Hell or High Water 2016

In West Texas, divorced father Toby Howard (Chris Pine) and his ex-con brother Tanner (Ben Foster) engage in a series of daring early morning heists targeting two branches of the Texas Midlands Bank. Their first robbery unfolds in Archer City, where they catch the bank’s teller, Elsie (Dale Dickey), off guard as she opens the doors for the day. The duo then awaits the arrival of the bank manager Mr. Clauson (William Sterchi), who holds the keys to the cash-laden safe.

Their criminal quest takes them to the Olney branch where Tanner brandishes a firearm at the teller (Kristin Berg), demanding that she empty the cash drawers. In a calculated move, the brothers only abscond with small bills, avoiding any bundles that might hold tracking devices. Despite their meticulous planning, Tanner’s reckless instincts spark tensions between the brothers, especially as Toby insists on committing the robberies when the banks are at their emptiest.

After successfully carrying out their initial heists, the brothers dispose of the getaway vehicle in a massive hole on their ranch. Meanwhile, Texas Rangers Marcus Hamilton (Jeff Bridges) and Alberto Parker (Gil Birmingham) dive into the investigation. Hamilton, on the brink of retirement, quickly deciphers the brothers’ operational style and motivations. Since the stolen sums are relatively small, the FBI finds little interest in the case, allowing Hamilton to theorize that Toby and Tanner are working toward a specific financial goal.

The backstory of the brothers reveals a life marred by tragedy and struggle. Tanner, a previously imprisoned individual, had his share of heartache, notably being haunted by the memory of killing their abusive father. Toby, meanwhile, took on the burden of caring for their ailing mother and facing the harsh realities of debt and divorce. Their ranch, once a symbol of hope, now stands on the verge of foreclosure due to nearly insurmountable medical expenses, leaving Toby desperate to secure his estranged sons’ future.

While Tanner continues his criminal spree, Toby bides his time at a nearby diner, leaving a generous tip for waitress Jenny Ann ([Katy Mixon]). The brothers’ fortunes take a turn as they seek out an Indian casino in Oklahoma to launder their ill-gotten gains. Here, they convert the stolen cash into gambling chips, with Tanner indulging in some casino play while Toby rebuffs the advances of a prostitute (Melanie Papalia), showcasing their contrasting personalities.

The stakes rise as their mother’s recent death reveals a grim reality: their ranch is encumbered with a reverse mortgage from Texas Midlands Bank that threatens their home. Determined to rectify their family’s legacy and reclaim what is rightfully theirs, Toby propels the brothers into one final heist against Texas Midlands, requiring a hefty sum of $43,000 to clear the debt.

As the brothers execute their last, high-risk robbery, chaos erupts when they find the bank crowded with patrons. This leads to a violent shoot-out resulting in tragic losses—Tanner kills a guard and a civilian, while Toby suffers an injury. In a desperate bid to escape, the brothers split up, each taking a dangerous path toward their freedom, with Tanner eventually sacrificing himself for his brother.

Through a twist of fate, Toby manages to launder the stolen money and save the ranch from foreclosure just in time, but the weight of his actions lingers. After the end of the investigation, Hamilton uncovers Toby’s clean record and no motive for the crimes, ultimately clearing him as a suspect. Their paths cross once more when Hamilton confronts Toby at his ranch, recognizing that Toby’s motives were driven by a desire to provide for his sons. As their conversation leaves much unsaid, Toby hints at a future discussion, indicating the complexities of brotherhood, sacrifice, and redemption still linger.