options, Will turns to his adoptive brother, Danny (Jake Gyllenhaal), a career criminal with a knack for high-stakes heists.
Danny, ever the charismatic risk-taker, offers Will a lifeline: help him rob a Los Angeles bank for a $32 million payday. Will, torn between his moral compass and his family’s needs, reluctantly agrees.
The Heist Goes Wrong
The plan is meticulously crafted, but as with all great heist films, something goes wrong. A rookie LAPD officer, Zach, enters the bank to ask out a teller and stumbles into the robbery. He’s taken hostage, and a shootout erupts when Zach’s partner, Mark, intervenes. The Special Investigation Section (SIS) of the LAPD arrives, turning the bank into a war zone. Most of Danny’s crew are killed or captured; only Danny and Will escape, but not before Will accidentally shoots Zach during a scuffle.
The Ambulance Hijack
Cornered and desperate, the brothers hijack an ambulance containing Zach and EMT Cam Thompson (Eiza González), known as the best paramedic in L.A. Cam is forced to keep Zach alive at gunpoint, while Will and Danny try to navigate a city swarming with police.
The chase is on. SIS Captain Monroe (Garret Dillahunt) leads the pursuit, deploying helicopters and roadblocks. The ambulance becomes a rolling battleground, with Cam performing life-saving surgery on Zach in the back—at one point, with the help of trauma surgeons over FaceTime from a golf course.
Escalation and Chaos
Danny contacts Papi, a criminal kingpin, for help escaping the police in exchange for a share of the loot. Papi’s crew outfits a decoy ambulance with explosives and deploys machine-gun cars to create chaos, resulting in more casualties, including Monroe himself.
Meanwhile, Cam and Will form a reluctant alliance. Cam’s medical skills and Will’s military training are put to the test as they fight to keep Zach alive and outmaneuver Danny’s increasingly reckless decisions.
The Final Act: Brotherhood and Betrayal
As the city descends into chaos, Will and Danny’s bond is tested. Will wants to save Zach and Cam, knowing a cop’s death would doom them. Danny, spiraling into desperation, becomes more violent and unhinged.
After a deadly shootout at Papi’s hideout, Will is accidentally shot by Cam with Zach’s gun. Danny, enraged and feeling betrayed, threatens to kill Cam and himself on live television. In a final act of brotherly love and sacrifice, Will shoots Danny in the back to prevent further bloodshed.
Danny dies in Will’s arms, apologizing for everything. Will is arrested but survives, thanks to Cam’s intervention. Cam secretly leaves some of the heist money for Amy’s surgery, honoring Will’s original motive. Zach, when questioned by police, tells them Will saved his life, offering a glimmer of hope for Will’s future.
Character Analysis
Will Sharp (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II)
Will is the film’s moral center—a man driven to crime by love and desperation. His military background gives him strength and discipline, but he’s haunted by the choices he’s forced to make. Will’s journey is a tragic one: he’s a good man caught in an impossible situation, torn between loyalty to his brother and doing what’s right.
Danny Sharp (Jake Gyllenhaal)
Danny is both charismatic and volatile—a career criminal who sees himself as a modern-day Robin Hood. His love for Will is genuine, but his methods are ruthless. Gyllenhaal brings manic energy to the role, making Danny unpredictable and, at times, sympathetic. His descent into chaos is both thrilling and heartbreaking.
Cam Thompson (Eiza González)
Cam is the best EMT in L.A., known for her cool under pressure and her ability to save lives against all odds. She’s emotionally detached at first, but the ordeal forces her to confront her own trauma and rediscover her passion for helping people. Cam’s resilience and ingenuity are crucial to the film’s survival narrative.
Zach (Jackson White)
Zach is the rookie cop whose injury sets the plot in motion. His vulnerability humanizes the stakes, and his survival becomes the moral litmus test for Will and Cam. Zach’s gratitude toward Will adds emotional weight to the film’s conclusion.
Captain Monroe (Garret Dillahunt)
Monroe is the relentless SIS captain, a dogged pursuer whose respect for Will and Cam grows as the chase unfolds. His death is a turning point, escalating the chaos and forcing the brothers into a final confrontation.
