Test your knowledge of Greedy People with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Greedy People (2024). 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.


Police officer Will Shelley relocates to a tranquil island town with his expectant wife, Paige. During a visit to a local hardware store, Paige crosses paths with a hitman known as the Irishman. As Will embarks on his first day at work, he is introduced to his new partner, Terry Brogan, by Captain Murphy. Given the area’s unusually low crime rate, Terry opts to visit his girlfriend instead. While in the car, Will receives a call that he misinterprets as a burglary but actually pertains to a sexual activity taking place in a vehicle at the Chetlo residence. As fate would have it, Terry remains unaware of Will’s pleas for assistance, prompting Will to respond alone. When he arrives at the scene, a sudden movement from Virginia Chetlo causes him to instinctively discharge his weapon. Shaken by the confrontation, Virginia reacts by attacking Will, which results in an accidental death during their struggle.

Upon Terry’s eventual arrival, it becomes clear to both officers that losing their jobs is an imminent consequence of the tragic event. In an attempt to conceal what occurred, the pair concoct a plan to frame the incident as a murder, only to be taken by surprise when Terry discovers a substantial amount of cash hidden in the drawing room. With Will on the verge of fatherhood and Terry contemplating an escape with his girlfriend, the duo decides to stage the scene to resemble a burglary gone awry, stashing the money away in Terry’s storage truck. That evening, in a moment of vulnerability, Will confides in Paige about the murder and details regarding the cash while assigning blame to Terry. Concerned about their family’s safety, Paige extends an invitation to dinner for Terry to gauge any potential threat he may pose. The dinner unfolds with palpable tension, leaving Paige visibly unsettled in Terry’s presence.

As events progress, Virginia’s husband, Wallace, who is the only seafood supplier on the island, pleads with law enforcement to bring his wife’s murderer to justice. Meanwhile, Murphy develops a suspicion that Wallace could be involved in Virginia’s demise and assigns Will and Terry the task of probing deeper into Wallace’s affairs. Through their investigation, they uncover that Wallace’s seafood business has been struggling financially. Planning to deflect suspicion, they consider framing Wallace for Virginia’s murder, motivated by the lucrative life insurance claim. However, a wrench is thrown into their scheme when Wallace’s secretary, Deborah, contends that he was with her during the time of the murder. As they dig further, Will and Terry uncover evidence of an affair between Wallace and Deborah. Yet, surveillance footage decisively proves that Wallace had no involvement in his wife’s death.

Unbeknownst to Will and Terry, Wallace had previously enlisted the services of a hitman known as the Colombian, intending to kill Virginia on the same day that tragedy struck by Will’s hand. Confusion ensues as Wallace mistakenly believes the Colombian is responsible for Virginia’s death and the subsequent theft of a bag of cash he had left on the scene. Following a grueling meeting, Wallace realizes that Virginia was dead before the Colombian even arrived. Struggling to manage the fallout, he fears that any attempt to flee with Deborah could label him a suspect. He grows increasingly suspicious of Virginia’s masseur, Keith, believing he might have taken the money and killed Virginia. During the investigation, Keith had previously misled Will and Terry to maintain his alibi. With plans to steal the money from Terry’s truck already in motion, Keith finds himself at odds with Wallace, leading to a climactic confrontation that ends with Wallace getting shot and killed by Keith’s mother in the heat of the moment. In a tragic twist, Kevin and his mother are subsequently slain by Deborah, who emerges from Wallace’s vehicle, creating a chaotic scene that Will witnesses, pondering who to blame for Virginia’s death.

