Directed by
Collin Schiffli
Made by
Lionsgate
Discover the intricate plot of Die in a Gunfight (2021). 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.
As narrated in an omniscient perspective, the story unfolds in 1864 New York City where a longstanding rivalry culminates in a Gentlemen’s Duel between Tarleton Rathcart and Theodore Gibbon, leading to the tragic death of Theodore and igniting a bitter feud between their families.
Benjamin Gibbon, a young man struggling with deep-seated depression, increasingly finds himself engaged in fights. However, his life takes a turning point when he falls for Mary Rathcart, momentarily turning away from his reckless behavior. Unfortunately, love seems just out of reach, pushing Ben back into his disruptive tendencies. At 27, he has distanced himself from his family’s wealth but maintains constant communication with his parents.
On the other hand, Mary Rathcart, expelled from every private school for various indiscretions—most notably for falling in love with Ben—is determined to continue her relationship despite her parents’ vehement disapproval stemming from the ongoing feud. After her parents discover the romance, Mary is sent off to a boarding school overseas. Despite the distance, they exchange letters and calls which go unanswered due to her father’s meddling.
Years later, upon Mary’s return from Paris, Ben, along with his loyal friend Mukul, decides to crash a party at the Rathcart estate. There, he’s confronted by Mary’s parents who remind him of their restraining order against him. Faced with the threat of the police, Ben leaves the party in haste.
In a twisted plot, William Rathcart hires Terrence Uberahl to take on a dark task following a scandal involving Pamela Corbett-Ragsdale. Terrence’s infatuation with Mary during her time abroad leads him to make a dangerous proposition: Mary’s hand in marriage in exchange for eliminating Corbett-Ragsdale.
Determined to reignite his romance with Mary, Ben finds himself confronted by Wayne McCarthy and his wife Barbie. Despite his attempts to evade confrontation, Ben is drawn into a fight that leaves him waking up next to Mary in his apartment. They share a heartfelt conversation, acknowledging that their love for each other has never faded, and they make plans to marry immediately.
However, the conflict escalates when Terrence sends Wayne to intimidate Ben. Armed with Barbie, Wayne arrives at Ben’s apartment, where a violent altercation ensues resulting in Barbie’s accidental death. Unbeknownst to Wayne, the thugs he encounters were also hired by Terrence to eliminate him post-assignment.
In a series of violent confrontations, Terrence ultimately succeeds in killing Corbett-Ragsdale. As news of Ben and Mary’s engagement reaches him, tensions rise. In a shocking climax, Terrence confronts Ben as Wayne arrives with William. A chaotic scene ensues involving gunfire, resulting in Wayne being shot by the police and giving Terrence an opening to shoot Ben.
Before the dust settles, Mukul bravely fights Terrence, but is ultimately met with a deadly shot from Mary who does not hesitate to protect her love. The film concludes with Ben and Mary driving off into the sunset, presumably heading towards Mexico, a dream they had nurtured for so long.
Track the key events of Die in a Gunfight (2021) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
The Duel Begins
In 1864 New York City, a longstanding rivalry between Tarleton Rathcart and Theodore Gibbon culminates in a dramatic Gentlemen's Duel. This showdown results in the tragic death of Theodore, igniting a bitter and lasting feud between their families.
Benjamin's Struggles
Benjamin Gibbon, a young man plagued by depression, becomes increasingly involved in fights, reflecting his inner turmoil and reckless behavior. Despite this chaos, his life takes a turn when he falls for Mary Rathcart, bringing hope but also complexities to his life.
Mary's Expulsion
Mary Rathcart faces the consequences of her romantic involvement with Benjamin, resulting in her expulsion from every private school she attended. Her love for Ben stands defiant against her parents’ disapproval, pushing her to pursue their relationship amidst the family feud.
Separation
In a bid to separate Mary from Benjamin, her parents send her off to a boarding school overseas. Despite the distance, they attempt to maintain their relationship through letters and phone calls, though many of these go unanswered due to her father's interference.
Mary Returns
Years later, Mary returns from Paris, and Benjamin, eager to reconnect, decides to crash a party at the Rathcart estate. However, he is quickly confronted by Mary’s parents, who remind him of the restraining order against him, leading to a hasty exit.
Terrence's Dark Deal
William Rathcart hires Terrence Uberahl for a perilous job following a scandal involving Pamela Corbett-Ragsdale. Terrence, infatuated with Mary during her time abroad, offers a sinister proposal: eliminate Corbett-Ragsdale in exchange for marrying Mary.
