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Discover the intricate plot of Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Andy Hanson, portrayed by [Philip Seymour Hoffman], is a finance executive on the brink of disaster, as he scrambles for cash to recover the funds he misappropriated from his company to fuel his drug addiction, especially with an audit looming near. His brother Hank, played by someone not listed in the cast information, finds himself in dire straits too, needing money to cover child support to prevent his ex-wife, played by Amy Ryan, from stripping him of access to his daughter. Desperate for a solution, Andy concocts a scheme to rob their parents’ jewelry store, a plan that Hank begrudgingly goes along with.
Andy insists that he cannot participate in the heist himself due to his recent presence in the area, arguing that they will be safe since only the elderly clerk is expected to be there. He complacently believes that using a toy gun makes it a victimless crime, as their parents’ insurance would compensate them for the loss. However, Hank makes a pivotal decision without Andy’s knowledge and enlists a colleague, Bobby Lasorda—portrayed by Brian F. O’Byrne—an experienced criminal, to assist in the job. The plan quickly spirals out of control when their mother, Nanette, played by Rosemary Harris, is unexpectedly in the store, leading to a violent shootout triggered by her pulling a concealed firearm on Bobby.
In the chaos, Hank watches in horror as Bobby is killed, prompting him to flee the scene. Tragically, Nanette later succumbs to her injuries in the hospital, after their father Charles, portrayed by [Albert Finney], chooses to take her off life support. Devastated and unsatisfied with the police’s investigation, Charles becomes determined to seek justice, as he suspects that one of the robbers still lurks free.
As the story unfolds, Hank wrestles with the aftermath of the robbery, while Andy only berates him for the ensuing complications. During a critical moment of panic, Hank encounters Bobby’s brother-in-law, Dex (played by Michael Shannon), who threatens him for financial reparation for Bobby’s demise, adding further tension to an already precarious situation. Meanwhile, Hank has been entangled in a secret affair with Gina, Andy’s wife, portrayed by Marisa Tomei, who reveals her discontent in her marriage.
Amid all this turmoil, Andy concocts a plan to remedy their problems by robbing his drug dealer. However, this descent into violence does not end there; after a tense confrontation, Andy kills both the dealer and a witness, spiraling further into their criminal abyss. Hank, horrified, protests Andy’s extreme measures, especially when Andy suggests that Chris, Bobby’s widow, must also be eliminated. In a shocking turn, Hank’s life hangs by a thread as Andy, now paranoid, turns on him, revealing he knows about Hank and Gina’s affair.
Yet, just as the brothers face off, Chris heroically shoots Andy in an act of desperate self-defense. Hank escapes with a daunting weight of guilt and cash, while Charles, having stalked his sons leading up to this moment, comprehends the harrowing truth behind the robbery. This culminates in a chilling encounter at the hospital where Charles, after a brief reconciliation with Andy, attacks him in a fit of rage before leaving him for dead.
In a powerful and haunting conclusion, Charles sacrifices his own son, bringing this tragic tale full circle as the medical staff rush in, oblivious to the sinister crime that just transpired.
Track the key events of Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Andy's Financial Crisis
Andy Hanson is a finance executive facing imminent disaster as he struggles to recover misappropriated funds that he used to support his drug addiction. With an audit approaching, he is desperate to find a solution to his financial turmoil.
Hank's Child Support Troubles
Hank, Andy's brother, finds himself in a bleak situation as he needs money to pay child support. He faces the risk of losing access to his daughter if he fails to meet his financial obligations to his ex-wife.
The Scheme to Rob Parents
In a moment of desperation, Andy devises a plan to rob their parents' jewelry store. Hank reluctantly agrees to the plan despite his reservations, believing it to be a quick solution to their financial woes.
Expectations of Safety
Andy convinces Hank that he cannot participate in the robbery due to his recent activities, but reassures him they will be safe because only an elderly clerk will be present. He wrongly believes that their parents' insurance will cover any losses, which lessens his moral qualms.
Hank's Decision to Involve Bobby
Despite Andy's insistence on keeping the robbery low-key, Hank makes a critical choice to hire Bobby Lasorda, an experienced criminal, without Andy's knowledge. This decision dramatically escalates the stakes of their plan.
The Heist Goes Awry
The robbery takes a disastrous turn when their mother, Nanette, unexpectedly enters the store. A violent shootout ensues after she pulls a concealed firearm on Bobby, leading to chaos and tragedy.
