Directed by
Steven Soderbergh
Made by
HBO Max
In 1950s Detroit, gangster Curt Goynes finds himself in a dire situation, desperately needing cash to escape the city. He becomes entwined in a blackmail scheme alongside fellow gangsters Ronald Russo and Charley. Their recruiter, Doug Jones, sends them to the home of an accountant named Matt, instructing them to hold his family hostage while Matt retrieves a crucial document from his workplace. However, when Matt discovers that the safe is empty, he is left desperate and returns home with counterfeit documents.
In a shocking turn of events, [Charley] prepares to eliminate the entire family, prompting Curt, unwilling to partake in the bloodshed, to shoot and kill him instead. Doug, realizing the documents are fake, orders Curt to dispose of the family and Ronald, but instead, the pair instructs the family to claim that Charley acted alone, which raises the suspicion of Detective Joe Finney. Once the police depart, Curt, Ronald, and Matt head to retrieve the genuine document from Matt’s boss, uncovering plans for a new car part.
As they dig deeper, Curt and Ronald learn that they’ve become targets with a hefty bounty placed on their heads. They set up a meeting with mob boss Frank Capelli](/actor/julia-fox), who has personal ties to Ronald through an affair with his wife, Vanessa. Moreover, Curt makes an arrangement with mob leader Aldrick Watkins to share the eventual payment, aiming to repair their strained relationship.
During a tense meeting with Frank, Curt realizes that the document holds greater value than initially presumed. Frank attempts to use Doug against them, resulting tragically in Doug’s death. As Frank escapes, Curt and Ronald manage to extract crucial information from him before contacting Naysmith, a representative from Studebaker Automobiles, agreeing to sell the document for an impressive $125K. However, upon returning home, a desperate Vanessa kills Frank and decides to claim the money for herself.
In pursuit of an even larger payout, Ronald and Curt confront Matt’s boss to discover the document’s true owner. This leads them to deal with an arrogant executive known as “Mr. Big” at a downtown hotel, who offers them a staggering $375K for the document that reveals plans for a catalytic converter, a scheme intended to keep the automotive industry’s pollution controls hidden from the public eye.
After Mr. Big departs, Ronald and Curt plot to split the newfound wealth, but their plans come crashing down when Watkins and his crew enter the scene, having already acquired the initial $125K. Although Ronald is permitted to leave with the larger sum, Curt is apprehended at gunpoint by Watkins. The tension mounts as Detective Finney and his men confront Watkins outside the hotel; a bribe of $50K from Watkins ensures their escape, though he holds Curt captive.
In a gripping climax, Ronald attempts to escape with Vanessa, but she betrays him, claiming the money for herself. As Vanessa flees, she is intercepted by a police officer who seizes the cash before allowing her to drive off. Meanwhile, Detective Finney secretly returns the funds to Mr. Big, including the bribe he accepted from Watkins. Eventually, Watkins leaves Curt with a mere fraction of the Naysmith money, revealing the layers of deceit and manipulation at play, all while maintaining the facade of control under the shadow of the law.
Curt Goynes' Desperation
In 1950s Detroit, gangster Curt Goynes finds himself in dire need of cash to escape the city. His desperation leads him to become involved in a dangerous blackmail scheme.
The Blackmail Scheme Begins
Curt teams up with fellow gangsters Ronald Russo and Charley to execute a blackmail scheme. They are recruited by Doug Jones to hold an accountant's family hostage to retrieve a crucial document.
The Accountant's Dilemma
The gang arrives at the home of the accountant, Matt, where they demand he retrieves an important document from his workplace. However, upon discovering that the safe is empty, Matt brings back counterfeit documents, complicating their plan.
Charley's Fatal Decision
As tensions rise, Charley prepares to kill Matt's family to eliminate witnesses. In a shocking twist, Curt, against his better judgement, shoots and kills Charley, preventing further bloodshed.
Curt and Ronald's Deception
After Charley's death, Doug orders Curt to dispose of Matt's family, but he and Ronald instruct the family to claim that Charley acted alone. This act raises the suspicion of Detective Joe Finney, complicating their situation.
The Search for the Genuine Document
In a bid to retrieve the real document, Curt, Ronald, and Matt visit Matt's boss. They uncover plans for a new car part, which sets off a chain of events putting their lives in jeopardy.