An Unexpected Reunion
Determined to regain Mary's affection, Benjamin finds himself in a confrontation with Wayne McCarthy and his wife, Barbie. Despite attempts to avoid the clash, he ends up in a fight that leads to an unexpected and intimate moment with Mary in his apartment.
Plans for Marriage
After their heartfelt conversation, Benjamin and Mary acknowledge that their love has remained strong through the years. This revelation leads them to make immediate plans to marry, eager to leave behind the turmoil that has plagued their families.
Violent Confrontation
The romantic reunion is shattered when Terrence sends Wayne to intimidate Benjamin. Armed for a confrontation, Wayne and Barbie cause a violent altercation in Ben's apartment, culminating in an accidental death that escalates the chaos surrounding them.
Terrence's Success
Amidst the rising conflict, Terrence manages to kill Corbett-Ragsdale, solidifying his dark reputation. As he learns of Ben and Mary’s engagement, the tension reaches a boiling point, leading to an explosive confrontation.
The Final Standoff
In a shocking culmination of events, Terrence confronts Benjamin as Wayne arrives alongside William. Gunfire erupts amidst the chaotic scene, resulting in Wayne being shot by the police and allowing Terrence a chance to take aim at Ben.
Mukul's Bravery
Faced with the escalating violence, Mukul steps in to protect Ben and confronts Terrence in a valiant effort. Unfortunately, his courage comes at a cost as he is ultimately killed by a shot fired by Mary in her desperate attempt to save Benjamin.
A Dream Realized
The film culminates with Benjamin and Mary escaping the chaos surrounding them. Driving off into the sunset towards Mexico, they finally pursue the long-awaited dream they had nurtured for so long, symbolizing a new beginning.
Meet the characters that bring Die in a Gunfight (2021) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Benjamin Gibbon
A young man grappling with depression and reckless behavior, Ben finds himself at the center of a tragic love story. Despite his family's wealth and expectations, he chooses to follow his heart, often resulting in conflict and altercations. His character arc showcases the struggle between desire and responsibility, highlighting his determination to forge a life away from familial obligations.
Mary Rathcart
Mary is a passionate and rebellious young woman, determined to pursue love despite her family's strong opposition. Expelled from multiple schools for her relationships, she embodies the struggle against societal expectations. Her character represents resilience and the fight for autonomy, making her a compelling figure in the narrative of love versus family loyalty.
Terrence Uberahl
Terrence is a complex antagonist, driven by obsession and a desire for power. As he exploits the situation surrounding Mary, his infatuation leads him down a dark path filled with manipulation and violence. His actions highlight the dangers of unchecked ambition and desire, pushing him to become a pivotal force in the unfolding tragedy.
Uncover the settings of Die in a Gunfight (2021), 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
1864
The year 1864 falls during the American Civil War, a time marked by significant political turmoil and social upheaval. This period influenced not only the lives of those involved in the war but also the dynamics of families and relationships, as societal pressures intensified. The struggles and conflicts of this era are reflected in the personal battles experienced by the characters in the film.
Location
New York City
The film takes place in 1864 New York City, a bustling metropolis filled with vibrant culture and dramatic social change. Known for its diverse population and burgeoning economy, this era witnessed the complexities of Civil War tension intermingling with personal conflicts. The city serves as a backdrop for a clash of families and loyalties, setting the stage for a poignant tale of love and rivalry.
Explore the core themes of Die in a Gunfight (2021). 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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Love & Loss
The theme of love intertwined with loss is poignantly illustrated through Ben and Mary's tumultuous relationship. Their deep-seated affection faces numerous hurdles stemming from family disapproval and ongoing feuds, showcasing how love can be both a sanctuary and a source of conflict. The characters' journey reveals the lengths one will go to for love, even amid despair and violence.
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Rivalry
The bitter feud between the Rathcart and Gibbon families serves as a central theme, driving the plot forward with its destructive implications. This longstanding rivalry not only impacts the characters' relationships but also leads to tragic consequences, illustrating the futility of hatred and vengeance. The movie acts as a reminder of how deeply entrenched grudges can shape lives and destinies.
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Violence
Violence permeates the storyline, emerging from the love-stricken motivations of characters and escalating to lethal confrontations. The film portrays how easily passion can spiral into chaos, demonstrating the tragic outcomes of unchecked emotions and revenge. The characters are drawn into a cycle of violence that ultimately leads to irreversible consequences.
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