Bobby's Death
During the shootout, Hank witnesses Bobby being killed in the crossfire, which profoundly impacts him and leads to his immediate flight from the scene. The trauma of the event marks a turning point for Hank's character.
Nanette's Fate
Following the robbery, Nanette succumbs to her injuries in the hospital after Charles decides to take her off life support. This heartbreaking decision adds to the emotional burden on the family.
Charles' Quest for Justice
Devastated by the loss of his wife, Charles becomes determined to find justice, believing that one of the robbers is still at large. His grief transforms into a relentless pursuit that puts him on a collision course with his sons.
Confrontation with Dex
Hank encounters Bobby's brother-in-law, Dex, who demands financial reparations for Bobby's death. This encounter heightens the tension and complicates Hank's already precarious situation.
Hank's Affair with Gina
Amidst all the chaos, Hank's secret affair with Gina, Andy's wife, is revealed. Gina expresses her growing discontent with her marriage, creating an additional layer of emotional conflict for Hank.
Andy’s Descent into Violence
In a desperate attempt to resolve their problems, Andy plans to rob his drug dealer. This choice further plunges him into a violent world as he resorts to lethal measures to eliminate both the dealer and a witness.
Betrayal and Conflict
As Andy's paranoia escalates, he reveals to Hank that he knows about his affair with Gina. This confrontation leads to a critical moment where Hank’s life hangs in the balance as tensions mount between the brothers.
Chris' Heroic Act
In a shocking turn of events, Chris shoots Andy in self-defense during the climactic confrontation. This act of bravery changes the course of the chaos and impacts the fates of the characters involved.
A Father's Final Act
In a powerful finale, Charles confronts Andy, and after a brief reconciliation, he attacks him in a fit of rage, leaving him for dead. This tragic conclusion encapsulates the cycle of violence and betrayal within the family.
Meet the characters that bring Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Andy Hanson (Philip Seymour Hoffman)
Andy is a complex character driven by addiction and desperation, struggling to maintain his facade of control. His decision-making is largely influenced by his need to secure cash at any cost, leading to tragic consequences. His relationships are fraught with dishonesty and moral ambiguity, culminating in a heartbreaking confrontation with his brother.
Charles Hanson (Albert Finney)
Charles Hanson serves as a patriarch haunted by tragedy and betrayal. His fierce love for his family is ultimately overshadowed by the chaos created by his sons. As the story unfolds, his character transitions from a grieving father to a man seeking vengeance, driven by the desire for justice for the loss of his wife.
Hank (Unknown Actor)
Hank grapples with the fallout of a plan gone wrong and his moral compass amid the chaos. Torn between loyalty to his brother and the guilt of participating in a violent crime, his character embodies the struggle between familial duty and personal ethics. His actions reflect the emotional toll of the harrowing situation.
Gina (Marisa Tomei)
Gina is a pivotal character who finds herself entangled in the family's web of deceit and desperation. Her discontent in her marriage with Andy leads to an affair with Hank, complicating their already strained relationships. She represents the emotional entanglements that contribute to the overall tragedy of the story.
Uncover the settings of Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The events unfold in a contemporary setting, highlighting the struggles of individuals engulfed in the modern rat race. Themes of family, betrayal, and moral decay resonate throughout the narrative, reflecting the darker aspects of human nature in today's society.
Location
Parents' Jewelry Store
The jeweler's establishment is a family-owned business, crucial to the family’s history. It becomes the focal point of a tragic heist that unravels the relationships within the family. The unexpected presence of the elderly clerk turns a calculated plan into a deadly confrontation, marking the store as the setting for a transformative and violent episode.
Explore the core themes of Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Desperation
The film explores the theme of desperation through its protagonists, Andy and Hank, as they face critical financial situations. Driven by their circumstances, they resort to extreme measures that lead to disastrous consequences. The pursuit of cash becomes a catalyst for familial betrayal and tragic outcomes.
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Betrayal
Betrayal is a central theme as the trust between brothers unravels amidst chaos. Hank's secret affair with Andy's wife and his decision to involve an outside criminal illustrate the depths of deception. As the narrative progresses, the familial bonds are tested to the breaking point, leading to irrevocable harm.
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Tragedy
The story is steeped in tragedy, culminating in irreversible loss for the characters involved. The loss of their mother and the consequential actions from each character highlight the grave repercussions of their decisions. Emotions of guilt and despair permeate the narrative, painting a somber picture of familial loyalty lost.
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