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Plot Summary


Danny Rourke, a detective in the Austin Police Department, shares his heart-wrenching story with his therapist about the abduction of his beloved daughter, Minnie, three years ago. This tragic event not only tore apart his family but also left him grappling with unanswered questions. The prime suspect, Lyle Terry, was arrested in the case, but he claimed not guilty due to mental incapacity, leaving Rourke in the dark about Minnie’s fate.

After receiving an anonymous tip about a potential bank heist from his partner, Nicks, Rourke is compelled to investigate. Their suspicions intensify when they observe a mysterious man orchestrating a scenario involving civilians and police officers who obediently carry out his instructions. In a frantic race against time, Rourke enters the bank, pretending to open a safety deposit box, only to discover a haunting photograph of Minnie with a note urging him to “Find Lev Dellrayne.”

As he delves deeper into this dangerous puzzle, Rourke confronts the unsettling reality that the heist may be intrinsically linked to his daughter’s disappearance. He learns from the mysterious figure that Lyle had been under a spell of amnesia when he abducted Minnie. Driven by a need for answers, Rourke seeks the help of Diana Cruz, a fortune-teller who reveals chilling truths about the world of hypnotics and the powerful entity named Lev Dellrayne—a rogue hypnotist with dark intentions.

Cruz uncovers that a secret government organization, referred to as the Division, had been training hypnotics with the ability to manipulate reality. She explains that Rourke has a psychic block due to his emotional trauma, which only Dellrayne can unlock. The plot thickens when Dellrayne hypnotizes Nicks into attacking Rourke and Cruz, leading to a deadly confrontation.

Now fugitives, Rourke and Cruz escape to Mexico, where they find a former Division insider named Jeremiah. He unveils Dellrayne’s quest for “Domino,” an experimental weapon capable of controlling even the most formidable hypnotics, including himself. With newfound determination, Rourke and Cruz tap into their latent abilities to resist Dellrayne’s mind control, but their trials are far from over.

Throughout this harrowing journey, they encounter River, a reclusive hacker who reveals shocking insights about Rourke’s past. The truth unfolds: Rourke’s wife, Vivian, was once part of the Division, and their daughter, Minnie, is The Domino—born with unique abilities inherited from both parents. As the layers of deception peel away, Rourke realizes that both he and Minnie have been pawns in a sinister game, manipulated by the Division.

In an emotional showdown, Rourke faces both Vivian and Dellrayne, discovering that Minnie’s kidnapping was orchestrated by the Division to mold her into a weapon. Vivian’s pleas for his trust fall on deaf ears as Rourke awakens to the reality that he must protect his daughter at all costs. Though his mind is reset, his newly discovered powers allow him to escape the Division’s grasp.

In a thrilling climax, Rourke finds himself at the location suggested by the message from earlier: Deer Valley Lane. Here, he reunites with Minnie, who possesses extraordinary powers of her own. As Division agents attempt to invade, she uses her abilities to turn the tide, causing chaos among them. In a remarkable twist, she restores Vivian’s memories, revealing the shocking truth about her past choices.

In a final act of liberation, Minnie takes control and orchestrates an irreversible confrontation against the Division, leading to their own mutual destruction. In the aftermath of this turbulent saga, Rourke, Vivian, and their daughter, along with Rourke’s foster parents, embrace their newfound freedom, ready to start anew.

Timeline


Danny's Daughter Abducted

Three years ago, detective Danny Rourke's life was shattered when his daughter, Minnie, was abducted. This tragic event not only devastated his family but also left Danny grappling with unanswered questions and turmoil.

Suspect Arrested

Lyle Terry, the prime suspect in Minnie's disappearance, is arrested but claims not guilty due to mental incapacity. This further complicates the investigation, leaving Danny feeling helpless and in search of answers about his daughter's fate.

Anonymous Tip Received

Danny receives an anonymous tip from his partner Nicks about a possible bank heist. Intrigued, he decides to investigate what seems to be an unrelated crime while longing for any connection to his missing daughter.

Austin

Mysterious Man Observed

During the investigation, Danny and Nicks witness a peculiar man directing civilians and police officers in a strange operation. Their suspicions grow as they realize this may be connected to the ongoing bank heist.

Austin

Discovering the Haunting Photograph

As part of the heist, Danny pretends to open a safety deposit box and comes across a chilling photograph of Minnie. Alongside it is a note that cryptically urges him to find Lev Dellrayne, deepening the mystery surrounding his daughter's abduction.

Bank

The Connection to Abduction Uncovered

As Danny investigates further, he learns that Lyle was under amnesia when he took Minnie. This revelation leads him to believe that the bank heist is intricately tied to his daughter's disappearance, pushing him to seek deeper truths.

Meeting Diana Cruz

Danny seeks out Diana Cruz, a fortune-teller, in hopes of uncovering more about Minnie's fate. She reveals unsettling truths regarding hypnotics and mentions Lev Dellrayne, a mysterious figure with dark powers.

The Division Revealed

Cruz informs Danny about a clandestine government organization known as the Division, which has been training hypnotics capable of manipulating reality. Danny's emotional trauma has created a psychic block that only Dellrayne can unlock.

Nicks Hypnotized to Attack

In a shocking twist, Dellrayne hypnotizes Nicks, compelling him to attack Danny and Cruz. The sudden aggression leaves them no choice but to flee for their lives, marking them as fugitives in their desperate search for answers.