In a parallel narrative, as fears escalate that Terry will eliminate Will to get his hands on the cash, Paige makes a troubling decision to hire the Irishman to carry out Terry’s hit, using the money from Terry’s truck to finance the operation. The Irishman confronts Terry at his boat, initially gaining the upper hand until Terry’s girlfriend unexpectedly intervenes, resulting in the Irishman’s demise. Driven by increasing paranoia about Will and Paige, Terry insists that Will proves his innocence by presenting the money, only to discover that it has vanished from the storage truck. Under duress, Will is compelled by Terry at gunpoint to contact Paige, who shockingly admits to taking the cash out of fear that Terry would eliminate them. Enraged by Will’s deceit, Terry retaliates by shooting and killing him.

Just as Paige attempts to escape the island with the ill-gotten gains, Terry catches up just in time. Meanwhile, Murphy, growing increasingly skeptical of the duo’s stories, investigates the bizarre happenings surrounding Will and Terry, leading him to find Will’s lifeless body near the storage dock. When he reaches out to Paige, she spins a tale alleging that Terry had not only killed Virginia but had also slain Will due to his knowledge of the previous crime. As suspicion mounts, Murphy decides to track down Terry, who insists to Paige that Will had killed Virginia. Tensions escalate as Paige’s deceit begins to unravel in light of emerging truths. Just then, Murphy arrives and tragically shoots Terry dead.

Ultimately, Paige gives birth to her son but faces interrogation by Murphy, who suspects deeper layers to the unfolding saga. Unfazed, Paige maintains her narrative about Terry’s madness. Just when it seems all is settled, the Colombian reenters the picture, eliminating Paige and seizing the money. In the elevator, as the Colombian makes his exit, he is met by Deborah, both realizing their shared ambition, leading to a deadly confrontation where they eliminate each other. Murphy, left to survey the fallout, ultimately adopts Will and Paige’s child, a poignant resolution underscoring the depths of betrayal and the chaos of circumstances that transpired.

Timeline

Track the key events of Greedy People (2024) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Will Moves to the Island

Police officer Will Shelley relocates to a small island town with his pregnant wife, Paige. They are looking to start a new chapter in their lives, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Island Town

Encounter with the Hitman

While shopping at a hardware store, Paige unexpectedly encounters a hitman known as the Irishman. This meeting foreshadows upcoming danger for the couple.

Hardware Store

Will's First Day on the Job

On his first day as an officer, Will is introduced to his new partner, Captain Murphy, who provides insight into the town's calm climate. They both anticipate quiet days ahead due to low crime rates.

Police Station

The Mistaken Call

During his first shift, Will hears a call about a potential sexual act in a vehicle, but he mistakenly believes it's a burglary at the Chetlo residence. Rushing to the scene, he acts without waiting for his partner.

Chetlo Residence

Tragic Incident

Will arrives at the Chetlo residence and reacts to a sudden movement, shooting his gun in panic. In a tragic turn of events, he accidentally kills Virginia Chetlo during the ensuing scuffle.

Chetlo Residence

Cover-Up Decision

Realizing the implications of the accidental death, Will and Terry decide to conceal the truth, fabricating the scene to look like a burglary gone wrong. They also stumble upon a large bag of cash in the house, which complicates their plans.

Chetlo Residence

Confession to Paige

That night, Will confesses to Paige about the killing and the bag of cash hidden in Terry's storage truck. He reveals the truck's passcode but attempts to shift the blame for the murder onto Terry.

Will and Paige's Home

Investigating Virginia's Murder

Virginia's husband, Wallace, implores the police to find her killer, bringing suspicion onto himself. Captain Murphy starts to investigate Wallace, suspecting him of foul play due to financial troubles in his business.

Island Town

Framing Wallace

Determined to deflect suspicion from themselves, Will and Terry concoct a plan to frame Wallace for Virginia's murder to secure a large life insurance payout. However, their plan encounters multiple obstacles.

Police Station

Discovery of Affair

As the investigation unfolds, Will and Terry discover that Wallace is having an affair with his secretary, Deborah. This revelation adds layers to the mystery, as they realize Wallace has an alibi.

