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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Run All Night (2015). 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.


Jimmy Conlon, portrayed by Liam Neeson, finds himself on the ground, critically wounded with a bullet in his stomach. As he reflects on his life, he reveals, > “your life doesn’t flash before your eyes when you die, but rather all the regrets and mistakes you’ve made.” Meanwhile, in the distance, his son Mike, played by Joel Kinnaman, is desperately evading gunfire.

The story unfolds 16 hours earlier. We find Jimmy in a bar, having had a bit too much to drink. He stumbles down to the basement where he encounters Danny Maguire, the son of Jimmy’s former boss, Shawn, portrayed by Ed Harris. Danny is in the midst of a shady deal with corrupt NYPD officers. After the cops leave, Jimmy approaches Danny, seeking an $800 loan to fix his broken heater. However, Danny has a ridiculous condition—he wants Jimmy to dress up as Santa Claus at his home. Unable to refuse, Jimmy reluctantly agrees to this humiliating task.

Simultaneously, Mike, who is estranged from Jimmy, is building a better life, working at a gym where he mentors children without fathers, particularly a boy nicknamed Legs, played by Aubrey Joseph. Mike lives in a modest apartment with his wife Gabriela, portrayed by Génesis Rodríguez, and their two daughters, Catelyn and Lily. The couple is also expecting a third child, and Gabriela is busy creating a family collage. Notably, Mike is disturbed to see a childhood picture of him with Jimmy and quickly tries to obscure it.

Meanwhile, a dangerous drug deal unfolds as Danny attempts to push a special brand of heroin through his father, Shawn. However, Shawn refuses to get back into that life—much to Danny’s frustration. Shawn reflects on how his son has taken a wrong turn in life.

Later that night, during the Santa gig at Shawn’s house, Jimmy, in his drunken state, embarrasses himself, hitting on a guest’s wife and accidentally burning his hand. After some unwelcome antics, Shawn joins Jimmy for a cigarette, reminiscing about their long friendship.

The tension escalates when Mike, moonlighting as a limo driver, inadvertently becomes entangled in a violent confrontation at Danny’s home. After a shocking murder is caught on video by Legs, a series of harrowing events unfold. Danny, feeling threatened, pulls Mike into his deadly world, forcing them into a life-or-death struggle. In a brutal confrontation, Jimmy and Mike fight to survive as the police make their presence known, leading to a chaotic escape.

As the night spirals into chaos, Jimmy tries to protect Mike from the repercussions of his violent past. After Jimmy confesses his actions to Shawn, a hunt begins for Mike and his family, pushing them deeper into danger. With threats closing in from Shawn’s goons and a hitman named Price, played by Common, the stakes become increasingly high.

In a shocking turn of events, Jimmy decides to confront Shawn directly, culminating in a duel where he ultimately shoots Shawn, realizing he must eliminate the threat against Mike in order to save them both. Meanwhile, a young witness, Legs, takes action by providing the police with crucial evidence that could exonerate Mike.

In the end, Jimmy and Mike find some solace when they gather at a lake house, attempting to find normalcy. However, their peace is shattered when Price resurfaces, leading to one final confrontation. In a heartbreaking finale, Jimmy sacrifices himself to save his son from Price, leaving Mike to grapple with the loss of his father while wrestling with the reality of his family’s violent legacy.

As Mike returns to his life, now understanding the importance of family and redemption, he carries with him the weight of his father’s choices and the hope of a better future for his daughters. He reflects on the shared moments they had, leaving the audience with a poignant reminder of love and loss amidst the chaos of their lives.

Timeline

Track the key events of Run All Night (2015) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Jimmy's Injury

The film opens with Jimmy Conlon critically wounded, lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to his stomach. As he reflects on his life, he realizes that rather than a flash of memories, he's bombarded by his regrets and mistakes.

Son's Danger

In the distance, Jimmy's son Mike is evading gunfire, desperate to escape from the chaos unfolding around him. This sets the tone for the familial conflict and danger that will unfold throughout the story.

Flashback to the Bar

The narrative shifts to 16 hours earlier, showcasing Jimmy in a bar indulging in too much alcohol. His vulnerability and recklessness are evident as he stumbles into a basement, leading to an important encounter.

16 hours earlier Bar

The Deal with Danny

In the basement, Jimmy meets Danny Maguire, the son of his former boss, who is engaging in a shady drug deal with corrupt police officers. Seeking help for a loan, Jimmy reluctantly agrees to wear a Santa costume to fulfill Danny's odd request.

Basement

Mike's New Life

Meanwhile, Mike, who has distanced himself from Jimmy, is working hard to build a better life. As he mentors fatherless children at a gym, his own struggles are revealed, including an emotional connection to a childhood photo with his estranged father.

Gym

Shawn's Refusal

Danny's attempts to involve his father Shawn in a drug deal meet with resistance; Shawn refuses to return to a criminal lifestyle. This tension showcases the generational conflict between father and son and sets the stage for Danny's desperation.

Santa Party Embarrassment

During the Santa gig at Shawn's house, Jimmy embarrasses himself in front of guests, further highlighting his struggles with alcohol. A late-night cigarette chat reveals the depth of his friendship with Shawn, amidst their troubling lives.