Escaping to Mexico

Danny and Cruz escape to Mexico, where they encounter Jeremiah, a former Division insider. He reveals Dellrayne's ambition to acquire 'Domino,' a weapon capable of controlling hypnotics, further entangling their plight.

Mexico

Unlocking Hidden Abilities

Rourke and Cruz, spurred by new information, begin tapping into their latent psychic abilities to resist Dellrayne's control. Their journey unfolds, revealing a new determination to rescue Minnie and defeat their pursuers.

Rourke's Past Unveiled

A hacker named River provides Danny with shocking revelations about his past, including the truth that his wife Vivian was involved with the Division. He discovers that Minnie possesses unique capabilities inherited from them.

The Emotional Showdown

In an emotional confrontation, Danny faces Vivian and Dellrayne, uncovering that their daughter's abduction was orchestrated to turn her into a weapon for the Division. Trust becomes tenuous as Rourke vows to protect Minnie at all costs.

Reunion at Deer Valley Lane

Danny finally locates the place indicated in the earlier note—Deer Valley Lane—where he reunites with Minnie. She actively demonstrates her extraordinary powers, turning the tide against the invading Division agents.

Deer Valley Lane

Final Confrontation and Liberation

In a climactic battle, Minnie takes charge and orchestrates a confrontation against the Division, resulting in their mutual destruction. Following this chaos, Danny, Vivian, and Minnie find newfound freedom and hope for a fresh start together.

Characters


Danny Rourke (Ben Affleck)

Danny Rourke is a dedicated detective haunted by the abduction of his daughter, Minnie. His character is defined by a mix of determination and vulnerability as he navigates a labyrinth of deception in search of answers. Rourke is fiercely protective and resourceful, motivated by love and loss, which drives him to confront terrifying truths about his family's past.

🕵️‍♂️ Detective ❤️ Father 😞 Grief

Diana Cruz (Alice Braga)

Diana Cruz is a fortune-teller who becomes Rourke's ally, aiding him in unraveling the dark mysteries surrounding his daughter's disappearance. She possesses a deep understanding of hypnotics and exhibits a blend of strength and compassion. Cruz is resourceful, offering critical insights and support at pivotal moments, making her an essential part of Rourke's journey.

🔮 Fortune-teller 💪 Strong 🌌 Mystical

Lev Dellrayne (William Fichtner)

Lev Dellrayne is a rogue hypnotist with malevolent intentions, manipulating others to achieve his goals. His character embodies the theme of control, using his abilities to invoke chaos in the lives of those around him. Dellrayne’s enigmatic presence challenges Rourke's resolve and showcases the darker side of hypnotic powers.

🧠 Hypnotist 😈 Antagonist 🎭 Manipulative

Minnie Rourke (Hala Finley)

Minnie Rourke, Rourke's daughter, is central to the story's emotional core. Despite her young age, she possesses extraordinary abilities tied to her family's history, making her a target in the broader conflict. Minnie's journey from victim to powerful player highlights her resilience and the bond with her father.

👧 Daughter 🌟 Powerful 💔 Victim

Jeremiah (Jackie Earle Haley)

Jeremiah is a former Division insider who aids Rourke and Cruz, shedding light on the organization's dark motives. His experiences provide crucial knowledge that helps the protagonists navigate their perilous circumstances. Jeremiah's character adds layers to the narrative, representing the complexity of loyalty and betrayal.

👤 Insider 📜 Enlightening 🔍 Knowledgeable

River (Dayo Okeniyi)

River is a reclusive hacker who unveils shocking truths about Rourke’s past, propelling the narrative forward. His character adds a technological dimension, highlighting how information and skills can turn the tide in a seemingly hopeless situation. River plays a pivotal supporting role, showcasing the importance of uncovering hidden realities.

💻 Hacker 📡 Insightful 🕵️‍♂️ Supportive

Setting


Time period

The events of the film unfold in a modern-day setting, highlighting contemporary issues such as trauma, mental manipulation, and the consequences of government secrecy. The narrative weaves through a tense landscape of psychological intrigue and emotional turmoil, reflecting a complex timeline impacted by the protagonist's past.

Location

Austin, Mexico, Deer Valley Lane

Austin, the vibrant capital of Texas, serves as the backdrop for Danny Rourke's haunting quest, known for its eclectic music scene and rich culture. The journey takes a turn to Mexico, where Rourke and Cruz seek refuge and insights from a former insider of the shadowy Division. The climax unfolds at Deer Valley Lane, a pivotal location where Rourke experiences a life-altering reunion with his daughter.

🏙️ Austin 🇲🇽 Mexico 🌳 Deer Valley Lane

Themes


🧙‍♂️

Manipulation

The theme of manipulation is central to the plot, with Rourke and his family becoming pawns in a larger game orchestrated by a mysterious government organization. As hypnotics and secrets come to light, the characters grapple with the loss of control over their own lives. The struggle against external manipulation ultimately leads to a profound journey towards empowerment and self-discovery.

👨‍👧

Family

Family serves as a poignant theme throughout the story, evidenced by Rourke's fierce determination to rescue his daughter, Minnie. The bond between parents and children is tested by trauma and betrayal, ultimately leading to a dramatic confrontation with both past and present familial ties. The film explores the lengths one will go to protect loved ones in the face of daunting obstacles.

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