Directed by
J.D. Dillard
Made by
BH Tilt
Discover the intricate plot of Sleight (2017). 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.
Following the heartbreaking demise of their parents, Bo Wolfe, a gifted young street magician, takes on the monumental responsibility of caring for his inquisitive little sister, Tina. As he maneuvers through the perilous streets of Los Angeles, Bo resorts to illegal activities to ensure they have a roof over their heads, utilizing his exceptional magical talents to aid his new endeavors.
By day, Bo mesmerizes crowds with his astounding ability to manipulate metal objects, effortlessly levitating them in mid-air. This remarkable feat is made possible through the innovative electromagnet he has ingeniously integrated into his arm, a creation stemming from a high school science project that once earned him an engineering scholarship—a scholarship he ultimately sacrificed to care for Tina following their mother’s tragic passing.
When night falls, Bo’s struggle continues as he resorts to selling drugs on the streets, forming a cautious friendship with his supplier Angelo, who surprisingly demonstrates a sense of fairness in their dealings. However, the entrance of a ruthless new competitor disrupts the balance, as this newcomer undercuts prices and threatens Angelo’s territory, leading to escalating tensions.
Tasked by Angelo to track down this new adversary, Bo leverages his pickpocketing skills to infiltrate a club run by his acquaintance Luna, where the rival dealer operates. Under the pretense of purchasing drugs, Bo stealthily lifts the dealer’s phone and decodes the call log, unearthing the supplier’s identity: Maurice.
Angelo’s desperation and distrust soon take a violent turn; he coerces Bo into participating in a horrific act by severing Maurice’s hand at gunpoint. With the lines between right and wrong increasingly blurred, Bo aims to steal $15,000 from his drug dealings, hoping to rescue himself and Tina from their troubling predicament.
Yet, when Angelo discovers Bo’s intentions, he delivers a hair-raising ultimatum: Bo must produce an additional $45,000 within a week, or face fatal consequences. With time running out, Bo scrambles to gather the funds, ultimately resorting to theft when Luna inadvertently offers him a golden opportunity. Just as he prepares to make his getaway, Bo takes a moment to share a drink with Luna, grappling with a whirlwind of guilt and relief as he contemplates his precarious life.
Unexpectedly, Maurice’s gang lurks in the same club, their eyes locking onto Bo like a magnetic force. In a swift, brutal assault, they overpower him, leaving him unconscious and stowing him away in the trunk of their car. However, Bo refuses to surrender easily; using his trusty electromagnet, he ingeniously frees himself from both the cuffs and the trunk’s confinement. Amidst the pandemonium, however, Maurice cunningly confiscates all of Bo’s money.
Things worsen when Angelo kidnaps Tina as leverage to ensure his demands are met. With his world collapsing, Bo turns to his former high school science teacher, desperately seeking a solution to enhance his electromagnet’s power. The wise teacher suggests integrating a feedback oscillator, warning that it may cause the wires in Bo’s arm to overheat, akin to a kettle on the verge of boiling over.
Equipped with a more powerful electromagnet, Bo stakes his claim at Angelo’s hideout, ready to discover Tina’s whereabouts. With fierce determination, he confronts his former colleague, dispatching them with a brutal strike before focusing on Angelo. Using an aluminum bat, Bo leaves Angelo momentarily incapacitated. As Angelo reaches for his firearm, Bo utilizes his electromagnet to deflect the bullets, making the lights flicker ominously around them.
Seizing the opportunity, Bo retrieves a bullet from the ground, coolly inserting it into Angelo’s forehead to extract the location of Tina from the uncooperative dealer. With this crucial information, Bo relinquishes the bullet and leaves Angelo with a tidy sum of $15,000 before embarking on a mission to rescue his sister and begin anew with his girlfriend Holly in San Diego.
As they settle into this fresh chapter of their lives, Bo’s arm has fully healed, allowing him to further refine his street magic prowess. One fateful evening, Holly finds Bo in the bathroom engrossed in crafting a new trick, his fingers weaving intricate movements that cause the house lights to flicker rhythmically with his creativity, illuminating the path ahead for this extraordinary trio.
Track the key events of Sleight (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Tragic Loss
Bo Wolfe and his little sister, Tina, face the tragic loss of their parents, which leaves them orphaned and struggling. With the weight of this loss on his shoulders, Bo is compelled to become the primary caregiver for his curious sister.
Street Struggles
To ensure they have shelter and food, Bo resorts to illegal activities, skillfully utilizing his magical talents. Despite the dangers of the streets, he performs tricks to captivate crowds while simultaneously plotting ways to support Tina.
The Electromagnet
During the day, Bo showcases his astonishing ability to levitate metal objects using an electromagnet he integrated into his arm. This innovation resulted from a high school science project that earned him a scholarship, which he gave up to care for Tina after their mother's death.
Alliance with Angelo
Bo begins selling drugs and forms a cautious friendship with his supplier, Angelo. Their relationship is built on mutual understanding, though the dangerous world around them continues to pose threats.
