In The Equalizer (2014), Denzel Washington brings quiet intensity and brutal justice to the streets of Boston as Robert McCall—a man with a mysterious past and a very particular set of skills. When the innocent are threatened and the law fails, McCall takes matters into his own hands.
Think you remember every calculated move, silent stare, and improvised weapon? Take on our 10-question trivia challenge and prove you can keep up with the equalizer himself. Precision counts.
The Equalizer (2014) Trivia Questions & Answers
- Who plays the lead role of Robert McCall in The Equalizer?
Denzel Washington
Correct Answer: Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington brings quiet gravitas and lethal precision to the role of Robert McCall. His layered performance grounds the film, turning what could have been a standard vigilante story into something personal and powerful.
- What is McCall’s profession at the beginning of the movie?
Home improvement store employee
Correct Answer: Home improvement store employee
McCall works at a Home Mart in Boston, living a low-profile life. His calm routine conceals his deadly skills—skills that resurface when injustice forces him to act.
- Which city is the main setting for the film?
Boston
Correct Answer: Boston
Set against the gritty backdrop of Boston, the film uses the city’s streets, docks, and neighborhoods to emphasize themes of hidden violence, justice, and urban decay.
- What is the name of the young woman McCall tries to help?
Teri
Correct Answer: Teri
Teri, portrayed by Chloë Grace Moretz, is a young woman trapped in sex trafficking. Her suffering awakens McCall’s sense of purpose, igniting his return to a life of action.
- What is Teri’s profession?
Sex worker
Correct Answer: Sex worker
Forced into prostitution by the Russian mob, Teri becomes the emotional catalyst for McCall’s crusade. Her vulnerability underscores the film’s deeper message about protecting the innocent.
- What book does McCall frequently read in the diner?
The Old Man and the Sea
Correct Answer: The Old Man and the Sea
Hemingway’s classic mirrors McCall’s internal journey—quiet strength, moral endurance, and solitary confrontation with overwhelming odds. It’s a symbol of his stoic resolve.
- What criminal organization is behind the exploitation of Teri?
Russian Mafia
Correct Answer: Russian Mafia
The primary antagonists are a brutal faction of the Russian mafia. Their arrogance and violence contrast sharply with McCall’s disciplined sense of justice.
- What is McCall’s unique fighting style known for?
Timing and precision
Correct Answer: Timing and precision
McCall’s combat is deliberate and efficient. He calculates every move, often timing how long it will take him to dispatch multiple enemies—a reflection of his tactical mindset and control.
- What tool does McCall use during the hardware store showdown?
Nail gun
Correct Answer: Nail gun
In a gripping finale inside the Home Mart store, McCall turns everyday tools—like a nail gun—into deadly weapons, showcasing his adaptability and ingenuity under pressure.
- What is suggested about McCall’s past?
He was a black-ops operative
Correct Answer: He was a black-ops operative
Though never fully explained, McCall’s methods, resources, and contacts hint at a past in elite black-ops. His background lends weight to his actions and explains his near-superhuman calm in the face of danger.
