In the scorching heat of summer 1985, we meet Michael, the charismatic narrator whose suave demeanor allows him to effortlessly weasel his way into the prestigious pre-law program at Columbia University. Beneath his charming exterior lies a con artist’s instinct, always scheming and plotting. His close friend, Carmine, a handsome and charming ladies’ man, is deeply entrenched in the high-stakes world of organized crime, fiercely holding onto his Brooklyn roots and the Mafia undercurrents that run through it. Conversely, Bobby, the endearing penny-pincher, aspires for a life that embodies simplicity and domestic bliss alongside his fiancée.

As this trio of unlikely roommates grapples with the esteemed environment of Columbia, Michael finds himself infatuated with Ellen—a breathtaking co-ed hailing from a privileged background. At first, he enchants her with his preppy, All-American charm. As their romance blossoms, the tantalizing possibility of leaving behind their streetwise lives becomes increasingly tempting. However, the tides shift drastically when Carmine captures the attention of Caesar, played by Alec Baldwin, a ruthless capo from the Gambino family who imposes his formidable rule over their neighborhood with an iron fist. In facing this dangerous connection, Michael and Bobby inevitably find themselves unwillingly entrenched in the dark and perilous depths of the city’s criminal underbelly.