American Animals 2018

The narrative of this film artfully weaves together personal interviews with the real individuals represented on screen, alongside reenactments of their notable escapades. Set in 2003 in Lexington, Kentucky, the story follows Spencer Reinhard, an art student feeling a profound lack of purpose in life. Driven by a desire for inspiration, even if it comes with tragedy, he meets Warren Lipka, a rebellious athlete whose indifference towards sports is matched only by his resolve to please his family through education.

After a captivating tour of the Transylvania University library’s rare book collection, the duo concocts a scheme to steal a first edition of John James Audubon’s The Birds of America along with several other priceless volumes. Warren takes a trip to Amsterdam to connect with black market buyers, who spark their ambition by revealing the potential for huge financial gain. Renewed with excitement, they realize that to pull off the heist, they will need a larger crew.

They recruit childhood friends: Eric Borsuk, who helps devise their plan, and Chas Allen, who reluctantly agrees to be their getaway driver. Their most significant obstacle is the vigilant librarian, Betty Jean Gooch, the sole guardian of the books.

On the day of the heist, the group, donning disguises resembling elderly businessmen, attempts to infiltrate the library. However, sensing trouble with too many patrons present, they retreat to reconsider their strategy. Undeterred, Warren calls the library to arrange a private appointment for the following day, and they abandon their elaborate personas.

On the fateful day of the robbery, Spencer acts as lookout while Warren and Eric enter the library once again. Their plan quickly spirals into chaos when, in a moment of panic, Warren clumsily tases Betty and the pair struggle to restrain her as they make off with the books. In a frantic escape, they inadvertently leave behind two prized Audubon texts but manage to secure two rarer volumes.

Seeking validation for their haul, they take the books to Christie’s auction house in New York, where Spencer is asked to return the next day, leaving his contact number behind. Meanwhile, Chas expresses frustration over their blunders as they head back to Lexington. The realization hits Spencer that the police could trace their steps back through their online communications and Spencer’s phone.

As the tension rises, the group feels the pressure of their choices. Warren attempts a shoplifting stunt, while Spencer ends up in a car accident, and Eric engages in a bar fight. Their inevitable downfall comes when the FBI raids their homes, leading to their arrests, with each facing seven years in prison.

Post-incarceration, the real-life figures reflect on their actions with remorse, grappling with the discomfort of the pain they’ve caused their families. There’s also a revelation about Warren, who may have exaggerated his trip to Amsterdam, fabricating details to rally support for the heist.

In a closing epilogue, we learn of their lives post-prison: Eric has ventured to California to carve out a writing career, while Chas has established himself as a fitness coach in Los Angeles. Warren has returned to school to study filmmaking in Philadelphia, and Spencer remains in Lexington, finding purpose as an artist with a specialization in birds. Meanwhile, Betty Jean Gooch continues her role at Transylvania University, emblematic of resilience and dedication amidst the chaos.