Rivalry Emerges
A ruthless competitor enters the scene, undercutting prices and creating friction in Angelo's territory. The tensions rise as Bo is tasked to confront this new rival, complicating his already perilous situation.
Infiltration and Discovery
Bo cleverly uses his pickpocketing skills to sneak into a club run by his acquaintance, Luna. Under the guise of purchasing drugs, he steals a phone from the rival dealer, uncovering significant information about the supplier named Maurice.
A Desperate Act
Under coercion from Angelo, Bo is forced to help carry out a violent act against Maurice. The brutality of this moment marks a critical turning point, blurring the lines of morality in Bo's life.
Heightened Demands
Angelo, feeling desperate, threatens Bo with dire consequences if he fails to deliver an additional $45,000 in a week. This ultimatum drives Bo further into a corner as he scrambles for a solution.
Theft for Survival
While grappling with guilt, Bo seizes an unexpected opportunity at the club to gather money. As his emotions churn, he prepares for a dangerous escape while simultaneously deepening his connection with Luna.
Captured by Maurice's Gang
Just as Bo feels a sense of relief, he is violently overpowered by Maurice's gang at the club. They incapacitate him and stow him in the trunk of their car, further escalating the stakes of his dangerous life.
The Great Escape
Using his engineered electromagnet, Bo escapes from the trunk and cuffs, a testament to his resourcefulness. However, he quickly discovers that Maurice has stolen all his money during his captivity.
Tina Kidnapped
In a heart-wrenching twist, Angelo kidnaps Tina, leveraging her safety to force Bo into compliance. With his world spiraling, Bo is left in a race against time to save his sister and himself.
Powering Up
Desperate for help, Bo reaches out to his former science teacher to enhance his electromagnet. The teacher's advice to integrate a feedback oscillator comes with risks, reminiscent of boiling water in a kettle.
Confrontation with Angelo
Bo, now equipped with an enhanced electromagnet, confronts Angelo at his hideout. After defeating Angelo's associates, Bo faces the dealer in a climactic showdown that involves intelligence, strategy, and raw determination.
A New Beginning
With the confrontation behind him, Bo rescues Tina and plans for a fresh start in San Diego with his girlfriend, Holly. As they build a new life, Bo continues to refine his magic, illuminating their path with hope.
Meet the characters that bring Sleight (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Bo Wolfe
Bo Wolfe is a talented young street magician who shoulders the responsibility of caring for his little sister after the loss of their parents. He is resourceful and determined, using his skills to navigate the dangerous streets of Los Angeles while juggling illegal activities to make ends meet. His character embodies resilience, creativity, and the moral dilemmas faced in dire circumstances.
Tina (Bo's sister)
Tina is an inquisitive and innocent young girl who becomes the emotional anchor for her brother, Bo. Her well-being drives Bo's actions, compelling him into a life of crime to secure a better future for them both. Despite her young age, she represents hope and the longing for a normal childhood amidst the chaos.
Angelo
Angelo is Bo's drug supplier who displays a complex blend of fairness and ruthlessness in his dealings. He's a vital character who represents the dark side of the world Bo is trapped in, pushing Bo deeper into illegal activities while exerting control over him through manipulation and threats.
Luna
Luna is an acquaintance of Bo who owns a club where he seeks information about a rival dealer. She serves as a critical plot point in the film, providing Bo with an unexpected opportunity and showcasing the social dynamics within the drug trade.
Maurice
Maurice is the ruthless competitor who disrupts Angelo's operations, posing a significant threat to Bo and his sister's safety. His actions catalyze the escalating tension and direct confrontation within the storyline, illustrating the violent impact of the drug trade.
Uncover the settings of Sleight (2017), 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 takes place in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal challenges such as economic hardship and drug-related violence. This era's impact on youth and family is palpable, especially in Bo's desperate circumstances as he navigates an unforgiving urban landscape.
Location
Los Angeles, San Diego
The story unfolds primarily in Los Angeles, a bustling metropolis known for its entertainment industry and vibrant street culture. It's a city where dreams can be made or broken, and for Bo Wolfe, it's both the setting of his struggles and his magical performances. The film culminates in San Diego, a coastal city celebrated for its stunning beaches and relaxed atmosphere, symbolizing hope and a fresh start for Bo and his sister.
Explore the core themes of Sleight (2017). 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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Desperation
Desperation permeates the narrative as Bo endeavors to care for his sister amidst dire circumstances. His journey reflects the lengths one will go to protect their loved ones, often blurring the lines between right and wrong. The emotional weight of responsibility leads him into a world of crime and moral dilemmas.
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Resilience
Resilience is a core theme as Bo transforms his talents into a survival tool. Despite overwhelming challenges, he continuously seeks innovative solutions, demonstrating how creativity and resourcefulness are vital for overcoming adversity. Bo’s determination to provide for Tina showcases the unwavering spirit of familial bonds.
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Family
The familial connection between Bo and Tina is central to the narrative, underscoring the importance of kinship in the face of hardship. Bo's sacrifices and struggles highlight the protective instincts that arise from deep love and commitment, making their relationship the heart of the story.
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