Papi and Roberto
Papi, the criminal kingpin, and his son Roberto represent the darker side of the criminal underworld. Their willingness to use violence and explosives to achieve their goals raises the stakes and adds another layer of danger.
Themes
Brotherhood and Loyalty
At its heart, Ambulance is a story about brothers, by blood and by choice. Will and Danny’s relationship is the emotional core, exploring how far we’ll go for family and the consequences of misplaced loyalty.
Desperation and Morality
The film asks tough questions about what we’re willing to do when pushed to the edge. Will’s descent into crime is motivated by love, but the cost is steep. The line between right and wrong blurs as survival becomes the only goal.
The Value of Life
Amid the chaos, the film repeatedly underscores that “life is precious.” Cam’s determination to save Zach, even while being held hostage, and Will’s refusal to let Zach die, highlight the sanctity of life—even when surrounded by violence.
The Consequences of Violence
Bay’s trademark action is on full display, but the film doesn’t shy away from showing the collateral damage—innocents caught in the crossfire, families torn apart, and the psychological toll on everyone involved.
Redemption
Despite the carnage, the film offers moments of redemption. Will’s final act saves Cam and Zach, and Cam’s decision to help Amy hints at the possibility of forgiveness and second chances.
Box Office Collection
Ambulance was released in April 2022 and grossed around $52 million worldwide. While not a blockbuster by Bay’s standards, the film performed respectably given its mid-range budget and the ongoing challenges of the theatrical market. Its high-octane action and star power drew audiences, and it found a second life on streaming platforms.
Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Ambulance, you might also like:
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Speed: A relentless chase thriller set on a runaway bus.
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Heat: Michael Mann’s classic heist film about cops and robbers in Los Angeles.
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Inside Man: A smart, twisty bank robbery thriller.
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The Town: Ben Affleck’s gritty story of Boston bank robbers.
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Bad Boys II: Another Michael Bay action extravaganza with high-speed chases and explosive set pieces.
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Mad Max: Fury Road: For relentless vehicular action and survival under pressure.
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John Q: A father takes extreme measures to save his child’s life, blurring the lines between hero and criminal.
Why You Should Watch Ambulance
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Non-Stop Action: If you love high-speed chases, shootouts, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, this film delivers in spades.
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Emotional Stakes: Beneath the explosions and chaos is a story about family, sacrifice, and the lengths we’ll go for those we love.
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Strong Performances: Gyllenhaal, Abdul-Mateen II, and González elevate the material, bringing depth to their roles.
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Modern Heist Twist: The ambulance hijack adds a fresh spin to the traditional bank robbery formula.
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Michael Bay’s Signature Style: Love it or hate it, Bay’s kinetic direction, sweeping camera work, and practical effects make for a visually thrilling ride.
Conclusion
Ambulance is pure, unfiltered Michael Bay—a symphony of sirens, screeching tires, and moral dilemmas. It’s a film that grabs you from the first frame and doesn’t let go, blending adrenaline-pumping action with genuine emotional stakes. While it may not reinvent the genre, it injects enough heart and humanity to make the chaos matter.
At its core, Ambulance is about the choices we make when there are no good options and the hope that even in the darkest moments, acts of courage and compassion can shine through. If you’re looking for a smart, stylish, and emotionally charged action thriller, Ambulance is a ride worth taking.
FAQs
Q: Is Ambulance a remake?
A: Yes, it’s a remake of a 2005 Danish film of the same name, reimagined with Michael Bay’s signature style.
Q: Is the movie suitable for all audiences?
A: The film contains strong language, intense violence, and some graphic medical scenes. It’s best suited for mature audiences.
Q: Are the stunts and action sequences practical or CGI?
A: Michael Bay is known for using practical effects wherever possible, and Ambulance features real stunts and car chases.
Q: Is there a post-credits scene?
A: No, there are no end credit scenes.
Q: What is the main message of the film?
A: The film explores the value of life, the bonds of family, and the moral cost of desperation.
Q: Who are the main actors?
A: Jake Gyllenhaal (Danny), Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Will), and Eiza González (Cam) lead the cast.
Q: Does the movie have a happy ending?
A: The ending is bittersweet—there is loss and redemption, and a glimmer of hope for Will’s family.