Wallace's Business

New Suspects Arise

Unknown to the officers, a hitman named the Colombian was hired by Wallace to actually kill Virginia. Wallace is trapped in a cycle of lies and decisions with no escape from the escalating situation.

Island Town

Violent Confrontations

In a dramatic confrontation, Wallace finds the suspected thief, Keith, who had an affair with Virginia. As tensions rise, Wallace's accusations lead to a deadly showdown involving multiple parties.

Chetlo Residence

Paige's Decision

Fearing for their safety, Paige takes drastic measures and hires the Irishman to kill Terry, believing he poses a threat to her family. This decision spirals into violence and chaos.

Island Town

Will's Tragic End

In a tragic twist of deception, Terry shoots Will after discovering the money is missing and believing Will lied about the situation. This marks a devastating turning point in the story.

Storage Dock

Aftermath of Chaos

As the chaos continues, Paige gives birth to her child amidst the investigations and violence. Soon after, she becomes a target herself in the brutal aftermath of the events, leading to multiple tragic deaths.

Hospital

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Greedy People (2024) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Will Shelley (Joseph Gordon-Levitt)

Will is a police officer who becomes embroiled in a web of crime and deception following an accidental murder. He struggles with the weight of his actions, trying to protect his family while navigating a morally gray world. His love for Paige motivates his choices, ultimately leading to tragic consequences.

👮‍♂️ Police 🤰 Family 💔 Conflict

Paige (Lily James)

Paige is Will's pregnant wife, caught in the turmoil resulting from her husband's actions. Her protective instincts for her family lead her to make desperate choices, showcasing her complexity as she balances love and fear. Her journey highlights the devastating effects of greed on familial bonds.

👶 Motherhood 💔 Love 🔥 Sacrifice

Terry Brogan (Joseph Gordon-Levitt)

Terry is Will's new partner, who chooses to cover up their mistake instead of facing the consequences. His character encapsulates the struggle between loyalty and self-preservation, ultimately leading to a tragic downfall that spirals out of control.

👮‍♂️ Partner 💔 Betrayal 💼 Conflict

Wallace (Tim Blake Nelson)

Wallace, the island's seafood supplier, becomes a suspect in his wife's murder, navigating jealousy and desperation. His character reflects the lengths one will go for love and money, driven by fear of losing both. This complexity adds depth to the narrative's exploration of guilt and suspicion.

🐟 Supplier ❤️ Jealousy 💰 Desperation

Deborah (Nina Arianda)

Deborah is Wallace's secretary, intricately involved in the web of infidelity and conspiracies. Her character embodies the duality of love and betrayal, finding herself entangled in the aftermath of violence. Her actions significantly impact the unfolding drama, showcasing the ripple effect of personal choices.

📑 Secretary ❤️ Affair 💔 Betrayal

Setting

Uncover the settings of Greedy People (2024), 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 movie is set in contemporary times, allowing for modern elements such as technology and current societal issues to influence the characters' actions. This period showcases the complexity of relationships and morality amid a web of deceit and violence.

Location

Small Island Town

The movie takes place in a small island town known for its low crime rate, making it an unsuspected backdrop for the dark events that unfold. The picturesque scenery contrasts sharply with the crime committed, highlighting the hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface of a seemingly tranquil setting.

🏝️ Island 🏙️ Town

Themes

Explore the core themes of Greedy People (2024). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💰

Greed

Greed drives the characters to compromise their morals and make dangerous decisions. The desire for money leads to betrayal, murder, and ultimately chaos, showcasing how it corrupts relationships and principles.

🔍

Deception

Deception plays a crucial role in the narrative as characters manipulate the truth to protect themselves or achieve their goals. This theme underscores the lengths people will go to maintain a facade, highlighting the fragility of trust.

⚖️

Consequences

The theme of consequences is prevalent as characters' actions lead to a domino effect of tragic events. Their decisions not only affect their lives but also the lives of others, emphasizing the moral implications of their choices.

© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.