A Deadly Bounty
Curt and Ronald discover they have become targets with a bounty placed on their heads. In a desperate move, they set a meeting with mob boss Frank Capelli, who has personal ties to Ronald.
The Fatal Confrontation
During a tense meeting, Curt realizes that the document they seek holds far more value than anticipated. In a tragic turn, Frank attempts to use Doug against them, resulting in Doug's death.
The Deal with Naysmith
Curt and Ronald contact Naysmith from Studebaker Automobiles, agreeing to sell the document for $125K. However, their pursuit of money leads to further chaos as Frank's wife, Vanessa, decides to kill him and keep the money.
The Encounter with Mr. Big
Ronald and Curt confront Matt's boss to trace the document's ownership, leading them to Mr. Big, who offers $375K for the catalytic converter plans. Their hopes for wealth heighten, but danger looms.
Betrayals Unfold
Following their encounter with Mr. Big, Ronald and Curt plan to split their newfound wealth. However, their plans are interrupted by Watkins and his crew, who complicate their situation further.
Curt's Captivity
Watkins apprehends Curt at gunpoint after Ronald is allowed to leave with a bigger sum from the deal. The tension escalates as Detective Finney and his men confront Watkins outside the hotel.
Vanessa's Treachery
In a gripping climax, Ronald attempts to escape with Vanessa, but she betrays him in a desperate bid for money. As she flees, a police officer intercepts her, creating more chaos.
Final Deceptions
Detective Finney secretly returns the funds to Mr. Big, including the bribe from Watkins. Curtis is left with a fraction of the original deal, showcasing the intricate web of deception surrounding them.
Curt Goynes (Don Cheadle)
Curt Goynes is a desperate gangster faced with difficult choices in a dangerous world. His unwillingness to participate in unnecessary violence reflects a moral complexity amid his criminal life. Despite his cunning and street smarts, he finds himself trapped in a web of betrayal.
Ronald Russo (Benicio Del Toro)
Ronald Russo represents a contrasting point to Curt, often driven by a fierce ambition and a willingness to resort to violence to achieve his goals. His connections to other characters add layers to his motivations, blending personal and professional interests. Ronald's quest for wealth reveals his susceptibility to betrayal.
Charley (Kieran Culkin)
Charley is a reckless gangster whose escalating aggression puts everyone at risk. His impulsive decisions lead to tragic outcomes, showcasing the volatility inherent in the criminal underground. Charley embodies the chaotic nature of their lives, driving the tension in key moments.
Doug Jones (Brendan Fraser)
Doug Jones is the orchestrator of the scheme, guiding the gangsters into dangerous territory. He exhibits a blend of desperation and cunning but ultimately falls victim to the very violence he helps incite. His character serves as a reminder of the perilous stakes involved in their actions.
Joe Finney (Jon Hamm)
Detective Joe Finney serves as the embodiment of law enforcement's persistent challenge to the gangsters' plans. His character represents the thin line between justice and corruption, as he grapples with moral ambiguities while pursuing his suspects. Finney's determination adds tension to the unfolding narrative.
Time period
1950s
The 1950s was a transformative decade in the United States, marked by post-war economic growth and the rise of consumer culture. In Detroit, this era highlighted the expansion of the automotive industry and the associated societal changes, while simultaneously dealing with crime and corruption. The backdrop adds a layer of tension and urgency to the characters' desperate actions.
Location
Detroit
The movie is set in 1950s Detroit, a city known for its automotive industry and historical significance in American manufacturing. During this period, Detroit was a hub for car production, attracting various characters involved in business and crime. The city’s landscape becomes a backdrop to the intricate dealings of gangsters amidst the evolving industry.
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Greed
Greed is a central theme as characters pursue wealth through deception and crime. The desire for money drives the plot, leading to betrayals and ruthless decisions. Each character's ambition often results in dire consequences, showcasing the destructive nature of unchecked greed.
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Violence
Violence permeates the narrative, reflecting the seedy world of crime and desperation. Characters are confronted with life-or-death situations, leading to moral dilemmas and brutal choices. The violence underscores the chaotic environment in which they operate, emphasizing the high stakes involved.
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Deception
Deception runs rampant as characters manipulate one another for personal gain. The reliance on deceit to achieve their goals illustrates the intricate web of lies woven throughout the plot. As trust disintegrates, the distinction between ally and foe becomes increasingly blurred.
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