Shawn's House

Mike's Confrontation

As Mike drives a limo, he unwittingly gets pulled into a violent confrontation at Danny’s house. A shocking murder is caught on video, marking a pivotal point where Mike becomes deeply enmeshed in the dangerous criminal world.

Danny's House

Struggles for Survival

Together, Jimmy and Mike confront lethal threats after a series of harrowing events. Their fight for survival intensifies as police swarm the area, leading to a chaotic escape that tests their bond and determination.

Confession to Shawn

Desperate, Jimmy confesses his past actions to Shawn, realizing the danger it brings to Mike and his family. As threats loom closer, Jimmy and Mike are forced to confront their dark family legacy.

Confronting Shawn

In a climactic duel, Jimmy confronts Shawn, leading to a desperately needed act of violence. In a shocking turn of events, Jimmy shoots Shawn to protect Mike, culminating in a moment of moral ambiguity and familial sacrifice.

Legs' Decision

Legs, a young witness to the unfolding chaos, decides to provide the police with key evidence against Danny. This act of courage showcases the power of truth and the potential for redemption amidst the turmoil.

Attempt at Normalcy

Seeking solace, Jimmy and Mike retreat to a lake house, trying to find some normalcy in their turbulent lives. Their fragile peace is soon disrupted by past choices and the resurgence of threats.

Lake House

Final Confrontation

Price, a relentless hitman, re-emerges as a grave threat, leading to the film's heartbreaking climax. In an act of ultimate sacrifice, Jimmy puts himself in danger to save Mike, forcing a reckoning of love and loss.

Aftermath and Reflection

In the wake of Jimmy's death, Mike must come to terms with the legacy of violence left by his father. He reflects on their shared moments, ultimately carrying forward the hope for a better future for his daughters while grappling with the weight of his family's choices.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Run All Night (2015) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Jimmy Conlon

Jimmy Conlon is a complex character grappling with the weight of his past actions. As a former hitman haunted by regrets, he seeks to protect his son at all costs, showcasing a deep sense of love and sacrifice. Despite his flaws, Jimmy's journey reflects his desire for redemption and the realization of his responsibilities as a father.

👮‍♂️ Former Hitman 🥃 Regret

Mike Conlon

Mike Conlon is caught between trying to escape his father's shadow and supporting his family. He embodies resilience and hope as he strives to lead a better life despite the chaos surrounding him. Mike's transformation throughout the story illustrates the struggle to learn from the past while forging his own identity.

🏋️‍♂️ Father 👨‍👧‍👦 Protector

Danny Maguire

Danny Maguire represents the dangers of a life steeped in crime and the pressures of familial expectations. His pursuit of a drug deal leads to tumultuous events that threaten the lives of those around him. His character serves as a catalyst for the conflict, revealing the destructive path he walks.

🔫 Criminal 😠 Hot-headed

Shawn Maguire

Shawn Maguire is portrayed as a powerful figure with conflicting morals. He embodies the complexities of loyalty and the darker sides of family ties, struggling with the legacy he wishes to leave behind for his son. His complex relationship with Jimmy adds layers to the narrative, culminating in a high-stakes confrontation.

👔 Boss 💼 Conflicted

Price

Price is a hitman who escalates the tension within the story. His relentless pursuit of Jimmy and Mike embodies the relentless nature of danger. As a threatening presence, he adds urgency to the narrative, culminating in a tragic conclusion that demands sacrifice.

💀 Hitman ⚔️ Antagonist

Gabriela

Gabriela supports Mike as a loving wife, navigating the challenges of life with unwavering strength. Her dedication to her family and desire for a peaceful life showcases the everyday struggles faced by individuals in such tumultuous circumstances.

👩‍👧‍👧 Supportive Wife 🤰 Expectant Mother

Setting

Uncover the settings of Run All Night (2015), 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 contemporary times, reflecting the challenges of modern urban living. The characters navigate a world characterized by violence, crime, and familial conflicts, resonating with broader themes of survival in today's society.

Location

New York City

The movie predominantly takes place in the bustling metropolis of New York City, known for its high-paced lifestyle and vibrant culture. City life serves as a backdrop for the intertwining fates of the characters, portraying both the allure and dangers hidden within its streets.

🏙️ City 🌆 Urban

Themes

Explore the core themes of Run All Night (2015). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🕊️

Redemption

The theme of redemption is central to the story, particularly exemplified through Jimmy's actions to protect his son. As he confronts his violent past, Jimmy strives for a chance to redeem himself in the eyes of his son. This journey highlights the struggle between one's past choices and the desire for a better future.

💔

Family Legacy

Family legacy looms large over the characters, especially through Mike's relationship with his father. The burden of past mistakes directly impacts Mike, who must reconcile his father's violent history with his aspirations for a better life for his own children. This theme illustrates the complexities of familial bonds and the impact of legacy on personal choices.

🔫

Survival

Survival against life-threatening odds is a pervasive theme, as both Jimmy and Mike navigate a dangerous world. Their fight for survival takes on different dimensions, from escaping criminal threats to the emotional survival that comes with understanding their shared struggles. The urgency of their situation amplifies the stakes of their choices.

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