iHostage ending explained: What happened to Ammar Ajar?

iHostage is a Dutch crime thriller film that was released on Netflix on April 18, 2025. The film is directed by Bobby Boermans, who also wrote it with Simon de Waal. Here's the official synopsis:

"When a gunman enters an Apple Store in the heart of Amsterdam, the police face a delicate challenge to resolve the standoff. Based on true events."

The star cast of the film includes Dutch actors like Matteo van der Grijn, Loes Haverkort, Jasmine Sendar, and Louis Talpe. So let's take a look at how the film ends and what happens to Ammar Ajar.

What is the plot of iHostage?

A still from iHostage | Image via Netflix

iHostage takes a leaf out of a real incident that took place on February 22, 2022, when an armed man took a customer hostage inside an Apple store in Amsterdam. His demands included €200 million in cryptocurrency and his safe exit from the building. But things did not work out as he had planned. The film dramatizes these events and also showcases the point of view of the police as they try to negotiate with the criminal.

How does iHostage end?

iHostage showcases Ammar Ajar holding everyone hostage at an Apple store. Initially, he fires at the cops who show up to dowse the situation. Taking this time, most of the people in the store rush towards the building's first floor and a closet close by. This leaves Ilian, who is held hostage by Ajar. Lynn, a negotiator, arrives at the scene and tries to talk Ajar out of the situation.

At one point, Ilian takes a chance and asks Ajar for water. To do that, Ajar drops his gun so that he can pick up water. Sensing the opportunity, Ilian runs for his life, and Ajar goes after him. The cops hit the terrorist with their car.

After that, the cops find out that the vest, which Ajar was threatening to detonate with a bomb, was actually empty. Meanwhile, Ajar is hospitalized, where he succumbs to his injuries and dies the next day. It was Officer Winston who was called to the scene, and he ended up running Ajar over with his car. This was done to prevent any other situation where Ajar could hold someone hostage again.

The hit from the car was really hard, and it ended up killing Ajar. The police lost the chance to interrogate him and find out his motives for the crime. Winston is told by his senior that an inquiry will be set up to look into his actions, which will decide his fate in the department. He is told to go back home and is given an off-duty sentence. The real-life cop was not prosecuted and returned to his duty shortly afterwards.

Meanwhile, Ilian receives a second life after he takes a chance and runs away from the terrorist. He had only shown up to buy AirPods, and it turned out to be one of the most dramatic days of his entire life. We see him in his hotel room the next day as he collapses into tears, thinking about all the things he went through.

What do you think about the ending of iHostage?